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Showing posts from May, 2024

Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

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Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...

WHO Representative Declares "Tobacco Industry Has Blood on Its Hands" on World No Tobacco Day

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WHO Representative Declares "Tobacco Industry Has Blood on Its Hands" on World No Tobacco Day On World No Tobacco Day, the WHO representative to India, Roderico H Ofrin, delivered a stark message in Delhi, accusing the tobacco industry of targeting young people and being responsible for the premature deaths of half of its users.  Targeting Youth for Profit "The tobacco industry has blood on its hands," Ofrin stated, highlighting how the industry designs and sells products that ultimately kill half of their users prematurely. He emphasized that to sustain their business, tobacco companies must continually recruit new users, primarily targeting the youth. "You have to start them young so that they can earn more because eventually, they'll stop if they get sick," he added. Report Findings: Hooking the Next Generation Ofrin referenced a WHO report titled "Hooking the Next Generation," which reveals that the tobacco and nicotine industry designs p...

Donald Trump Convicted: Can He Still Run for President?

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Donald Trump Convicted: Can He Still Run for President? Following a New York jury's verdict, former President Donald Trump stands convicted on all 34 felony charges of falsifying business records. This development raises pertinent questions about his future political endeavors and voting rights, as reported by CNN. Eligibility to Run for President Despite the conviction, Trump can still run for president. The US Constitution outlines three prerequisites for presidential candidates: natural-born citizenship, a minimum age of 35, and at least 14 years of US residency. Trump satisfies all these criteria, making him eligible to run for the presidency again. Impact of the 14th Amendment The 14th Amendment imposes restrictions on individuals engaged in insurrection. However, invoking this restriction requires a special law by Congress, which is an unlikely scenario in the current political landscape. Sentencing and Political Implications Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled Trump's sente...

Agnikul Cosmos Successfully Launches Agnibaan SoRTed-01 from Private Launchpad in Sriharikota

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Agnikul Cosmos Successfully Launches Agnibaan SoRTed-01 from Private Launchpad in Sriharikota Sriharikota, India – In a landmark achievement for India’s private space sector, startup Agnikul Cosmos has successfully launched the Agnibaan SoRTed-01 mission from their dedicated launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR) in Sriharikota. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the news on Thursday, marking this event as a major milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors. ISRO Congratulates Agnikul Cosmos ISRO lauded Agnikul Cosmos for their achievement, terming it as a significant step forward. "Congratulations, @AgnikulCosmos, for the successful launch of the Agnibaan SoRTed-01 mission from their launch pad. A major milestone as the first-ever controlled flight of a semi-cryogenic liquid engine realised through additive manufacturing," ISRO posted on X. Innovative Engine and Avionics The engine test, driven by Agnikul’s in-house designed data ...

Police in Baramulla Install GPS Tracking Device on Bailed Out LeT Terror Associate

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Police in Baramulla Install GPS Tracking Device on Bailed Out LeT Terror Associate Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir – In a significant move to enhance surveillance and ensure compliance with bail conditions, police in Baramulla have installed a GPS tracking device on a terror associate linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This action follows a court order and aims to monitor the movements of the under-trial individual who has been granted bail. The accused was arrested under case FIR No 104/2023 at Police Station Uri, charged with sections 13, 18, 18B, 20, 23, 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and section 7/25 of the Arms Act. The GPS anklet will ensure that the terror associate adheres to the conditions set by the court while on bail. Pioneering Use of GPS Tracking in Kashmir This is not the first instance of using GPS trackers for monitoring accused individuals in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, the police in Kupwara district ...

WHO Chief Highlights Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India at World Health Assembly

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WHO Chief Highlights Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India at World Health Assembly Geneva, Switzerland – World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the 77th World Health Assembly on Monday, emphasizing the establishment of the Global Traditional Medicine Centre in India. This center, established through a partnership between WHO and the Government of India, represents a significant step in integrating traditional medicine with modern science to enhance global health. Achievements in Traditional Medicine and Technology Transfer In his speech, Ghebreyesus highlighted several key achievements from 2023, including the organization of the first global summit on traditional medicine, co-hosted by WHO and India’s Ministry of Ayush. The summit is part of WHO’s broader efforts to leverage traditional medicine's potential for improving health outcomes worldwide. In 2022, WHO and India signed an agreement to create the Global Centre for Tradi...

Indian Coast Guard Monitors Cyclone Remal's Landfall with Vigilant Preparedness

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Indian Coast Guard Monitors Cyclone Remal's Landfall with Vigilant Preparedness Kolkata, India – As the severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' makes its landfall between the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is maintaining a vigilant stance with its disaster response team, ships, and hovercraft on standby. This preparedness ensures swift response to any post-impact challenges. On Monday, the ICG reassured the public through a post on social media platform X, urging them to adhere to official advisories, stay informed, and prioritize safety. The ICG's proactive measures are crucial in mitigating the impact of the cyclone on affected regions. "Update cyclone #Remal@IndiaCoastGuard is closely monitoring the landfall of cyclone #Remal with the disaster response team, Ships, and Hovercraft standby at short notice to respond to post-impact challenges. Follow official advisories, Stay informed, and stay safe," the ICG posted on X. Fo...

