More than 25 crore workers across India are expected to participate in a nationwide strike called ‘Bharat Bandh’ on July 9. This large-scale protest targets the central government's policies, which many believe are “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate.”

The strike is being led by a united platform of 10 central trade unions, along with farmer and rural labour groups such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. As a result, major disruptions are expected in key sectors across the country.

Protest Highlights Concerns Over Jobs and Worker Rights

The aim of this nationwide shutdown is to raise awareness about labour reforms, employment issues, and the government’s broader economic policies. Though the central government has not officially responded, the strike is likely to affect services nationwide.

Massive Participation Expected

More than 25 crore workers are likely to take part. This includes employees from banks, insurance companies, postal services, coal mines, steel plants, transport, and government offices. Farmers and rural workers will also hold protests across cities and villages.

Disruption Across Multiple Sectors

Leaders of the unions expect interruptions in banking, postal delivery, coal mining, public transport, and manufacturing in several states.

Groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have extended support. They will organize protests in both urban and rural areas to strengthen the strike.

Unions spent months mobilizing workers from both the formal and informal sectors to ensure widespread participation.

17 Demands Submitted

The unions presented a 17-point list of demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Their requests include filling vacant posts, creating new job opportunities, and ensuring an urban job guarantee. They also criticized the government’s refusal to hold annual labour conferences, calling it a disregard for workers' voices.

Clear Focus on Employment and MGNREGA

According to the joint forum, “We are demanding from the government to address unemployment, recruitments against sanctioned posts, creation of more jobs, increase in days and remuneration of MGNREGA workers and enactment of similar legislation for urban areas. But the government is busy imposing ELI (Employment Linked Incentive) scheme to incentives employers’ instead.”

Resistance to New Labour Codes

Unions have voiced concern over the four new labour codes passed by Parliament. They argue these laws reduce bargaining power, increase work hours, and weaken worker protections.

Opposition to Public Sector Hiring Practices

Union leaders criticized the trend of hiring retired professionals instead of young recruits in critical sectors like railways, NMDC Ltd, steel, and education.

Strong Stand Against Privatisation

The strike also targets privatisation of public sector companies, contract hiring, and outsourcing. Union leaders claim these practices undermine job stability.

Youth Unemployment Is a Major Concern

The protest comes amid rising youth unemployment, especially among those aged 20 to 25. With 65% of India’s population under 35, the unions say the job crisis must be addressed urgently.

Ongoing Worker Mobilisation Across Years

This is not the first major strike. Similar protests were held on February 16, 2023, November 26, 2020, and March 28–29, 2022, showing a continuing wave of unrest among India’s working class.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and agricultural worker unions have promised full support, especially by ensuring mass participation from rural areas.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal visited Srinagar on Sunday and enjoyed a shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake. Reflecting on the serene experience, he told reporters that the boat he rode in was named Peace of Heaven. “The peace I experience when I come to Dal Lake takes me back to my school days,” Goyal shared. He added, “I haven't forgotten my childhood memories. God has given a heaven to the country.”

Locals Praised for Standing Against Terrorism

Tourism in Kashmir had slowed down after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 23, where 26 people were killed. However, Goyal praised the people of Kashmir for their role in Operation Sindoor, saying, “We are indebted to the people of Kashmir for the way they supported Operation Sindoor and stood firm against terrorism.”

He expressed hope that terrorism would be rooted out just like Naxalism, stating, “Like we have decided to end Naxalism by 2026, I am confident that together we will eradicate terrorism from its roots.”

Amarnath Yatra Brings Economic Hope

Goyal believes the Amarnath Yatra will help revive tourism and support the local economy. He explained, “Now, the Amarnath Yatra has also started, and tourists have also come to Gulmarg.” He also pointed out the rising trend of homestays and said, “Today, homestay will start in thousands of houses, their income will increase, and Kashmir’s economy will also grow.”

Government to Address Local Issues

While in Srinagar, Goyal met with multiple delegations and assured them of government support. “Today, I met many delegations,” he said. Goyal stressed that both the state and central governments were working together to strengthen trade and industry. He added, “The Modi government brought a ₹28,000 crore scheme earlier, and we’ll continue to support local development.”

Support for Handicrafts and GST Cut

Goyal discussed reducing GST on handicrafts to help boost the local industry. “We have discussed with you people about handicrafts here,” he said. He asked for a proposal and promised, “I will try to reduce the GST to 5 percent so that the production of handicrafts here can increase.”

