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Wayanad Landslide Disaster: Over 100 Bodies Recovered, Rescue Operations Continue In a devastating series of landslides that struck Wayanad, Kerala, over 100 bodies have been recovered, with more casualties feared. Major General VT Mathew, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, reported that more than 500 Army personnel are actively involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations. Details of the Incident Two major landslides occurred in the early hours of July 30 in Mundakkai and Churalmala, Wayanad, resulting in widespread destruction. According to the Kerala Revenue Department, 167 people have been confirmed dead. The landslides caused severe damage to infrastructure, including homes and roads, and have significantly disrupted rescue efforts. Rescue and Relief Efforts The Army, in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies, is working to rescue survivors and recover bodies. A critical aspect of the operation involves con...

Tragic Incident in Pune: Youth Kills Woman Over  Rejected Marriage Proposal In a shocking incident, a 22-year-old sales executive, Aviraj Kharat, was arrested for the murder of a 21-year-old woman in Khed Taluka, Pune district, after she rejected his marriage proposal. The crime, which occurred on July 28, highlights a disturbing trend of violent responses to rejection. The Incident The victim, employed at a private company in Pimpri Chinchwad, was attacked near her rented accommodation in Ambethan village, Pune. Kharat, her former classmate from an engineering diploma course, forcibly confronted her, snatched her phone, and led her outside under the pretense of a conversation. Moments later, he brutally attacked her, slitting her throat and stabbing her multiple times. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Kharat was apprehended by the Pimpri Chinchwad Crime Branch team within 12 hours of the incident. Rejection and Its Consequences: A Growing C...

Train Accident Near Chakradharpur: Two Dead, Six Injured as Howrah-CSMT Express Derails In a tragic incident early Tuesday morning, several coaches of the Howrah-CSMT Express derailed near Chakradharpur in Jharkhand, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and injuries to six others. The derailment occurred around 3:45 am between Rajkharswan West Outer and Barabamboo in the Chakradharpur division. Emergency response teams, including the Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) and Additional Divisional Railway Managers (ADRM), quickly reached the scene to manage the situation. Immediate Response and Relief Efforts According to the Chakradharpur division's Public Relations Officer (PRO), five of the injured passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site, while one passenger was hospitalized. Indian Railways has provided first aid to all injured individuals and has arranged additional trains and support for passengers affected by the derailment. Helpline numbers have ...

Nirmala Sitharaman to Introduce Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill in Lok Sabha Amid Ongoing Budget Session In the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to authorize the payment and appropriation of certain sums from the Consolidated Fund of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the financial year 2024-25. Key Legislative Activities The Parliament session, which began on July 22 and is scheduled to conclude on August 12, will also continue discussions on the Union Budget 2024-25, presented on July 23. The debate on the budget for Jammu and Kashmir for the fiscal year 2024-25, which commenced last Tuesday, will also proceed. Reports and Statements on Youth and Sports Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, will address the Lok Sabha on several key reports regarding the Ministry's activities...

Students Protest Against MCD and IAS Coaching Institute After Basement Flooding Claims Three Lives in Delhi In a tragic incident, three students lost their lives due to flooding in the basement of an IAS coaching institute in Old Rajender Nagar, West Delhi. The incident has sparked widespread protests, with students and community members criticizing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the coaching institute for negligence. The Incident and Immediate Response The flooding occurred following heavy rains, which led to water accumulation in the basement of the coaching center. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called in for rescue operations, during which three bodies were recovered. The police have registered a criminal case and are conducting an investigation into the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police Central, M Harshavardhan, confirmed that forensic teams are collecting evidence and that two individuals have been detained as part of the investigation. Studen...

Supreme Court Highlights Grave Solid Waste Management Crisis in Delhi The Supreme Court of India has expressed deep concern over the significant issue of untreated solid waste in Delhi, labeling it a "sorry state of affairs." The court emphasized the urgent need for a concrete solution, as the current projections indicate that no adequate facilities will be available to treat the 11,000 metric tonnes of solid waste generated daily in the national capital until 2027. Court's Directives and Concerns A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the Centre to convene a meeting with the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), including its commissioner, to discuss immediate steps to avert a potential public health emergency. The bench highlighted that the untreated solid waste issue, if left unaddressed, could escalate into a severe health crisis for the city's residents. The court's observations followed an affida...

