India
Indian woman dies on Qantas flight from Melbourne to Delhi
A 24-year-old Indian woman, Manpreet Kaur, died on the spot while on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to New Delhi. Kaur, who had dreams of becoming a chef, fell on the floor and died on the spot when she tried to put on her seatbelt. She likely died of tuberculosis, an infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs. Kaur worked at Australia Post while studying cookery and had a GoFundMe page created to help her family.
Windfall tax on petroleum crude hiked to Rs 6,000 per tonne
India's progressive tax reforms in the energy sector aim to hold energy companies accountable for extraordinary profits, fostering a more equitable financial landscape. The government's strategic measures, including windfall profit taxes and regulatory adjustments, demonstrate a commitment to transparency and fairness in the industry, setting a precedent for responsible economic practices.
New criminal laws hinge on technology and forensic throughout all stages
Officials have revealed that three new criminal laws will focus on technology and forensics throughout all stages of the justice process, aiming to modernise the system and utilise modern scientific technologies. Key inclusions are mandatory audio-video recording in search and seizure proceedings, the establishment of forensic institutions, and provisions for electronic evidence admissibility. These changes are anticipated to enhance transparency, prevent evidence manipulation, and ensure accountability.
Easier reporting, faster justice now: Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the implementation of three new criminal laws aimed at ensuring timely justice up to the Supreme Court level within three years of FIR registration, with an expected 90% conviction rate to reduce crime. The laws, replacing British-era codes, feature modern provisions like Zero FIR, online complaints, and time-bound trials, addressing crimes against children and women, and incorporating community service for minor offenses.
Integrate and mainstream African continent into the G20 system: Experts
Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary General of CUTS International, emphasized that integrating the African continent into the G20 and other global governance systems should be a collaborative effort involving both the African Union Commission and other stakeholders, not just India. He shared this perspective during a high-level roundtable titled "Mainstreaming the African Union into the G20," organized by CUTS International and the Vivekananda International Foundation.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan refuses to take salary citing lack of funds
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan declined to accept his salary and special allowances, including new furniture for his office, due to the state's financial precariousness. Kalyan told officials at his camp office not to renovate or buy new furniture, and promised to bring it on his own if needed.
MHA extends validity of FCRA registered NGOs with pending renewal application
The Union Home Ministry has extended the validity of FCRA registered NGOs with pending renewal applications until September 30. This notification impacts entities dealing with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, particularly those facing expiration of the five years validity period. Renewal guidelines are crucial for maintaining eligibility to receive and utilize foreign contributions.
CBI issues new warrant against Vijay Mallya in loan default case
Finding merit in the CBI's case and relying on the evidence submitted by the agency, the court held that it was prima facie evident that there were "false rosy projections about the profitability equity infusion", by KAL. The loans, however, were diverted for the purposes other than those avowed thereby causing a wrongful loss of Rs 141.91 crore on account of default on loans and an additional wrongful loss of Rs 38.30 crore on account of conversion of loans to CCPS /CRPS shares.
CBI books former CMD of Heavy Engineering Corporation in corruption case
The CBI has filed a corruption case against former HECL chairman Avijit Ghosh for alleged irregularities in collaboration with a Russian company to set up a skill development center. Ghosh is accused of cheating the government exchequer through a manipulated Expression of Interest. The FIR states that Ghosh proposed a consultation fee of Rs 30 crore to train engineers, but only 86 were trained and Rs 16 crore was paid out.
Maharashtra government to include dental treatments in state health scheme
Minister Sawant revolutionizes healthcare in Maharashtra by expanding coverage to include dental treatment under government schemes, ensuring free medical treatments at recognized hospitals.
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IMD plans 3 more radars in Delhi-NCR to improve forecasting capability
In the next two to three years, Delhi-NCR will receive three more Doppler radars, a flood warning model, additional weather stations, and rain gauges to enhance weather forecasting, as announced by IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. He clarified that recent heavy rains were not a cloudburst but approached the threshold, attributing the extreme weather event to multiple monsoonal systems and thermodynamic instability.
India's new criminal laws: Legal experts break down the nitty gritties of some key changes in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita vs IPC: India has enacted three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), to modernize the criminal justice system. The BNS reduces the number of sections from 511 to 358 and introduces 21 new offences, including hate crimes and mob lynching. It also introduces offenses like terrorism, organized crime, and hate speech, and redefines sedition as acts endangering national integrity.
Heavy rainfall in Arunchal making flood sitution in Assam critical, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared a critical flood situation in the state due to heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh. The river Brahmaputra and its tributaries are flowing above the danger level, with Dibrugarh in Upper Assam being the worst affected area. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall for the next two to three days.
Swati Maliwal assault case: Delhi HC seeks police's stand on Bibhav Kumar's plea against arrest
The Delhi High Court deemed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar's plea challenging his arrest in the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal as admissible, seeking the city police's response. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued a notice in the matter, with a detailed order pending. Kumar, in custody, faces charges including criminal intimidation and assault on Maliwal at Kejriwal's residence.
CII, Nasscom inks MoU to skill one lakh candidates by 2026
As per the memorandum of understanding signed between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Nasscom on Monday, candidates will be skilled, reskilled and upskilled across seven identified sectors that include banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, green jobs, hospitality and live sciences.
Integrating climate finance into India's economic blueprint
Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary-General of CUTS International, suggested that India's 2024-25 Budget should include dedicated climate finance institutions through public-private partnerships during a webinar on accelerating private investment in climate finance. Mehta stressed the importance of private sector involvement for a sustainable and resilient future, highlighting the need for collaboration, innovation, and commitment.