He also confirmed plans for a new facility, saying, “There has been a discussion about opening an assembly centre. We will open that too.”

Beyond infiltration concerns

Tourism angle

The Indian government has decided to reduce toll charges significantly on national highways that include large structures. This change aims to ease travel costs for commuters and promote more highway use.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officially notified the new rule on July 2, 2025. It has updated the National Highways Fee Rules (2008) to introduce a better method for calculating tolls.

What Has Changed?

Earlier, motorists had to pay 10 times the regular rate for each kilometre that included tunnels, bridges, flyovers, or elevated corridors. This made travel expensive, especially on stretches full of such structures.

Now, under the revised rule, the toll will be based on the lower of two values:

• Ten times the length of the structure(s) plus the remaining stretch of the highway (excluding those structures),
  OR

• Five times the total length of the full highway section, including the structures.

As the notification clearly states, “Structure” means an independent bridge, tunnel, flyover or elevated highway.”

How Does It Benefit Drivers?

To show the difference, the ministry gave an example. Suppose a 40-kilometre stretch consists entirely of elevated or structured sections. Under the old rule, toll would be charged for 400 kilometres (10 × 40 km). But now, under the new rule, it will be charged for 200 kilometres (5 × 40 km). As a result, drivers will pay half the toll.

Why the Government Took This Step

The government recognized that current toll rates on structured roads were too high. Elevated roads, tunnels, and bridges require more money to build and maintain. Therefore, the tolls were higher.

However, the burden on road users also increased.

To fix this, the ministry revised the fee formula. A senior official from NHAI explained, “This move is designed to rationalize toll collection and provide relief to road users while maintaining a balance between infrastructure cost recovery and affordability.”

What This Means for Travelers

This new rule is expected to bring big savings for commuters. It will also encourage people to use national highways more often.

Moreover, people driving through areas with long bridges, flyovers, or tunnels will see lower toll bills. The reform is part of the government's broader plan to make travel more affordable, while still recovering costs of large infrastructure.

In short, the government wants to support both road users and infrastructure development — and this new toll formula is a step in that direction.

India’s Defence Ministry approved ten new defence acquisition projects worth a total of ₹1 lakh crore (about $11.7 billion) on July 3, according to reports. These include advanced missile systems, spy planes, autonomous underwater vessels, and minesweeper ships.

However, the ministry has only given the “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN) for now. This is just the first step in India’s long and detailed defence procurement process.

Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs)

One of the largest projects to get initial approval is the indigenous construction of 12 mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs). This project is expected to cost around ₹44,000 crore (roughly $5.14 billion) and will likely take ten years to complete.

These specialised ships will be able to detect, track, and destroy underwater mines planted by enemy forces.

This move comes as both China and Pakistan expand their cooperation at sea. Strengthening India’s ability to safeguard its coastline and trade routes is now a high priority.

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) Systems

The second major project is the purchase of quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) systems developed by DRDO. This deal is valued at ₹36,000 crore (around $4.2 billion).

The project includes three regiments for the Indian Army and three squadrons for the Indian Air Force. The Army Air Defence (AAD) has a long-term requirement for 11 QRSAM regiments.

These systems are highly mobile and designed to destroy enemy fighter jets, drones, and helicopters within a 30-km range. The QRSAM systems will boost India’s multi-layered air defence network, which played a key role during Operation Sindoor in May 2024, when India successfully tackled Turkish drones and Chinese missiles launched by Pakistan.

ISTAR Spy Aircraft

The third big-ticket project is the acquisition of three ISTAR aircraft, with a budget of around ₹10,000 crore (about $1.17 billion).

ISTAR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance. These aircraft will use DRDO-developed sensors, such as synthetic aperture radars, electro-optical, and infrared systems. They will provide the Indian military with real-time intelligence on enemy locations, troop movements, and infrastructure.

These planes will also help Indian fighter jets and missiles target high-value enemy assets with greater precision.

Other Defence Projects Approved

In addition to these three large-scale projects, the Defence Ministry approved seven smaller projects, including:

• Semi-submersible autonomous vessels designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. These will be developed under the ‘Make-II’ category, where private industry finances the prototypes.

• Super Rapid Gun Mounts (SRGMs), which are 76mm naval guns used on Indian warships. The military will procure these through competitive bidding.

• Processor-based moored mines, designed by DRDO, which will explode after detecting an enemy ship's acoustic, magnetic, or pressure signature.

