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Showing posts from June, 2025

Five Eminent Citizens Petition Supreme Court for Early Restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s Statehood

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Former Bureaucrats and Defence Officials Seek Judicial Intervention In a significant development, five eminent citizens—including retired civil servants, defence officials, and a former government-appointed interlocutor—have jointly penned an open letter addressed to Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai , urging the Supreme Court of India to take suo motu cognisance of the continued delay in restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir . The petitioners include: Radha Kumar , former member of the Group of Interlocutors for J&K Gopal Pillai , former Union Home Secretary Major General Ashok K. Mehta (Retd.) , Indian Army Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak (Retd.) , Indian Air Force Amitabha Pande , former Union Secretary, Inter-State Council Statehood Assurances Unfulfilled Since Abrogation of Article 370 The plea is rooted in the concerns that despite repeated assurances from the Union Government —both inside and outside Parliament—and the 2023 Supreme Court verdict ,...

Bar Council of India Issues Stern Advisory Against Unapproved Online LL.M. Programmes

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🔷 BCI Steps In to Regulate Legal Education Standards In a strong move aimed at maintaining the integrity of India’s legal education ecosystem, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a formal advisory cautioning against unapproved online, distance, or hybrid LL.M. programmes . The advisory reaffirms that only the BCI has statutory authority under the Advocates Act, 1961 to regulate legal education, including postgraduate law courses across India. This advisory is significant amidst the growing number of unauthorized LL.M. degrees offered by private institutions , often under alternate designations like “LL.M. (Professional), Executive LL.M., or M.Sc. in Cyber Law”. 🔷 Who Issued the Advisory? The advisory letter was issued by Justice Rajendra Menon , former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and Co-Chairman of the Standing Committee on Legal Education under BCI. It was addressed to: Registrar Generals of all High Courts Registrar of the Supreme Court of India U...

IDF Eliminates Hamas Commander Linked to October 7 Attack, Amid Escalating Gaza Violence

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🔹 IDF Confirms Killing of Hamas Commander Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa In a significant escalation of targeted military actions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the killing of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa , a senior Hamas commander and a key figure in the group's military leadership. Issa is believed to be one of the architects of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel , a violent incident that marked one of the deadliest escalations in the Israel-Palestine conflict in recent history. According to an official statement released by the IDF via X (formerly Twitter), Al-Issa was eliminated in a precision operation conducted with the support of the Israel Security Agency (ISA) . The statement described him as: “One of the founders of Hamas' military wing… who led Hamas’ force build-up, training, and planned the October 7 massacre. As Head of Combat Support, he advanced aerial and naval attacks against Israelis.” The IDF reaffirmed its commitment to continue ...

India’s Growth Trajectory to Outpace G7: PHDCCI Report Highlights Economic Momentum, Demographic Strength, and Strategic Global Role

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BJP Sets Up Inquiry Committee to Probe Kolkata Law College Gang-Rape Case

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BJP President JP Nadda Constitutes Four-Member Probe Panel In response to the shocking gang-rape of a female law student inside the South Calcutta Law College , BJP national president JP Nadda has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The committee includes: Satpal Singh , former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi , former Union Minister Biplab Kumar Deb , Member of Parliament and former Tripura CM Manan Kumar Mishra , Member of Parliament The team has been tasked with visiting the crime scene, interacting with authorities and stakeholders, and submitting a report directly to BJP chief JP Nadda . In a statement, the BJP condemned the incident and raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in West Bengal , calling the crime "heinous and reprehensible." Details of the Incident: Assault Inside Law College Premises The incident reportedly took place inside the South Calcutta Law College , located in Kolkata’s K...