India Global Innovation Connect 2024: Catalyzing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Bengaluru

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India Global Innovation Connect 2024: Catalyzing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Bengaluru Bengaluru, India – In a significant testament to India's burgeoning prowess in innovation and entrepreneurship, the India Global Innovation Connect (IGIC) 2024 is set to convene in Bengaluru from June 6 to 7. This prestigious event is expected to draw over 500 participants from around the globe, highlighting India's emergence as a global hub for innovation and startups. IGIC 2024 is organized by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission in collaboration with the US-based strategic advisory firm Claude Smadja & Smadja. The summit aims to spotlight India's growing influence as a global innovator and a nucleus for startup ecosystems. It will see representatives from powerhouse nations including the US, Japan, Korea, Germany, Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, France, and the UAE. The summit serves as a pivotal convergence point for startup founders, venture capitalists, corporate leade...

SEBI's New Guidelines to Curb Misuse of Real-Time Share Price Data

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SEBI's New Guidelines to Curb Misuse of Real-Time Share Price Data The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced stringent new regulations aimed at controlling the sharing of real-time share price data with third parties, including various online platforms. These measures are designed to prevent the misuse of such data, particularly by online gaming platforms, apps, and websites that offer virtual trading services or fantasy games based on the real-time movements of share prices of listed companies. SEBI's Observations and Concerns SEBI has observed a growing trend where certain online gaming platforms and apps provide virtual trading services or fantasy games that rely on real-time share price movements. Some of these platforms even offer monetary incentives based on the performance of virtual stock portfolios, which raises concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive market data. Key Guidelines Issued by SEBI To address these issues, SEBI has issued sev...

Kapil Sibal Questions Election Commission's Reluctance to Publish Poll Data

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 Kapil Sibal Questions Election Commission's Reluctance to Publish Poll Data In a recent press conference, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal raised concerns over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) opposition to a plea demanding public disclosure of Form 17C data. Form 17C records the votes polled at each polling station and is signed by the Presiding Officer and given to the Polling Agent at the end of polling. This information is also directly sent to the ECI.  Sibal questioned the ECI's hesitation to upload this data on its website. "The ECI has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating it has no legal mandate to upload Form 17, which is a record of votes polled at a polling station. Now, why does the ECI not put that data on the website? What is their hesitation or problem?" Sibal said. He emphasized that public disclosure of this data would ensure transparency and address any discrepancies between the number of votes counted and the nu...

Pune Porsche Accident: Juvenile Accused's Bail Cancelled, Sent to Observation Home

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Pune Porsche Accident: Juvenile Accused's Bail Cancelled, Sent to Observation Home In a significant development in the Pune Porsche accident case, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) has cancelled the bail of the 17-year-old boy accused of causing the deaths of a biker and a pillion rider. The accused has been remanded to a juvenile observation home for 14 days, until June 5, as confirmed by Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. The Incident The tragic accident occurred on May 19, 2024, in Pune's Kalyani Nagar. The luxury car, driven by the juvenile, collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of two young IT professionals, Ashwini Koshta and Aneesh Awadhia, both from Madhya Pradesh. The initial investigation revealed that the accused had been served alcohol at a bar prior to the accident, raising questions about the accountability of the establishment. Legal Proceedings The Pune Police filed a review application with the JJB, requesting that the accused be tried as an a...

The ABCs of Banking: Current Account vs. Savings Account - What Sets Them Apart?

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The ABCs of Banking: Current Account vs. Savings Account - What Sets Them Apart? In the realm of banking, two fundamental types of accounts reign supreme: the savings account and the current account. While they both serve as safe harbors for your finances, understanding their nuances is crucial for making informed decisions about managing personal or business funds. Let us delve into the ABCs of banking to decipher the differences between these two stalwarts of financial management, with a special focus on the offerings of AU Small Finance Bank. AU Small Finance Bank: Savings Account At AU Small Finance Bank, the savings account is more than just a repository for your funds; it is a gateway to financial empowerment. Designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals, the AU Savings Account offers a plethora of benefits to enhance your banking experience. Whether you are saving for a rainy day or planning for the future, the AU Savings Account provides a seamless blend of security, a...

SC Dismisses Petitions to Review Article 370 Verdict

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SC Dismisses Petitions to Review Article 370 Verdict The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking a review of its judgment that upheld the Union government's 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status on Jammu and Kashmir. The five-judge Constitution bench, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and AS Bopanna, dismissed the review petitions in chamber, noting no apparent error in the original verdict delivered on December 11, 2022. Supreme Court's Decision on Review Petitions On May 1, the Supreme Court stated, "Having perused the review petitions, there is no error apparent on the face of the record. There is no case for review under Order XLVII Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013. The review petitions are, therefore, dismissed." This ruling reaffirmed the court's earlier decision that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, labeling it a "tempor...