Himachal Pradesh is facing widespread destruction due to continuous heavy rainfall. So far, the floods have claimed over 37 lives and caused property damage worth more than ₹400 crore. Rescue teams are still searching for missing people, so the death toll may rise.

IMD Issues Warning for Continued Rain

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rain will likely continue across the state until July 7. As a result, people have been advised to remain alert and avoid landslide-prone areas.

Mandi District Worst Affected

Among all the regions, Mandi district has suffered the most. Specifically, the Thunag subdivision is cut off as roads remain blocked. In addition, power and water supply systems have completely failed.

During a press conference on Wednesday, DC Rana, Special Secretary in the Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, shared the current situation. He stated:
"We have recorded over ₹400 crore in losses so far, as entered in our system. But the actual damage is likely to be much higher. Our primary focus at the moment is on search, rescue, and restoration."

Relief Efforts Underway Amid Growing Crisis

In Mandi alone, 40 people remain missing. To help stranded villagers, authorities have set up relief camps. Moreover, the Indian Air Force has air-dropped food packets into the worst-hit areas.

DC Rana confirmed, "A village in Mandi has been devastated." Additionally, senior officers and engineers from the PWD, Electricity Board, and Jal Shakti Department are working on restoring basic services.

State Infrastructure Severely Hit

So far, 37 people have died due to weather-related events, and 26 more have died in road accidents during this period. Furthermore, the state's infrastructure is heavily damaged. Over 250 roads are blocked, more than 500 electricity transformers are not working and around 700 drinking water schemes are affected.

Rana also warned about the broader environmental impact. He said, “These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal is not untouched by these impacts.”

Shimla Schools Struggle as Rain Disrupts Daily Life

Meanwhile, in Shimla, the heavy downpour has disrupted daily life. Schools are flooded, and students are scared to attend classes.

Tanuja Thakur, a student, told ANI, "It's raining heavily. Water is entering our classrooms, our clothes and books are soaked. Our teachers are telling us it's better to stay at home."

She further added, "Our school is surrounded by trees. There is always a fear that a tree could fall. Thankfully, we are safe for now."

Multiple Agencies Join Rescue Operations

At the same time, rescue efforts are ongoing across affected areas. A joint team involving the local administration, police, Home Guards, and SDRF is working alongside central agencies like the NDRF.

Finally, the government remains on high alert, as more rainfall is expected in the coming days. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is facing sharp criticism after a 40-hour-long traffic jam on the Indore–Dewas stretch of the Agra–Mumbai National Highway led to the deaths of three people in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

NHAI’s Response Draws Anger

Rather than accepting responsibility, NHAI's lawyer appeared to blame the public during a hearing in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. According to NDTV, the NHAI counsel remarked, “Why do people even leave home so early without any work?” This response came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The court had summoned NHAI after the tragic deaths and the massive traffic jam. But instead of addressing the unfinished roadwork, the authority questioned the public’s travel choices.

High Court Issues Notices

The Indore bench of the high court, led by Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi, issued legal notices to the Central government, NHAI, Indore police, and the district administration. The court has given all parties time until July 7 to respond.

Long Delays Despite Deadlines

The court reminded NHAI that it had ordered the completion of a diversion road back in September 2024, with a four-week deadline. But even by June 2025, the road remains unfinished.

NHAI told the court that a 10-day crusher unit strike delayed the project. However, the court pointed out that the authority had already asked for three to four months to complete the work last year. Despite that time, there was no visible progress.

Lives Lost in the Traffic Chaos

Because of the unfinished road, traffic piled up for nearly 40 hours. Three people died in the severe heat while stuck in the jam. The victims were:

• Kamal Panchal (62) from Indore – died of a heart attack, reportedly caused by heat and suffocation.

• Balram Patel (55) from Shujalpur – his family was rushing to get him medical help when he died during the traffic jam.

• Sandeep Patel (32) from Gari Pipalya – also died while waiting in the standstill traffic.

Public Outcry Grows

The court called the situation "shocking" and demanded accountability. It emphasized that such poor planning and delays had led to unnecessary deaths. The incident has sparked widespread anger over NHAI’s negligence and lack of urgency, especially when lives were at stake.

Heavy rain has pounded Himachal Pradesh for the past few days. As a result, landslides, road blockages, and power outages have affected normal life across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), therefore, issued a red alert on Tuesday.

Mandi district, in particular, suffered the most damage. Authorities confirmed that 17 people died in rain-related incidents.

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), rain blocked 259 roads and damaged 614 power transformers. Moreover, 130 water supply systems stopped working within the last 24 hours.