On MSME Day, Entrepreneurs Voice Critical Needs: Technology, Funding, and Skilled Workforce at the Forefront

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MSME Day 2025: Spotlight on India’s Growth Backbone June 27 marks International MSME Day , declared by the United Nations General Assembly to raise global awareness about the contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India, home to over 64 million MSMEs , celebrates this day amidst renewed calls from entrepreneurs for more structured and targeted government support. MSMEs Demand Stronger Tech & Supply Chain Infrastructure According to Vasu Naren , Chairman & MD of Sona Machinery , sectors like food processing face major hurdles due to poor supply chains and limited digital infrastructure. He emphasized the need for smart trade infrastructure , real-time electronic platforms, and improved last-mile logistics. He also urged the government to support MSMEs in global trade promotion through funded digital outreach and regular participation in international trade fairs. IT-Based MSMEs Struggl...

India’s Zero-Tolerance Stand on Terrorism Echoes at SCO Defence Meet

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India Condemns Terrorism at SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao, China, on June 25–26, 2025, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a firm and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism. Addressing defence counterparts from across the SCO region—including China, Russia, and Central Asian nations—Singh called for collective accountability and action against terrorism in all its forms. He stressed the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and state sponsors of terrorism accountable , reinforcing India’s longstanding position on cross-border terrorism and extremism. Pahalgam Terror Attack & Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Proxy Network Singh referenced the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians, including a Nepali national , were killed in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack was orchestrated by The Resistance Front (TRF) , which is a known proxy of the ...

India’s Growth Playbook: Piyush Goyal’s Strategic Push for Exports, Investments, and Manufacturing Self-Reliance

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Boosting Exports and Investments: Strategic Engagements with Global Corporates In a bid to reinforce India's export momentum and global investment appeal, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has recently held key discussions with global business leaders. Among the notable meetings: L'Oréal India : Goyal met Aseem Kaushik , MD, and Krishna Vilasini Bharadwaj , Director of Corporate Affairs & Engagement at L’Oréal India. Focus Areas : Expanding exports of beauty and personal care products from India. Skill development in the beauty sector, aimed at empowering youth with job-ready training. Supporting the broader objectives of Make in India and Skill India . Temasek : Goyal also held talks with Ravi Lambah , Head of Strategic Initiatives & India Head at Temasek, a Singapore-based global investment firm. Key Discussion Points : Temasek’s growing role in India’s innovation ecosystem and job creation . Reinforcing Temasek’...

India's Data Consumption Set to Double by 2030, Driven by Massive 5G Expansion: Ericsson Mobility Report

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India Leads Global Mobile Data Usage Per User India is poised to retain its global leadership in mobile data consumption per user, with data usage per smartphone projected to rise from 32 GB/month in 2024 to 62 GB/month by 2030 , according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report . This growth highlights India’s digital trajectory as the world’s most data-hungry mobile market. The current data consumption per user is already the highest globally. The expected doubling over the next six years underscores a transformative demand for high-speed connectivity, video streaming, gaming, and AI-powered applications in both urban and rural regions. 5G Subscriptions to Triple by 2030 India's 5G subscriber base , which stood at 290 million in December 2024 (around 24% of total mobile subscribers), is projected to surge to 980 million by 2030 —representing 75% of all mobile subscriptions in the country. This dramatic shift will see a corresponding decline in 4G subscriptions, from the ...

India's Leap in Space: ISRO’s Scientific Push Through Axiom-4 Mission

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Stricter Visa Norms Abroad to Benefit Indian Higher Education Sector: ICRA

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ECI Invites Rahul Gandhi for Clarification on Maharashtra Election Rigging Allegations

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ECI Responds to Allegations with Formal Invitation In a significant development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has invited Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for an official interaction to address his recent allegations of rigging in the Maharashtra Assembly elections , held in 2024. The invitation, confirmed by official sources, was sent via email on June 12 and also physically delivered to Gandhi’s residence . The move comes in response to public accusations made by the senior Congress leader regarding irregularities in the electoral process , particularly in the Nagpur South West constituency —represented by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis . Rahul Gandhi’s Key Allegations Rahul Gandhi, in a series of public statements and a detailed post on social media platform X, has alleged the following: The voter list in Nagpur South West constituency witnessed an 8% growth within just five months . Certain polling booths saw a surge of 20–50% in registered voters. ...

