Petitions challenge ban on 25 oooks

Inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission's success, ministries are urged to launch campaigns promoting civic sense and public behavior. The aim is to foster a sense of ownership for public assets and infrastructure. This initiative, discussed with PM Modi, seeks to create a people's movement for better urban management and public welfare.

Aam Aadmi Party's Gujarat Farmer Cell head, Raju Karpada, was arrested by police for protesting alleged unfair deductions in cotton sales at the Botad Marketing Yard. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal condemned the arrest, stating it was an attempt to silence farmers' voices and vowed to continue advocating for their rights.

India is upgrading its Kabul mission to a full embassy, signaling a significant diplomatic shift during Taliban Foreign Minister Muttaqi's visit. This move, without formal recognition, aims to enhance regional stability and counter terrorism. Muttaqi also strongly condemned Pakistan's alleged bombing of civilian areas in Afghanistan, highlighting a growing rift between Kabul and Islamabad.

Prime Minister Modi met US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, signaling renewed focus on the India-US partnership amidst trade tensions. Gor highlighted President Trump's «great» regard for Modi and discussed strengthening bilateral ties in defense, trade, and technology. The meeting, following a recent Trump-Modi phone call, aims to boost economic collaboration and regional stability.

Taliban's foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Darul Uloom Deoband, expressing optimism for improved India-Afghanistan ties and highlighting educational and cultural connections. The seminary's president reassured that Afghanistan would not be used for terror against India. This visit underscores the historical and religious links between the two nations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi to discuss the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States. Gor's visit aims to familiarize himself with India following his Senate confirmation, with formal credential presentation to follow later.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's Facebook account, with over 8.5 million followers, was temporarily suspended, sparking accusations of silencing opposition voices. Yadav stated the suspension was due to posts about a journalist's murder and a woman's suspicious death, questioning pressure on media under the BJP. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw denied government involvement, citing Facebook's policy on abusive content.

Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor has challenged RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, stating he would contest from Raghopur, a seat currently held by Yadav. Kishor predicted Yadav would lose the constituency, drawing a parallel to Rahul Gandhi's Amethi defeat. He alleged Raghopur lacks basic amenities despite being represented by Yadav and his parents.

An IndiGo flight from Madurai, carrying 76 passengers, made a safe landing in Delhi after the pilot detected a crack in the windshield mid-flight. Precautionary measures were in place, and all passengers disembarked without incident. The return flight was cancelled as the airline arranged for windshield replacement.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a new nine-point policy aimed at balancing economic growth with environmental protection. This initiative is part of the state's commitment to achieving sustainable development goals. The policy was highlighted during the inauguration of the 24th annual IASSI conference in Dehradun.

Opposition leaders have strongly criticized the Taliban's exclusion of women journalists from a press conference in New Delhi, calling it an attack on women's rights and democracy. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on the issue, highlighting India's commitment to gender equality and democratic rights.

Prime Minister Modi honored Jayaprakash Narayan on his birth anniversary, recognizing him as a «tireless champion for democracy and social justice.» Modi highlighted JP's «Sampoorna Kranti» movement and his role in challenging the 1975 Emergency, sharing poignant excerpts from JP's «Prison Diary» to underscore his unwavering commitment to democratic values and citizen empowerment.

A wife caught her husband with his girlfriend on a busy Kanpur street, leading to a violent public altercation. The confrontation escalated from an argument to physical violence, with eyewitnesses reporting the husband slapped his wife, and the girlfriend then thrashed her. The dramatic incident has gone viral on social media.

Rajasthan Intelligence apprehended Mangat Singh from Alwar for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI. Singh was reportedly honey-trapped by a Pakistani handler named 'Isha Sharma' who promised him money in exchange for sensitive defence information. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the espionage network.

Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's press conference in Delhi saw no women journalists present, mirroring Taliban's gender curbs. Despite India's suggestion for inclusion, the decision was reportedly made by Taliban officials. Muttaqi deflected questions on women's rights, citing national customs and claiming improved peace and stability since their 2021 takeover.

The Supreme Court expressed concern over child deaths in Madhya Pradesh due to contaminated cough syrup but refused to monitor a probe. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta intervened, stating states are addressing the issue, and the court should trust them to act. The PIL was dismissed as the petitioner has a history of filing similar petitions.

India's doctor count appears stagnant, with the National Medical Commission (NMC) data showing minimal growth despite thousands graduating annually. Significant discrepancies exist between NMC figures and state medical council registrations, raising concerns about accurate healthcare planning and potentially misleading Parliament.

Earlier, Lawyers Had Forced Summons' Withdrawal

The ED has arrested four individuals in Ahmedabad in a Rs 100-crore extortion case involving digital arrests and illegal forex trading. Accused allegedly laundered over Rs 100 crore through bank accounts and converted proceeds into cryptocurrency. This is part of a larger crackdown on cybercrimes where the ED has attached over Rs 8,500 crore in assets.

India is upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy. This significant step follows a visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. India announced new projects and humanitarian aid for Afghanistan. Both sides condemned cross-border terrorism. India reaffirmed its commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty. The visit aims to boost diplomatic and economic ties.

America has sanctioned eight Indian individuals and ten companies. These actions are due to their involvement in trading Iranian oil. The US State Department and Treasury targeted numerous entities globally. Several Indian firms are accused of importing Iranian-origin petrochemicals and LPG. These shipments were destined for China and Pakistan. The sanctions highlight ongoing efforts to curb Iran's oil trade.

Himachal Pradesh BJP chief's elder brother, Ram Kumar Bindal, was arrested for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman during a medical examination. The survivor claims she was assaulted under the guise of Ayurvedic treatment. The BJP has called the accusation a politically motivated act, while police are investigating.