An official from the State Emergency Operation Centre told ANI, “The monsoon is intensifying its grip, and the impact is visible across multiple districts. Roads, power lines, and water systems are all severely affected.”

Mandi Faces Severe Damage

Specifically, Mandi reported 139 blocked roads and 314 transformer failures. Most of the damage occurred in Gohar (199), Mandi II (79), and J Nagar (18). Meanwhile, the Beas River is flowing above the danger level.

Furthermore, News18 reported a cloudburst in Kasong, Mandi, that killed one person. In Syanj, a flash flood washed away a house. Seven people went missing. Rescue teams are now working in full force across the hill regions.

Additionally, the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway remains closed to traffic.

Other Districts Also Hit

In Sirmaur, officials said that 92 water supply schemes were disrupted—19 in Nohradhar and 16 in Pachhad. Likewise, Kullu saw 20 blocked roads and 47 water schemes disrupted, especially in Kullu, Largi, and Anni sub-divisions.

Notably, Spiti in Lahaul and Spiti district recorded the highest power disruption, with 139 transformers down.

Government Issues Warning

Consequently, the state government has urged people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly or landslide-prone areas.

Earlier, the IMD had issued an orange alert for Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations.

The number of deaths from the explosion at a Telangana chemical factory rose to 34 on Tuesday. Initially, officials reported 12 deaths, but rescue teams later found more bodies under the debris.

Police Confirm Casualties

According to District Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj, rescue workers discovered several more victims. “Several bodies have been found under the debris while removing it. As many as 31 bodies have been extricated from the debris while three died in hospital while undergoing treatment. The last leg of the rescue operation is still going on,” he told PTI.

Chief Minister to Visit Blast Site

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is scheduled to visit the accident site on Tuesday morning. He will assess the situation and speak with officials on the ground.

Reactor Blast Causes Massive Explosion

On Monday, a suspected reactor explosion triggered a huge blast and fire at the Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamylaram. Speaking to the media, State Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha said about 90 workers were inside the factory at the time.

He explained, “The explosion blew up the industrial shed completely and the force of the blast was so intense that some of the workers were thrown up in the air and they fell down about 100 metres away.”

Emergency Teams Begin Rescue Operation

Soon after the explosion, rescue and firefighting teams rushed to the site. They managed to recover at least 10 bodies during the early hours of the operation.

Although the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, officials suspect it may have been caused by a chemical reaction.

Multiple Agencies Continue Rescue Efforts

On Tuesday, local media reported that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), HYDRAA, and the Telangana Fire Disaster Response teams continued rescue work at the site.

They searched through the rubble and supported injured workers.

Governor Expresses Grief and Support

In response to the tragedy, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma shared his condolences. He offered sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Additionally, the Governor spoke with M. Dan Kishore, Principal Secretary of the Labour, Employment Training and Factories (LETF) Department. He instructed him to extend all possible assistance to the victims.

A group of people assaulted a senior Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) officer on Monday during a public grievance hearing. As a result, Odisha Police arrested three individuals linked to the attack.

Police File FIR and Make Arrests

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena confirmed the arrests. He said police have filed an FIR. According to ANI, the accused are Jeevan Rout, Rashmi Mahapatra, and Debashis Pradhan.

Attack Triggered by Alleged Misconduct

According to reports, the attackers stormed into the chamber of BMC Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo. They grabbed his collar and physically assaulted him.

Moreover, videos of the incident went viral on social media. The clips showed the group kicking Sahoo and striking his head. Early reports suggest the group was angry over Sahoo’s alleged misbehavior with BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan, also known as “Jag bhai.”

Later, Sahoo shared details with PTI, “Around five or six unknown youths forcefully entered into my chamber. I thought that they have come to lodge their grievances. A corporator was also with them, who asked me whether I had misbehaved with BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan. With this small interaction, the group of miscreants dragged me from the office and manhandled me.”

In addition, he told reporters that the group tried to kidnap him by forcing him into a vehicle.

Mass Protests Follow the Incident

Consequently, the attack triggered outrage among BMC staff and opposition corporators from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Furthermore, the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association announced that its members would go on mass leave starting July 1.

Their letter stated, “This is to formally inform you that the Odisha Administrative Service Association has unanimously resolved to proceed on a mass leave with effect from 1st July, 2025 in protest against the appalling and deplorable attack on the Additional Commissioner BMC, which occurred in broad daylight within official premises."

Political Parties Demand Strong Action

Meanwhile, opposition parties including the BJD and Congress strongly condemned the attack. They urged the government to take strict action.