EAM Jaishankar Meets Mauritius Envoy to UN; Discusses a Range of Global Issues

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EAM Jaishankar Meets Mauritius Envoy to UN; Discusses a Range of Global Issues External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with the Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations, Jagdish Koonjul, on Monday. The meeting highlighted the enduring and robust relationship between India and Mauritius, with discussions covering a broad spectrum of global issues. Strengthening Bilateral Relations EAM Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the insightful discussions held with Ambassador Koonjul. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar remarked, "Glad to meet Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul of Mauritius. Appreciated our discussions on a range of global issues." The ties between India and Mauritius are rooted deeply in historical, demographic, and cultural connections. Indian-origin people make up nearly 70% of Mauritius' population of 1.2 million, underscoring the unique bond between the two nations. Recent Diplomatic Engagements In March, President Droupad...

"No Sign of Life" at President Raisi's Helicopter Crash Site, Says Iran State TV

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"No Sign of Life" at President Raisi's Helicopter Crash Site, Says Iran State TV In a tragic turn of events, Iran President Ebrahim Raisi is feared dead following a helicopter crash. Iran State TV reported early Monday morning that there were "no signs of life" at the crash site. The helicopter, carrying President Raisi and several top officials, went down in bad weather conditions while returning from a visit to Azerbaijan. Wreckage Located by Turkish UAV The Iranian Red Crescent Society announced that the wreckage of President Raisi's helicopter was located with the assistance of a Turkish Akinci unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The crash site, identified in Tawal village, was described as grim by state news agency IRNA, which noted that the helicopter was "completely burned." Rescue Operations Underway Rescue teams have been deployed to the crash site, including 73 teams equipped with advanced and specialized equipment. Despite their efforts, ther...

Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre and FSSAI on Overuse of Pesticides in Food

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Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre and FSSAI on Overuse of Pesticides in Food The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Centre and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding a plea raising concerns about the overuse of pesticides and other chemical insecticides in food crops and food items. This significant move comes as the country grapples with increasing health issues linked to the consumption of pesticide-laden foods. Bench and Ministries Involved A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued notices to several key ministries: - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare - Ministry of Agriculture - FSSAI The Petition and Its Claims The petition, filed by environmentalist and lawyer Akash Vashishtha, highlights the alarming health risks associated with the widespread use of pesticides and chemical insecticides on food crops. Vas...

Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre on Marital Rape Exception Challenge in New Criminal Law

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Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre on Marital Rape Exception Challenge in New Criminal Law The Supreme Court of India on Friday issued a notice to the Centre regarding a plea challenging the retention of the marital rape exception in the new criminal law, Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. This significant move came as a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud decided to tag the matter with an existing petition challenging the same provision under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), scheduling further hearings for July. Petition by All India Democratic Women's Association The plea challenging the marital rape exception was filed by the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), with Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy representing the petitioner. The AIDWA's petition is part of a broader movement seeking the removal of legal protections that currently exempt husbands from rape charges within marriage. Background of the Issue Several petitions have previously been filed in th...

Investigation into Alleged Assault on Swati Maliwal: Delhi Police May Visit CM's House to Record Statements

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Investigation into Alleged Assault on Swati Maliwal: Delhi Police May Visit CM's House to Record Statements The Delhi Police may visit the Chief Minister's residence on Friday to record statements from the policemen and staff present during the alleged assault on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, according to sources. FIR Filed and Section 164 Statements An FIR was filed at the Civil Lines police station on Thursday regarding the alleged assault on Swati Maliwal, AAP's Rajya Sabha MP. Maliwal has accused Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, of physically assaulting her. The police plan to record Maliwal's statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This section allows a magistrate to record statements or confessions during a police investigation before a trial. Details of the Alleged Incident Maliwal made a PCR call from the Chief Minister's house at 9:34 PM on May 13, reporting the assault...

Supreme Court Upholds Exclusion of Advocates from Consumer Protection Act

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Supreme Court Upholds Exclusion of Advocates from Consumer Protection Act In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India declared that complaints alleging "deficiency in service" against advocates would not be maintainable under the Consumer Protection Act (CP Act).  Unique Nature of Legal Profession Recognized The court emphasized the unique nature of the legal profession, stating that it cannot be equated with other professions and therefore falls outside the purview of consumer protection laws. Bench Sets Aside National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Decision The bench of justices, Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal, set aside a decision by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of legal services and the direct control exercised by clients over advocates' services. CP Act Intended to Protect Consumers from Unfair Practices The court's ruling emphasized that the CP Act, enacted to protect consumer...

Protecting Personality: Jackie Shroff's Legal Battle in Delhi HC

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  Protecting Personality: Jackie Shroff's Legal Battle in Delhi HC Actor Jackie Shroff has taken legal action to safeguard his personality and publicity rights by filing a suit in the Delhi High Court. The suit targets various entities that have been using his name, photographs, voice, and the iconic moniker "Bhidu" without his consent. Seeking Legal Intervention Through this legal recourse, Jackie Shroff seeks the court's intervention to protect his name, voice, image, likeness, and all other elements of his persona that are distinctive and exclusively identifiable with him. The unauthorized use of these attributes by third parties has the potential to create confusion and deception among the public. Court's Response Justice Sanjeev Narula's bench has issued a summons on the actor's suit and will consider the case's interim injunction application. Jackie Shroff is seeking a permanent injunction to restrain the defendants from infringing upon his perso...