A Jaipur woman, Babita Dhakad alias 'Khadija', was apprehended planning a trip to Pakistan to marry a close associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Officials revealed she intended to enter Pakistan via Nepal, having been under militaey surveillance for several weeks. According to investigator, her electronic devices showed contact with multiple Pakistani numbers, including those linked to terror operatives.
In a groundbreaking initiative named 'Operation Chakra-VI', the CBI targeted an extensive digital scam network spanning 16 states. With operations conducted at 80 locations, this syndicate allegedly swindled many by impersonating officials and creating a deceptive Supreme Court website. Authorities arrested two suspects who laundered approximately Rs 2 crore through shell companies and mule accounts, utilizing forged court documents to exploit victims.
Sharad Pawar, chief of NCP (SP), expressed strong confidence in his party's unity, stating none of his MPs will defect, unlike the recent Shiv Sena (UBT) split. This comes amid reports of some NCP (SP) leaders being in touch with the Ajit Pawar faction. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have approached the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding six MPs who switched allegiance to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Indian researchers have unveiled an ingenious calculator capable of identifying tuberculosis patients who are at a high risk of death upon being diagnosed. By harnessing simple clinical indicators like body mass index and oxygen levels, this tool promises to facilitate timely medical responses and mitigate mortality rates, especially in underprivileged regions.
For the first time, NCERT has introduced a chapter on the Emergency from 1975-77 in the Class IX curriculum. This segment sheds light on the suspension of fundamental rights and censorship, underscoring the crucial challenges faced by Indian democracy. The chapter, titled 'Understanding Society: India and Beyond,' also recognizes Jayaprakash Narayan's influence and the subsequent elections, celebrating democracy's resilience after 51 years since the Emergency was declared.
Government has scrapped early completion bonuses for highway projects in hilly regions to prioritize quality construction. New mandates require slopes to withstand a monsoon before final road work begins. Stricter geological checks and slope monitoring are now compulsory, with payments tied to stability measures. This aims to curb landslides and ensure safer, more durable infrastructure in sensitive terrains.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged states to implement e-Zero FIRs for cybercrime victims, aiming to prevent further harassment and financial loss. He emphasized the need for swift action, better coordination among agencies, and public awareness to combat rising digital fraud. The PM also reviewed progress on the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and stressed efficient infrastructure project planning using the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
Farmers in Punjab protested the proposed India-US trade agreement, fearing it will harm domestic agriculture, labourers, and small traders. Burning effigies of leaders, they demanded the pact's cancellation, citing concerns over increased imports and unfair competition from subsidized American farmers. This opposition echoes past farm law debates, with calls for MSP guarantees and irrigation reforms.
According to sources, legal and constitutional experts attached to Parliament are currently examining the matter and are expected to provide their recommendations before a final decision is taken. Previous rulings by presiding officers in comparable situations are also being studied to ensure any decision is legally and constitutionally sound. Apart from the rebel factions of the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT), the DMK has also sought a separate seating arrangement following the collapse of its long-standing alliance with the Congress.
In a wide-ranging interview with news agency PTI, Ramesh also launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling its members «fraudulent nationalists», and labelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi «the master of falsehoods». During a rapid-fire segment, the Rajya Sabha MP was asked to give one-word responses to a series of questions. When asked to identify India's best prime minister, he replied, «undoubtedly Jawaharlal Nehru».
