Thursday, July 23

State

₹3.1 Million Fine Over Live-in Relationship: Alleged Caste Panchayat Threats and Social Boycott in Rajasthan’s Jalore
Politics, Rajasthan, State

₹3.1 Million Fine Over Live-in Relationship: Alleged Caste Panchayat Threats and Social Boycott in Rajasthan’s Jalore

A disturbing case of alleged social boycott and economic coercion has emerged from the Bhinmal area of Jalore district, where a family has accused members of a community council of imposing an illegal fine of ₹31 lakh over a live-in relationship and threatening them with expulsion from society. According to the complaint, seven alleged panchayat members of the Mali community declared a social boycott against the family after a young man entered into a consensual live-in relationship with a woman. The family claims they have been subjected to continuous threats, mental harassment, and pressure, not only against them but also against those who extended support. Dispute Rooted in Live-in Relationship In a written complaint submitted to the Superintendent of Police, the complainant Ba...
Not a Film Script but Reality: Bihar Girl to Become ‘Mukhiya for a Day’ on Republic Day
Bihar, State

Not a Film Script but Reality: Bihar Girl to Become ‘Mukhiya for a Day’ on Republic Day

What once appeared only on the silver screen in the Bollywood film Nayak is now set to become reality in rural Bihar. In a unique and inspiring initiative aimed at promoting girls’ empowerment and grassroots leadership, a teenage girl from Godhwa Gram Panchayat in West Champaran district will assume the role of Mukhiya (Village Head) for a day on January 26, Republic Day. On this historic day, the selected girl will hoist the national flag, preside over the Gram Sabha, review development schemes, and put her symbolic approval on key village initiatives. The initiative seeks to instill leadership qualities among adolescent girls, provide them with practical exposure to democratic processes, and strengthen the participation of women—the “other half of the population”—in local governance. ...
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s Global Outreach Continues: Resounding ‘Johar’ Echoes in London After Davos
Jharkhand, Politics, State

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s Global Outreach Continues: Resounding ‘Johar’ Echoes in London After Davos

After making a strong impression at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has reached London, marking the next phase of his international visit aimed at promoting the state’s development, education, and global partnerships. The Chief Minister arrived in the UK capital late Wednesday night along with his wife Kalpana Murmu Soren and a delegation of state legislators. He was accorded a warm and culturally vibrant welcome by Jharkhandi scholars and members of the Indian diaspora residing in London. Traditional music, drumbeats, and folk songs transformed the occasion into a celebration of Jharkhand’s rich heritage, with chants of “Jharkhandi Johar” reverberating across foreign soil. Expressing his gratitude, Chief Minister Soren said it was a mat...
‘Ram Temple Built, Mini Kumbh Organised’: Saints Upset Over Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Remarks on CM Yogi
Politics, State, Uttar Pradesh

‘Ram Temple Built, Mini Kumbh Organised’: Saints Upset Over Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Remarks on CM Yogi

The controversy surrounding the Mauni Amavasya bathing festival at the Prayagraj Magh Mela continues to escalate, with sharp reactions now emerging from the saint community over comments made by Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. What began as a protest over administrative arrangements has now taken a broader religious and political turn, drawing in saints’ organisations and public figures. Swami Avimukteshwaranand had objected strongly to the alleged stopping of his palanquin and the barricading during the Mauni Amavasya Snan, claiming misbehaviour with saints during crowd control measures. While he has remained camped outside his tent in protest, his remarks targeting the Chief Minister have triggered w...
‘Administration Is Trying to Divide Us’: Street Vendors Disrupt Town Vending Committee Meeting in Mussoorie
State, Uttarakhand

‘Administration Is Trying to Divide Us’: Street Vendors Disrupt Town Vending Committee Meeting in Mussoorie

A meeting of the Town Vending Committee (TVC) in Mussoorie descended into chaos on Wednesday after a section of street vendors staged a strong protest, accusing the municipal administration of attempting to divide them. The protesters raised slogans, disrupted proceedings, and demanded the dissolution of the Town Vending Committee, alleging bias and unfair treatment. The meeting was held at the Mussoorie Municipal Council auditorium under the chairmanship of Municipal Council President Meera Saklani. The agenda focused on identifying eligible street vendors and implementing a systematic plan for their relocation and rehabilitation in accordance with established norms. However, tensions flared when several vendors objected to the process and accused the administration of deliberately pit...
When Husband and Wife Agree to Part Ways, Why Should the Court Become a Wall? Rajasthan High Court Delivers a Landmark Verdict
Rajasthan, State

