News Arena Network

Shweta Sengar

A small bridge collapsed in Siwan district on Saturday, the second incident of its kind in Bihar in less than a week.
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District Magistrate Mukul Kumar Gupta said the bridge, which was erected over a canal connecting the villages of Daraunda and Maharajganj blocks, caved in at around 5 am.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bihar Bridge Collapse | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bridge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bridge</a> Collapse In Siwan Creates Panic; 2nd Incident This Week The sudden collapse of a bridge in Bihar's Siwan today caused widespread panic and uproar in the area. The collapse of the bridge over the Gandak canal occurred with a loud noise that was&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/zk9KUVxbKo">pic.twitter.com/zk9KUVxbKo</a>
&mdash; Voice of Assam (@VoiceOfAxom) <a href="https://twitter.com/VoiceOfAxom/status/1804444218573848895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
"Nobody was injured in the incident. It was a very old structure, and apparently, pillars caved in when water was released through the canal. We are trying to ensure that until it is restored, residents of affected villages face as little inconvenience as possible," the DM told PTI.
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Daraunda BDO Surya Pratap Singh said, "Locals claim the bridge was built in 1991 with contributions from the then Maharajganj MLA Uma Shankar Singh."
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Anil Kumar, the Sub Divisional Magistrate of Maharajganj, confirmed that the "20-foot-long brick structure" had been built through MLA's local area development fund and added, "Based on the investigation report, further action will be taken."
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Earlier, on Tuesday, a newly built bridge, approximately 180 meters in length, collapsed in the Araria district, prompting the Rural Works Department to begin internal proceedings against the responsible officials.
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It is worth noting that Bihar has experienced multiple accidents involving both large and small bridges built over rivers and other waterways.
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While there have been no deaths as a result of such incidents, they have raised doubts about the standard of public infrastructure.

Patna

Another bridge collapses in Bihar, 2nd in a week

Deepan

The CBI interrogated a man in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday regarding his alleged involvement in the UGC-NET paper leak case.
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Authorities revealed that the suspect had purportedly shared a section of the exam paper on Telegram.
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Taken into custody by the CBI's anti-corruption branch, the individual was brought to Padrauna Kotwali for questioning.
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Reports indicate he had received coaching for the exam in Kota, Rajasthan.
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The investigation follows an FIR filed by the CBI on Thursday, prompted by a referral from the Union education ministry.
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The UGC-NET-2024 exam, administered by the NTA on June 18 nationwide, is pivotal for selecting junior research fellows, assistant professors, and PhD scholars.
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Allegedly, the paper surfaced on the darknet soon after the exam, with claims of it being sold on messaging platforms for Rs 5-6 lakh, according to sources familiar with the matter.
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The Union home ministry's I4C flagged these developments to the education ministry, raising concerns over the exam's integrity.

Lucknow

CBI grills UGC-NET paper leak suspect

The flood situation in Assam remains dire, with over 3.90 lakh people still affected despite a slight respite from receding rainfall, officials reported on Saturday.
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Nineteen districts continue to grapple with the aftermath of flooding, landslides, and storms, which have claimed 37 lives and left one person missing.
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While the number of those impacted has slightly decreased from 4.09 lakh on Thursday, the extent of the crisis remains significant.
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Karimganj is the worst-hit district, with over 2.40 lakh residents affected. Other severely impacted districts include Kamrup, Tamulpur, Hailakandi, Udalguri, Hojai, Dhubri, Barpeta, Biswanath, Nalbari, Bongaigaon, Baksa, South Salmara, Goalpara, Darrang, Bajali, Nagaon, Cachar, and Kamrup Metropolitan.
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Major rivers continue to flow above the danger mark, including the Kopili at Kampur and Dharamtul, Barak at BP Ghat, and Kushiyara in Karimganj.
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In response to the crisis, authorities have established over 100 relief camps housing more than 15,000 people, alongside 125 relief distribution centres.
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The floodwaters have caused extensive damage to homes, cattle sheds, roads, bridges, and embankments, severely affecting the state's infrastructure.
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While some parts of Assam experienced a slight improvement due to decreased rainfall, the overall situation remains grim as the state struggles to recover from the devastating impact of the floods.

Guwahati

Over 3.9 lakh remain stranded in Assam floods

Vats Ambardar

Amid reports of NEET paper leak from Hazaribagh, a team of Bihar Economic Offences Unit has arrested six accused in the NEET paper leak case from Deoghar. All these accused lived in a rented house in front of AIIMS in Devipur police station area.
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At the time of arrest, the Patna Police had informed Deoghar Police that&nbsp; those arrested were cyber thugs and had been caught in the same case, but on
Saturday it was found that all were arrested in the paper leak case.
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According to sources, the youths arrested include Chintu Kumar alias Sintu, Prashant Kumar, Panku Kumar, Paramjit Singh, Baldev Singh and Kaju Kumar.
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All the arrested accused persons are said to be residents of Nalanda in Bihar. They were living in a rented house of one Jhunnu Singh of Deoghar.
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One of the youths caught was working as a security guard in the nearby AIIMS. He was also a resident of Nalanda and was previously acquainted with the other
arrested individuals. He rented the house where the rest were also living. They were living here as labourers.
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Sikander Yadavendra, the arrested accused of NEET paper leak, has revealed during interrogation that he had bought NEET papers from Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand for Rs 30-32 lakh.
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He later sold the paper to Abhishek Kumar of Ranchi, Ayush Kumar of Danapur Patna, Anurag Yadav of Samastipur, Shivanandan Kumar of Gaya for Rs 40 lakh each. Moreover, the four candidates were made to memorise the paper overnight on May 4, a night before the NEET exam, at Ramakrishna Nagar in Patna.

Ranchi

Six held from Jharkhand’s Deoghar in NEET-UG leak

Pandit Laxmikant Mathuranath Dixit, a revered Vedic scholar from Varanasi, who led the priests at the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, passed away on Saturday at the age of 86. Dixit breathed his last at 6:45 am.&nbsp; His family disclosed that Dixit had been unwell for several days. His last rites will be performed at Manikarnika Ghat.
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Renowned for his deep-rooted devotion to the Hindu community and his leadership, Dixit was a Vedic 'karmkand' (ritualism) scholar.
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He was chosen to lead a team of 121 scholars from all branches of the Vedas to solemnize the Ramlalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
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Dixit was also a descendant of the distinguished Kashi scholar Gaga Bhatt of the 17th century, who led the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674.
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Dixit originally hailed from Solapur district in Maharashtra, though his family has resided in Varanasi for generations.
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He gained national prominence when he performed the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram's idol at the Ayodhya temple on January 22, an event graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over Dixit's demise.
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On 'X', he stated, "The departure of Acharya Shri Laxmikant Dixit, a great scholar of Kashi and the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Prana Pratishtha, is an irreparable loss to the spiritual and literary world."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
काशी के प्रकांड विद्वान एवं श्री राम जन्मभूमि प्राण प्रतिष्ठा के मुख्य पुरोहित, वेदमूर्ति, आचार्य श्री लक्ष्मीकांत दीक्षित जी का गोलोकगमन अध्यात्म व साहित्य जगत की अपूरणीय क्षति है। संस्कृत भाषा व भारतीय संस्कृति की सेवा हेतु वे सदैव स्मरणीय रहेंगे। प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना&hellip;
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1804393196568403983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Adityanath praised Dixit's lifelong dedication to the Sanskrit language and Indian culture, adding, "He will always be remembered for his service to Sanskrit language and Indian culture."
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The Chief Minister also offered his prayers, "I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his feet and give strength to his disciples and followers to bear this sorrow."

Ayodhya

Ram Mandir chief priest Laxmikant Dixit no more

Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence is set to headline and produce a new murder mystery film titled "The Wives". This project marks a collaboration with Apple Original Films and A24.
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"The Wives" is inspired in part by the "Real Housewives" franchise, known for its dramatic portrayal of affluent women from various regions, including Orange County, Miami, and Atlanta.
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Although plot specifics remain confidential, the film promises a blend of mystery and high-stakes drama.
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Lawrence will produce the movie through her production company, Excellent Cadaver, alongside Jeremy O. Harris and Josh Godfrey from bb2.
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The script is penned by Michael Breslin and Patrick Foley. As of now, no director has been attached to the project.
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Lawrence, an Academy Award winner for her role in "Silver Linings Playbook", was last seen in the R-rated comedy "No Hard Feelings".
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Her involvement in "The Wives" adds to her growing portfolio of diverse and compelling roles.

California

Jennifer Lawrence to produce, star in 'The Wives'

Assam&rsquo;s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently made a noteworthy visit to a tea stall in Jakhalabanda, Nagaon district, run by Hemaprabha Biswas.&nbsp;
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Biswas, a young woman from Assam, used the cash reward from her participation in a record-setting Bihu performance to start the business.
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In April 2023, Biswas was among the 11,298 participants at the Bihu recital held at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. This event entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest Bihu dance.
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The state government awarded all participants with a cash reward, which Biswas wisely invested in her tea stall to supplement her family&rsquo;s income.
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Biswas&rsquo;s entrepreneurial decision has drawn praise from both locals and the Chief Minister. On Friday, CM Sarma visited her stall, sampled some &lsquo;Kadak Chai&rsquo;, and shared his experience on social media platform X.
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"Remember I told you about Hemaprabha Biswas? She participated in the Assam Government's 2023 World Record-setting Bihu performance and invested her financial reward to become a job creator. Well, I visited her stall today to sip some Kadak Chai and wish her good luck," Sarma posted.
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He shared a short video clip of his visit, where he interacted with Biswas and enquired about her business.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Remember I told you about Hemaprabha Biswas? She participated in Assam Government&rsquo;s 2023 World Record setting Bihu performance and invested her financial reward to become a job creator. Well, I visited her stall today to sip some Kadak Chai and wish her good luck 👍🏻 <a href="https://t.co/je7lDmJkXw">pic.twitter.com/je7lDmJkXw</a>
&mdash; Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1804189527822811138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The CM&rsquo;s office highlighted that Sarma also met Prabin Saikia, another Bihu performer who invested his remuneration in a dairy business. The CM appreciated their hard work and wished them success in their future endeavours.
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Earlier this month, CM Sarma praised Biswas on the micro-blogging site, stating, "Making full use of the amount, Hemaprabha Biswas from Kaliabor opened a shop to support her education and being Atmanirbhar in its true sense. We will continue to assist our people and through our policies empower them to be self-sufficient and be torchbearers of a new Assam."
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Biswas, who is pursuing her graduation from a local college, initially considered buying a scooter with her Bihu reward money.&nbsp;However, she later decided to invest in the tea stall to provide financial support for her family. She runs the stall with the assistance of her mother.

Sarma sips tea at Assam woman’s Bihu-reward stall

Amid the relentless heatwave, the residents of several neighbourhoods in Delhi are grappling with acute water scarcities, resorting to queuing up for hours to collect water from tankers. The situation is particularly dire in areas such as Chilla Gaon in Mayur Vihar, Sanjay Colony in Okhla, and Geeta Colony.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> water crisis: BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri leads a protest at Jal Board filling pump, Okhla. Police use water cannon on protesters. (Full video available on PTI Videos - <a href="https://t.co/n147TvqRQz">https://t.co/n147TvqRQz</a>) <a href="https://t.co/THrwjXZgg6">pic.twitter.com/THrwjXZgg6</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1804400357088354410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Delhi's Water Minister, Atishi, revealed that over 28,000 individuals in the city are at risk of not having access to water as a result of a significant decrease in the daily water supply from Haryana, amounting to over 100 million gallons per day (MGD).
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In an effort to protest the water shortage, BJP MLA Ramesh Bidhuri organised a demonstration at the Jal Board filling pump in Okhla, Delhi. The demonstration was met with the use of water cannons by the Delhi Police to disperse the crowd.
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Subsequently, a video capturing the police dispersing the crowd using water cannons swiftly gained traction on social media. Many individuals on Twitter criticised the response by the Delhi Police, deeming it as ironic given the circumstances.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Water cannon against the protest for the water crisis. We are living in a country of dark jokes. 😭 <a href="https://t.co/7FBBF5tK1B">https://t.co/7FBBF5tK1B</a>
&mdash; Narundar (@NarundarM) <a href="https://twitter.com/NarundarM/status/1804405961349828780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Water cannons for a water crisis? Our country's irony level is off the charts.
&mdash; 𝔻𝕚𝕟𝕠'𝕩 (@nrx_Dino) <a href="https://twitter.com/nrx_Dino/status/1804415756387652087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

New Delhi

Delhi: Water shortage protest hit by water cannons

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a devastating toll from an Israeli assault on shelters in Gaza's al-Mawasi area, designated by Israel as a humanitarian safe zone, on Saturday.
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At least 25 people were killed and 50 wounded in the attack, with no clarification yet issued by the Israeli government regarding the latest killings.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) described the health system in Gaza as on the brink of collapse due to the influx of casualties from the assault on the supposed safe zone, flooding Al-Aqsa Hospital.
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In a separate incident on Friday, Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians and left dozens more injured.
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Israeli tanks advanced further into western Rafah amidst continuous bombardment by warplanes and artillery.
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The escalation followed the destruction of an Israeli armoured vehicle by an improvised explosive device planted by Hamas.
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Since October 7, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 37,431 people in Gaza, with 85,653 others wounded.
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In Israel, the death toll from Hamas-led attacks now stands at 1,139, with several individuals still held captive in Gaza.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Gaza 

Israeli strike on Gaza Safe Zone kills 25

Amarpreet Kaur

The judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar was extended by the court till July 6 on Saturday. Kumar is accused of assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on May 13 at the chief minister's official residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Kumar was produced through video conferencing before Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal who extended his judicial custody till July 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Kumar was arrested on May 18. He was sent to police custody for five days the same day by a magisterial court, which observed that his anticipatory bail plea had become infructuous because of his arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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On May 24, he was sent to four days judicial custody, following which he was again remanded in police custody for three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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An FIR was registered against Kumar on May 16 under various Indian Penal Code provisions, including those related to criminal intimidation, assault, or criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe and attempt to commit culpable homicide.&nbsp;

Court extends Bibhav's custody till July 6

Fifty years ago, scientists discovered a nearly complete fossilised skull and hundreds of pieces of bone of a 3.2-million-year-old female specimen of the genus Australopithecus afarensis, often described as &ldquo;the mother of us all.&rdquo;&nbsp;
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During a celebration following her discovery, she was named &ldquo;Lucy,&rdquo; after the Beatles song &ldquo;Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.&rdquo; Though Lucy has solved some evolutionary riddles, her appearance remains an ancestral secret.
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Popular renderings dress her in thick, reddish-brown fur, with her face, hands, feet and breasts peeking out of denser thickets.
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This hairy picture of Lucy, it turns out, might be wrong.
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Technological advancements in genetic analysis suggest that Lucy may have been naked, or at least much more thinly veiled.
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According to the coevolutionary tale of humans and their lice, our immediate ancestors lost most of their body fur 3 to 4 million years ago and did not don clothing until 83,000 to 170,000 years ago.
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That means that for over 2.5 million years, early humans and their ancestors were simply naked.
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As a philosopher, I&rsquo;m interested in how modern culture influences representations of the past. And the way Lucy has been depicted in newspapers, textbooks and museums may reveal more about us than it says about her.
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From nudity to shame 
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The loss of body hair in early humans was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including thermoregulation, delayed physiological development, attracting sexual partners and warding off parasites. Environmental, social and cultural factors may have encouraged the eventual adoption of clothing.
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Both areas of research &ndash; of when and why hominins shed their body hair and when and why they eventually got dressed &ndash; emphasise the sheer size of the brain, which takes years to nurture and requires a disproportionate amount of energy to sustain relative to other parts of the body.
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Because human babies require a long period of care before they can survive on their own, evolutionary interdisciplinary researchers have theorised that early humans adopted the strategy of pair bonding &ndash; a man and a woman partnering after forming a strong affinity for one another. By working together, the two can more easily manage years of parental care.
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Pair bonding, however, comes with risks.
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Because humans are social and live in large groups, they are bound to be tempted to break the pact of monogamy, which would make it harder to raise children.
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Some mechanism was needed to secure the social-sexual pact. That mechanism was likely shame.
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In the documentary &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the Problem with Nudity?&rdquo; evolutionary anthropologist Daniel MT Fessler explains the evolution of shame: &ldquo;The human body is a supreme sexual advertisement&hellip; Nudity is a threat to the basic social contract because it is an invitation to defection&hellip; Shame encourages us to stay faithful to our partners and share the responsibility of bringing up our children.&rdquo; Boundaries between body and world Humans, aptly described as &ldquo;naked apes,&rdquo; are unique for their lack of fur and systematic adoption of clothing. Only by banning nudity did &ldquo;nakedness&rdquo; become a reality.
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As human civilisation developed, measures must have been put in place to enforce the social contract &ndash; punitive penalties, laws, social dictates &ndash; especially with respect to women.
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That&rsquo;s how shame&rsquo;s relationship to human nudity was born. To be naked is to break social norms and regulations. Therefore, you&rsquo;re prone to feeling ashamed.
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What counts as naked in one context, however, may not in another.
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Bare ankles in Victorian England, for example, excited scandal. Today, bare tops on a French Mediterranean beach are ordinary.
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When it comes to nudity, art doesn&rsquo;t necessarily imitate life.
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In his critique of the European oil painting tradition, art critic John Berger distinguishes between nakedness &ndash; &ldquo;being oneself&rdquo; without clothes &ndash; and &ldquo;the nude,&rdquo; an art form that transforms the naked body of a woman into a pleasurable spectacle for men.
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Feminist critics such as Ruth Barcan complicated Berger&rsquo;s distinction between nakedness and the nude, insisting that nakedness is already shaped by idealised representations.
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In &ldquo;Nudity: A Cultural Anatomy,&rdquo; Barcan demonstrates how nakedness is not a neutral state but is laden with meaning and expectations. She describes &ldquo;feeling naked&rdquo; as &ldquo;the heightened perception of temperature and air movement, the loss of the familiar boundary between body and world, as well as the effects of the actual gaze of others&rdquo; or &ldquo;the internalised gaze of an imagined other.&rdquo; Nakedness can elicit a spectrum of feelings &ndash; from eroticism and intimacy to vulnerability, fear and shame. But there is no such thing as nakedness outside of social norms and cultural practices.
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Lucy&rsquo;s veils: Regardless of her fur&rsquo;s density, Lucy was not naked.
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But just as the nude is a kind of dress, Lucy, since her discovery, has been presented in ways that reflect historical assumptions about motherhood and the nuclear family. For example, Lucy is depicted alone with a male companion or with a male companion and children. Her facial expressions are warm and content or protective, reflecting idealised images of motherhood.
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The modern quest to visualise our distant ancestors has been critiqued as a sort of &ldquo;erotic fantasy science,&rdquo; in which scientists attempt to fill in the blanks of the past based on their own assumptions about women, men and their relationships with one another.
&nbsp;
In their 2021 article &ldquo;Visual Depictions of Our Evolutionary Past,&rdquo; an interdisciplinary team of researchers tried a different approach. They detail their own reconstruction of the Lucy fossil, bringing into relief their methods, the relationship between art and science, and decisions made to supplement gaps in scientific knowledge.
&nbsp;
Their process is contrasted with other hominin reconstructions, which often lack strong empirical justifications and perpetuate misogynistic and racialised misconceptions about human evolution. Historically, illustrations of the stages of human evolution have tended to culminate in a white European male. And many reconstructions of female hominins exaggerate features offensively associated with Black women.
&nbsp;
One of the co-authors of &ldquo;Visual Depictions,&rdquo; sculptor Gabriel Vinas, offers a visual elucidation of Lucy&rsquo;s reconstruction in &ldquo;Santa Lucia&rdquo; &ndash; a marble sculpture of Lucy as a nude figure draped in translucent cloth, representing the artist&rsquo;s own uncertainties and Lucy&rsquo;s mysterious appearance.
&nbsp;
The veiled Lucy speaks to the complex relationships among nudity, covering, sex and shame. But it also casts Lucy as a veiled virgin, a figure revered for sexual &ldquo;purity.&rdquo; And yet I can&rsquo;t help but imagine Lucy beyond the cloth, a Lucy neither in the sky with diamonds nor frozen in maternal idealisation &ndash; a Lucy going &ldquo;Apeshit&rdquo; over the veils thrown over her, a Lucy who might find herself compelled to wear a Guerrilla Girls mask if anything at all.
&nbsp;
The article first appeared in The Conversation.

