Orissa High Court has acquitted Madan Kanhar, a 42-year-old man previously convicted of murder, due to insufficient evidence. The court found discrepancies in the testimonies and an absence of conclusive forensic findings, leading to a judgment in favor of Kanhar after he had spent 14 years in jail.
Amid the US-China tariff war, Indian solar industry stakeholders urge the government for safeguard duty on Chinese imports of polysilicon, ingot, and wafers. They highlight the need for incentives to boost domestic manufacturing, ensuring investment protection against Chinese dumping, which threatens India’s solar goals. Moreover, fiscal incentives and policy reorientation are requested to enhance upstream segment growth.
An indefinite shutdown has been called in tribal-dominated areas of Manipur by the Kuki-Zo Council, supported by the ITLF. The protest is against the resumption of civilian traffic between the hills and the valley, following clashes with security forces that resulted in one Kuki protester’s death and over 20 injuries.
BJP and DSS criticize Karnataka government for diverting Rs 13,435 crore from Scheduled Caste and Tribe funds to Congress’s guarantee schemes. SC-ST representatives claim this move undermines their rights as the funds are meant for community development, not populist measures. Government officials argue a significant portion of the beneficiaries are from SC-ST communities.
Maharashtra’s Mahayuti government faces a tight budget balancing act between managing a soaring debt and fiscal deficit while maintaining welfare schemes. Despite expanding farmer aid, increasing the Ladki Bahin stipend seems unlikely. The state aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3% of GSDP, focusing on revenue growth despite global economic challenges.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin has decided to send senior DMK leaders to meet with chief ministers and politicians from seven states to oppose the Centre’s proposed population-based delimitation exercise. Stalin has also instructed DMK MPs to raise key issues including opposition to Hindi imposition and the National Education Policy during the Parliament session.
CPM’s state conference unanimously re-elects M V Govindan as Kerala unit secretary, with no factional dissent. CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends proposals for accepting private capital for Kerala’s development, adopted in the conference, emphasizing continuous LDF governance has improved conditions significantly.
Vizianagaram MP K Appala Naidu has pledged Rs 50,000 for every third baby girl born in his constituency, aiming to support the raise in population and promote gender equality. Inspired by CM Chandrababu Naidu and influenced by women in his life, he announced the offer during Women’s Day celebrations, emphasizing the importance of empowering women.
Communal clashes broke out in Mhow, near Indore, following India’s ICC Champions Trophy victory celebrations. Violence erupted after stone-pelting during a procession, leading to arson and injuries. Police intervened with lathicharge and teargas, restoring order by midnight. Additional forces were deployed to control the situation.