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ED's Allegations on AJL's ₹2,000 Crore Assets In the ongoing hearing of the high-stakes National Herald money laundering case, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has raised crucial questions regarding the alleged misappropriation of Associated Journals Limited’s (AJL) assets worth ₹2,000 crore. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, has argued that the transfer of AJL to Young Indian—a company allegedly controlled by Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi—was not a legitimate business transaction but a calculated conspiracy to gain control of valuable real estate assets. ₹90 Crore Loan for ₹2,000 Crore Company: A “Sham Transaction”? The ED contended that the Indian National Congress extended a loan of ₹90.25 crore to AJL, which was financially struggling and unable to repay its dues. In a series of moves that the ED claims are fraudulent, Young Indian was allegedly formed and took over AJL’s massive assets in ex...

  ⚖️ Background of the Case In a significant judgment delivered by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court , a 25-year-old man who had been convicted in a 2015 case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was acquitted. The case involved an allegation that the man harassed a 17-year-old girl by holding her hand and expressing the words, “I love you,” as she was returning from school. This resulted in the registration of a police complaint and criminal charges under Section 354A (sexual harassment) and Section 354D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Section 8 of the POCSO Act . A sessions court in Nagpur had earlier sentenced the man to three years’ imprisonment , holding that his actions constituted sexual harassment under the prevailing laws. 🧑‍⚖️ High Court’s Observations and Reasoning The High Court, however, took a different view, setting aside the conviction. Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke , who delivered the verdict, str...

A Landmark Blow to Global Illicit Pharma Syndicates In a significant transnational breakthrough, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India, in coordination with international enforcement agencies, has successfully dismantled a massive drug trafficking syndicate operating across four continents. The high-profile operation, codenamed Operation Med Max , is being hailed as one of the largest coordinated actions against illegal pharmaceutical trade involving India, the United States, Australia, and Europe . The Takedown: A Routine Interception with Global Fallout The operation was set in motion during a routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market, New Delhi , in May 2025. Acting on a tip-off, NCB officers seized 3.7 kilograms of Tramadol tablets from two B. Pharma graduates. Their confessions led investigators to a stockist in Roorkee and further arrests in Delhi and Karnataka, uncovering a sophisticated drop-shipping and crypto-funded distribution network . International L...

Government Reiterates: No Direct Link Between COVID-19 Vaccination and Sudden Deaths In a significant development aimed at addressing growing concerns and misinformation, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formally clarified that no direct link exists between COVID-19 vaccinations and sudden deaths , particularly among young adults. This assertion is based on comprehensive multi-agency studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) . Studies Conducted Across India to Investigate Sudden Deaths The Ministry, through a detailed press release, informed that the phenomenon of sudden, unexplained deaths—especially in the age group of 18 to 45 years —has been the subject of detailed investigation. Two independent yet complementary studies were launched to explore the root causes: 1. Multicentric Case-Control Study by ICMR-NIE (May–August 2023) Titled “Factors Associated with Unexplained Sudden De...

  Bengaluru Roadshow Highlights Strategic Vision for IMC 2025 As the countdown begins for India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 , the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have intensified engagement with innovators and tech leaders. A significant milestone in this journey was marked by a Bengaluru roadshow —a prelude to Asia’s largest digital technology forum, which is set to be held in October 2025 . The event, organised alongside TiE Bangalore’s Matrix Global Summit 2025 , spotlighted Bengaluru’s role as a pivotal launchpad in India's digital ecosystem. The summit focused on deep-tech advancements , including Generative AI , blockchain, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. Empowering Innovation: ASPIRE, Startup World Cup, and API Hackathon IMC 2025 is designed around a strong innovation framework, with flagship programs like: ASPIRE Programme : A strategic initiative to connect over 500 startups with global v...

Background of the Case: Trademark Dispute Over BHPC Logo The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Amazon Technology Inc. by staying the operation of a February 2025 single-judge order that had directed the company to pay over ₹339 crore in damages and costs to Lifestyle Equities and Lifestyle Licensing B.V. — the owners of the luxury fashion brand Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC) . The original suit, filed in 2020, accused Amazon and its affiliates of infringing upon BHPC’s registered trademark , particularly the horse device and logo , via Amazon’s private apparel label Symbol . Interim Stay by Division Bench On June 3, 2025, a division bench comprising Justices C Hari Shankar and Ajay Digpaul passed the interim stay order on Amazon’s appeal. The bench clarified that Amazon will not be required to deposit the ₹339 crore sum during the interim period , although it would be liable to comply if the final verdict rules against them. The detailed reasoning for the st...