San Francisco

'Lucy' fossil sheds light on nudity and shame

The Kamakhya temple in Assam's Guwahati closed its doors on Saturday as the annual Ambubachi Mela began. This significant event marks the goddess Kamakhya's ritualistic annual menstrual cycle, during which worship is halted for four days. 
Temple authorities announced that the doors were sealed at 8:43 am, signalling the start of 'prabritti'. Worship will resume at 9:07 pm on June 25, following 'nribritti'. The temple will reopen for darshan on June 26 after a ritualistic bath and daily puja. 
<div id="article-index-1" class="storyParagraph">
"The Nivritti of the Ambubachi Mela is scheduled for June 26, after which the temple's main door will reopen on the morning of the same day. After Pravritti the main door of the temple will be closed for three days and three nights," said Kabindra Prasad Sarma-Doloi (head priest) of Kamakhya temple.
</div>
&nbsp;
The Ambubachi Mela draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad, all eagerly waiting for the temple doors to open and to pay homage to the goddess. This period of closure is deeply rooted in the belief that the goddess undergoes her menstrual cycle during these four days. 
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed devotees in a post on X, expressing his greetings to the sadhus and devotees attending the mela. The Kamrup Metropolitan District administration, along with other agencies, has made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. 
To accommodate the influx of visitors, camping facilities for 5,000 people have been set up at Kamakhya railway station, and additional facilities for 12,000-15,000 people are available at the main holding area in Pandu port. VIP passes have been temporarily suspended, and the road leading to the main temple is closed to all vehicles except for emergency and utility services.
&nbsp;
Strict regulations have been put in place for food and water distribution to visitors by institutions, prohibiting arbitrary distribution.
&nbsp;
The administration has also made provisions for toilets, street lights, health camps, and barricades on roads at specific locations. 
Ambubachi Mela
&nbsp;
The Kamakhya Temple, a revered site of Hindu worship, will close its doors from the seventh to the tenth day of the Hindu month of Asadha for the annual Ambubachi ritual, which signifies the menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya.
&nbsp;
During this period, daily worship is suspended, and the shrine remains off-limits to devotees.
&nbsp;
The temple doors will ceremoniously reopen on the twelfth day, marking the culmination of the rituals with a grand fair on the temple premises.
&nbsp;
The term "Ambubachi" translates to "spoken with water," indicating the onset of the monsoon rains that are believed to make the earth fertile and conducive to procreation.
&nbsp;
This period is marked by the suspension of agricultural activities, including digging, ploughing, sowing, and transplanting of crops.
&nbsp;
It is also a time of dietary restrictions, with widows, Brahmacharis, and Brahmins abstaining from cooked food.
&nbsp;
On the fourth day following Ambubachi, household items, utensils, and clothes are thoroughly washed, cleaned, and purified with sacred water.
&nbsp;
Worship of Goddess Kamakhya resumes after these cleansing rituals, and entry to the shrine is considered auspicious.
&nbsp;
The Ambubachi festival reflects the intertwining of agricultural, social, and religious traditions, symbolising the fertility of the earth and its readiness for procreation.
&nbsp;
It holds deep cultural significance, supported by religious beliefs.
&nbsp;
Additionally, Kamakhya Temple is a prominent centre for Tantrik worship.
&nbsp;
A society of Tantriks, who perform their rituals in secrecy, celebrates their significant Rajaewari pooja during this time.
&nbsp;
These rituals are exclusive to initiates, with no public displays, though some may observe individuals in distinctive attire engrossed in their spiritual practices.

Ambubachi Mela begins, worship halted at Kamakhya

YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday said the Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA state government has demolished his party's under-construction central office at Tadepalli in Guntur district, disregarding high court orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Chandrababu took vendetta politics to the next level. Like a dictator, he got YSRCP's central office demolished with excavators and bulldozers, which was almost complete," said Reddy in a post on 'X'.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to a YSRCP statement, the demolition commenced around 5.30 am on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The demolition proceeded even though the YSRCP had approached the High Court the previous day (Friday), challenging the preliminary actions of the CRDA (Capital Region Development Authority)," said the statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్&zwnj;లో రాజకీయ కక్షసాధింపు చర్యలకు దిగిన చంద్రబాబు తన దమనకాండను మరోస్థాయికి తీసుకెళ్లారు. ఒక నియంతలా తాడేపల్లిలో దాదాపు పూర్తికావొచ్చిన <a href="https://twitter.com/YSRCParty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YSRCParty</a> కేంద్ర కార్యాలయాన్ని బుల్డోజర్లతో కూల్చివేయించారు. హైకోర్టు ఆదేశాలనూ బేఖాతరు చేశారు. రాష్ట్రంలో చట్టం, న్యాయం పూర్తిగా&hellip;
&mdash; YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan/status/1804355771850981804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
YSRCP noted that the court had ordered a halt to any demolition activity, which was conveyed to the CRDA commissioner by a party lawyer, but the authority still went ahead and demolished the structure.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to YSRCP, CRDA's action amounts to contempt of court.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The former chief minister alleged that law and justice completely vanished in the southern state under the NDA government, comprising TDP, BJP, and Janasena, and added that the demolition indicates how Naidu's reign in the next five years would be.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The YSRCP chief said that the opposition party will not be intimidated by these vendetta politics. He promised that the party would fight for the people.&nbsp;

Amaravati

Reddy targets Naidu for demolition of YSRCP office

Delhi Water Minister Atishi's second day of indefinite fast over the water crisis in the national capital enters the second day on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In a video message from her 'Jal Satyagrah' venue at Bhogal in south Delhi, Atishi said she will not eat anything till Haryana releases more water for the people in the city, 28 lakh of whom she said were water shortage.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The minister sat on indefinite fast on Friday, alleging that Haryana was not releasing Delhi's rightful share of water in Yamuna.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
She said 110 million gallons per day (MGD) less water was released by Haryana on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"One MGD water provides for 28,000 people. Shortage of 100 MGD water means 28 lakh people are not getting water in Delhi," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Water Minister said that Delhi depends on neighbouring states for water. It receives 1,005 MGD water from neighbouring states through rivers and canals, out of which Haryana provides 613 MGD, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In the extreme summer heat faced by Delhi, Haryana has reduced its share to 513 MGD for a few weeks affecting over 28 lakh people, she added.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
अनिश्चितक़ालीन अनशन का दूसरा दिन- जल मंत्री आतिशी का दिल्लीवालों के लिए संदेश -Posted by Team Atishi<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAPKaPaaniSatyagrah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAPKaPaaniSatyagrah</a> <a href="https://t.co/X1AXfk3pa5">pic.twitter.com/X1AXfk3pa5</a>
&mdash; Atishi (@AtishiAAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtishiAAP/status/1804373753767346446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

Atishi's indefinite fast enters day 2

An Air Arabia flight scheduled to depart from Calicut International Airport to Sharjah on Saturday morning was delayed due to a hoax bomb threat. According to airport sources, the aircraft was grounded while the police bomb detection squad inspected it.
&nbsp;
Upon the arrival of a passenger from Sharjah to Calicut, a note with the word 'bomb' was discovered on a seat by ground staff before boarding began, as reported by a senior airport official.
&nbsp;
Following this discovery, the authorities were notified, and the aircraft underwent a rigorous inspection by the bomb detection squad as the plane remained grounded, the official explained.
&nbsp;
"It was later found that the note was a hoax bomb threat. The inspection and security drills have just been concluded. We are awaiting a report from the bomb detection squad before the flight is cleared for take off," the official said around 11 am.
&nbsp;
He also said that the flight, which was scheduled to depart around 8:30 a.m., will now depart around 5 p.m.
&nbsp;
"The passengers have been accommodated at the airport and have been provided food and water," he added.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, police said that the passenger who put the note in the aircraft had not yet been identified, and they are trying to find out who was behind the hoax threat.
&nbsp;
"Further steps will be taken accordingly," an officer from Karipur police station said.&nbsp;

Kozhikode (Kerala) 

Bomb hoax grounds Air Arabia flight in Calicut

Madhya Pradesh government announced to development of the places associated with Lord Ram and Lord Krishna in the state as pilgrimage sites.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The Madhya Pradesh government will identify the places associated with Lord Ram and Lord Krishna in the state and develop them as pilgrimage sites," Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Chief Minister further said that the MP administration has also decided to construct welcome gates dedicated to these deities at the entry points of the state capital Bhopal.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
For this, the CM issued directives to this effect during a review meeting of the Culture and Tourism Department on Friday, an official said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He directed the department to construct welcome gates dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna at the entry points of Bhopal city and also make plans to set up entry gates dedicated to Raja Bhoj, an 11th-century king from the Paramara dynasty, and Vikramaditya, a legendary king mentioned in Indian literature.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Yadav also gave directions to officials to build entry gates at the state boundaries so that people get to know about the culture and places of religious importance in Madhya Pradesh, the official said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The chief minister asked the administration to chalk out plans to develop religious places in a bid to encourage religious tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The department was also told to make an action plan to celebrate Gita Mahotsav on Manas Jayanti in the state to spread Indian culture and philosophy among the common people in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The places associated with Lord Ram and Lord Krishna should be developed with the help of local elected representatives, Yadav said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The number of tourists in the state has been growing, he said, and emphasised the need for branding of the tourist places.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Local products and religious tourism should be promoted through various museums, the CM asked the officials.&nbsp;

Bhopal

MP govt to build Ram, Krishna pilgrimage sites

&nbsp;The NCP (SP) agreed to contest fewer seats than its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies during the Lok Sabha elections. Still, the situation would be different in the assembly polls, a party leader has quoted its supremo Sharad Pawar as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Pawar held two meetings yesterday, one with the party's functionaries from Pune city and district, and another with its MLAs and newly-elected MPs.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
City NCP (SP) chief Prashant Jagtap, who attended the first meeting, said Pawar told the gathering that the party contested fewer seats in the Lok Sabha polls just to ensure that the alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress remained intact.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"He indicated that the picture in the assembly polls will be different," said Jagtap.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The NCP (SP) chief also reviewed the situation in assembly segments within the Pune, Baramati, Maval, and Shirur Lok Sabha constituencies, he said.&nbsp;
A party leader who attended the second meeting said Pawar exhorted the MPs and MLAs to be prepared for the assembly elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, state NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil told reporters that the party had not yet decided how many seats it would seek during the MVA seat-sharing talks.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
As to the candidate for the Baramati assembly seat, currently represented by Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, the head of the rival NCP, Patil said Pawar senior would take the decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Anil Deshmukh, another senior NCP (SP) leader, said to a question that there was no "elder brother and younger brother" in the MVA.&nbsp;
"All are equal," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
There was a lot of nervousness among the MLAs who are with the Ajit Pawar-led faction post the Lok Sabha results, and some of them were calling Patil and other NCP(SP) leaders, Deshmukh claimed.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Let's see what is to be done with them," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
While the NCP (SP) won eight Lok Sabha seats out of the 10 it contested, the Ajit Pawar-led faction won only one of the four seats it fought.

Pune

Pawar hints at more seats in assembly polls

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha virtually attended the 'Pratham Puja' of Amarnath at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, signalling the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra.
&nbsp;
During the video conference, he expressed his commitment to and support for the sacred journey, as well as the significance of faith and unity.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | J&amp;K LG Manoj Sinha took part in the virtual &lsquo;Pratham Puja&rsquo; of the Amarnath Yatra at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar. <a href="https://t.co/hoqjWa1GvT">pic.twitter.com/hoqjWa1GvT</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1804338123272597846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
Regarding the preparations for the Yatra, LG Manoj Sinha stated, "Starting 29 June, devotees from across the country can have the darshan of 'Baba Amarnath.' All necessary facilities have been arranged for devotees, and security measures are in place."
&nbsp;
Preparations for the upcoming 52-day Yatra have been finalised with assistance from the Indian Army and local aides.
&nbsp;
Authorities have been clearing snow, erecting tents for Yatris near the cave, and finalising all arrangements, except for the last stretch of road where snow-clearing operations are still ongoing. Locals are enthusiastic and ready to serve pilgrims visiting the holy Amarnath cave.
&nbsp;
Additionally, comprehensive security arrangements have been implemented to ensure a safe and incident-free Yatra.
&nbsp;
A high alert has been sounded in Jammu, with security forces on standby and additional measures taken to tighten security across key vulnerable, terror-sensitive zones.
&nbsp;
Speaking to reporters, ADGP Anand Jain stated, "We are reviewing the arrangements made for the Amarnath Yatra.
&nbsp;
We will ensure the implementation of cut-off timings so that the flow of the Yatra is smooth. More police and traffic police will be deployed on roads under construction."
The first batch of pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 is scheduled to be flagged off from Jammu on 29 June.

Jammu

LG Sinha performs virtual puja for Amarnath Yatra

Pakistani police have registered an FIR against a mob that lynched a tourist in the Swat for allegedly desecrating the Quran. According to multiple reports, the tourist was burnt alive by the angry mob.
&nbsp;
Muhammad Ismail, a 40-year-old resident of Sialkot in Punjab province, was dragged out of the police station, beaten with sticks, and then torched. The mob even burnt the police station down, Dawn reported.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The incident occurred on Thursday in the Madyan tehsil of Swat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Warning: Graphic images Another day, another act of cruelty &amp; extremism in the name of religion in Pakistan. A local tourist was lynched, and his body was set on fire by a mob in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swat</a> Valley. When allegations of desecrating holy book were raised against him, he was taken to&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/dXZKBeLGYO">pic.twitter.com/dXZKBeLGYO</a>
&mdash; Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbsaKomal/status/1803906659393171773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
He faced allegations of burning pages from the holy book of Islam, resulting in injuries to five police officers and 11 locals.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The authorities have reported that they have lodged a First Information Report against the crowd.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to the police, Ismail's family has publicly distanced themselves from him and his alleged activities. Ismail had been residing alone at a hotel in Madyan town in Swat Valley since June 18.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, a video statement from the man's mother, obtained by the police, said that the family had distanced themselves from him. She stated that her son had lived in Malaysia for much of his life.
&nbsp;
"His father died 30 years ago. He was in Malaysia. When he came back, the family got him married. He kept fighting with us and then left one and a half years ago," she said in the video shared by the police.
&nbsp;
In the video, she is also heard saying, "We are Ahle Sunnat. We are Muslim. We do no wrongdoing. We have nothing to do with him. What he did or not, his relationship with us ended."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Swat police also obtained a copy of a complaint registered against Ismail in July 2022 at a Sialkot police station. The complaint filed by the mother alleged that her son assaulted her and his brother with an iron rod and a pistol butt. It also mentioned that he was a drug addict and had issued threats to family members.
&nbsp;
The family gave the police a newspaper clipping with an ad where the mother publicly distanced herself from her son.
&nbsp;
The authorities determined that items found in the suspect's hotel room were blasphemous after he had divorced his wife.
&nbsp;
Zahidullah, the District Police Officer (DPO) in Swat, mentioned that initially, Ismail was taken into custody by the police and kept in the police station when the alleged desecration incident was reported. However, when the incident was announced from mosques using loudspeakers in the market, thousands of people gathered outside the police station.
&nbsp;
Soon after, the angry mob demanded that the police hand over the suspect to them. On refusal, a fierce exchange of fire took place between the local people and the police. After that, the mob torched the police station, forcing the cops on duty to flee for their lives.
&nbsp;
"After that, the people entered the police station and shot and killed the suspect and dragged his body to the Madyan Ada, where they hanged him. The people also set the police station and police vehicles on fire while the policemen on duty fled. Meanwhile, more police force was called to control the mob," the officer was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune newspaper.

Islamabad

Mob lynches tourist in Pakistan's Swat, FIR filed

The Centre's Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has enforced a new attendance rule to tackle chronic tardiness among government employees.&nbsp;
Effective immediately, the department all staff members, from junior officials to top-ranking officers, must be present at their desks by 9:15 am or face penalties.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to the directive, tardiness beyond the 9:15 am grace period will result in the deduction of half-day casual leave.
&nbsp;
This measure aims to curb the longstanding issue of late arrivals and early departures, particularly prevalent among lower-level employees.
&nbsp;
Despite the official workday extending from 9 am to 5:30 pm, junior staff often arrive late and leave early, disrupting office routines, especially in customer-facing roles.
&nbsp;
In contrast, senior officials argue that their schedules are flexible, often extending well beyond standard hours into the evening.
&nbsp;
The reintroduction of the biometric attendance system marks a critical step in monitoring punctuality, reinstated after its suspension during the pandemic.
&nbsp;
This technology is seen as essential in ensuring accountability and discipline across government offices.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier attempts in 2014 to enforce stricter office hours met with resistance from employees citing challenging commutes. However, the current directive highlights the need for adherence to prescribed timings.
&nbsp;
The circular mandates that any absence must be notified in advance, with the appropriate casual leave applied. Departmental officers are tasked with overseeing and ensuring compliance with these regulations.
&nbsp;
This move is part of broader efforts to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within government departments.
&nbsp;
However, it is expected to face resistance from employees accustomed to more lenient schedules, some of whom habitually arrive well past the stipulated 10 am mark.

Govt staff must clock in by 9:15 am, orders Centre

The first-edition original watercolour illustration for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," which introduced the world to the young bespectacled wizard, will be auctioned in New York on Wednesday.
&nbsp;
The painting, created by Thomas Taylor when he was 23, features the iconic image of the young boy with the lightning bolt scar and round glasses. It is expected to sell for an estimated Rs 3-5 crore at Sotheby's.
&nbsp;
Thomas Taylor, who worked at a children's bookstore in Cambridge, England, was chosen by publisher Barry Cunningham at Bloomsbury to create the image for JK Rowling's book, which was set to be released in London on June 26, 1997.
&nbsp;
According to Kalika Sands, a Sotheby's books specialist, Taylor was one of the first individuals to read the book and was given an early copy of the manuscript to aid in his artwork.
&nbsp;
Rowling and Taylor were unknown when the book was released, and few expected it to become a global phenomenon. According to Sotheby's, only 500 copies of the first edition were printed, and 300 of them were sent to libraries.
&nbsp;
But the book soon became a runaway bestseller.
&nbsp;
Twenty-seven years later, Rowling's "Potterverse" includes her original seven books, a successful film series, a well-received stage production, and video games.
&nbsp;
The books have collectively sold over 500 million copies in 80 different languages.
&nbsp;
When the illustration was first auctioned at Sotheby's in London in 2001, it sold for approximately Rs 90 lakh, but this was before all seven books had been published.
&nbsp;
This particular illustration is part of a collection that includes manuscripts and rare book editions by other renowned authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, F Scott Fitzgerald, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens, among others.