Delhi High Court Refuses to Stay Release of Netflix Series 'Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper' The Delhi High Court has refused to halt the release of the Netflix web series Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper. This decision came after a plea from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and other plaintiffs, who argued that the show's trailer depicted the chartered accountancy profession in a derogatory manner. Court's Decision and Rationale In a recent order, Justice Navin Chawla stated, "In my prima facie view, I do not find the trailer to be referring to the profession of chartered accounting in any manner." The court noted that the series appears to be a comedy and that it merely describes the main character as a topper in the Chartered Accountancy Examination. The judge emphasized that the content is not intended, nor can it be perceived, to be derogatory to the profession of Chartered Accountancy or to the examination's toppers or rank holders. The co...

Pakistani Passport Ranked 4th Worst Globally for  Fourth Consecutive Year According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the Pakistani passport has been ranked as the fourth worst in the world for the fourth consecutive year. This ranking is based on the number of destinations that passport holders can access without prior visa requirements. Current Rankings and Visa-Free Access The 2024 Henley Passport Index, which evaluates 199 countries, placed Pakistan's passport at the 100th spot, alongside Yemen, with visa-free access to only 33 countries. The only countries ranked lower are Iraq (101st), Syria (102nd), and Afghanistan (103rd), which offers visa-free access to just 26 destinations, the lowest in the index's 19-year history. Global Passport Powerhouses On the other end of the spectrum, Singapore retained the top spot, with its passport granting visa-free access to 195 destinations. This is followed by Germany, Italy, Japan, France, and Spain, each allowing visa-free entry ...

Anjali Birla Files Defamation Suit in Delhi High Court Over Alleged False Claims on Social Media Anjali Birla, an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer and daughter of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court. The suit aims to remove defamatory social media posts alleging that she cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams on her first attempt due to her father's influence. False Allegations and Defamation Claims In her legal filing, Anjali Birla asserts that several social media posts are disseminating misleading and false information about her, which she claims are defamatory. The posts allegedly suggest that her successful clearing of the UPSC exams was influenced by her father’s political standing, rather than merit. Anjali contends that these allegations are not only baseless but are also intended to unlawfully tarnish her reputation and professional standing. Court Proceedings Justice Navin Chawla of the Delhi Hig...

Union Budget 2024-25: Key Priorities Outlined by  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman In the Union Budget 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, nine critical priorities were identified to generate ample opportunities and drive economic growth. These priorities include productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling, and manufacturing and services. Nine Priorities for Economic Growth While presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman emphasized sustained efforts across the following nine priorities: 1. Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture 2. Employment and Skilling 3. Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice 4. Manufacturing and Services 5. Urban Development 6. Energy Security 7. Infrastructure 8. Innovation, Research, and Development 9. Next Generation Reforms Focus on Key Areas The interim budget in February 2024 highlighted the government's focus on four key areas: the poor, women, youth, and farmers. Notabl...

Opposition and BJP Spar Over Order Allowing Govt  Employees to Participate in RSS Activities A recent order issued by the Ministry of Personnel permitting government servants to participate in activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has sparked a heated exchange between the opposition parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP's Stance BJP leader Amit Malviya announced on Monday that the central government has withdrawn a 58-year-old "unconstitutional order" that had banned government employees from taking part in RSS activities. He referred to the original ban, implemented in 1966, which was imposed following a massive anti-cow-slaughter protest at the Parliament, mobilized by RSS-Jana Sangh. "The unconstitutional order issued 58 years ago, in 1966, imposing a ban on government employees taking part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been withdrawn by the Modi government. The original order shouldn't have been passed in t...

FM Sitharaman to Present Historic Seventh Consecutive  Union Budget in Paperless Format Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to make history by presenting her seventh consecutive Union Budget during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, starting July 22. This milestone will establish her as the first Finance Minister to present seven consecutive budgets, breaking the record of Morarji Desai, who presented six budgets from 1959 to 1964. Paperless Budget Presentation Continuing the trend of the past few years, Budget 2024 will be delivered in a paperless format. This move not only signifies a step towards modernization and digital governance but also aligns with environmental sustainability efforts. Stakeholder Consultations In preparation for the budget, the Finance Ministry has engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders across the economy. These deliberations, which began on June 20, included representatives from trade unions, the education and health sec...