DGCA Tightens Monsoon Flying Guidelines Amid Rising Weather Risks

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DGCA Responds to Rising Monsoon Weather Threats In light of increasing weather-related flight incidents during the Indian monsoon , the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued revised operational guidelines to reinforce aviation safety. This development follows an incident involving IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar , which sustained nose cone damage mid-air due to severe weather but landed safely with 227 passengers. Issued on June 12 , the updated circular underscores the growing impact of climate-driven weather volatility on civil aviation and the need for advanced safety practices during this sensitive season. Weather Hazards Identified in the Revised Guidelines The DGCA highlights specific monsoon-related risks that must be actively avoided by pilots and airlines: Heavy rainfall Turbulence and windshear Lightning and hailstorms Enroute icing Microbursts and convective weather systems Pilots are now required to maintain a mi...

India’s External Balance Under Pressure: Oil Shocks, West Asia Tensions, and Trade Trends in FY26

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🔍 Geopolitical Tensions Threaten India’s Fiscal Stability As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, the economic fallout is becoming more visible—particularly for energy-import-dependent countries like India. A recent report by ICRA has flagged that if crude oil prices jump by $10/barrel amid West Asia instability, India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) could widen by 0.3% of GDP . This would mean a jump of $13–14 billion in net oil imports, putting pressure on the country’s balance of payments. Currently, ICRA estimates India's CAD for FY26 at 1.2–1.3% of GDP , assuming oil remains around $70–75 per barrel . However, if prices move into the $80–90 range , the CAD could hit 1.5–1.6% , significantly impacting the rupee’s stability against the US dollar. 🚢 Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Choke Point The biggest concern? Iran’s warning to close the Strait of Hormuz —a crucial maritime route through which 20% of the world’s crude and LNG supplies are shipped. India imports...

India’s Investment Engines & Real Estate’s New Revenue Revolution: Trends to Watch in FY26

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🚨 Top 5 States to Drive Half of India’s Capex in FY26 According to a recent report by Bank of Baroda, five Indian states are expected to contribute nearly 50% of the total capital outlay (capex) for FY26—underscoring their crucial role in India’s infrastructure growth and development. Leading States by Capex in FY26: Uttar Pradesh – 16.3% Gujarat – 9.4% Maharashtra – 8.3% Madhya Pradesh – 8.1% Karnataka – 6.7% These states alone are set to drive the ₹10.2 lakh crore in projected capital outlay, rising from ₹8.7 lakh crore in FY25. Notably, this capex is earmarked for long-term fixed asset creation —such as roads, health facilities, and schools—underlining a state-led growth model in public investment. On the flip side, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim are likely to see minimal capex contributions—just 0.4% collectively. 📈 Revenue Side: Who’s Earning the Most? FY26 will also see total state receipts rising 10.6% to ₹69.4 lakh crore. Top states i...

ECI to Launch Intensive House-to-House Verification Ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections: Strengthening Electoral Rolls for Accuracy and Transparency

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ECI Contemplates Door-to-Door Electoral Roll Verification in Bihar In a significant move aimed at enhancing the credibility and accuracy of the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering an intensive house-to-house verification during the revision of electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections . This is expected to be one of the most comprehensive voter verification initiatives since the last such effort undertaken in 2004 . Addressing Long-Standing Concerns Over Voter Data Accuracy Over the years, various civil society groups, political stakeholders, and electoral observers have raised concerns about the inclusion of ineligible names and the deletion of legitimate voters from electoral rolls. The proposed exercise aims to eliminate duplicate, erroneous, or outdated entries , while ensuring that genuine voters are not left out . The ECI has consistently reiterated its commitment to a clean and inclusive voter list , ensuring ...