New York

First Harry Potter cover art could fetch Rs 5 cr

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the postponement of the CSIR UGC NET Exam 2024. Initially scheduled to take place from June 25 to June 27, 2024, the examination has been deferred due to unavoidable circumstances and logistical issues.
&nbsp;
The decision was conveyed through an official notice posted on the NTA's website at nta.ac.in.
&nbsp;
According to the notice, "The Joint CSIR-UGC-NET Examination June-2024, originally scheduled from 25.06.2024 to 27.06.2024, is being postponed. The revised schedule for the examination will be announced later through the official website."
&nbsp;
<img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/ugcnetpng_1719028997288.png" width="1448" height="1180">
&nbsp;
Candidates were previously informed about their allotted examination cities on June 15, 2024.
&nbsp;
The CSIR UGC NET exam was slated to occur in two shifts: the first from 9 am to 12 noon and the second from 3 pm to 6 pm on June 25 and 26, 2024.
&nbsp;
The Joint CSIR-UGC-NET is a crucial test determining eligibility for junior research fellowships, assistant professor positions, and admission to PhD programs in science disciplines.
&nbsp;
For any inquiries or clarifications, candidates can contact the NTA Help Desk at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or email NTA at <a href="mailto:csirnet@nta.ac.in">csirnet@nta.ac.in</a>.
&nbsp;
Further updates and details can be found on the official NTA CSIR UGC NET website.

CSIR UGC NET Exam 2024 postponed, new date awaited

Opener Shai Hope blasted an unbeaten 82 as West Indies came back roaring to crush the United States of America by nine wickets in the T20 World Cup Group 2 Super Eight match here.
&nbsp;
After bowling out the USA for a mere 128 in 19.5 overs, the West Indies batters went all guns blazing from the word go to knock off the target in 10.5 overs to make 130/1, recording a comfortable win.
&nbsp;
The win improved West Indies&rsquo; standing in the Group 2 points table. The Caribbean side, which had suffered an eight-wicket hammering from England on Wednesday, is now placed second with two points and a Net Run Rate of 1.814.
&nbsp;
Johnson Charles fell for a 14-ball 15 with a couple of fours early on but the pair of Hope (82 not out) and Nicholas Pooran did the job for their side, smacking the USA bowlers all around the park here at the Kensington Oval.
&nbsp;
Hope made a mincemeat of the USA bowling as the right-handed wicketkeeper-batter clattered eight sixes and four fours to make 82 not out from just 39 balls, with Pooran reaching 27 not out from 13 balls with three sixes and a four.
&nbsp;
Hope remained at the forefront of WI&rsquo;s chase as he forged a 67-run stand for the opening partnership with Charles and then added another 63 runs unbeaten for the second wicket with Pooran, which came off only 23 balls as the Caribbean side ruled the roost.
&nbsp;
Earlier after the West Indies put USA in to bat first, Andre Russell (3.5-0-31-3) and Roston Chase (4-0-19-3) made life tough for the opposition batters.
&nbsp;
After an early blow in the form of Steven Taylor (2) who was caught at point by chase of Russell, the pair of Andreis Gous and Nitish Kumar (20) forged a strong partnership to revive USA and take them ahead but they both fell after making their respective starts.
&nbsp;
Nitish was trapped leg-before by West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie for 20 off 19 balls with two fours and Gous, who hit three fours and a six in his rapid 29 off 16 balls, was caught at deep midwicket by Hope off Alzarri Joseph in the eighth over and that was when USA&rsquo;s decline began.
&nbsp;
None of the following USA batters could trouble the West Indies as the tournament co-hosts kept chipping away with regular wickets, denying their opponents any momentum with the bat.
&nbsp;
USA skipper Aaron Jones (11) was cleaned up by Chase who looked unplayable. Chase grabbed another wicket when he had the veteran Corey Anderson trapped leg-before for seven.
&nbsp;
Harmeet Singh, who had provided fireworks with the bat for the USA against South Africa in the last match, fell for a first-ball duck when Chase had him caught by Charles to ensure West Indies remained on top of the proceedings.&nbsp;

Barbados

Windies thrash US by 9 wickets in T20WC Super8

The primary meteorological station in Delhi, Safdarjung, has documented temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher each day since May 13 for 39 consecutive days. This year marked the longest and most intense heatwave in Delhi in 74 years, according to records.
&nbsp;
Based on reports from The Times of India, the daily temperature recordings at Safdarjung since 1951 indicate that the previous longest period of 40+ degrees Celsius before 2024 lasted 32 days, from May 9 to June 10, 1978.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This was followed by 27 days starting on May 13, 1984, which could be considered 34 days if a day with temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius is excluded. Another notable streak occurred in 1998, spanning 27 days and featuring only one day with temperatures below 40 degrees.
&nbsp;
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heatwave day as a day when the highest temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius or higher, or when it hits 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 degrees Celsius higher than the average temperature.
&nbsp;
The primary factors contributing to this prolonged heat are El Nino and the lull in the monsoon.
&nbsp;
According to the data, not only has the current heatwave lasted longer than any other in recorded history, but the residents of Delhi have also experienced more temperature extremes than ever before.

Delhi’s records most brutal heat spell in 74 years

Indian national security planners and financial investigating agencies have uncovered serious irregularities in the operations of Chinese companies operating in India, according to sources familiar with the matter.
&nbsp;
The concerns range from improper documentation for visas to evading local taxes and bypassing scrutiny by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
&nbsp;
Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted significant misuse of the e-visa scheme before 2020, with some Chinese nationals overstaying without visa renewals and venturing into sensitive border states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu &amp; Kashmir.
&nbsp;
Three ministries are actively addressing these issues, noting instances where Chinese companies mis-declared visa categories. For example, firms applied for business visas instead of employment visas required for industrial unit installations and commissions.
&nbsp;
Officials expressed worry over the massive influx of Chinese furniture, lighting, fixtures, and sanitaryware, which adversely affects local industries.
&nbsp;
They pointed out a concerning trend where Chinese firms exploit "Make in India" benefits by importing or sourcing up to 80% of parts from China, despite claiming local manufacturing.
&nbsp;
This issue persists even among Chinese firms with nearly two decades of operation in India.
&nbsp;
The officials refrained from disclosing specific company names until formal complaints were filed and actions initiated.
&nbsp;
Quality concerns also surfaced regarding Chinese products, often cheaper but of inferior quality compared to Indian counterparts.
&nbsp;
Following the Galwan clash in June 2020, the Union Commerce Ministry implemented quality control orders (QCOs) to uphold standards.
&nbsp;
In 2018, India issued 47,000 business visas and 150,000 e-visas to Chinese entities. The following year saw 19,000 business visas and a significant rise to 200,000 e-visas.
&nbsp;
Post-Covid, the government tightened visa regulations, issuing only 2,500 business visas and 3,000 e-visas to Chinese entities in 2023-24.
&nbsp;
Officials maintained that visa issuances are unlikely to increase until issues like those highlighted are resolved, including the boundary disputes in East Ladakh since the 2017 Doklam incident.

Concerns over Chinese imports and visas in India

Researchers found that wild chimpanzees actively sought and ingested medicinal plants to treat their injuries.
&nbsp;
While wild chimpanzees typically consume various plant materials, it can be challenging to determine whether they deliberately seek out medicinal plants for healing purposes or simply consume plants that happen to have medicinal properties.
&nbsp;
The study has been released in the journal PLoS ONE.
&nbsp;
In Uganda's Budongo Central Forest Reserve, the researchers, which included individuals from the University of Oxford in the UK, observed the behaviours and health of 51 wild chimpanzees from two habituated communities.
&nbsp;
Researchers observed a male chimpanzee with an injured hand actively seeking and consuming fern leaves, a behaviour that might have helped alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Furthermore, they documented another chimpanzee with a parasitic infection consuming the bark of a cat-thorn tree (Scutia myrtina).
&nbsp;
The team conducted tests on the plant extracts of tree and herb species in the reserve, suspected to be ingested by the chimpanzees for self-medication, to assess their anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
&nbsp;
The plant species tested were not typically part of the chimpanzees' regular diet but were being consumed for their potential healing properties.
&nbsp;
The authors discovered that 88 per cent of the plant extracts exhibited antibacterial properties, inhibiting bacterial growth, while 33 per cent possessed anti-inflammatory properties.
&nbsp;
Deadwood from a tree in the Dogbane family (Alstonia boonei) displayed the most robust antibacterial activity. It also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, indicating its potential for treating wounds.
&nbsp;
The bark and resin of the East African mahogany tree (Khaya anthotheca), as well as the leaves of a fern (Christella parasitica), were discovered to have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
&nbsp;
These findings implied that chimpanzees actively sought out and consumed specific plants for their medicinal properties, marking one of the initial instances of such behaviour being documented, according to the authors.
&nbsp;
The authors said the medicinal plants growing in Budongo Central Forest Reserve could also help develop new drugs to address the challenges of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and chronic inflammatory diseases.
&nbsp;
They said the findings demonstrated how watching and learning from our primate cousins may fast-track the discovery of novel medicines and emphasised the importance of protecting our forest pharmacies.&nbsp;

Chimps use medicinal plants to heal wounds

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram applauded his bowlers for sealing a thrilling seven-run victory against England in a T20 World Cup Super Eight match here on Friday, saying they did not wilt under pressure.
&nbsp;
England needed just 25 runs in the last three overs with six wickets in hand but tight bowling left them stranded at 156/6 in their chase of 164 on an easy-paced wicket with even bounce.
&nbsp;
"Last three overs we had a lot against us but the bowlers had good plans and pulled it off," said Markram, whose side's innings was built around opener Quinton de Kock's fine 65 off 38 balls.
&nbsp;
"If I am greedy, we were 10-20 short especially after the start we got. Not quite played a complete game of cricket but we are on the right track." He singled out de Kock for special praise, who dished out a second good performance in the Super Eight stage and helped South Africa win their sixth game on the bounce in the World Cup.
&nbsp;
"Quinny (de Kock) has been good for us in the last two games. It was a bit nerve-wracking in those (last three) overs but it can happen. The plans were there just the execution wasn't. I'm grateful that catch (of Harry Brook) stuck," he added.
&nbsp;
England skipper Jos Buttler too praised De Kock for his enterprising batting.
&nbsp;
"Quinton came in with a lot of intent and we couldn't quite match that. We pulled it back and were happy to chase that target, but his innings was the difference. We came back well with the ball.
&nbsp;
"(Harry) Brook and (Liam) Livingstone had a fantastic partnership to get us close and even look like favourites but credit to South Africa for closing out the game," he said.
&nbsp;
De Kock, who picked up his second 'Player of the Match' in Super Eight, said he just tried to carry on from where he had left off against the USA in the previous game.
&nbsp;
De Kock had scored 74 off 40 deliveries in the opening Super Eight game.
&nbsp;
"I try to carry on confidence game by game. We bowled really well in the powerplay and we controlled it very nicely. To be able to defend 160 on a decent wicket is a good effort from us."
 South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, second right, celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of England's Phil Salt during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup cricket match between England and South Africa at Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, Friday, June 21, 2024.
&nbsp;

Gros Islet

SA bowlers ‘deliver’ top performance vs England

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, a veteran cricket commentator, has shared a striking photo from Antigua, where he is covering the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Shastri, who transitioned back to full-time broadcasting after stepping down as head coach in 2021, continues to be a key figure during tosses at major matches.
&nbsp;
The former cricketer, known for his carefree persona, posted a picture of himself enjoying breakfast in a bathrobe, with the stunning Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. "Feeling like a drug lord at breakfast in this outfit here in beautiful Antigua, even though my luggage is still on another island. Can't wait for it to arrive soon! #AntiguaVibes #TravelAdventures #BreakfastViews," Shastri captioned.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Feeling like a drug lord at breakfast in this outfit here in beautiful Antigua, even though my luggage is still on another island. 😄 Can't wait for it to arrive soon! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AntiguaVibes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AntiguaVibes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravelAdventures?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravelAdventures</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakfastViews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakfastViews</a> <a href="https://t.co/8rZjXf6ZWu">pic.twitter.com/8rZjXf6ZWu</a>
&mdash; Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/1804151481861574993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Shastri's charismatic and carefree persona continues to shine through. His appearance during the India vs Afghanistan match drew attention, particularly due to his distinctive green hat.
&nbsp;
At the toss, where Rohit Sharma's team secured a 47-run victory, Shastri's outfit turned heads.
&nbsp;
He later revealed during commentary that the hat was handcrafted by a local artisan named Stephen on Barbados' West Coast beach.
&nbsp;
"He pitched yesterday and said 'I will make one for you, man.' And he did it literally in five minutes. That's a skill," Shastri shared with fellow commentator Dinesh Karthik.
&nbsp;
Shastri has been in top form behind the microphone throughout the T20 World Cup.
&nbsp;
His dynamic presence was particularly noted during the India vs Pakistan clash in New York earlier this month.
&nbsp;
His enthusiastic welcome for the fans during the toss impressed both Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam.

Bridgetown

Shastri's 'Drug Lord' vibe at Antigua breakfast

On Friday, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole visited the Atal Setu, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore, and alleged that cracks had formed on the road after the first spell of rains in Mumbai.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Atal Setu sea bridge was recently opened. However, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) clarified that minor cracks were discovered on the approach road in Ulwe, which is a service road connecting to the bridge and not a part of the bridge itself.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole (<a href="https://twitter.com/NANA_PATOLE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NANA_PATOLE</a>) inspects cracks on Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. <a href="https://t.co/VDWT95jP1I">pic.twitter.com/VDWT95jP1I</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1804094011067490733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
Patole, who inspected the bridge during the day, asserted that the construction quality was low and that a portion of the road had subsided by a foot.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
MMRDA, the project's nodal agency, stated that the cracks were not caused by structural defects and did not pose a threat to the bridge's integrity.
&nbsp;
The bridge known as the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), also called the 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu', which was opened earlier this year, connects south Mumbai to the satellite city of Navi Mumbai.
&nbsp;
This 21.8 km long bridge includes a 16.5 km sea link and consists of six lanes.
&nbsp;
The MMRDA discovered minor cracks at three locations on Ramp No. 5, from Ulwe towards Mumbai, during an inspection by the Project's Operation and Maintenance Team.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These areas need immediate repairs. Strabag, the contractor responsible for Package 4 of the Atal Setu project, has initiated the repair work at the specified location. The repairs are expected to be completed within 24 hours without disrupting the bridge's traffic.
&nbsp;
Patole accused the Eknath Shinde-led state government of extreme corruption, alleging that they are jeopardising people's safety.

Mumbai

Cracks develop on Rs 17,840-cr Atal Setu in Mumbai

Eight Indian crew members of the cargo ship MV Dali, which collided with Baltimore's&nbsp; in March, finally left for India on Friday after spending nearly three months aboFrancis Scott Key Bridgeard the vessel.
&nbsp;
According to the Baltimore Maritime Exchange, four of the 21 crew members remain on the 984-foot cargo ship, which is scheduled to depart for Norfolk, Virginia, on Friday evening for repairs.
&nbsp;
The rest of the crew has been relocated to a service apartment in Baltimore, awaiting the conclusion of the investigation.
&nbsp;
Of the 21 crew members, 20 were Indian nationals. The collision caused the bridge's collapse, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers.
&nbsp;
The incident has led to a significant investigation by the FBI and other federal agencies, though no charges have been filed against the crew members.
&nbsp;
The departure of the eight crew members, including a cook, a fitter, and seamen, was facilitated by a deal approved by a judge. None of these departing crew members are officers. The remaining 13 crew members are staying in the US due to ongoing investigations.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;They&rsquo;re anxious, under considerable stress considering they don&rsquo;t know the future.
&nbsp;
They don&rsquo;t know when they&rsquo;ll see their family again or how they&rsquo;ll be treated here,&rdquo; said Rev. Joshua Messick, director of the Baltimore International Seafarers&rsquo; Center and chaplain for the Port of Baltimore.
&nbsp;
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a 2.6 km-long, four-lane structure over the Patapsco River, collapsed after the MV Dali struck its pillars on March 26.
&nbsp;
The vessel, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, was en route from Baltimore to Colombo at the time, with a capacity of 10,000 TEU and onboard units totaling 4,679 TEU. The ship&rsquo;s deadweight is 116,851 DWT.

Washington D.C.

Indian crew finally leaves Baltimore shipwreck

Four members of the billionaire Hinduja family have been sentenced to between four and 4.5 years in prison by a Swiss court for exploiting their household staff at their villa on Lake Geneva. However, the court has rejected the charges of human trafficking, AP reported.
&nbsp;
Prakash Hinduja and his wife Kamal were handed 4.5 year sentences each. Their son Ajay and his wife, Namrata, were sentenced each to four years. The four accused will appeal the order before a higher court.
&nbsp;
In its order, the Swiss court said the Hinduja family members were guilty of exploiting the workers and providing them with meagre health benefits. The court also noted that the wages paid to the staffers were less than one-tenth the pay for such jobs in Switzerland.
&nbsp;
Britain&rsquo;s richest family, the Hindujas, expressed their shock at the Swiss court's decision to impose prison sentences on some family members in Geneva.
&nbsp;
They have already filed an appeal in a higher court to challenge the verdict, which found them guilty of exploiting vulnerable domestic workers. According to a statement released on behalf of the family, their Swiss lawyers emphasised that Prakash and Kamal Hinduja, both in their 70s, along with their son Ajay and his wife Namrata, have been cleared of all human trafficking charges.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The lawyers also rejected media reports suggesting that any family members are facing imprisonment, contrary to court reports from Geneva that indicated a four to four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the four individuals. &ldquo;Our clients have been found not guilty of all human trafficking charges.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We are dismayed and dissatisfied with the remainder of the decision made in this lower court, and we have lodged an appeal with the higher court to render this part of the ruling ineffective,&rdquo; stated the release signed by lawyers Yael Hayat and Robert Assael and Roman Jordan.
&nbsp;
The family members were reportedly accused of confiscating the passports of employees, preventing them from leaving the mansion and compelling them to work extensive hours for low pay in Switzerland, among other allegations. It was claimed that some workers only spoke Hindi and were paid in rupees by banks in their home country, which they couldn't access.
&nbsp;
The family's legal representatives disputed the claims and informed the court that the employees were treated with respect and given housing.
&nbsp;
According to the latest edition of &lsquo;The Sunday Times Rich List&rsquo;, published last month, the Hinduja family, based in the UK, once again topped the list as the wealthiest in the country, with an estimated wealth of approximately GBP 37.196 billion.