Hindu Front Moves Plea in SC to Vacate Interim Stay in Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Dispute The Hindu Front for Justice (HFJ) has recently filed a plea in the Supreme Court of India to vacate the interim stay that restrains action based on the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report concerning the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute. Background of the Dispute This complex issue began when the Madhya Pradesh High Court permitted an ASI survey of the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque to determine its religious character on March 11, 2024. Subsequently, the mosque committee challenged this decision, leading to the Supreme Court issuing an interim stay on April 1, 2024, preventing action based on the ASI's findings. The Plea by HFJ Filed through advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, HFJ's application argues that the Supreme Court's interim stay has rendered the Special Leave Petition (SLP) ineffective. HFJ maintains that objections to the ASI report can be ...

Revamping India's Telecom Landscape: New Telecom Act & BSNL 4G Rollout The Indian government is set to notify the rules of the new Telecom Act within the next 180 days, as announced by Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. This announcement was made during the launch of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 theme. Key Provisions of the New Telecom Act The new Telecom Act is designed to amend and consolidate the laws related to the development, expansion, and operation of telecommunication services and networks. Here are some of the significant changes: 1. Robust and Modern Framework: The new Telecom Act replaces the outdated provisions of a 130-year-old legislation with a modern framework that aligns with current technological and security needs. 2. Government Control: The Act allows the government to take control of telecom services from both public and private operators on grounds of security, public order, or prevention of offenses. This provision enhances national securit...

Panel Recommends Action Against JJB Members for  Lapses in Granting Bail in Pune Car Crash Case A panel from the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department of the Maharashtra government has recommended disciplinary action against two Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) members for "procedural lapses" in granting bail to the minor accused in the Pune Porsche crash case.  Investigation and Findings Prashant Narnaware, the Women and Child Development Commissioner, confirmed that the final report has been submitted to the Maharashtra government. The report, resulting from a thorough investigation and responses to show cause notices given to the JJB members, recommends disciplinary action against the two state-appointed JJB members for their procedural mishandling. Details of the Incident The case stems from a tragic incident on May 19, when a Porsche car, allegedly driven by a minor in an inebriated condition, struck and killed two IT professionals in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area. Th...

ED Arrests Sanjay Badaya in Connection with  Jal Jeevan Mission Scam in Rajasthan The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Sanjay Badaya on July 16 in connection with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam in Rajasthan. Badaya, accused of playing a middleman in the scam, was taken into custody on Tuesday evening and later questioned at the ED's office in Jaipur. Ongoing Investigation and Previous Arrests Badaya's arrest marks the latest development in the ED's ongoing investigation into the JJM scam. So far, the ED has arrested three individuals in connection with the case. On June 19, Mahesh Mittal, a contractor, was apprehended as the third accused in the money laundering probe linked to the implementation of the Centre's Jal Jeevan Mission scheme in Rajasthan. The ED's Jaipur Zonal office arrested Mittal under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Details of the Scam According to the ED, Mahesh Mittal and others were involved in bribi...

NBFC Sector Seeks Funds and Reforms Ahead of  Union Budget 2024 As the Union Budget for 2024 approaches, the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sector is calling for enhanced financial inclusion and digitalization efforts to sustain its growth. The sector, represented by the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), is advocating for the establishment of a special refinancing body, akin to the National Housing Bank (NHB) for housing finance companies. Importance of NBFCs in the Economy NBFCs play a crucial role in the Indian economy by providing financial services to underserved segments that traditional banks may not fully reach. They offer a range of financial products, including loans, asset financing, and wealth management services. This sector is vital for promoting financial inclusion, supporting consumer demand, and improving trade balances. Current State of NBFCs Despite facing stringent regulatory actions from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) this year, the NBFC sector...