Former Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik expressed shock over the video. He said, “I am utterly shocked seeing this video. Today, Shri Ratnakar Sahoo, OAS Additional Commissioner, BMC, a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary was dragged from his office and brutally kicked and assaulted in front of a BJP Corporator, allegedly linked to a defeated BJP MLA Candidate.”

He called on the Chief Minister to punish the culprits and any political leaders involved. Additionally, BJD leaders held protests. They called the attack a “complete failure of law and order.”

Congress Slams BJP’s Role

At the same time, the Congress party also issued a strong response. It accused the BJP of fostering lawlessness in the state.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Congress wrote, “In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, BJP leader Aparupa Raut, along with his goons, is beating up the Additional Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation. An attempt was also made to kidnap Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahu. Somehow, the Commissioner managed to save his life. This is the jungle raj of the BJP, where criminals are openly indulging in thuggery.”

BJP MP and BMC Mayor Respond

Later, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das condemned the assault. She said, “nobody is safe” and demanded attempted murder charges against the attackers.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi distanced the party from the accused. She said the actions did not reflect BJP’s beliefs.

She posted on Facebook, “We are proud of the ideology of Bharatiya Janata Party. This kind of behaviour is certainly not in line with the philosophy/ideology of the Party. I condemn this behaviour towards a Government Officer on Duty. The Law will take its course.”

In a tragic incident, around nine workers have gone missing after a cloudburst struck an under-construction hotel site in Uttarkashi district, located in the northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.

According to reports, the cloudburst occurred around 2 a.m. near the Paligad-Silai Band area in Barkot Tehsil. The sudden burst of rain caused severe damage to the construction site, trapping workers under the debris.

Rescue Operation Underway

Soon after the incident, a rescue operation began to search for the missing workers. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were sent to the scene. Local police officers also joined the rescue effort.

Officials are working around the clock to find the missing workers. However, bad weather and difficult terrain are making the operation challenging.

Heavy Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in Uttarakhand

The cloudburst is part of a larger weather pattern affecting the region. Uttarakhand has been receiving heavy rainfall over the past week. This has led to road closures, landslides, and accidents, especially in hilly and landslide-prone areas.

On Saturday (June 28), authorities had to restrict movement on the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road in the Rudraprayag district due to constant rain. This route is especially important as it is used by pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath, one of India’s most visited sacred sites.

The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has named Parag Jain as the new chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence agency. Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, will serve as RAW Secretary for the next two years.

He will take charge on Monday, June 30, succeeding Ravi Sinha, whose tenure ends the same day. According to sources, Sinha’s time in office was seen as relatively uneventful.

A Background in Critical Intelligence Roles

Currently, Parag Jain leads the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), a key technical intelligence unit under RAW. His leadership was especially important during ‘Operation Sindoor’, where the ARC helped gather crucial intelligence on the Pakistani military.

Rich Experience Across India and Abroad

Jain brings extensive experience to the role. He has served as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Chandigarh and has also represented India abroad, including in Canada and Sri Lanka.

In addition, he has served in Jammu and Kashmir, where he played a significant part in shaping the Indian government’s counter-terrorism strategy in the conflict-affected region.

Actor and model Shefali Jariwala, best known as the "Kaanta Laga girl," has died at the age of 42. The Mumbai Police confirmed her death and stated, “Her body was found at her residence in the Andheri area of Mumbai.”

Soon after, her husband Parag Tyagi and three others rushed her to Bellevue Hospital. However, doctors declared her brought dead. Although Parag was seen leaving the hospital, he has not yet made any public statement.

Journalist Shares the News Online

Meanwhile, journalist Vickey Lalwani first broke the news on social media. He wrote, “Shefali Jariwala, the Kaanta Laga girl, is no more.” He added that she was “brought dead to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital about 45 minutes prior” to his post.

According to him, hospital staff confirmed that “Shefali had expired before she was brought in,” and said, “Her husband and a few others accompanied the body.”

Doctors Confirm Death, Withhold Details

Following this, Lalwani contacted Dr. Vijay Lulla, a cardiologist at the hospital. When asked, Dr. Lulla responded, “I cannot divulge any details regarding any patient.”

Later, another doctor, Dr. Sushant, confirmed her death. He said, “We are sending the body for post mortem to Cooper Hospital.”

Cardiac Arrest Suspected, Cause Still Unknown

So far, the exact cause of her death remains unclear. However, some sources suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest. The results of the post-mortem are expected to provide clarity.