Geneva

Swiss court jails Hinduja family for staff abuse

The Centre on Friday operationalised a stringent law to tackle malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations. This law, designed to curb cheating, entails provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines up to Rs 1 crore for offenders. 
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, received President Droupadi Murmu's assent nearly four months ago. The Personnel Ministry issued a notification on Friday night, bringing the law into force from June 21. 
This development gains importance amid ongoing controversies surrounding the UGC-NET 2024 exam's question paper leak. On Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case to investigate the leak in the exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Opposition parties have also raised concerns about irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, whose results were announced by the NTA on June 4. 
"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the Central Government hereby appoints the 21st day of June, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force," the notification stated. 
The Act's notification follows a query directed at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding its implementation. The minister indicated that the law ministry was finalising the rules. 
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on February 9 and the Lok Sabha on February 6. President Murmu gave her assent on February 12, enacting it into law. 
The Act aims to prevent unfair means in public examinations conducted by bodies such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), railways, banking recruitment examinations, and the NTA. 
It prescribes a minimum imprisonment of three to five years for cheating, with organised cheating crimes facing five to ten years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore. 
Before this legislation, there was no specific substantive law addressing unfair means or offences committed by various entities involved in conducting public examinations by the central government and its agencies. 
Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh remarked that the Act targets organised gangs and institutions engaged in unfair means for monetary gain while protecting candidates from its harsh provisions.

Government introduces tough anti-cheating law

Ansh Mavani

Indian national Nikhil Gupta was extradited to the United States on June 14 to face legal proceedings. However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not received any request for consular access from Gupta. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed this during a weekly briefing on Friday.
&nbsp;
Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic to the United States due to his alleged involvement in a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistani activist designated as a terrorist by India. The US authorities suspect Gupta of being part of an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Pannun in the United States.
&nbsp;
Despite the absence of a consular access request from Gupta, his family has reached out to the MEA. Jaiswal assured that the ministry is considering what actions can be taken in response to the family's request.
&nbsp;
Gupta pleaded not guilty on Monday in a federal court in New York. He appeared at the Manhattan Federal Courthouse at 12:30 PM local time. During the hearing, his lawyer, Jeffrey Chabrowe, highlighted issues regarding Gupta&rsquo;s detention conditions, specifically noting that Gupta had not been provided with a vegetarian meal since arriving at the Brooklyn detention facility.
&nbsp;
Chabrowe also mentioned that they plan to file a bail application at a later date, meaning Gupta will remain in detention for now. The next hearing is scheduled for June 28.
&nbsp;
US federal prosecutors have accused Gupta of conspiring with an Indian government official to assassinate Pannun. This revelation has put a spotlight on the India-US relationship, prompting New Delhi to distance itself from the alleged plot. The Indian government has stated that such actions are against its policy and has pledged to formally investigate the security concerns raised by Washington.
&nbsp;
The US Justice Department claims that Gupta, aged 52, is associated with the Indian government and was involved in planning the assassination of Pannun in New York City. This accusation has intensified scrutiny and raised questions about international diplomatic relations.
&nbsp;
In a separate matter, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal also addressed the deaths of two Indians serving in the Russian Army. He mentioned that the Indian government is actively engaged with Russian authorities in both New Delhi and Moscow to facilitate the release and repatriation of Indian nationals serving in the Russian military.
&nbsp;
So far, between 20 to 25 people have contacted the MEA, with ten having been released. The ministry is working to ensure that the mortal remains of the two deceased individuals are brought back to India as soon as possible.
&nbsp;
The situation involving Nikhil Gupta and the alleged assassination plot against Pannun continues to evolve, with significant implications for India&rsquo;s diplomatic relations with both the United States and other international stakeholders. The Indian government remains committed to addressing these issues while ensuring the welfare and rights of its citizens abroad.

No consular access request for Nikhil Gupta yet

While the Congress is basking in its revival, which some of its leaders even claim to be a &ldquo;resounding victory&rdquo; at the national level, it will need to handle two stormy states of Punjab and Haryana very carefully.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In both states, Congress has been on its way towards a strong comeback. However, if the situation is not taken care of and the drift is not arrested right away, it may see totally adverse results.
&nbsp;
In Punjab Congress won 7 of the 13 parliamentary constituencies. It was ahead of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, which was way behind with just three seats. Although the Congress won one seat less than what it won in 2019, the situation and circumstances this time were quite different and difficult for the party.
&nbsp;
It had to face a robust BJP and an aggressively hostile AAP, which had claimed that it would win all 13 seats. It was riding high on the 300 units per month of free power to people.&nbsp; How the Saffron party performed
&nbsp;
The BJP was also on ascendancy because of the Ram temple, which was manifested in the final results. Although the BJP did not win any of the 13 seats, which was for the first time in the last seven General Elections, it did get a record 18.6 per cent vote share, just about 8 per cent less than the AAP and the Congress, both of which got 26 per cent. BJP was much ahead of its erstwhile alliance partner, the Shiromani Akali Dal, which got 13 per cent vote share only. And the entire vote share of the BJP came from the Congress.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Despite that Congress managed a reasonable performance.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Voices against Congress, within Congress However, a section of the state leadership has started raising their voices against the Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and the Congress Legislative Party leader Partap Singh Bajwa.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These leaders, including Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Pargat Singh and Rana Gurjeet have been saying that the Congress could have done better than this. Their target is obviously to get the PCC president replaced before the assembly elections, which are scheduled two and a half years from now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The AICC in-charge for Punjab, Devender Yadav and the Chairman of the Punjab Congress Campaign Committee Rana KP Singh, today in separate statements asked the party leaders not to air their views in public. While the &ldquo;rebellious&rdquo; leaders are trying to play down the party&rsquo;s relatively good show, both Yadav and Rana KP maintained that the party had scored a great and phenomenal victory in Punjab. Rana KP said that the leaders must not &ldquo;try to dig defeat&rdquo; in the victory as it can have a demoralizing effect on the workers.&nbsp;
 State of things in Haryana 
In neighbouring Haryana, it is murkier for the Congress. There are two &ldquo;vertically distant&rdquo;, if not &ldquo;divided&rdquo; factions, one led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and another one comprising senior leaders including Kumari Selja, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Chaudhary Birender and others.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Right now, the Congress in Haryana is under complete control of Hooda. The PCC president in the state, Udai Bhan is his close confidante. Hooda had his ultimate say in the allotment of parliamentary tickets also. Although the party won five of the ten seats in the recently concluded General Elections, some party leaders believe that it could have done better if ticket distribution was proper.
&nbsp;
Consequences
 The consequences came quite fast as one of the senior party leaders Kiran Chaudhary, daughter-in-law of veteran Congressman and former Chief Minister Bansi Lal resigned from the party along with her daughter Shruti Chaudhary, a former MP from Bhiwani. She was denied a ticket this time at the behest of Hooda. The mother-daughter duo joined the BJP.
&nbsp;
Kumari Selja, went on record to say that Kiran Chaudhary had been subjected to &ldquo;injustice&rdquo; in the state. She also said, that if she or her daughter had been given the Bhiwani parliamentary ticket, the Congress would have won it.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The target was Hooda who had been given full control over the distribution of tickets in the state.
&nbsp;
Hooda has been the Chief Minister of Haryana twice. He is in his mid-seventies and once again a strong claimant for the Chief Ministership. The BJP has been in power in Haryana for the last ten years. There was a year of anti-incumbency against the BJP with Congress having reasonable chances of a comeback, although the party (BJP) remained ahead of the Congress in terms of vote share and the number of assembly segments it led from.
&nbsp;
However, in the parliament elections, while the two parties shared 5 of the 10 seats each, the BJP led from 44 of the 90 assembly segments, while the Congress-led from 42 and the AAP, which was in alliance with the Congress, led from 4 segments.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The BJP's vote share was also higher than the Congress with the party (the BJP) getting 46.11 per cent votes against 43.67 of the Congress.
&nbsp;
While the BJP fought on its own, the Congress had an alliance with the AAP.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Congress high command will have to handle both states carefully and will also need to impose strict discipline. Right now, it is &ldquo;free for all&rdquo; within the Congress in both the states where the party appears to be in a state of civil war.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
While in Punjab the elections are two and a half years away, in Haryana, these are scheduled for October this year. It will need to set the house in order in Haryana with urgent priority.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In Punjab, it will need to be very careful about its leaders representing urban areas like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala and Amritsar, where the BJP has established firm footprints. Much will depend on how the party handles itself in the state. Any laxity may lead to some leaders succumbing to the saffron temptations, which will continue to be there, particularly given the BJP forming the government once again at the centre, albeit with the support of allies.

Chandigarh

Congress ‘civil war’ begins in Punjab, Haryana

India and Qatar recently engaged in discussions about a potential purchase of 12 second-hand Qatari Mirage-2000-5 fighter jets. The talks took place in New Delhi, where a Qatari team presented the current condition of these aircraft to Indian officials.
&nbsp;
According to defence sources, the Mirage-2000 jets are in very good condition and have significant operational life remaining.
&nbsp;
India is considering this proposal with a focus on the compatibility of these Qatari jets with its own Mirage-2000 fleet. While the Indian Mirage-2000 aircraft are more advanced, both countries' jets share the same engines. This similarity would make it easier for India to maintain the newly acquired aircraft if the deal goes through.
&nbsp;
The Qatari side has proposed a price of approximately Rs 5,000 crore for the 12 aircraft. However, India is looking to negotiate a more reasonable price. Along with the aircraft, Qatar is offering missiles and additional engines, which would support flying operations rather than being used merely for spare parts and maintenance.
&nbsp;
This potential acquisition is part of India's ongoing efforts to enhance its Air Force capabilities. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian Air Force successfully acquired a significant number of spares and equipment from a French vendor in a second-hand deal. The addition of the Qatari Mirage-2000 jets would increase the number of Mirages in the Indian fleet to 60.
&nbsp;
The Mirage-2000 fleet, based in Gwalior, has been a crucial asset for the Indian Air Force. These aircraft have played vital roles in several major operations, including the Kargil war and the Balakot air strikes. They have also been actively deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China on the northern frontier.
&nbsp;
The potential deal with Qatar is seen as a strategic move to bolster India's air defence capabilities. By integrating these additional Mirage-2000 jets, the Indian Air Force aims to strengthen its operational readiness and maintain its edge in regional air superiority.
&nbsp;
The ongoing discussions between India and Qatar regarding the sale of used Mirage-2000 fighter jets highlight India's strategic focus on enhancing its air defence capabilities.
&nbsp;
The deal, if finalised, would provide a significant boost to the Indian Air Force's operational fleet, ensuring better preparedness for future challenges.
&nbsp;

India mulls purchasing 12 Qatari Mirage-2000 jets

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, strongly criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday for challenging her husband's bail order in the high court.
&nbsp;
She accused the agency of acting as if the AAP national convener was the "most wanted terrorist in India." This sharp criticism came after the ED's attempt to overturn the bail granted to Kejriwal by a Rouse Avenue court.
&nbsp;
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) defended Kejriwal, citing the court order that granted him bail, claiming it had dismantled the ED's case. The party demanded an apology from the BJP, emphasizing that the central probe agency failed to present direct evidence linking Kejriwal to the proceeds of crime in the money laundering case against him.
&nbsp;
Despite the Rouse Avenue court's decision to grant bail, the ED swiftly approached the Delhi High Court, which issued an interim stay on the bail order. The high court also issued a notice to Kejriwal, seeking his response to the ED's plea challenging the trial court's June 20 order.
&nbsp;
At a public gathering in Bhogal, south Delhi, where Delhi Water Minister Atishi began an indefinite hunger strike demanding more water from Haryana, Sunita Kejriwal accused the BJP of pushing the country towards dictatorship.
&nbsp;
She expressed her frustration, stating that even before the court's bail order was uploaded online, the ED had already moved to the high court. This, she said, was done as if Kejriwal were a "most wanted terrorist in India."
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sunita Kejriwal criticized the ED for violating personal liberty and rushing to the high court to stay the bail of an elected chief minister. She expressed hope that the high court would deliver justice in the matter.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the BJP responded, accusing AAP leaders of making absurd statements. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva advised AAP leaders to understand the judicial system before making hasty comments on judicial decisions. He pointed out that it is common for investigative agencies to challenge bail orders.
&nbsp;
AAP cited the trial court's decision to attack the ED, questioning why the high court stayed Kejriwal's bail even before the trial court order was uploaded. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj argued that the ED's case had been dismantled by the trial court's order. He pointed out that the trial court found no direct evidence against Kejriwal regarding the proceeds of crime.
&nbsp;
Bharadwaj also criticized the ED's actions, suggesting that they were biased and acted with undue haste to prevent Kejriwal's release. He questioned how the high court could stay the bail order without the trial court's order being uploaded.
&nbsp;
Bharadwaj claimed that Section 45 of the PMLA states that bail can be granted in money laundering cases only if it is prima facie established that the accused has not committed the offense and is not likely to commit any offense while on bail. He argued that the trial court was satisfied that Kejriwal had not committed any offense, hence granting him bail.
&nbsp;
AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of undermining the justice system. He described the trial court's order as "historic" and said it exposed the BJP government's and the ED's role. Singh claimed that the trial court found no evidence or money trail linking Kejriwal to the alleged transactions related to the Goa polls.
&nbsp;
The trial court judge, Niyay Bindu, in her order granting bail, noted that there was no direct evidence against Kejriwal related to the proceeds of crime. She questioned the ED's silence on Kejriwal's assertion that he was arrested without being named in the CBI FIR or the ECIR registered by the anti-money laundering agency.

Sunita Kejriwal accuses ED of targeting Kejriwal

Neha Singh

A court in Pune on Friday granted bail to the father of the juvenile accused in one of the cases pertaining to the Porsche car crash in which two software professionals were killed in the city last month.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The court also granted bail to five other accused, including the owner and managers of two bars who were arrested for allegedly serving liquor to the underage patrons.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">On May 19, two IT professionals were killed in Kalyani Nagar here after their motorcycle was hit by a speeding Porsche car allegedly driven by the juvenile in an inebriated condition.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 case caused a national uproar after the Juvenile Justice Board member LN Danwade gave bail to the accused on very lenient terms, including writing a 300-word essay on road safety.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Police had registered a case against the teenage accused's father, Vishal Agrawal, a real estate developer, under sections 75 and 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, and against the owner and staff members of the two bars &mdash; Cosie and Club Blak &mdash; for serving alcohol to an underage person.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Section 75 deals with &ldquo;wilful neglect of a child, or exposing a child to mental or physical illnesses,&rdquo; while section 77 deals with supplying a child with intoxicating liquor or drugs.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 FIR lodged in connection with the incident, the father, despite knowing his son did not have a valid driving license, gave him the car, thereby endangering the latter's life, and allowed him to party even as the father knew that he consumes liquor.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Advocate Prashant Patil, who represented the juvenile&rsquo;s father, confirmed that the court on Friday evening granted bail to him.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Another defence lawyer representing the managers of Cosie restaurant and Club Blak confirmed that the court also granted bail to his clients.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 juvenile accused&rsquo;s father and mother are currently in judicial custody in the case pertaining to the alleged blood sample swamping of their son.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Apart from this case, his father was also arrested on the charge of kidnapping and wrongful confinement of his driver. 
&nbsp;

Pune Porsche crash: Father of accused gets bail

Softening his stance on immigration, former US President Donald Trump has promised to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from US colleges to prevent them from returning to their home countries like India and China where they become multibillionaires.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Trump&rsquo;s departure from the anti-immigrant rhetoric comes ahead of the November presidential election in which immigration and deportation of illegal immigrants are among the key issues for voters.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Trump, however, always supported a merit-based legal immigration system.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;What I want to do and what I will do is &mdash; you graduate from a college, I think you should get a Green Card automatically as part of your diploma, a Green Card to be able to stay in this country. And that includes junior colleges too,&rdquo; Trump, 78, said in the &ldquo;All-In&rdquo; podcast.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">A Green Card, known officially as a permanent resident card, is an identity document showing a person has permanent residency in the United 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;">The podcast was hosted by four venture capitalists: Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg, three of whom are immigrants.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Trump&rsquo;s remarks came as he was pressed by Calacanis to &ldquo;promise us you will give us more ability to import the best and brightest around the world to America.&rdquo; Trump, the presumptive candidate from the Republican Party, also lamented &ldquo;stories where people graduated from a top college or from a college, and they desperately wanted to stay here, they had a plan for a company, a concept, and they can&rsquo;t &mdash; they go back to India, they go back to China, they do the same basic company in those places.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;...and they become multi-billionaires employing thousands and thousands of people, and it could have been done here,&rdquo; he said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Trump reiterated his first-term policy, about foreign students getting a Green Card after receiving a degree from a higher education institution in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Trump had at times sought to reform the nation&rsquo;s immigration system to scale back family-based immigration and to prioritise wealthy immigrants, who had valuable work skills or who were highly educated.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Trump expanded restrictions on legal immigration during the pandemic and his last year in office and had proposed suspending all immigration to the United States and deporting foreign students if they did not attend at least some classes in person.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">A month before the 2020 election, Trump again moved to restrict the H-1B visa programme. 
&nbsp;

Trump promises US Green Card for foreign graduates

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday recovered Rs 1 crore cash and 100 rounds of bullets in a raid on locations of a Ranchi-based land businessman. The agency investigating the land scam involving bureaucrats and politicians in Ranchi also recovered several crucial documents from his hideouts.
&nbsp;
The ED teams on Friday raided the hideouts of land dealer Kamlesh Kumar in Aster Green apartments at Chandni Chowk Kanke Road in Ranchi Jharkhand.
&nbsp;
Sources said that Kamlesh is a land dealer involved in high-profile and dubious land deals in Ranchi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The agency conducted the raid in the case related to one Shekhar Kushwaha who was earlier arrested in the land scam case on June 12. Kushwaha was arrested in the Bargain land scam case linked with former Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
&nbsp;
Earlier, a total of 22 people including Hemant Soren, then Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi Chhavi Ranjan, and JMM leader Antu Tirkey were arrested in the case.
&nbsp;
Kushwaha was the 22nd accused to be arrested in the land scam case.
&nbsp;
During the investigation of the case of the purchase and sale of land with the help of fake documents, ED found that Kushwaha was involved in the purchase and sale of the disputed 4.83 acres of land in the Bargain area of Ranchi.
&nbsp;
Information related to the purchase and sale of this land was received after the arrest and interrogation of Tapas Ghosh, Sanjit Kumar of Kolkata Registry Office and Hazaribagh deed writer Irshad Akhtar by ED.

