To safeguard against security vulnerabilities, the Indian defence establishment has finalized a stringent framework to ensure domestically acquired drones are free of Chinese components. This mechanism, including thorough testing and certifications, will be implemented soon. The move comes amid increased drone acquisitions by the armed forces and recent cross-border hostilities, highlighting the need for secure equipment.
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has challenged the Election Commission’s special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls in the Supreme Court, arguing it could disenfranchise lakhs, particularly from marginalized communities. ADR contends the SIR’s documentation requirements disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, as Aadhaar and ration cards are not accepted.
Senior advocate R S Cheema, representing Rahul Gandhi, told a Delhi court that the AICC was trying to save Associated Journals Limited (AJL), publisher of National Herald, not sell its assets. He refuted ED’s money laundering allegations, claiming they were “crude lies.” Cheema argued AICC aimed to revive a freedom movement institution, not seek profit.
A tragic misunderstanding led to a double suicide in Patiala’s Pooniwal village, leaving three children orphaned. Manpreet Kaur, facing marital issues, left home with her children after a quarrel. Unbeknownst to her husband, Gurmeet Singh, she died by suicide. Thinking she had eloped, Gurmeet also took his own life, compounding the family’s devastation.
Amid ongoing ethnic tensions, Manipur’s Kuki-Zo community, including BJP MLAs, has decided against participating in any future government if President’s rule is lifted. This resolution, made at a joint meeting of Kuki-Zo organizations, emphasizes the community’s unwavering stance on protecting its land, culture, and rights. The move poses a significant challenge to political normalization efforts without addressing Kuki-Zo concerns.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has overturned a lower court’s decision from two decades ago, ordering a retrial concerning the ownership of Rs 15,000 crore in properties inherited by Saif Ali Khan and his family from Bhopal’s former rulers.
World Bank data reveals India ranks fourth globally in income equality, boasting a Gini Index of 25.5 in 2022. This places India ahead of China, the United States, and many G7 and G20 nations. The country’s Gini Index improved from 28.8 in 2011, reflecting progress in combining economic growth with social equity, lifting 171 million out of extreme poverty.
A day before his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama expressed his hope to live beyond 130 years. Addressing devotees in McLeodganj, he stated his belief in having served Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people well. While previously suggesting he might live to 110 or 113, the spiritual leader’s latest statement comes amid ongoing discussions about succession.
A village turf war in Amritsar led to the murder of Jugraj Singh, initially mistaken for the brother of a suspect in Sidhu Moosewala’s killing. Police clarified the misidentification, confirming Jugraj was targeted by three unidentified men on a motorcycle. The Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for the shooting, with police investigating the incident.
In a tragic incident in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh, four villagers died and four others were injured when an abandoned coal mine collapsed during alleged illegal mining. The mine, owned by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), caved in on villagers in Sugiya village. Following the incident, villagers and JLKM activists protested, demanding compensation and jobs for the victims’ families.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s first week on the ISS involved completing the Voyager Tardigrades experiment, studying the survival and reproduction of ‘Bengaluru strain’ water bears in microgravity. He also initiated the Myogenesis study on muscle degradation and contributed to research on microalgae, cyanobacteria, and cognitive assessments, paving the way for advancements in space exploration and potential applications on Earth.
India and Australia have launched a joint research project to boost undersea surveillance, focusing on detecting submarines and underwater vehicles. The three-year collaboration between Australia’s DSTG and India’s DRDO will explore towed array target motion analysis to enhance surveillance capabilities.