When Husband and Wife Agree to Part Ways, Why Should the Court Become a Wall? Rajasthan High Court Delivers a Landmark Verdict

Jodhpur: In a significant and thought-provoking judgment, the Rajasthan High Court has reaffirmed that courts should not stand in the way of personal liberty when a marriage has irretrievably broken down. Setting aside an order of the Medta Family Court, the Jodhpur Bench granted legal recognition to a Muslim couple’s mutual divorce, observing sharply that this was a case of “husband and wife agreeing, but the court refusing.” The Case in Brief The case involved Ayesha Chauhan and Wasim Khan, residents of Pali district, who were married in 2022. Soon after the marriage, deep ideological differences emerged, making cohabitation impossible. Following the principles of Islamic law, the couple completed the process of divorce over three tuhar periods and, on August 20, 2024, executed a M...
Meitei Man Killed in Manipur After Marrying Kuki Woman; Militants Abduct Couple, Shoot Husband
State

Meitei Man Killed in Manipur After Marrying Kuki Woman; Militants Abduct Couple, Shoot Husband

Imphal: A 38-year-old Meitei man was abducted and shot dead in Manipur’s Churachandpur district late Wednesday night, allegedly by members of a banned Kuki militant group. The killing has once again disrupted the fragile calm in the state, which has witnessed prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023. The victim has been identified as Meiyanglambam Rishi Kanta, a resident of Kakching district. He was living in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur with his wife Chingnu Haokip, who belongs to the Kuki community. Officials said armed cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) kidnapped the couple from Tuibuong area and took them to Natzang. According to the wife’s statement, she was forcibly pushed out of a vehicle before her husband was shot dead, despite his repeated pleas for mercy. Polic...
“Is Lalu Yadav Good or Very Good?” Pawan Singh Caught Off Guard, His Reply Sparks Political Buzz
Bihar, State

“Is Lalu Yadav Good or Very Good?” Pawan Singh Caught Off Guard, His Reply Sparks Political Buzz

Patna: Bhojpuri cinema’s ‘Power Star’ and BJP leader Pawan Singh has once again found himself at the centre of political discussion—this time over a seemingly simple question about RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. During a recent interview, Singh appeared visibly uncomfortable when asked to comment on Lalu Yadav. Currently an active campaigner for the BJP and a recipient of ‘Y’ category security, Singh’s response surprised many in political circles. When asked, “How is Lalu Yadav?”, Pawan Singh initially replied cautiously, saying, “He is good.” As the interviewer pressed further—“Just good?”—Singh smiled and responded, “Very good. What else can I say?” His remark immediately became a talking point, especially given the sharp political divide between the BJP and the RJD. Despite his...
Supreme Court Sets Timings for Basant Panchami Puja and Namaz at Dhar Bhojshala
Madhya Pradesh, State

Supreme Court Sets Timings for Basant Panchami Puja and Namaz at Dhar Bhojshala

Dhar, Madhya Pradesh: The Supreme Court has issued detailed directives for Dhar Bhojshala, setting clear timings for religious activities to prevent conflict. This year, Basant Panchami coincides with Friday prayers (Jumma Namaz), prompting the court to schedule both events. Court-Mandated Timings: Basant Panchami Puja: Until 12:00 PM Namaz: From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM The court has also instructed the administration to issue special passes for visitors, segregate entry and exit routes for different groups, and ensure strict security arrangements to maintain law and order within the premises. Scheduled Worship Practices:Under existing rules, Hindus are allowed to perform weekly Tuesday puja, while Muslims can offer Friday Namaz. With Basant Panchami falling on Friday this year...
Blast at Real Ispat Plant in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh; Six Workers Dead, Four Seriously Injured
Chhattisgarh, State

Blast at Real Ispat Plant in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh; Six Workers Dead, Four Seriously Injured

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: A tragic industrial accident occurred at the Real Ispat Plant in Bakulahi village, under the Bhatapara Rural Police Station, in Baloda Bazar–Bhatapara district. During the clinical Barnes process, a sudden and powerful blast killed six workers on the spot and left four others critically injured. Rescue and Response:The incident took place just moments ago. Upon receiving the information, teams from Bhatapara Rural Police and Baloda Bazar authorities rushed to the site. The injured workers were immediately transported to the Bhatapara Community Health Center for emergency medical care. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, and the area has been secured to prevent further casualties.