ED recovers ₹1 Cr, 100 bullets in land scam raid

Amidst controversies surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG), Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), has called for the scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the exams. Yechury criticised the agency, alleging widespread irregularities that have adversely affected millions of aspiring students across India.
&nbsp;
Yechury emphasised the suffering of "crores of our students," who he described as the future of the nation, due to what he termed as the government's negligence. He demanded accountability, specifically calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in light of the ongoing issues with NEET-UG.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has declined to halt the counselling process for NEET-UG 2024 despite multiple pleas and has issued a notice to NTA. The court, represented by Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti, has consolidated various petitions and scheduled them for hearing on July 8, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
&nbsp;
Earlier, the apex court responded to NTA's plea seeking the transfer of NEET-UG 2024-related cases from high courts to the Supreme Court. It has also stayed proceedings in several high courts following allegations of question paper leaks and other malpractices.
&nbsp;
Despite the controversies, the Supreme Court affirmed its stance not to disrupt the counselling process, while also addressing concerns raised by students who faced disruptions during the exam at the Meghalaya centre. These students, who allegedly lost 45 minutes, petitioned to join the group awarded grace marks, highlighting the complexities faced by exam takers.
&nbsp;
The NEET-UG 2024, held on May 5, declared results earlier than anticipated, on June 4, triggering protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks. Out of the candidates, 67 achieved a perfect score of 720, prompting further scrutiny and petitions for re-evaluation.
&nbsp;
Responding to the uproar, the Supreme Court has permitted a re-test for more than 1,500 students who received grace marks, aiming to uphold fairness and transparency in the admission process for medical, dental, and related courses across India.
&nbsp;
As the controversy unfolds, the NTA has assured the Supreme Court that it will invalidate the scorecards of 1563 candidates awarded grace marks, offering them the choice to reappear for the exam on June 23 with results expected before June 30. This move is intended to address concerns raised regarding the integrity of the evaluation process.
&nbsp;
The NEET-UG examination remains pivotal for students aspiring to join MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other allied courses in both government and private institutions nationwide. Despite the challenges, the focus remains on ensuring equal opportunities and maintaining the credibility of the examination process amidst ongoing scrutiny and legal proceedings.

CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury demands scrapping of NTA

In a scathing critique of the BJP's handling of flood management in Assam, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of betraying the people with their promise to make Assam flood-free.
&nbsp;
This criticism comes as the state grapples with a severe flood crisis affecting over four lakh people across several districts.
&nbsp;
Kharge's remarks were made amidst a worsening flood situation in Assam, with key rivers like the Kopili, Barak, and Kushiyara flowing above danger levels. The state has been experiencing incessant rainfall, exacerbating the flood conditions.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The flood situation in Assam is grim. Lakhs of people are affected in 15 districts, and 36 people have lost their lives so far. The Congress party stands in solidarity with the people of Assam. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims," Kharge stated in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
&nbsp;
He further criticised the Modi government and the state administration for their lack of effective response.
&nbsp;
"We expect the Modi government and Assam government to provide prompt assistance, relief, and compensation to the affected people. People of the state have been squarely betrayed by the 'double engine' Modi-Shah promise of making Assam a flood-free state," Kharge added.
&nbsp;
"In the past 10 years, on every issue, the Modi government has only indulged in the politics of lies, deceit, and treachery! India suffers due to the BJP," the Congress chief asserted.
&nbsp;
Echoing Kharge's sentiments, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged the Assam government to expedite relief and rescue operations. In a Hindi post on X, she highlighted the devastating impact of the floods, which have severely disrupted life in the state.
&nbsp;
"The news of 36 people dying in this disaster so far is saddening. Several lakh people in 19 districts of the state are affected by the floods. It is an appeal to the state government to speed up relief and rescue operations for the flood-affected people and also provide compensation to the families of the deceased," Priyanka Gandhi stated.
&nbsp;
She also called upon Congress workers and leaders to assist the affected people in every possible way.
&nbsp;
As the floodwaters continued to wreak havoc, districts including Bajali, Baksa, Barpeta, Biswanath, Cachar, Darrang, Goalpara, Hailakandi, Hojai, Kamrup, Karimganj, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sonitpur, South Salmara, Tamulpur, and Udalguri remained heavily impacted.
&nbsp;
Officials confirmed that the state has been receiving continuous rainfall over the past few days, leading to the extensive deluge.
&nbsp;
The death toll from this year's floods, landslides, and storms has now reached 36.

BJP betrayed Assam on flood promises, rues Kharge

Horror comedy Kakuda, featuring Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh and Saqib Saleem, will premiere on ZEE5 on July 12, the platform announced on Friday.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The movie is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, whose horror comedy Munjya is currently running in theatres.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 streamer shared the news of the film&rsquo;s release date in a post on social media platform 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;">&ldquo;Purushon Ke Hit Mein Jaari- #Kakuda aa raha hai &lsquo;12 July&rsquo; ko, toh ghar pe rahein aur theek 7:15 baje, darwaza khula rakhna naa bhoolein. Kyunki #AbMardKhatreMeinHai, #Kakuda only on #ZEE5,&rdquo; the company posted. Kakuda is set in the village of Ratodi in Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s Mathura district.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;While Ratodi seems like any other village, it isn&rsquo;t because of the curse inflicted upon it for years. Every house in the district has two similar looking doors, one that is normal size and one which is smaller than the other.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 film revolves around a peculiar ritual that demands the opening of the smaller door of each house every Tuesday at 7:15PM sharp. Failure to comply with this rule invites the wrath of Kakuda, who punishes the man of the house. But who is Kakuda&hellip;Why does he punish the men in the village? How will the villagers get rid of the curse? Beware! Ab Mard Khatre Me Hai!&rdquo; according to the official synopsis.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Kakuda is produced by Ronnie Screwvala&rsquo;s banner RSVP. 
&nbsp;

Munich

Horror comedy Kakuda slated for Jul 12 OTT release

India has rejected a comment by the UN&rsquo;s top human rights official on foreign influence laws, saying principles of &ldquo;transparency and accountability cannot be applied selectively.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
India&rsquo;s Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, said he "humbly disagrees" with the brief reference to India made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in his Global Update 56th session of the Human Rights Council this week.
&nbsp;
Turk had said in his global update that a &ldquo;worrying trend in terms of civic space is the consideration or adoption of so-called &ldquo;transparency&rdquo; or &ldquo;foreign influence&rdquo; laws in over 50 countries, including in the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Slovakia and Turkiye.
&nbsp;
These laws risk having serious chilling effects on the work of civil society, freedom of expression and association.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Bagchi said democratic nations worldwide, including India, have had regulations for many decades to guard against legitimate concerns about the misuse of foreign funds.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Principles of transparency and accountability cannot be applied selectively. Portraying a dependence on the crutches of opaque or illegal foreign funding is also a disservice to India's vibrant civil society,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
Bagchi added that ongoing global conflicts have &ldquo;unfortunately&rdquo; divided the Human Rights Council further.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;It is more important than ever for the Office of High Commissioner to focus on its core mandates,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
Noting that the High Commissioner&rsquo;s global update is a rather gloomy assessment of human rights worldwide, Bagchi spoke about &ldquo;our pride&rdquo; in India&rsquo;s just concluded general elections.
&nbsp;
He said that as previously underscored, &ldquo;concerns about this process were unwarranted&rdquo; and the Indian general elections was the largest electoral exercise in the history of mankind, with 650 million voters with full faith in the electoral mandate.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;And all this is backed by a pluralistic and open society with robust institutional mechanisms and safeguards. We do believe that all human rights can be best promoted and protected in such environments,&rdquo; Bagchi added.&nbsp;

India rejects UN critiquing foreign influence laws

The State Bank of India (SBI) has once again made headlines by paying a record dividend of nearly Rs 7,000 crore to the Central government for the financial year 2023-24. This significant payout surpasses last year's record-breaking dividend, underscoring SBI's robust financial health and its crucial role in contributing to the government's revenue.
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On June 21, Dinesh Kumar Khara, the chairman of SBI, presented a cheque amounting to Rs 6,959.29 crore to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This payment marks a new milestone, exceeding the previous year's dividend of Rs 5,740 crore, which was the highest-ever dividend given by SBI in any financial year.
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The finance minister's official handle on social media platform X confirmed the transaction, highlighting the substantial contribution of the country's largest public sector lender.
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The presentation of the cheque signifies not only the financial strength of SBI but also its ongoing commitment to supporting the government's fiscal objectives.
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The significant increase in the dividend payment from the previous year reflects the bank's improved profitability and efficient management under Khara's leadership.
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In addition to the substantial dividend from SBI, the Finance Minister also received a cheque of Rs 857.16 crore from the Bank of Maharashtra. This cheque was presented by Nidhu Saxena, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Maharashtra, as their dividend payment for the financial year ending in March.
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These substantial contributions from major public sector banks come at a crucial time as the government prepares for the upcoming budget. On the same day, June 21, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the fourth pre-Budget consultation meeting.
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The meeting focused on discussions with various farmers' associations and agriculture economists, aiming to address critical issues in the agricultural sector and gather insights for the forthcoming budget.
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The consultation was attended by several key figures, including Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Finance Secretary T V Somanathan, Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth, and senior officers from the agriculture and corporate affairs ministries.
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Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran also participated in the meeting, reflecting the government's comprehensive approach to policy-making by engaging with diverse stakeholders.
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The record dividend payments from SBI and the Bank of Maharashtra are indicative of the strong performance of public sector banks and their pivotal role in bolstering the government's financial resources. These funds will be instrumental in supporting various government initiatives and public welfare programs.

SBI pays dividend of nearly ₹7000 Cr to Centre

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has arrived in New Delhi on a two-day state visit. PM Hasina was warmly welcomed by Minister of State K.V. Singh at the airport.&nbsp; 
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A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage landed at New Delhi's Palam Airport at 3:29 PM local time.
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This visit marks the first incoming bilateral state visit since the formation of the new Indian government following the 18th Lok Sabha elections, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 
The visit, expected to give a "major boost" to India-Bangladesh relations, underscores the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the importance of this visit on social media, emphasizing Bangladesh as a key partner and trusted neighbor of India. 
During her visit, Prime Minister Hasina will engage in bilateral consultations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, she is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will also call on Prime Minister Hasina, reinforcing the diplomatic engagements planned during her stay. 
Prime Minister Hasina's presence in India follows her attendance at the swearing-in ceremony of the Indian Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9.
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This visit is seen as a continuation of the multifaceted relationship that has developed between India and Bangladesh, characterized by shared history, cultural ties, and geographical proximity. 
The year 2023 has been marked by numerous bilateral activities that highlight the strength of this relationship. Notably, both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline on March 18 in a virtual ceremony.
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Prime Minister Hasina also participated virtually in the inaugural session of the Voice of the Global South Summit on January 11 and the second session on November 17.
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As a guest country invited to India's G20 Presidency in 2023, Bangladesh actively participated in various tracks at the ministerial level, including the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting and the G20 Development Ministers Meeting in March and June 2023, respectively.
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On November 1, 2023, both Prime Ministers virtually inaugurated three Indian-assisted development cooperation projects in Bangladesh.
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These projects include the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line, and Unit II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant.
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This visit is expected to further consolidate the robust and dynamic partnership between India and Bangladesh, enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors and reaffirming the commitment to regional stability and development.

Bangladesh PM Hasina begins two-day India visit

APIX and RBI have joined forces to organise the prestigious HaRBInger 2024 hackathon, aimed at driving financial innovation globally. This collaboration marks a significant effort to tackle critical challenges in the financial ecosystem, focusing on enhancing security and inclusivity.
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Under the themes of Combating Fraud and Financial Inclusion for the Differently-abled, HaRBInger 2024 challenges participants to address key issues such as real-time fraud detection, transaction anonymity, mule account identification, and aiding the visually impaired in financial transactions.
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Umang Moondra, CEO of APIX, expressed excitement about partnering with RBI for HaRBInger 2024, highlighting RBI's leadership in fostering innovation in financial services. The hackathon leverages advanced technologies like AI/ML, APIs, and Data Analytics to empower participants in creating impactful solutions.
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APIX is a collaborative innovation platform connecting fintechs and innovators across 90+ countries, enabling Financial Institutions to accelerate their innovation journey.
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Major banks, insurers, and regulators use APIX to discover, test, and evaluate solutions through comprehensive innovation programs, including challenges and hackathons.&nbsp;
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Participants from diverse backgrounds and geographies are invited to showcase their skills and compete for substantial prizes, including INR 40,00,000 (~USD 48,000) for winners in each problem statement category and a special INR 20,00,000 (~USD 24,000) prize for the best all-woman team.
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Registration for HaRBInger 2024 commenced on June 7, 2024, and will proceed through four phases on the APIX Platform: entry screening, solution shortlisting, development with mentoring, and final winner selection.
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This hackathon offers a unique opportunity for collaboration, exposure to industry leaders, and the chance to influence the future of finance. Don't miss out on participating in HaRBInger 2024 to contribute to transformative innovations in financial technology.

APIX, RBI launch HaRBInger 2024 global hackathon

India is set to face Bangladesh in their second T20 World Cup Super 8 match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on June 22.
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Coming off a comprehensive 47-run victory over Afghanistan, a win against Bangladesh would almost secure a semifinal berth for the Men in Blue.
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The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, may make some changes to address recent performance issues. Both Sharma and Virat Kohli have struggled to score runs, leaving India vulnerable in the powerplay.
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The experiment of Kohli as an opener has not yielded the desired results, and he may be moved back to the No.
3 position.
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This adjustment could pave the way for Yashasvi Jaiswal to join the playing XI, potentially replacing Ravindra Jadeja, who has underperformed throughout the tournament.
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Jadeja&rsquo;s lackluster showing has been a concern, and the team management might finally decide to drop him.
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Additionally, Arshdeep Singh's expensive spell against Afghanistan raises the possibility of Mohammed Siraj replacing him in the lineup.
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Shivam Dube&rsquo;s continued poor form has also been a setback, as India seeks more firepower in their batting lineup.
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Suryakumar Yadav's performance against Afghanistan was a bright spot, but India will need more consistent contributions from their top-order batsmen.
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Sanju Samson, who had an impressive IPL season, could be given a chance in this crucial match. His experience and track record in similar conditions make him a valuable addition to the squad.
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India&rsquo;s probable XI for the Bangladesh clash includes: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.

India aims for semifinal spot against Bangladesh

Ayesha Banerjee

The United States wants India and Pakistan to hold talks directly with each other and has urged the two neighbouring countries to determine the pace, scope, and character of the talks.
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In his daily news conference on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "As we have said, we support direct discussions between India and Pakistan, but the pace, scope and character should be determined by those two countries, not by us."
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Miller noted the USA's significant relationships with both India and Pakistan and when asked about regional security, he added, "The US and Pakistan have a shared interest in combating threats to regional security.
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&ldquo;We partner with Pakistan on security through our high-level counterterrorism dialogue, including several counterterrorism capacity-building programmes, and we support a series of US-Pakistan military-to-military engagements," he said.
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The US was in regular communication with Pakistani leaders as a part of their partnership on counter-terrorism issues, and would continue to discuss regional security in detail, including through their annual counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations, Miller added.
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His remarks came at a time when India-Pakistan relations are at a historic low, particularly following India's 2019 revocation of Article 370.
Both nations are currently facing resurgent and more vicious forms of terrorism.
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India has recently experienced a series of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of many, including security personnel.
Similarly, Pakistan is battling terrorism in its northern frontier districts, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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&nbsp;Both countries have been blaming each other for the terrorist attacks and have refused to hold any meaningful talks.
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US urges India, Pak to hold direct talks

The rupee recovered from over two months low level and settled 6 paise higher at 83.55 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, backed by the sustained inflow of foreign capital and softening crude oil prices overseas.&nbsp;
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The local unit, however, faced resistance due to strengthening American currency and subdued sentiment in the domestic equity markets, forex traders said.&nbsp;
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At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 83.60 and touched the intra-day high of 83.49 against the greenback. The currency hit the session's lowest level of 83.63 but finally settled at 83.55 against the dollar, registering a gain of 6 paise from its previous close.&nbsp;
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On Thursday, the rupee had plunged 17 paise to hit its over two-month low level of 83.61 against the dollar. The domestic currency recorded its previous lowest closing level of 83.61 on April 16 this year.
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Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, said the rupee appreciated on favourable macroeconomic data and reports of intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).&nbsp;
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"However, weak domestic markets and a strong US dollar capped sharp gains. FII inflows and any further intervention by RBI may support the rupee at lower levels. Traders may take cues from PMI and existing home sales data from the US. USD-INR spot price is expected to trade in a range of Rs 83.20 to Rs 84," Choudhary added.
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Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading higher 0.13 per cent at 105.36.
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According to analysts, the US dollar gained as the Federal Reserve maintained its hawkish tone even though other major central banks began easing their monetary policies.
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Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.09 per cent to USD 85.63 per barrel.
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In the domestic equity markets, the 30-share BSE Sensex declined 269.03 points, or 0.35 per cent, to close at 77,209.90 points. The broader NSE Nifty went down 65.90 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 23,501.10 points.&nbsp;
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Both indices closed the previous session at their highest levels.
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Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers in the capital markets on Thursday as they purchased shares worth Rs 415.30 crore, according to exchange data.

Rupee recovers 6 paise against dollar

Hindu, Urdu or something in between. That was the kernel of an argument between first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan over the translation of a presidential address from English to Hindi that was to be read by Vice President Zakir Husain.
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Nehru thought that Bachchan&rsquo;s translation of President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's speech was too complex and the Hindi poet was adamant it was not, says the book &ldquo;Nehru&rsquo;s First Recruits&rdquo; by journalist Kallol Bhattacherjee. Both were unwilling to relent.
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Recounting what had happened, the book says Nehru lost his cool with Bachchan, whom he had recruited as an officer on special duty for Hindi at the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
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Bachchan, who authored the landmark "Madhushala", joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1955 on a monthly salary of Rs 1,000, a good Rs 250 hike from his previous job as a producer in the All India Radio (AIR), according to the book.
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The major part of his responsibility in the MEA included translating speeches of the president and the vice president -- the commonly used Hindi name
'Videsh Mantralaya' for 'External Affairs Ministry' was, in fact, coined by Bachchan.
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The argument with Nehru happened when Bachchan translated the president&rsquo;s speech in English into Hindi, which in accordance with regular practice was to be delivered by the vice president.
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"'Do you realize who is to read this speech? Dr Zakir Husain&mdash; and he won't even be able to pronounce some of the words you have used," the book quotes Nehru as saying.
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"Panditji, language cannot be changed to suit the convenience of some individual&rsquo;s pronunciation; why don't you have the speech translated into Urdu?" Bachchan had replied.
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The clash of egos between two men, held in high esteem in their respective domains of governance and literature, led to a full blown verbal spat and Nehru ran out of patience.
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The book quotes in detail the conversation between the two luminaries.
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"There is enough trouble in this country. Even if we get it translated into Urdu, we'd have to call it Hindi -- and what's the difference between the two, anyway?" Nehru said.
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According to the book, Bachchan, in his endeavour, had forgotten the realities of India and was about to get the vice president of India into a difficult situation.
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"The vice president stumbling over difficult Hindi words while reading a speech in the Parliament would not have gone down well before the media and the critics of the Nehru government.
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"And Nehru was also right to some extent in his own way because the speech could not possibly have been translated into Urdu, as the Indian Constitution only allowed for the use of Hindi speeches in such sessions, and a Hindi speech with many Urdu words, therefore, would have to be called a &lsquo;speech in Hindi&rsquo;
and not an Urdu speech," the book explains.
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Ultimately, Nehru regained his composure and convinced Bachchan to produce a text that Zakir Husain would not find difficult to read. And Bachchan duly obliged.
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Husain, who held the office of vice president from 1962-67, under the presidency of Radhakrishnan, later succeeded him as the third president of India.
Nehru knew Bachchan, both hailing from Allahabad, way before he recruited him in the IFS, says the book.
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In fact, he had helped Bachchan receive a scholarship after he got admitted in Cambridge and Oxford in the early 1950s. Bachchan had faced a series of rejections from then-education secretary Humayun Kabir and education minister Maulana Azad.
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"Bachchan sought time from PM Nehru and met him in the Parliament. Nehru remembered Bachchan, the poet, and gave a patient hearing. On learning that he had failed in securing a scholarship, Nehru called his personal secretary in Parliament, BN Kaul, and asked him to arrange a scholarship of Rs 8,000 for Harivansh Rai Bachchan," informed the book.
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"Nehru's First Recruits", published by Harper Collins India, uses stories and experiences of India's earliest diplomats to present the foundational history of the country's diplomatic corps and the beginning of the country's engagement in global affairs.