Former Bureaucrats and Defence Officials Seek Judicial Intervention In a significant development, five eminent citizens—including retired civil servants, defence officials, and a former government-appointed interlocutor—have jointly penned an open letter addressed to Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai , urging the Supreme Court of India to take suo motu cognisance of the continued delay in restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir . The petitioners include: Radha Kumar , former member of the Group of Interlocutors for J&K Gopal Pillai , former Union Home Secretary Major General Ashok K. Mehta (Retd.) , Indian Army Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak (Retd.) , Indian Air Force Amitabha Pande , former Union Secretary, Inter-State Council Statehood Assurances Unfulfilled Since Abrogation of Article 370 The plea is rooted in the concerns that despite repeated assurances from the Union Government —both inside and outside Parliament—and the 2023 Supreme Court verdict ,...

🔷 BCI Steps In to Regulate Legal Education Standards In a strong move aimed at maintaining the integrity of India’s legal education ecosystem, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a formal advisory cautioning against unapproved online, distance, or hybrid LL.M. programmes . The advisory reaffirms that only the BCI has statutory authority under the Advocates Act, 1961 to regulate legal education, including postgraduate law courses across India. This advisory is significant amidst the growing number of unauthorized LL.M. degrees offered by private institutions , often under alternate designations like “LL.M. (Professional), Executive LL.M., or M.Sc. in Cyber Law”. 🔷 Who Issued the Advisory? The advisory letter was issued by Justice Rajendra Menon , former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and Co-Chairman of the Standing Committee on Legal Education under BCI. It was addressed to: Registrar Generals of all High Courts Registrar of the Supreme Court of India U...

🔹 IDF Confirms Killing of Hamas Commander Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa In a significant escalation of targeted military actions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the killing of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa , a senior Hamas commander and a key figure in the group's military leadership. Issa is believed to be one of the architects of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel , a violent incident that marked one of the deadliest escalations in the Israel-Palestine conflict in recent history. According to an official statement released by the IDF via X (formerly Twitter), Al-Issa was eliminated in a precision operation conducted with the support of the Israel Security Agency (ISA) . The statement described him as: “One of the founders of Hamas' military wing… who led Hamas’ force build-up, training, and planned the October 7 massacre. As Head of Combat Support, he advanced aerial and naval attacks against Israelis.” The IDF reaffirmed its commitment to continue ...

BJP President JP Nadda Constitutes Four-Member Probe Panel In response to the shocking gang-rape of a female law student inside the South Calcutta Law College , BJP national president JP Nadda has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The committee includes: Satpal Singh , former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi , former Union Minister Biplab Kumar Deb , Member of Parliament and former Tripura CM Manan Kumar Mishra , Member of Parliament The team has been tasked with visiting the crime scene, interacting with authorities and stakeholders, and submitting a report directly to BJP chief JP Nadda . In a statement, the BJP condemned the incident and raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in West Bengal , calling the crime "heinous and reprehensible." Details of the Incident: Assault Inside Law College Premises The incident reportedly took place inside the South Calcutta Law College , located in Kolkata’s K...

MSME Day 2025: Spotlight on India’s Growth Backbone June 27 marks International MSME Day , declared by the United Nations General Assembly to raise global awareness about the contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India, home to over 64 million MSMEs , celebrates this day amidst renewed calls from entrepreneurs for more structured and targeted government support. MSMEs Demand Stronger Tech & Supply Chain Infrastructure According to Vasu Naren , Chairman & MD of Sona Machinery , sectors like food processing face major hurdles due to poor supply chains and limited digital infrastructure. He emphasized the need for smart trade infrastructure , real-time electronic platforms, and improved last-mile logistics. He also urged the government to support MSMEs in global trade promotion through funded digital outreach and regular participation in international trade fairs. IT-Based MSMEs Struggl...