Up until now, her husband Parag Tyagi has remained silent.

Shefali’s Rise to Fame

Originally, Shefali planned to become a computer engineer. However, her career took a different turn at age 20 when she appeared in the remix music video “Kaanta Laga.”

The video, a modern version of a 1972 hit from Samadhi, turned her into an overnight star. Since then, people have continued to call her the “Kaanta Laga girl.”

Over the years, she featured in more music albums and films. In 2020, she appeared in the reality show Bigg Boss, hosted by Salman Khan, and once again captured public attention.

Delhi police arrested a 52-year-old Iranian woman on Thursday. She allegedly cheated a 70-year-old Indian-origin US citizen out of $700. The fraud took place on Saturday at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The Victim and the Scam

The victim, Baldev Singh, was waiting to catch a flight to the US. Meanwhile, the accused woman and her 55-year-old husband approached him near Departure Gate 7. They had a young child with them.

Fake Story and Request

First, the couple claimed they were flying to Dubai. Then, they asked Singh to show their child some Indian currency. Singh kindly handed them a ₹50 note.

Next, they asked if he had any US dollars. Singh pulled out nine $100 bills from his bag. The couple took the money, pretending to show it to their child.

Later, Singh realized something was wrong. He checked the returned bundle and found that only the top and bottom notes were genuine. In between, there were five ₹500 Indian notes. He had lost $700 in the scam.

Police Statement

Additional Commissioner of Police Usha Rangnani said, “The suspects then inquired if he carried US dollars. Singh displayed nine 100 US dollar notes from his bag. The couple briefly held the cash, pretending to show it to the child, before returning the bundle. Singh realized later that the notes were swapped with only the top and bottom notes being genuine, the middle containing five ₹500 notes, seven of his 100 US dollar notes had vanished.”

The Investigation

After Singh filed a complaint, police began investigating immediately. They traced the woman, Fatemah Akbari, to a guest house in Saket. Police conducted a raid and arrested Akbari. However, her husband, Mojtaba Zolfaghari, escaped during the operation.

Ongoing Search

The couple holds refugee status from the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). While Akbari is now in custody, police are still searching for her husband.

Who Are the New Accused?

Concealing the Crime

Case Background

What happened after the incident?

Search operation amid pressure

Tourists are back, regulations await

A helicopter crashed near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand on Sunday, June 15, 2025. It killed at least five people. There were seven people on board — five adults, a child, and the pilot.

Crash Happened Soon After Takeoff

The helicopter took off from Kedarnath and was flying to Guptkashi. However, it crashed just minutes after taking off. This is the fifth helicopter accident in Uttarakhand within the last 40 days.

Chief Minister Expresses Grief

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reacted to the tragedy on X.
“Very sad news has been received about a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local administration and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations.”

Rescue Teams Act Quickly

Immediately after the crash, emergency teams rushed to the scene. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local police and rescue workers, began relief and recovery efforts.

Authorities have not confirmed the exact cause. However, initial reports suggest the helicopter went down soon after takeoff.

Char Dham Pilgrimage Adds Pressure

This accident comes during the busy Char Dham pilgrimage season. Many pilgrims use helicopters to reach remote shrines like Kedarnath. Therefore, the incident raises serious concerns about flight safety in the region.

A senior BJP leader told The Sunday Guardian that the Delhi government intends to reconstitute the governing councils in the coming two months. According to him, the new councils will include members from diverse professional backgrounds such as engineering, medicine, law, environmental science, and social work. This approach marks a departure from the previous administration, which, he claimed, predominantly appointed individuals who aligned with their ideology—primarily journalists. Officials from the education department also confirmed this and said they are working on it.

It is worth noting that during its first term, the Aam Aadmi Party appointed 27 journalists to the governing bodies of 28 colleges funded by the Delhi government and affiliated with Delhi University. This move sparked concerns and debates about the criteria used for these appointments. Although these positions are honorary and not salaried, members still wield considerable influence over college affairs.

A professor, speaking on condition of anonymity, pointed out that many of these journalists regularly cover AAP in major newspapers and strongly defend the party in televised debates. This, he argued, raises legitimate questions about potential conflicts of interest in their dual roles. Notably, the governing body of a Delhi government-funded college typically comprises six members nominated by the Delhi government, six members from Delhi University, two faculty representatives from the respective college, and the principal, who serves as an ex-officio member.