How a translation led to war of words between Nehru, Harivansh Rai Bachchan

In a vibrant celebration spanning across the northeastern states, International Yoga Day was observed with fervor on Friday.
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Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Nagaland joined the global commemoration, with leaders and officials actively participating in various yoga sessions and events.
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Assam marked the occasion with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal engaging in yoga activities held throughout the state. Sarma, expressing his enthusiasm, shared snapshots of the celebrations at Tezpur on social media, emphasising yoga's role in fostering fitness and wellness.
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Manipur saw Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh leading yoga sessions at Raj Bhavan and Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal.&nbsp;Uikey highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for integrating yoga into daily life, urging citizens to embrace its benefits for holistic living.
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In Arunachal Pradesh, Governor Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik (Retd) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu participated in multiple events across the state. 
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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu also participated in the yoga session, highlighting the transformative qualities that regular practice of yoga can bring.&nbsp;Parnaik highlighted yoga's global appeal and its therapeutic benefits amidst challenging times, advocating its incorporation into daily routines for enhanced positivity and productivity.&nbsp;
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Sikkim witnessed Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya partaking in a yoga session at Paljor Stadium, praising PM Modi for elevating yoga's stature internationally. Acharya credited India for promoting values of peace and harmony through yoga, resonating with the theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.&nbsp;
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Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang joined the yoga session and encouraged all to integrate yoga into their daily lives. He described yoga as a valuable gift from India's ancient traditions, offering diverse techniques for natural fitness and rejuvenation.
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Nagaland embraced the spirit of yoga with diverse programs organized by state departments, NGOs, and Assam Rifles. Various locations in Kohima hosted yoga sessions, including IG Stadium facilitated by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports in collaboration with the National AYUSH Mission.
 Yoga, recognised for its physical and mental health benefits, continues to unite nations in pursuit of a healthier and harmonious world. 
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The concept of Yoga Day was initially put forth by India's Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on September 27, 2014, during his address at the UN General Assembly. This led to a resolution proposing June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Recognising its global significance, the United Nations officially designated June 21 as International Day of Yoga through resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014. The day aims to promote awareness worldwide about the numerous benefits of practicing yoga.
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Northeast states embrace yoga's wellness essence

During the annual Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj to Mecca, a total of ninety-eight Indians lost their lives, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement on Friday.&nbsp;
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MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the total number of Indian deaths during the entire Hajj period last year was 187.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This year, we have 175,000 Indians who have already visited Hajj... So far, we have lost 98 of our citizens. These deaths have happened on account of natural illness, natural causes, chronic illness, and also old age. Last year the figure of Indians who died in Hajj was 187...:&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/lwa8qLrUHg">pic.twitter.com/lwa8qLrUHg</a>
&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1804109438321651981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
"This year, 1,75000 Indian pilgrims visited Mecca for Hajj. The Hajj period is from May 9 to July 22. This year, till now, 98 deaths have been reported," he said.
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"The deaths have been due to natural causes, chronic illnesses, and old age. Six people died on the day of Arafat, and four were accident-related deaths," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
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The MEA spokesperson was responding to a question on the deaths of Indians during Hajj.&nbsp;

98 Indians die during Hajj pilgrimage

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Indian soldiers for embodying the essence of Yoga and Yogi during a session held in Mathura. The event saw Singh participating in yoga exercises alongside troops from Mathura Cantonment, joined by Army Chief Manoj Pande and other senior officers.
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Singh highlighted the profound qualities that soldiers exhibit, synonymous with those of Yoga and Yogi, which are universally admired. He emphasised their physical and mental strength, frequently demonstrated in various global scenarios.
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Beyond their military duties, Singh acknowledged the soldiers' humanitarian efforts during national disasters, illustrating their unwavering focus and commitment.
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"In times of adversity, Indian soldiers have displayed remarkable restraint, reflecting their yogic nature. Moreover, their proactive stance in defending India's sovereignty underscores their unique identity," Singh remarked during the event.
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He reiterated India's historical stance against aggression and expansionism, underscoring the country's capability to respond decisively if its sovereignty is ever threatened. "India has never been the aggressor but has always stood firm against expansionist ideologies," Singh affirmed, highlighting the nation's defensive readiness when necessary.
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The Defence Minister also stressed the importance of offensive capabilities in safeguarding the nation's security, emphasising the balance between defence strategies and proactive measures in protecting India's values and civilization.
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Across the country, India's security forces celebrated the International Day of Yoga with fervour. In Eastern Ladakh and other icy heights along the northern frontier, Indian Army troops engaged in yoga sessions to mark the occasion.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, sailors and even children participated in early morning yoga drills, underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for yoga within the Navy.
&nbsp;
The annual International Yoga Day holds special significance in India and globally, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through yoga practices. It serves as a reminder of yoga's ancient roots in Indian culture and its transformative impact on individuals and communities worldwide.
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The event in Mathura, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, not only celebrated yoga but also paid tribute to the dedication and discipline of Indian soldiers.
&nbsp;
Their embodiment of yogic principles in their service to the nation resonates deeply, showcasing their resilience, strength, and commitment to upholding India's sovereignty and values.
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As the world commemorates International Yoga Day, India's armed forces stand as living examples of the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, embracing yoga as not just a physical exercise but a way of life that nurtures both individual well-being and national resilience.

Mathura

Rajnath Singh applauds Army's Yoga dedication

BJP nominee from Dehra, Hoshyar Singh today filed his nomination papers for the Assembly by-poll on July 10 in the presence of Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur and former Union minister, Anurag Thakur.
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Hoshyar Singh, who had won as Independent MLA from Dehra for the second time in 2022, had resigned from the Assembly along with two other Independent MLAs in March this year and had joined BJP.
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Briefing the media, former Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur said Hoshyar Singh resigned from the Assembly because the Chief Minister was not treating the Independent MLAs well. &ldquo;They were being insulted. That is why the Independent MLAs took the bold step to resign and decided that they would enter the Assembly as BJP MLAs now,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
He said the government and the Chief Minister were responsible for the by-elections because of their conduct. &ldquo;These three by-polls could have been held along with six others on June 1, but the resignations of the Independent MLAs were kept pending,&rdquo; he alleged.
&nbsp;
Jai Ram said Hoshyar Singh has a great contribution to the development of Dehra and people would again elect him so that there is continuity in the development.
&nbsp;
On being asked about the CM's wife contesting the election in Dehra, he said, he said the people of Dehra would decide. &ldquo;We don&rsquo;t know which surveys were conducted or which surveys showed that she should be the candidate,&rdquo; he said.

Shimla

BJP’s Hoshyar Singh files nomination from Dehra

Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami and all other AIADMK members were evicted enmasse from the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday after they staged a sit-in protest over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in which the death toll has increased to 47.
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<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Chief Minister MK Stalin slammed the AIADMK for drama and its attempt to cause confusion and appealed to the opposition to not seek political mileage from the grievous incident.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">As soon as the House convened for the day, when the Question Hour was being taken up, the AIADMK legislators, led by LoP Palaniswami were on their feet, raising slogans and seeking the chair&rsquo;s nod to raise the Kallakurichi incident.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
Amid the din, while Speaker M Appavu, citing House rules, repeatedly appealed to them to resume their seats, the opposition members were unrelenting and had gathered in front of him.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Palaniswami and a number of other MLAs sat on the floor right before the Speaker. Eventually, following Speaker Appavu's direction, marshalls evicted them and some MLAs, including RB Udhayakumar were carried outside by them.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 the Speaker ruled that the main opposition party legislators cannot attend proceedings for the day, he withdrew his ruling later following an appeal by Stalin.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 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 AIADMK MLAs, however, did not return to the House immediately to take part in the proceedings.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Stalin said that in December 2001 (when AIADMK was in power) a similar incident had happened in Cuddalore district, claiming 52 lives and affecting over 200 people.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;Now, I have ordered tough action. At that time (2001), action was not taken properly,&rdquo; he said. Fearing a reference by members to that incident, &ldquo;they (AIADMK) have staged a drama,&rdquo; the CM added.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The evicted AIADMK members did not include supporters of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) who did not join their estranged colleagues. On the ruckus by the opposition MLAs, Leader of the House, Duraimurugan said it was an undesirable event led by the LoP and AIADMK MLAs and it was regrettable.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
Duraimurugan, a senior Minister, said opposition MLAs have a right to raise issues and debate. However, it should conform to House rules and Question Hour is very important and during that time, allegations should not be levelled.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Later, addressing the media, Palaniswami said he wanted to flag the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which he said has left &ldquo;50 persons dead&rdquo;. He described the eviction as &ldquo;murder of democracy&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;
Replying to call attention motion moved by several MLAs over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, Stalin expressed anguish over the death of 47 persons in Kallakurichi district following consumption of &lsquo;methanol mixed poisonous arrack&rsquo;, on June 19, 2024. The LoP could have stayed back in the House to express his views.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;

Chennai

Speaker evicts AIADMK leaders from Assembly

Halting their record-breaking rally, equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty buckled under selling pressure as investors pared exposure to oil &amp; gas, capital goods, and FMCG stocks amid a bearish trend in global markets.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Snapping its six-day rally, the 30-share BSE Sensex declined 269.03 points or 0.35 per cent to settle at 77,209.90. During the day, it tanked 676.93 points or 0.87 per cent to 76,802.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Nifty rose 100.1 points to hit a record intraday peak of 23,667.10 earlier in the day. However, it failed to maintain the momentum and slipped 65.90 points or 0.28 per cent to end at 23,501.10.
&nbsp;
Among the 30 Sensex companies, UltraTech Cement, Larsen &amp; Toubro, Tata Motors, Nestle, Tata Steel, Hindustan Unilever, Bajaj Finance, Reliance Industries, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, and State Bank of India were the biggest laggards.
&nbsp;
In contrast, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, JSW Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, and NTPC were among the biggest gainers.
&nbsp;
In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong settled lower.
 European markets were quoting in the red. US markets ended on a mixed note on Thursday.
&nbsp;
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 415.30 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
&nbsp;
Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 0.16 per cent to USD 85.57 a barrel.
&nbsp;
Rallying for the sixth straight session on Thursday, the BSE benchmark Sensex climbed 141.34 points or 0.18 per cent to settle at a new closing peak of 77,478.93. The Nifty rose 51 points or 0.22 per cent to settle at its fresh closing high of 23,567.

Sensex falls 269 points

The interim stay on the release of "Maharaj," the debut film of Junaid, son of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, was lifted by the Gujarat High Court on Friday.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;The court observed that there is nothing derogatory in the movie and it does not target the Pushtimarg sect as alleged.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The film is based on an 1862 libel case involving the Vaishnavite religious leader and social reformer Karsandas Mulji.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A petition was filed by some members of the Pushtimarg sect against its release on Netflix, claiming that it hurts religious sentiments.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On June 13, Justice Sangeeta Vishen had given an interim stay to the movie's release on the OTT platform.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In her order on Friday, the judge noted that the movie has been certified by CBFC and it does not target the sect.
&nbsp;

Ahmedabad

Gujarat HC lifts stay on Junaid Khan's 'Maharaj'

The 52-day annual Amarnath Yatra is set to begin on June 29, with the Pahalgam-Chandanwari and Baltal tracks being repaired and widened at a rapid pace.
&nbsp;
According to official sources, snow clearance on the Baltal track is nearly complete, with only two patches at Mahagunas Top and Poshpathri on the Nunwan-Chandanwari track still in progress. These areas are expected to be cleared within days.
&nbsp;
Base camps at Baltal and Nunwan have been established, and two 100-bed hospitals&mdash;one at each location&mdash;will be operational within three to four days.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Managed by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and operated by the J&amp;K Health Services Department, these facilities aim to support the pilgrims&rsquo; medical needs.
&nbsp;
The tracks have been improved and widened to 12 feet in compliance with Supreme Court directives from 2012. Sanitation, water supply and electricity facilities are managed by the J&amp;K Government.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Helicopter services are also in service, with direct flights available from Srinagar to Pahalgam and Srinagar to Neelgrath on the Baltal track.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Following the 2022 disaster near the holy cave, when a cloudburst led to flooding and deaths of around 17 people, SASB has decided not to set up&nbsp; camps in disaster-prone areas for the safety of pilgrims. Protection walls have been built along the Nallah to prevent mishaps.
&nbsp;
Approximately 10 Ghats have been built near the holy cave for ritual baths before darshan. The railing has been installed along a 14-kilometre stretch of the tracks for added safety. Additionally, two dozen bridges have been established on both tracks.
&nbsp;
Accommodation has been arranged for pilgrims travelling via the Baltal track at the three-storey Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Though still under construction, the completed sections will be utilised, along with two langars (feeding facilities) for pilgrims.
&nbsp;
At the holy cave, medical facilities, security, water, and power supply will be ready in a few days. Langars are being set up along both tracks. Radio Frequency Identity chips remain mandatory for all pilgrims.
&nbsp;
Sadhus embarking on the pilgrimage have begun arriving at Purani Mandi Temple, where they receive free boarding, lodging, and meals.
&nbsp;
The Amarnath Yatra, to the holy cave at a height of 3,880 metres in Anantnag district, will culminate on August 19, coinciding with Rakshabandhan. Online registration began on April 15.

Srinagar

All set for Amarnath Yatra, says J&K admin

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu&rsquo;s wife, Kamlesh Thakur today filed her nomination papers for the forthcoming by-poll in the Dehra Assembly segment in Kangra district on July 10.
&nbsp;
It is her first poll battle and the announcement of her candidature from Dehra by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) a couple of days ago surprised everyone even in the Congress party as she was not into politics.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Women have a great role to play in the family and the society. 
They can significantly contribute to politics and any other field,&rdquo; said Kamlesh Thakur, encouraged by the response she got in Dehra after the announcement of her ticket.&nbsp; Thakur hails from the Dehra Assembly constituency.
&nbsp;
She was accompanied by the Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Pradesh Congress Committee Chief, Pratibha Singh when she filed her nomination for the Assembly by-poll in Dehra. Congress leader and front runner for the ticket, Dr Rajesh Sharma, who suffered a panic attack and had later declared to file two nominations, one as Independent and another on Congress ticket on June 21 when he was denied ticket to accommodate CM&rsquo;s wife, also accompanied Kamlesh Thakur during her nomination.
&nbsp;
It is learnt that Chief Minister Sukhu met Dr Rajesh in the morning to placate him and ensure his presence at the nomination. The move is said to be significant as Dr Rajesh had contested the 2022 Assembly election against Independent Hoshyar Singh, who is now BJP nominee, and had polled over 19000 votes, losing by around 4000 votes.
&nbsp;
The Dehra Assembly segment fell vacant due to the resignation of Independent MLA, Hoshyar Singh, who is now seeking re-election on BJP&rsquo;s ticket.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Hoshyar Singh and two other Independent MLAs, Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur and K L Thakur from Nalagarh had resigned from the Assembly and joined BJP after a strong revolt in ruling Congress by six MLAs, who were disqualified from the Assembly after they defied the party whip and remained absent from the House when the budget was to be passed.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The by-polls to the constituencies vacated by the disqualification of rebel Congress MLAs were held on June 1 along with Lok Sabha polls.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;However, the by-polls to these three constituencies vacated by Independents- Dehra, Hamirpur and Nalagarh- could not be held with them because their resignations, which they submitted in March, were accepted after June 1.
&nbsp;
Hoshyar Singh has won the Assembly poll twice as an Independent, in 2017 and 2022. His entry into the BJP has hurt the feelings of BJP leaders in the constituency, especially former minister, Ramesh Dhawala, who had contested the 2022 Assembly poll on a BJP ticket against Hoshyar Singh.
&nbsp;
The unexpected entry of Congress CM&rsquo;s wife Kamlesh Thakur in Dehra is likely to create more problems for him.
&nbsp;
The Congress nominee for Hamirpur Assembly by-poll, Dr Pushpinder Verma also filed his nomination papers in the morning at Hamirpur.

HP CM’s wife files nomination for 1st poll battle

India showcased their dominance in the T20 World Cup Super 8s with a resounding 47-run victory over Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval on Thursday.
&nbsp;
Suryakumar Yadav's fearless batting and Jasprit Bumrah's clinical bowling were the standout performances that guided India to a convincing win.
&nbsp;
Opting to bat first on a challenging pitch, India faced early setbacks as captain Rohit Sharma departed early for just 8 runs.
&nbsp;
However, Suryakumar Yadav stepped up with a masterful innings, scoring 53 off 28 balls. His aggressive strokeplay was pivotal in India reaching a competitive total of 181 for 8.
&nbsp;
Rishabh Pant (20 off 11) and Hardik Pandya (32 off 24) also contributed crucial runs, with Pandya's powerful hitting towards the end bolstering India's innings.
&nbsp;
Virat Kohli (24 off 24) played a steady knock but fell at a crucial juncture.
&nbsp;
Afghanistan's Rashid Khan (3/26) posed a threat with his spin, picking up wickets at key intervals to keep India in check.
&nbsp;
His early strikes put pressure on the Indian batting lineup, but Suryakumar's counter-attack turned the momentum in India's favor.
&nbsp;
In response, Afghanistan faltered in their chase, losing wickets regularly and failing to build partnerships.
&nbsp;
Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional once again, finishing with figures of 3/7 in his four overs. His accuracy and variations troubled the Afghan batsmen throughout their innings.
&nbsp;
Kuldeep Yadav (2/32) also made a significant impact with his spin bowling, contributing to Afghanistan's downfall.
&nbsp;
The Afghan top-order struggled against India's disciplined bowling attack, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (11 off 8) and Hazratullah Zazai (0) falling early to Bumrah's clinical spells.
&nbsp;
Despite Azmatullah Omarzai's defiant 26 off 20 balls, Afghanistan could only manage to score 134 all out in their allotted 20 overs.
&nbsp;
The lack of substantial partnerships and poor shot selection proved costly for Afghanistan, extending their winless streak against India.
&nbsp;
India's next challenge in the Super 8s will be against Bangladesh in Antigua on Saturday.
&nbsp;
With their comprehensive victory over Afghanistan, India has set a strong foundation in the group stage of the T20 World Cup, aiming to advance further in the tournament.
&nbsp;
The match at Kensington Oval witnessed moments of brilliance from both teams, but India's superior all-round performance ensured they emerged victorious.
&nbsp;
Suryakumar Yadav's aggressive batting, combined with Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling, proved to be the decisive factors in India's commanding win.
&nbsp;
India's highest total at Kensington Oval proved too daunting for Afghanistan, as they struggled to cope with the pressure exerted by India's bowlers.&nbsp;