Iran Nuclear Tensions Escalate Amid Attacks on Key Facilities: Geopolitical Fallout and Legal Implications

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⚠️ Iran Confirms Attacks on Nuclear Sites The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has officially confirmed that three of its key nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—were attacked in what it described as a violation of international law, especially the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Iran termed the aggression as “savage” and vowed to continue the development of its nuclear industry, which it refers to as a “national industry built on the blood of nuclear martyrs.”

Delhi University Faces Backlash for Listing ‘Muslim’ as Language Instead of Urdu — Calls It a Clerical Error

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❖ Introduction: A 'Clerical Error' Sparks National Debate Delhi University (DU), one of India’s premier higher education institutions, found itself at the center of a linguistic and communal controversy after its undergraduate admission form listed “Muslim” as a mother tongue while omitting Urdu —a constitutionally recognized language. Following public outrage and criticism from academics and civil society, the university issued a formal clarification describing the issue as a “clerical error.” ❖ The Controversial Admission Form Screenshots of DU’s undergraduate admission portal began circulating on social media platforms on Saturday, showing "Muslim" among the options listed for mother tongue . Notably, Urdu , which holds official status under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution , was missing. The form quickly drew sharp criticism from across the academic spectrum and political commentators. Observers highlighted that such a mix-up is not a minor o...

Himachal Pradesh HC Slams State Over RERA Delay and Extension of Chief Secretary: Legal, Constitutional and Ethical Ramifications

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Judicial Rebuke: Himachal Pradesh High Court Pulls Up the State Government On June 7, 2025, the Himachal Pradesh High Court delivered a sharp reprimand to the state government over two controversial issues: the prolonged delay in appointing officials to the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and the controversial six-month extension granted to Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena , who is currently facing a pending charge sheet in the INX Media scam . During the resumed hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Atul Sharma , the division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma imposed a monetary penalty on the state and directed the amount to be deposited with the Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association by June 25 . Timeline of Delay and Court’s Frustration The delay in notifying appointments to the RERA body has now been termed by the Court as a case of “administrative apathy” . The bench condemned the state for ...

SpaceX Setback and Axiom Mission Delay: Double Blow for Space Ambitions in June 2025

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🔴 Starship Explosion: A Major Setback for Elon Musk’s Mars Dream On June 18, 2025 , SpaceX faced a significant setback when its Starship prototype exploded during a routine engine test at Starbase, Texas , resulting in the complete destruction of the spacecraft and damage to the surrounding infrastructure. Starship is SpaceX’s ambitious two-stage super heavy-lift launch vehicle, designed to ferry humans to Mars — a critical element in Elon Musk’s long-term interplanetary vision . In a statement released on June 19 , SpaceX confirmed that a “major anomaly” occurred while the upper stage of Starship was being tested on the stand. Fortunately, no injuries were reported , and all personnel were safely evacuated. The company maintained a safety clear zone, and environmental impact assessments showed no chemical or toxic hazards to nearby communities. The Starship program , successor to Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, had already experienced multiple test failures in recent years. A proto...

Purpose and Pragmatism: India’s Foreign Policy Charts a Bold, Inclusive Global Trajectory

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India’s New Foreign Policy Doctrine: Strategic, Structured, and Sovereign India’s foreign policy has undergone a significant transformation in the past decade—marked by pragmatism, purposeful diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to strategic autonomy. Whether it is engaging major powers or building coalitions with the Global South, India's diplomacy has grown more structured, forward-looking, and impactful. From high-trust defence partnerships to landmark multilateral summits, India today is no longer just a participant on the world stage—it is a pivotal shaper of global narratives. US-India Relations: From Trust to Trade & Technology India’s relationship with the United States has evolved into a Global Strategic Partnership , anchored in democratic values and economic synergy. The COMPACT initiative (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) underscores this cooperation. Key milestones: Mission 500 aims to double ...