Among these members, a Chairperson is elected to assist the principal in the smooth administration of the college. However, due to an ongoing power tussle between the Delhi government and Delhi University, many of these governing bodies have not been constituted, leading to serious disruptions in the functioning of the colleges. According to sources, the primary reason behind this dysfunction is the Delhi government’s insistence on conducting audits of these colleges—particularly regarding the use of student fees—which led to disagreements.

In response, some college members approached the courts, resulting in a legal deadlock that has stalled the formation and functioning of these bodies ever since. Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, Prof V.S. Negi, former EC member of the University of Delhi, explained that the stalemate on the governing body issue and funding of Delhi government colleges has had far-reaching consequences. Due to the clash over governing body formation in 12 colleges, the previous Delhi government withheld essential funding, crippling the colleges’ operations. Those most badly affected are the ad-hoc teachers.

While other DU colleges completed 5,000 appointments to teaching posts, these 12 colleges are still awaiting the start of the permanent appointment process. Development and infrastructure projects have come to a standstill, and no new initiatives have been undertaken in recent years. Even basic financial obligations—such as medical reimbursements for staff—have been delayed due to lack of funds.

Teachers have faced irregular salary payments, with many receiving only partial disbursements. Negi added that resolving this long-standing issue is a significant challenge for the newly formed BJP-led Delhi government. He emphasised the urgent need to reconstitute the governing bodies and fill the administrative vacuum left by the previous government in order to restore normalcy and ensure the colleges function smoothly once again.

NEW DEHLI: Corruption and misconduct allegations against senior officers of the Punjab police have converged into a deepening scandal, with SSP Varinder Singh Brar and SHO Manjit Singh of Fazilka emerging as central figures in both a bribery case and the alleged unlawful arrest of an NRI.

The Punjab government this week suspended Brar for failing to act on corruption under his command, even as the Punjab and Haryana High Court examines contempt charges and due process violations involving the same set of officers.

These parallel developments underscore a broader pattern of abuse of power in Fazilka, a sensitive border district. Anubhav Khanna, an NRI from Haryana employed in the UAE, told The Sunday Guardian that officers from Fazilka’s Cyber Crime police Station demanded a bribe to suppress a matrimonial case filed against him. He said that Manjit Singh pressured him for money while in custody, urging an out-of-court settlement. Khanna further alleged that police unlawfully detained him at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on December 18, 2024, without serving the mandatory notice under Section 41-A of the CrPC and handcuffed him during his transfer to Fazilka.

This episode is linked to a broader alleged corruption case in the same police unit. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau recently arrested four officers—including Manjit Singh—for allegedly accepting a Rs 1 lakh bribe to suppress a complaint involving a minor’s mobile phone. The complaint had been raised by the child’s father, Dharminder Singh, who had also formally informed Brar.

No action followed, and Brar’s failure to intervene is a primary reason behind his suspension. Crucially, the same officers—Brar, Manjit Singh, and others—are now facing contempt proceedings in the Punjab and Haryana High Court based on Khanna’s case.

The ongoing court matter also names SP Operations Karanwir Singh, DSP (D) Balkar Singh, and Senior Constables Rajpal Singh and Sumit Kumar.

The High Court, in its order dated May 22, 2025, observed a prima facie case of serious violations and directed Brar and Manjit Singh to appear. While Manjit Singh attended the May 27 hearing, Brar did not. The next hearing is set for July 10, 2025. Khanna, embroiled in a matrimonial dispute since 2021, claims the FIR against him was weaponised by his estranged wife to coerce a financial settlement.

He accuses police of denying him food, water, and dignity during transit, violating both Supreme Court guidelines and constitutional safeguards. His lawyer, Ritu Punj, termed the arrest a “blatant violation of constitutional norms.” Despite multiple written complaints and RTI responses submitted to Brar—including claims that Fazilka Cyber police Station lacks CCTV coverage in violation of Supreme Court orders—no action was taken.

These developments have once again put the spotlight on alleged police misconduct in sensitive border districts like Fazilka, which shares a boundary with Pakistan. Both the criminal probe and High Court proceedings are ongoing, with further departmental action expected in the coming days.

A source within the party informed The Sunday Guardian that JMM, the ruling party in Jharkhand, is actively preparing to contest the Bihar elections on its own. The party’s leadership is reportedly frustrated after being overlooked in three key Mahagathbandhan meetings held in Bihar during April and May. Adding to the disappointment is JMM’s exclusion from the 21-member coordination committee of the alliance. The party feels sidelined in the decisionmaking process, further straining relations within the coalition.