T20 WC: India beats Afghanistan in Super 8 opener

The Kerala government will be starting 10,000 new yoga clubs in the state this year, state Health Minister Veena George said on Friday on the occasion of World Yoga Day.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">George, in a statement issued by her office, said that yoga is essential for the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals and it has brought a healthy change to society.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">She was speaking at the state-level inauguration of the 10th International Yoga Day at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium here, the statement 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 theme of this year&rsquo;s Yoga Day is &lsquo;Yoga for Individual and Society&rsquo;, it 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;">George, in her statement, noted that yoga was best for a healthy body and mind as it can ward off diseases and strengthen the immune system.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">She also pointed out that keeping lifestyle diseases at bay was one of the 10 major projects under the Nava Kerala Action Plan and yoga plays an important role in it.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;Yoga also helps to reduce morbidity in the society,&rdquo; she said, according to the statement.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Therefore, the government was aiming to teach yoga for free to all sections of society.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">As a step towards the goal of a healthy body and mind, the state government will start 10,000 yoga clubs in Kerala, the statement 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;">This would be in addition to the 1,000 yoga clubs and 600 women's yoga clubs already started last year.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">A report with regard to the activities of the 1,000 yoga clubs and 600 women&rsquo;s yoga clubs was submitted to the minister, it said. 
&nbsp;

Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala govt to start 10K yoga clubs in 2024

Congress staged a protest on Friday, demanding a probe under the supervision of a sitting Supreme Court judge into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 examination. The protest was staged at Congress Bhawan, headed by the party's Punjab chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who is also Ludhiana MP. 
&nbsp;
Warring along with some other Punjab Congress leaders and workers were briefly detained by the police. 
&nbsp;
"We demand a probe under the supervision of a Supreme Court's sitting judge," he reaffirmed. 
&nbsp;
Punjab Congress leader and MP Dharamvira Gandhi said "We are not even allowed to hold a peaceful protest. We wanted to move to the state BJP office to hold a protest there. But police detained us and did not allow us to move there citing imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144".
&nbsp;
"We want justice for students. The issue concerns the future of lakhs of students," he said. 
&nbsp;
The protesters at the site raised slogans against the central government.
Chandigarh Youth Congress workers also staged a protest against the alleged irregularities in the exam.
&nbsp;
Earlier addressing the gathering of party workers and leaders near the Punjab Congress' state unit office here, Warring hit out at the Narendra Modi government. He said it is not the first time "irregularities" in exams have come to the fore.
&nbsp;
"What is the fault of the lakhs of children, whose future is at stake? Parents and their children are worried. But Prime Minister has not spoken a word on this," he said.
&nbsp;
Children are the future of any nation, but if such things happen, how will the country move forward, Warring asked.
&nbsp;
"We may have to fight any battle, go to the Governor, or hold 'dharnas' outside BJP offices, but we will continue this fight. People have elected seven Lok Sabha MPs from Punjab. We will raise issues of youth strongly as well as of other sections including labourers, farmers," he said.
&nbsp;
The examination was held on May 5 across 4,750 centres and around 24 lakh candidates took it. The results were expected to be declared on June 14 but were announced on June 4, apparently because the evaluation of the answer sheets was completed earlier.
&nbsp;
There have been allegations of question paper leaks in states like Bihar and other irregularities in the prestigious exam. The allegations have led to protests in several cities and the filing of petitions in several high courts as well as the Supreme Court.
&nbsp;
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court said that even if there was "0.001 per cent negligence" on the part of anyone in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination, it should be thoroughly dealt with.
&nbsp;
The NEET-UG examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in the government and private institutions across the country.&nbsp;

Punjab Congress chief detained during NEET protest

&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Shah credited Yoga as India's gift to humanity, now widely accepted worldwide. He mentioned that over one crore people practised Yoga that day. Addressing the gathering, he said, &ldquo;Yoga is India&rsquo;s gift to humanity and the world. Today, more than one crore people practised Yoga. PM Modi played a very big role in providing a big platform for Yoga. Yoga reflects the essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
In a post on X, Shah called Yoga a &ldquo;precious gift&rdquo; of Indian culture and praised PM Modi for making it a subject of global consciousness through International Yoga Day. He wrote, &ldquo;Sarve santu niramaya...Yoga is a precious gift of Indian culture, which Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji has made a subject of global consciousness through International Yoga Day. Today the whole world is not only celebrating Yoga Day, but has also accepted yoga as an integral part of daily lifestyle. Practised yoga at Gothila Garden (Ahmedabad) on the occasion of International Yoga Day.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Several other ministers also participated in various Yoga events across the country. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari performed Yoga in Nagpur, while Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in Mumbai.
&nbsp;
Goyal praised PM Modi&rsquo;s efforts, stating, &ldquo;The way PM Modi encouraged the whole world towards Yoga, its effect can be seen all over the country and the world. In North Mumbai, it was pouring down heavily. Thousands of people came out and performed Yoga.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav practised Yoga at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande and Indian Army personnel, performed Yoga in Mathura. Singh expressed his pride, saying, &ldquo;I would like to extend my wishes on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2024. It is being celebrated throughout the world with great fervour. It is a matter of pride that the world has adopted this cultural heritage. The reason for its popularity is that it has become a symbol of a healthy lifestyle.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Srinagar.
&nbsp;
Since 2015, Modi has led International Day of Yoga celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru, and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
&nbsp;
The widespread participation in Yoga Day events underscores the global acceptance and significance of Yoga in promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering international unity.
&nbsp;
The continued efforts of the Indian government, particularly under the leadership of PM Modi, have significantly contributed to making Yoga a global phenomenon, celebrated and practised by millions around the world.

Amit Shah highlights Yoga's global acceptance

The UGC-NET June 2024 exam, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), was cancelled on Wednesday amid allegations of a paper leak, with Telegram identified as the epicentre of the breach. Reports reveal that the leaked exam papers were being sold for prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. 
The cancellation was triggered by a routine input from the Ministry of Home Affairs&rsquo; Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). According to top-level sources, this input contained details about the leaks, including links, a brief, and screenshots. Among the evidence was a leaked sample paper that the Education Ministry later verified. 
Sources disclosed that I4C officials discovered the exam paper on sale on Telegram, prompting the Education Ministry to take swift action. The compromised integrity of the exam, with the paper being available on Telegram before the test was conducted, was a primary concern. Officials traced a group selling the paper for ₹10,000 and found that the paper had been available on various groups days ahead of the exam. 
The input provided detailed information about groups explicitly mentioning the NET leak. Sources indicated that Telegram had become the epicentre of the leak, with several groups created to maximise profits through advertisements.&nbsp; Multiple links to where the paper was being sold were supplied to the Education Ministry. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NTA UGC NET paper leaked one day before exam, paper cancelled. NTA as an agency has no integrity.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UGC_NET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UGC_NET</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ugc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ugc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NET_JRF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NET_JRF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NTA_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%80?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NTA_ही_अपराधी</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NTA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NTA</a> <a href="https://t.co/8pV7ErNvKV">pic.twitter.com/8pV7ErNvKV</a>
&mdash; Harshiee (@harshiee_26) <a href="https://twitter.com/harshiee_26/status/1803487063871987714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Though the exact source of the paper remains unknown, it is suspected to have originated from the Dark Web, according to sources. &ldquo;Officials became aware of Telegram groups where the NET paper was being sold. During the initial analysis, social media apps showed messages of the leaked NET paper circulating from these groups. A report was prepared and sent to the Ministry of Education,&rdquo; a senior official familiar with the situation stated. 
When questioned about the nature of the input, the official explained, &ldquo;Every day, we receive information about leaks and attacks, prompting us to request action from concerned agencies, departments, or ministries. Similarly, our team found that the NET paper was being sold. It was a routine input with initial details such as links to the groups and screenshots.&rdquo; 
The UGC-NET cancellation follows a significant controversy regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 medical entrance exam, which is currently under Supreme Court review. On Wednesday night, the Union Education Ministry ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET due to concerns over the exam's compromised integrity and referred the matter to the CBI for investigation. 
On Thursday, the CBI registered a case against unknown individuals under Sections 120B and 420 of the IPC, based on a complaint received on June 20, 2024, from the Secretary, Department of Education, Government of India. &ldquo;The complaint alleged that on June 19, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analysis Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs indicating that the integrity of the UGC-NET 2024 Examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two shifts across different cities, may have been compromised,&rdquo; the CBI stated in a press release.

UGC-NET question paper sold for ₹5,000-₹10,000

The Election Commission of India has initiated a special summary revision of electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K), with three other states, ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, officials have said.
&nbsp;
The poll body's directive specifies that the special summary revision will be done in J&amp;K, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand, where elections are scheduled later this year.
&nbsp;
The exercise is meant to maximise the registration of eligible citizens turning 18 on or before July 1, 2024 and keep the list of voters updated.
&nbsp;
In a communique sent to J&amp;K's chief electoral officer, the Election Commission stated, "It is to state that the election to the legislative assembly in your state is due to be held later this year, and section 21(2) of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1950, provides that the electoral roll shall be revised concerning the qualifying date before each general election to the Legislative Assembly of a state.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Accordingly, to maximise the registration of all eligible citizens who are attaining the age of 18 years on or before July 1, 2024, and to improve the health of the electoral roll, the Commission has decided to carry out a second summary revision of photo electoral rolls with respect to July 1, 2024, as the qualifying date in your state."
&nbsp;
The revision exercise is scheduled to start on July 25 and conclude on August 20. Pre-revision activities will take place from June 25 to July 24 in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and the three other states.
&nbsp;
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission last year to hold assembly elections in J&amp;K by September 30.
&nbsp;
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that preparations for the assembly polls have begun.
&nbsp;
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir elect their representatives at the local level, through them you find ways to solve problems. What can be better than this? Therefore, now the preparations for the Assembly elections have also started.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The time is not far when you will elect the new government of Jammu and Kashmir with your votes. That day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir will once again make its future better as a state," Modi said.
&nbsp;
The Election Commission's efforts ensure a comprehensive and updated electoral roll, facilitating a smooth and democratic election process in the region.

ECI orders electoral roll revision in J&K

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued summons to ruling Trinamool Congress MLA Tapas Saha to appear before it on Friday in connection with its probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment in different state government departments, an official said.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 CBI has issued summons to Saha, the Tehatta MLA in connection with the alleged recruitment scam, he said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;We have summoned him (Saha) for questioning in connection with irregularities in recruitment in different state government departments,&rdquo; the official told the media.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">When contacted, Saha told the media that he will appear before the CBI.

West Bengal

CBI summons TMC MLA Tapas Saha in recruitment scam

The flood situation in Assam worsened on Thursday, with one more person losing his life and over four lakh people affected across 19 districts, according to an official bulletin. 
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that one person drowned in the Khairabari area of Udalguri district. This brings the total number of fatalities from this year's floods, landslides, and storms to 36. 
The ASDMA bulletin detailed that more than 4,09,300 people are impacted in the districts of Bajali, Baksa, Barpeta, Biswanath, Cachar, Darrang, Goalpara, Hailakandi, Hojai, Kamrup, Karimganj, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sonitpur, South Salmara, Tamulpur, and Udalguri. 
Karimganj remains the worst-hit district, with over 2.5 lakh people affected, followed by Darrang with 53,500 people and Tamulpur with 23,000, the bulletin added. As of Wednesday, nearly three lakh people were suffering due to the deluge in 17 districts. 
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the press at Tezpur, said, "The flood situation is slightly alarming now as many tributaries of the Brahmaputra are flowing above the danger level. The good thing is Brahmaputra has not crossed the danger level yet." He expressed hope that the situation would improve if the rains cease. "However, if the incessant rain continues like this, the flood situation will become grim," he cautioned. 
"The flooding has not spread to a large area, but wherever it has occurred, people are facing immense difficulties. We are managing the situation at present. The central government is enquiring about the situation, but we have not sought any assistance yet. We have sufficient funds with us," Sarma stated. 
Relief Efforts and Damage Assessment
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The administration has set up 105 relief camps in one district, sheltering 14,215 individuals, and is operating 78 relief distribution centers.</li>
<li>In the past 24 hours, authorities have distributed 2,010.35 quintals of rice, 354.59 quintals of dal, 134.36 quintals of salt, and 10,750.2 liters of mustard oil to the flood-affected population.</li>
<li>Currently, 1,311 villages are submerged, and 6,424.83 hectares of crop areas have been damaged across Assam, according to the ASDMA.</li>
<li>Infrastructure such as embankments, roads, and bridges has been damaged by floodwaters in the districts of Bajali, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Darrang, Goalpara, Hojai, Kamrup, Kokrajhar, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sonitpur, South Salmara, Tamulpur, Udalguri, Biswanath, West Karbi Anglong, and Karimganj.</li>
</ul>
The ASDMA reported that the rivers Kopili at Kampur, Katakhal at Matizuri, Barak at Badarpur Ghat, and Kushiyara at Karimganj town are currently flowing above the danger level.

Assam's flood toll rises, over 4 lakh affected

A Canadian court rejected a request from two Sikh extremists to be removed from the country's no-fly list, citing that there are 'valid reasons' to suspect that they will threaten transportation security or travel by air to commit a terrorism offence. 
&nbsp;
The Federal Court of Appeal in its ruling this week dismissed an appeal by Bhagat Singh Brar and Parvkar Singh Dulai after they lost a constitutional challenge of their no-fly designations under Canada's Secure Air Travel Act, The Canadian Press news agency reported from Vancouver on Thursday. 
&nbsp;
The two were not allowed to board planes in Vancouver in 2018. 
&nbsp;
The ruling says the act empowers the public safety minister to ban people from flying if there are "reasonable grounds to suspect they will threaten transportation security or travel by air to commit a terrorism offence." 
&nbsp;
"At some point, the appellants tried to fly. They could not," the ruling says. 
&nbsp;
"They were on the list and the minister had directed that they not fly." 
&nbsp;
The appellate panel found that based on confidential security information, the minister "had reasonable grounds to suspect that the appellants would travel by air to commit a terrorism offence." 
&nbsp;
In 2019, Brar and Dulai went to the Federal Court of Canada to have their names out from the list. But Justice Simon Noel ruled against them both in 2022.
&nbsp;
The limits imposed on Dulai, he ruled, "were the result of evidence-based suspicions that he could fly abroad in order to plot a terrorist attack." 
&nbsp;
"The Government of Canada must enact laws that protect national security and intelligence activities in a way that respects rights and freedoms and encourages the international community to do the same," Noel ruled. 
&nbsp;
In their appeal, both Brar and Dulai argued the impairment of their rights as a result of being placed on the list was not "minimal" and therefore unjustified.
&nbsp;
However, the appellate court ruled the legislation was justified and that confidential portions of the court process were procedurally fair.
&nbsp;
The Secure Air Travel Act deals with "national security, international relations, and global cooperation to prevent terrorism" and is "not directed to past events that are tangible, certain, and known," the appellate court found.
&nbsp;
"Rather, it is forward-looking, designed to act preventatively, proactively and pre-emptively to deal with perhaps imprecise but very real risks of harm to property, public safety and human life," the ruling says. 
&nbsp;
"Several of its features show careful tailoring to minimize the impairment of rights and freedoms." 
&nbsp;
Judge David Stratas, who wrote for the three-judge panel, says while the courts need to protect rights, the stakes for government are "sky-high" for security and terrorism prevention, which warrants giving Parliament "some leeway." 
&nbsp;
Lawyers for Brar and Dulai did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the court's ruling.
&nbsp;
According to sources in New Delhi, Dulai is a member of the banned Babbar Khalsa.
&nbsp;
They said Dulai is a close associate of opposition New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh. Dulai runs a channel called &ldquo;Channel Punjabi&rdquo; from Surrey and &ldquo; Global TV&rdquo; from Chandigarh.
&nbsp;
Both the channels spread Khalistani propaganda, they said.
&nbsp;
The court's ruling came against the backdrop of severe strain in India-Canada ties following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing.
&nbsp;
New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd" and "motivated".
&nbsp;
India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Ottawa giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

Ottawa

Canada upholds no-fly list for Sikh extremists

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused the vacation court judge at the Rouse Avenue Court of denying the agency the opportunity to present facts against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor scam case.
&nbsp;
Despite what the ED claims to be glaring evidence of his involvement, the judge granted Kejriwal bail.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Today, the Delhi High Court issued a stay order on the bail granted by Special Judge Niyay Bindu of the Rouse Avenue Court. Judge Bindu had passed the bail order on Thursday evening, stating that the ED acted with bias against Kejriwal and failed to provide direct evidence linking him to the scam.
&nbsp;
Sources within the ED reported that the judge did not permit the agency to submit a written statement.
&nbsp;
"The court wanted us to conclude the argument early. It was not ready to allow us to file a written submission," sources said.
&nbsp;
During the hearing, the ED opposed the bail petition and presented additional evidence purportedly establishing strong links between Kejriwal and a ₹100 crore kickback.
&nbsp;
Kejriwal&rsquo;s lawyer objected to the introduction of this additional evidence at that stage.
&nbsp;
According to ED sources, these pieces of evidence should have been considered when deciding Kejriwal's bail but were ignored.
&nbsp;
Both the ED and Kejriwal's legal team submitted numerous documents and citations during the hearing, including various pieces of evidence and defense papers.
&nbsp;
The court acknowledged that it was not possible to review these thousands of pages at that time.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;But it is the duty of the court to work upon the matter that comes for consideration and pass the order by law. Although, sometimes courts refrain from passing such orders on account of various reasons which may have long-lasting effects. Recently, on CBI Day Celebration, the Hon'ble Chief Justice encouraged trial court judges handling CBI and ED matters, acknowledging their challenging work. The government and higher courts aim to reduce case backlogs and expedite proceedings,&rdquo; the court observed in the bail order.
&nbsp;
ED sources argued that the vacation court admitted in its judgment that it had not reviewed the documents. The agency maintains that bail should not be granted in the name of expediency without considering the merits of the case and the submitted documents.
&nbsp;
The ED arrested Kejriwal on charges of accepting ₹100 crore to alter Delhi's liquor policy in favor of the South Group. The court noted that out of the alleged ₹100 crore, about ₹40 crore has been traced, while the remaining ₹60 crore is yet to be tracked. The ED has not clarified how much time is required to trace the complete money trail.
&nbsp;
Kejriwal is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. He was previously granted interim bail by the Supreme Court to campaign for his party during the parliamentary elections.

ED alleges bias in Kejriwal bail decision

On the 10th International Yoga Day, Indian Army personnel performed yoga in the icy heights of the northern frontier on Friday. 
&nbsp;
Troops also conducted yoga sessions in Eastern Ladakh.
&nbsp;
Personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) participated in yoga at the Muguthang Sub Sector in Sikkim, at an altitude of over 15,000 feet.
&nbsp;
The ITBP has been promoting yoga in various high-altitude Himalayan regions along the India-China border, including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, by performing yoga asanas.
&nbsp;
"From Ladakh in the north to Sikkim in the east, ITBP Jawans performed yoga asanas on the occasion of the 10th International Yoga Day," an official statement from ITBP noted.
&nbsp;
In Leh, ITBP personnel performed yoga at Karzok. Practising yoga in extreme weather conditions, such as the icy heights of the northern frontier or at high altitudes, can offer unique benefits.
&nbsp;
It not only helps in building physical strength and flexibility but also enhances mental resilience and focus, allowing the Army and security forces to adapt and perform effectively in challenging environments.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Additionally, yoga can aid in combating altitude-related issues like oxygen deficiency and acclimatization, promoting overall well-being for personnel stationed in high-altitude regions.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) posted captivating visuals of BSF jawans performing yoga at the zero line at the Joint Check post at Attari, Amritsar. The session was supervised by Brig Pawan Bajaj (Retd), DIG BSF.