India Condemns Terrorism at SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao, China, on June 25–26, 2025, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a firm and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism. Addressing defence counterparts from across the SCO region—including China, Russia, and Central Asian nations—Singh called for collective accountability and action against terrorism in all its forms. He stressed the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and state sponsors of terrorism accountable , reinforcing India’s longstanding position on cross-border terrorism and extremism. Pahalgam Terror Attack & Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Proxy Network Singh referenced the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians, including a Nepali national , were killed in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack was orchestrated by The Resistance Front (TRF) , which is a known proxy of the ...

Boosting Exports and Investments: Strategic Engagements with Global Corporates In a bid to reinforce India's export momentum and global investment appeal, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has recently held key discussions with global business leaders. Among the notable meetings: L'Oréal India : Goyal met Aseem Kaushik , MD, and Krishna Vilasini Bharadwaj , Director of Corporate Affairs & Engagement at L’Oréal India. Focus Areas : Expanding exports of beauty and personal care products from India. Skill development in the beauty sector, aimed at empowering youth with job-ready training. Supporting the broader objectives of Make in India and Skill India . Temasek : Goyal also held talks with Ravi Lambah , Head of Strategic Initiatives & India Head at Temasek, a Singapore-based global investment firm. Key Discussion Points : Temasek’s growing role in India’s innovation ecosystem and job creation . Reinforcing Temasek’...

India Leads Global Mobile Data Usage Per User India is poised to retain its global leadership in mobile data consumption per user, with data usage per smartphone projected to rise from 32 GB/month in 2024 to 62 GB/month by 2030 , according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report . This growth highlights India’s digital trajectory as the world’s most data-hungry mobile market. The current data consumption per user is already the highest globally. The expected doubling over the next six years underscores a transformative demand for high-speed connectivity, video streaming, gaming, and AI-powered applications in both urban and rural regions. 5G Subscriptions to Triple by 2030 India's 5G subscriber base , which stood at 290 million in December 2024 (around 24% of total mobile subscribers), is projected to surge to 980 million by 2030 —representing 75% of all mobile subscriptions in the country. This dramatic shift will see a corresponding decline in 4G subscriptions, from the ...

ECI Responds to Allegations with Formal Invitation In a significant development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has invited Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for an official interaction to address his recent allegations of rigging in the Maharashtra Assembly elections , held in 2024. The invitation, confirmed by official sources, was sent via email on June 12 and also physically delivered to Gandhi’s residence . The move comes in response to public accusations made by the senior Congress leader regarding irregularities in the electoral process , particularly in the Nagpur South West constituency —represented by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis . Rahul Gandhi’s Key Allegations Rahul Gandhi, in a series of public statements and a detailed post on social media platform X, has alleged the following: The voter list in Nagpur South West constituency witnessed an 8% growth within just five months . Certain polling booths saw a surge of 20–50% in registered voters. ...

DGCA Responds to Rising Monsoon Weather Threats In light of increasing weather-related flight incidents during the Indian monsoon , the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued revised operational guidelines to reinforce aviation safety. This development follows an incident involving IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar , which sustained nose cone damage mid-air due to severe weather but landed safely with 227 passengers. Issued on June 12 , the updated circular underscores the growing impact of climate-driven weather volatility on civil aviation and the need for advanced safety practices during this sensitive season. Weather Hazards Identified in the Revised Guidelines The DGCA highlights specific monsoon-related risks that must be actively avoided by pilots and airlines: Heavy rainfall Turbulence and windshear Lightning and hailstorms Enroute icing Microbursts and convective weather systems Pilots are now required to maintain a mi...

🔍 Geopolitical Tensions Threaten India’s Fiscal Stability As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, the economic fallout is becoming more visible—particularly for energy-import-dependent countries like India. A recent report by ICRA has flagged that if crude oil prices jump by $10/barrel amid West Asia instability, India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) could widen by 0.3% of GDP . This would mean a jump of $13–14 billion in net oil imports, putting pressure on the country’s balance of payments. Currently, ICRA estimates India's CAD for FY26 at 1.2–1.3% of GDP , assuming oil remains around $70–75 per barrel . However, if prices move into the $80–90 range , the CAD could hit 1.5–1.6% , significantly impacting the rupee’s stability against the US dollar. 🚢 Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Choke Point The biggest concern? Iran’s warning to close the Strait of Hormuz —a crucial maritime route through which 20% of the world’s crude and LNG supplies are shipped. India imports...