Delhi High Court Allows Termination of 32-Week Pregnancy  Due to Foetal Abnormality The Delhi High Court has granted permission to a married woman to medically terminate her 32-week pregnancy due to significant abnormalities in the foetus. The decision was made after considering recommendations from the AIIMS Medical Board and the well-being of the petitioner. Court's Decision and Reasoning Justice Sanjeev Narula, in his order dated July 13, highlighted that continuing the pregnancy posed a significant risk to the petitioner’s physical and mental health and was likely to result in the birth of a child with severe health issues. Therefore, the court found it appropriate to allow the termination in the best interests of both the petitioner and the unborn child. AIIMS Medical Board's Evaluation The AIIMS Medical Board had thoroughly evaluated the case, counseling the petitioner and her husband about the procedure and risks involved in such a late-term termination. The petitioner c...

Allegations of Derogatory Remarks by CISF Personnel  Against SpiceJet Employee In a recent incident at Jaipur Airport, a SpiceJet employee accused a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of making derogatory remarks. The incident has raised concerns about workplace harassment and the swift escalation of conflicts. Incident Details The incident occurred on July 11, when the SpiceJet employee, while performing her duties, alleged that ASI Giriraj Prasad made indecent comments towards her. She claimed that upon threatening to file a police complaint, Prasad retaliated by threatening her job security. The alleged remarks included inappropriate comments such as "humey bhi apna seva-paani ka mauka do" and "ek raat rukne ka kya logi." Counter-Complaint and Arrest Before the SpiceJet employee could file her complaint, ASI Prasad lodged a complaint against her. Following this, she was arrested after allegedly slapping the ASI during a mandato...

BCI to Hold Meeting with UP Bar Association Leaders to  Resolve Ongoing Strike The Bar Council of India (BCI) has announced a joint virtual meeting to address the ongoing strikes by advocates, which have been disrupting judicial work across various districts in Uttar Pradesh. Call to End Strike The BCI has requested the High Court Bar Association of Allahabad High Court to recall the strike and resume court activities. The BCI expressed its commitment to addressing the grievances of the High Court Bar Association and emphasized the necessity of resolving these issues promptly. However, the BCI underscored that the continuation of the strike cannot be permitted. Meeting Details The virtual meeting is scheduled for Sunday, 14th July 2024, at 1:30 PM. The participants will include: - Office Bearers of the Bar Council of India - Office Bearers of the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh - Office Bearers of the Prayagraj District Bar Association - Office Bearers of the High Court Bar Associatio...

Supreme Court Seeks Status Report from Centre on  Suicide Prevention Efforts The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Government to file a status report detailing the measures taken by the Ministry of Health to prevent suicides in the country. The directive came from a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud during a hearing on Thursday. PIL Highlights Alarming Suicide Rates Among Adolescents The order was issued in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal. The petition highlighted a significant concern: more than 400 students under the age of 18 have died by suicide in Delhi alone between 2014 and 2018, as per RTI replies from the Delhi Police. Urgent Call for Action The Supreme Court recognized the gravity of the issue, particularly suicides among children, and instructed the Union Health Ministry to inform the court about the steps taken to address this pressing problem. The court has given the Centre four week...

Supreme Court Upholds Maintenance Rights for Muslim  Women under Section 125 CrPC In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which grants the right to maintenance, applies to all married women, including Muslim women. This ruling ensures that Muslim married women can claim maintenance from their husbands under these provisions, providing a significant legal safeguard for their financial security. Empowering Indian Homemakers The bench, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih, emphasized the critical role of homemakers in Indian society. The court highlighted the need for Indian men to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of homemakers, who are often the backbone of the family. It urged men to provide financial support to their wives, suggesting the use of joint bank accounts and ATMs to ensure access to financial resources. Applicability to Divorced Muslim Women The court clarifi...

Ray of Hope for Trapped Indians in Russia: PM Modi's  Visit Brings Relief Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia, the father of an Indian youth trapped in the Russian army, Balwinder Singh, expressed hope for the release of stranded Indians in war-hit Russia. His son, Gagandeep Singh, is one of many Indians caught in the conflict. Modi-Putin Meeting: Assurance of Early Discharge During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Modi took a strong stance on the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army. The Russian government has assured an "early discharge" of these Indians from army service, according to Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Voices from the Ground: A Father's Hope In a conversation with ANI, Balwinder Singh shared his relief after learning about Modi's visit. "I have come across several media reports and got to know that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia. Even my son t...