Ice, ice yoga – that’s how the Army does it

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pulled up the authorities of seven municipal corporations and 118 municipalities in the state for their alleged failure to ensure basic services like good roads, street lights, encroachment-free pathways and timely garbage removal.
&nbsp;
The chief minister&rsquo;s reprimand came during a video conference from Nabanna on Thursday with mayors or the heads of the board of administrators of seven municipal corporations in Calcutta, Howrah, Bidhannagar, Chandernagore, Durgapur, Asansol and Siliguri.
&nbsp;
Although representatives of the 118 municipalities were not present in the video conference, the district magistrates were asked to pass on the instructions to the civic bodies.
&nbsp;
The meeting assumes significance as the ruling party was trailing in 69 out of the 125 civic bodies in the recent Lok Sabha polls.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The councillors don&rsquo;t roam around in their wards and that&rsquo;s why they don&rsquo;t get to know about the road condition and garbage removal in their wards. Now, do you expect me to look after all these,&rdquo; the chief minister was quoted as saying during the meeting.
&nbsp;
Sources said Mamata was angry when the issue of encroachment came up during the meeting.
&nbsp;
She even pulled Calcutta city police commissioner, Vineet Goyal, asking why the police did not do anything even if people from other states were coming to Calcutta and were setting up shops by encroaching on land.
&nbsp;
Sources in the Trinamool Congress said the chief minister was angry with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation as the ruling party was trailing behind the Opposition parties, mainly the BJP, in more than 45 wards in the city.
&nbsp;
Mamata Banerjee also asked senior officials to prepare a list of unused government buildings and frame a policy to sell those structures through auctions.
&nbsp;
Sources in State Secretariat said the instruction suggested the government wanted to generate as much revenue as possible ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Earlier, the state government had allowed the departments to sell off their unused plots through auctions.... Now, the government has taken a step further and decided to sell unused government buildings. It is clear that the government needs a handsome amount to run its welfare schemes ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls,&rdquo; said a senior bureaucrat.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Kolkata

Mamata sets the stage for 2026 Assembly polls

The Supreme Court has once again declined to halt the counselling process for the NEET-UG 2024 examination, though it has issued a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the exam. A vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti has tagged the new pleas with existing ones and scheduled a hearing for July 8.
&nbsp;
On the previous day, the top court issued a notice in response to an NTA plea seeking to transfer various petitions related to NEET-UG 2024 from High Courts to the Supreme Court. This move has resulted in a stay on proceedings before different high courts.
&nbsp;
The vacation bench was addressing concerns arising from allegations of question paper leaks and other malpractices during the NEET-UG exam. Despite these issues, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its stance against halting the counselling process.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and NTA concerning a petition filed by students who took the NEET-UG exam at the Meghalaya centre.
&nbsp;
These students claimed they lost 45 minutes during the exam and requested inclusion among the 1,563 students who were awarded grace marks and given the option to reappear for the exam on June 23. This petition, along with others, is set for hearing on July 8.
&nbsp;
The NEET-UG 2024 exam, conducted on May 5, saw its results declared on June 4, ahead of the initially scheduled date of June 14. This premature announcement sparked protests and allegations of irregularities, particularly as the results indicated that 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720. Consequently, several petitions were filed by students seeking a re-test.
&nbsp;
In response to these petitions, the Supreme Court has permitted a re-test for over 1,500 students who were given grace marks. The NEET-UG exam, conducted by the NTA, is critical as it determines admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in both government and private institutions across India.
&nbsp;
On June 13, the NTA informed the Supreme Court that the scorecards of the 1,563 candidates who received grace marks would be cancelled. These candidates were offered the option to retake the exam on June 23, with results to be announced by June 30, or to forgo the compensatory marks provided for the loss of time during the initial exam.
&nbsp;
During a hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court emphasised that any negligence in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination, even as minor as 0.001 per cent, would be addressed thoroughly.
&nbsp;
The vacation bench urged advocates representing the Centre and the NTA to treat any such negligence seriously, underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process.

SC declines to halt NEET-UG 2024 counselling

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his appreciation of India's diverse cultural heritage, once again donned the traditional Assamese Gamosa during the International Yoga Day celebrations in Kashmir.
&nbsp;
This gesture brought attention to this significant symbol of Assamese culture. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised Modi, calling him the "brand ambassador" of the Gamosa, highlighting the Prime Minister's efforts in promoting Assamese heritage globally.
&nbsp;
During the national-level Yoga Day celebrations, Prime Minister Modi prominently wore the traditional Assamese Gamosa, reinforcing its cultural significance.
&nbsp;
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded Modi's role in promoting the Gamosa, stating, "Modi is the quintessential brand ambassador of the Assamese Gamosa."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Modi's frequent use of the Gamosa at notable events, including his visit to the United Nations headquarters and Kaziranga National Park, emphasizes its cultural importance and growing recognition beyond Assam.
&nbsp;
In a social media post, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted Modi's unwavering appreciation for the Assamese Gamosa.
&nbsp;
"Donning a Gamosa wherever he goes! Adarniya Shri Narendra Modi ji's love for our Assamese Gamosa is unparalleled, carrying it with finesse on important occasions," Sarma wrote.
&nbsp;
His comments came during the Yoga Day celebrations in Kashmir, where Modi once again wore the Gamosa, leading the 10th International Day of Yoga celebrations observed worldwide.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Donning a Gamusa wherever he goes! 🙏 Adarniya Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji's love for our Assamese Gamusa is unparalleled; carrying it with finesse on important occasions. Today at the national level <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YogaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YogaDay</a> celebrations in Kashmir, the Hon&rsquo;ble PM again donned the Gamusa as the&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/cABvUezDoe">pic.twitter.com/cABvUezDoe</a>
&mdash; Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1804002783173148877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal echoed Sarma's sentiments, noting, "Associated with this beloved Gamosa is the spiritual devotion and solidarity of the devout masses of Krishnaguru Sevashram. On behalf of the people of Assam and the devotees of Krishnaguru Sevashram, I express my deep gratitude to PM Modi for once again showing his love and affection for the Gamosa."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Assam's Gamosa shines again! Hon'ble PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji Modi sends the message of Yoga's greatness to the world from Srinagar in Jammu &amp; Kashmir by wearing our very own Gamosa. Associated with this beloved Gamosa is the spiritual devotion and solidarity of the devout&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/02maDnS7lV">pic.twitter.com/02maDnS7lV</a>
&mdash; Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/1804023985992245598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
This is not the first instance where Modi's affinity for the Gamosa has been highlighted. During International Yoga Day 2023, Modi attended a mass yoga session at the United Nations headquarters' lawns, where he not only performed various yoga asanas but also set a new Guinness World Record. His appearance, wearing the Assamese Gamosa around his neck, drew significant attention to this cultural symbol.
&nbsp;
Modi's journey to the United States last year further showcased his connection to the Gamosa. Sharing a picture on social media, he wore a traditional Kurta-Pajama accompanied by the Gamosa.
&nbsp;
"A long flight also means opportunities to go through papers and some file work," Modi captioned the photo.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Modi's penchant for the Assamese Gamosa is well-documented. He frequently wears Gamosas made by various self-help groups from Assam, thereby supporting local artisans and promoting their craft.
&nbsp;
In 2019, during his visit to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Modi once again donned the Assamese Gamosa, reinforcing his commitment to showcasing India's diverse cultural heritage.
&nbsp;
The significance of the Gamosa extends beyond Modi's personal use. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised Modi as the quintessential brand ambassador of the Assamese Gamosa.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Speaking at a rally, Sarma emphasised, "Have you ever seen any Indian prime minister wearing Assamese traditional Gamosa instead of Narendra Modi? He is from Gujarat but whenever he visits other places, he always wears an Assamese Gamosa. Many people have started wearing Gamosa after seeing Modi Ji. Like any other product that has a brand ambassador, Narendra Modi is the brand ambassador of our Assamese Gamosa."
&nbsp;
Sarma also recalled Modi's visit to Kaziranga National Park, highlighting the Prime Minister's hands-on approach to experiencing and promoting the beauty of Assam. "Do you&nbsp;remember any former Indian Prime Minister spending a night in Kaziranga and taking an early ride to the park? But Narendra Modi did," Sarma noted.
&nbsp;
Highlighting Modi's efforts in amplifying Assamese culture on the global stage, Sarma noted the Prime Minister's recognition of the Bihu dance and the prestigious Bharat Ratna conferred upon legendary musician Bhupen Hazarika. With Modi's extensive visits to Assam&mdash;27 times during his tenure&mdash;the Chief Minister extolled his unparalleled commitment and love for the state.
&nbsp;
The Assamese Gamosa, a handwoven cotton textile from Assam, is usually white with crimson or maroon stripes on the edges and may include ornate motifs woven into it. This versatile piece of cloth plays a vital role in Assamese culture and is worn in various social, cultural, and religious activities.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the Gamosa represents hospitality, kindness, and respect, often given as a gift to guests or used to honor significant people. In recent years, the Gamosa, also known as Gamucha, has gained popularity outside of Assam and is now recognized as a symbol of India's entire northeast region.
&nbsp;
PM Modi's consistent use of the Gamosa not only honors Assamese traditions but also brings national and international attention to this distinctive piece of Indian culture.&nbsp;

PM Modi's Assamese gamosa gesture wins hearts

Amid the escalating row between Delhi and Haryana over the water crisis in the national capital, Delhi Water Minister Atishi announced on Friday that she will begin an indefinite fast until the city receives its "rightful share" of water from Haryana.
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Atishi stated that despite every possible effort, the Haryana government is not providing full water to Delhi, resulting in 28 lakh people not getting water. To address this issue, she said she will step on the path of 'Satyagraha' and start an 'indefinite fast'.
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader plans to go to Raj Ghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, after which she will commence her fast at Bhogal, Jangpura at noon.
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Taking to X, she declared, "Water shortage continues in Delhi. Even today 28 lakh Delhiites are not getting water. Despite every possible effort, the Haryana government is not providing full water to Delhi. Mahatma Gandhi has taught that if one has to fight against injustice, one must adopt the path of Satyagraha."
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She added, "I will start 'Water Satyagraha' from today. I will go to Raj Ghat at 11 am and pay tribute to Gandhiji. I will start an indefinite fast at Bhogal, Jangpura from 12 o'clock. I will remain on fast until the people of Delhi get their rightful share of water from Haryana."
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Atishi had previously announced on Wednesday that if Delhi does not get its "rightful" share of water by June 21, she would be forced to begin a 'Satyagraha'. This announcement has sparked reactions from various political figures.
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has continued to criticise the Delhi government over the water crisis. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj alleged that the crisis has been "orchestrated" by the AAP government to "encourage corruption".
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She stated, "It almost seems that this crisis, which is not a natural crisis, has been orchestrated by the Kejriwal government to encourage their own corruption as well as to encourage the illegal tanker mafia."
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She further accused the Delhi government of indulging in theatrics rather than working on the ground to solve the problem. "Delhi is in a dire state. The entire city is parched and the Kejriwal government is indulging only in theatrics.
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Delhi minister Atishi instead of working on the ground and instead of taking any adequate steps is now indulging in mere theatrics and is now threatening Delhiites with anshan (fast)," she added.
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For almost a month now, Delhi has been grappling with a severe water crisis amid scorching heat. Residents in multiple parts of the city are forced to queue up to collect water from tankers. Frustrated by the situation, they have been demanding a resolution to their problems.
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The political row over the water crisis has continued to intensify, with BJP and AAP at loggerheads. Even Congress, which contested the Lok Sabha elections in alliance with AAP, has criticised the Delhi government on this issue. Congress' Delhi president Devender Yadav termed the situation a "deceit" with the people.
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As Atishi begins her indefinite fast, the focus remains on whether the government will take steps to address the water crisis and provide relief to the residents of Delhi.

Delhi faces water crisis Atishi begins satyagraha

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has announced non-violent demonstrations on June 24, seeking Union territory status for the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur.
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The ITLF, in its statement, urged widespread participation to support their political demands.
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The forum also plans to protest the autonomous district council (ADC) elections, accusing them of creating divisions among the Kuki-Zo community.
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"We request everyone to join in great numbers to demonstrate our political demands," the ITLF stated.
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The rallies will occur simultaneously in various hill regions, including Pherzawl, Kanggui, and Tengnoupal. A total shutdown will accompany the day of the rally.
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&nbsp;"We have demanded separation from Manipur, and so far, there has been no settlement to our political demands," the ITLF reiterated, urging people to boycott the ADC polls.
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May 3, 2023, remains a significant and grim marker in Manipur's history. On this day, the state's unity fractured, not by physical borders, but by an invisible wall of animosity.
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The "Tribal Solidarity March" sparked the division, protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
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The ensuing violence pitted the Meitei against the Kuki communities, resulting in over 200 deaths and countless displacements, shattering the daily lives of Manipuris.
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Historically, Manipur's geography fostered a degree of segregation, with Meiteis in the valley, Kukis in the south, and Nagas in the north. Despite this, coexistence prevailed until last May's violence.
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A year later, the scars remain raw. Families, once neighbours for generations, now stand divided. The ITLF's latest call for demonstrations underscores the persistent and unresolved political tensions within the state. 
Earlier in 2023, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the principal organisation representing all Kuki tribes in Manipur, demanded the creation of a new state under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. 
"Following its crucial cabinet meeting on July 12, 2023, and the executive decision taken thereafter, the Kuki Inpi Manipur explicitly stated its demand for a separate administration in the form of a separate state under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution," read a press note issued by KIM General Secretary Khaikhohauh Gangte.

Imphal

Manipur's Kuki-Zo demand separate UT

Himachal Pradesh's apple economy, a critical component of the state's agricultural sector, is bracing for significant losses this year. Drought-like conditions, driven by insufficient snowfall during winter and scant rainfall this summer, have severely impacted apple orchards and other crops alike. Initial projections estimated a yield of over three crore apple boxes for the year; however, current assessments indicate production will fall significantly short of these expectations. 
This marks the second consecutive year that adverse weather has disrupted Himachal's apple industry, valued at approximately Rs 5,000 crore. Last year, excessive rainfall from March through August was followed by a particularly dry winter from September 2023 to January 2024.
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This year, a prolonged dry spell from March to June has further stressed the apple plantations. 
Lokender Singh Bisht, President of the Progressive Growers Association, expressed grave concerns about the ongoing drought. "If the current conditions persist, this year's crop may be severely compromised. Our hopes now rest on the rainfall expected in July," Bisht stated.
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He highlighted alarming mortality rates in young apple plantations, with 30-50% losses in some areas and even higher rates of 70-80% reported elsewhere.
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Harish Chauhan, Convener of Sanyukt Kisan Manch, noted that the lack of ground moisture has caused premature fruit drop, exacerbating growers' worries.
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"Climate change is increasingly evident. December snowfall has shifted to February, altering the flowering period," Chauhan observed.
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Usha Sharma, a senior scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Rohru, reported that many older, diseased apple trees have succumbed to the prolonged dry conditions.
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"Growers should consider mulching to help retain soil moisture and implement drip irrigation systems to ensure consistent watering," Sharma advised.
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The apple industry, vital to the livelihoods of thousands in Himachal Pradesh, now awaits July rains with bated breath, hoping for a reprieve from the relentless drought.&nbsp;

Dry spell threatens Himachal's apple economy

The Election Commission of India has started preparations for the assembly polls scheduled&nbsp;this year in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand with the updation of electoral rolls in these states. 
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July 1, 2024, will be the qualifying date. For the just-held Lok Sabha polls, the voters list&nbsp;was updated with January 1 as the qualifying date.
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Qualifying date helps establish a number of voters on a given date in a state or in the country.
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The term of the existing legislative assemblies in the three states are going to end on November 3, November 26, and January 5, 2025, respectively, and elections to these legislative assemblies are required to be conducted before the completion of their terms.
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Besides, assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are also to be conducted for constituting a new house after delimitation of constituencies, the ECI said on Friday. 
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"Witnessing the huge participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Commission has also directed for the updation of electoral rolls in the UT with July 1, 2024 as the qualifying date," the poll authority said.&nbsp;

ECI begins preparations for Assembly polls 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defer the implementation of the three criminal laws, which are set to be rolled out on July 1.
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<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In a letter to the prime minister, Banerjee said the deferment would enable a renewed Parliamentary review of the criminal laws.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The new laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act. The laws will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The new laws aim to provide speedy justice to the citizens of the country and will strengthen the judicial and court management system.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
&ldquo;This approach would afford the newly elected people&rsquo;s representatives the opportunity to thoroughly examine the proposed reforms, address concerns raised by various stakeholders, and ensure that the laws reflect the collective will and aspirations of the citizenry.
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Such renewed parliamentary oversight/mandate would reinforce public confidence in the legislative process and enhance the legitimacy of the legal reforms,&rdquo; Mamata wrote.
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She also reminded PM Modi about two letters written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah&nbsp;highlighting why extreme caution and due diligence are required in the matter.
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&ldquo;I had argued that the outgoing Lok Sabha should not pass the new Bills with such far-reaching significance in undue hurry. I had specifically said that it would be better if the newly elected Members of the Lok Sabha deliberate upon these extremely important legislations and reach a consensus. I now reiterate that point and request you to halt and review the whole subject anew,&rsquo; Mamata Banerjee wrote.
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&ldquo;Secondly, practically, the request for postponement stems from a pragmatic assessment of the challenges and preparatory work required for a smooth transition, particularly concerning the training of law enforcement personnel and judicial officers. Any far-reaching legal, change requires meticulous groundwork beforehand to ensure effective enforcement and administration and we do not have any reason to avert such homework,&rdquo; she added in her letter.
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Mamata further alleged in the letter that the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, did not involve the state government when it organised a conference in Kolkata on the topic on June 16. &ldquo;This is highly objectionable and this should have been organized by the State Government as law &amp; order is a State subject,&rdquo; she wrote.
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&ldquo;We believe that this postponement will enable a renewed Parliamentary review/mandate, reinforce public trust in the legal system, and uphold the rule of law in our beloved country,&rdquo; the West Bengal&nbsp;chief minister wrote.
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Mamata writes to PM for deferring criminal laws

The maiden session of the 16th Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly began on Friday with the oath-taking process of the newly-elected MLAs.
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Telugu Desam Party MLA G Butchaiah Chowdary presided over the proceedings as the Pro-tem Speaker.
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The session commenced at 9:45 am in the Assembly Hall located at Velagapudi, Amravati.
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Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu attended the session after more than two and half years.
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Actor-Politician and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan entered the House for the first time in his 16-year-old political career as Pithapuram MLA and Deputy Chief Minister.
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The session will witness the election of a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
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According to TDP sources, senior party leader and Narsipatnam MLA C Ayyannapatrudu is likely to be elected as the Speaker.
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CM and Kuppam MLA Chandrababu Naidu was the first to take oath followed by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.
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After taking oath, Naidu went to the Pro-tem&rsquo;s Speaker&rsquo;s chair and exchanged pleasantries.
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The NDA alliance swept the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections by winning 164 seats in the 175-member House.
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Simi Garewal posts throwback 'Rendezvous with Imran Khan' praising Nehru & India's democracy

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