Despite these setbacks, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren remains hopeful that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who leads the Mahagathbandhan, will allocate a fair share of seats to the JMM. Soren’s expectations are rooted in the spirit of reciprocity, as he had extended significant support to the RJD during the Jharkhand Assembly elections in 2024 by offering them several seats. However, so far, the JMM has not received any special attention or concrete assurances regarding its role in the upcoming Bihar elections. Consequently, there is growing speculation that the JMM may field candidates independently in 12 to 15 border constituencies in Bihar, bypassing the alliance altogether.

A senior JMM leader pointed out that, despite Jharkhand having a relatively small 81-member Assembly, the party had generously allotted six seats to the RJD in the 2024 elections. In addition, the JMM awarded a ministerial berth to an RJD leader after forming the government.

However, given the RJD’s current stance and lack of cooperation, the JMM now feels compelled to contest the Bihar elections on its own.

It’s worth noting that while JMM maintains a limited electoral footprint in Bihar, particularly in the bordering constituencies, its success has been minimal. Since its inception, the JMM has managed to secure only a single seat in the 2010 Bihar Assembly elections. That year, Sumit Kumar Singh won from the Chakai constituency on a JMM ticket. Singh is currently an independent MLA and serves as Bihar’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Technical Education.

Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, JMM General Secretary and spokesperson Vinod Kumar Pandey shared that the party recently passed a resolution during its convention to strengthen its organisational presence not only in Jharkhand but also across states such as Bihar, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. As part of this strategy, the party is planning to contest elections in the border areas of Bihar if the Mahagathbandhan alliance continues to ignore them. Although the JMM is still making efforts to coordinate with the Mahagathbandhan, it is also fully prepared to go solo if it does not receive due recognition and respect within the alliance.

Political observers told the publication that during its recent convention, the JMM officially endorsed a political resolution aimed at expanding its footprint and gaining recognition as a national party. In this context, the party is not inclined to withdraw from participating in the Bihar elections. So far, the JMM has been excluded from all key meetings of the Mahagathbandhan’s state-level coordination committee and has not been invited to attend strategy meetings for upcoming district-level programmes. Under such circumstances, the party is likely to adopt the path of ‘Ekla Chalo’— moving forward alone if necessary

NEW DELHI: The by-election for the Ludhiana West Assembly seat in Punjab is shaping up to be a closely watched contest. It has become a matter of prestige for both the Congress and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). From AAP’s national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the party is putting its full strength into retaining this crucial seat.

A victory here would open the door to the Rajya Sabha for Kejriwal. The party has fielded Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate. Following its defeat in Delhi, AAP quickly announced Arora’s candidacy, fuelling speculation that Kejriwal could enter the Rajya Sabha from his seat. Although Kejriwal has denied these claims, his active campaigning suggests otherwise. Many believe this is a strategic move to secure a position in national politics and begin a new chapter through the Upper House.

In a bid to clear the way for a win, the Punjab government even forcefully ended the farmers’ agitation, reportedly under pressure from local traders. Voting for this by-election is scheduled for June 19.

On the other side, the election holds high stakes for the Congress as well—particularly for newly appointed state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa. The Congress had earlier propagated rumours about a split within AAP and the potential fall of the Punjab government. Now, winning this seat is crucial for the credibility and future of these leaders. Bharat Bhushan Ashu has been fielded as the Congress candidate.

The Congress high command is also considering changes in the state leadership, and the results of this by-election could heavily influence those decisions. Bajwa and Warring, both Sikh Jats, are reportedly not on good terms with other party leaders, and it’s widely believed that one of them may be replaced soon.

Meanwhile, the departure of senior Congress leader Ravneet Singh Bittu to the BJP—where he now serves as a Union Minister—has weakened the party’s base. Another senior leader, MP Manish Tewari, who once represented Ludhiana in the Lok Sabha and was a minister in the UPA government, is also keeping his distance from the campaign. Factionalism within the party remains a major concern.

Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is also pursuing his own political ambitions and is reportedly lobbying to return as state party president. In the last assembly elections, Congress had projected Channi as the CM face, which led to internal divisions and contributed to the party’s worst-ever defeat in the state.

In this scenario, the Congress’s road to victory in Ludhiana West appears challenging. However, the party has deployed Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma—who originally hails from Punjab—to aid in the campaign. Still, overcoming deep-rooted factionalism within the Punjab Congress is no easy task.

AAP’s strategy appears to focus on securing this seat at any cost to reignite Kejriwal’s electoral relevance. With Assembly elections in Punjab just two years away, the state has gained significant importance for AAP after its recent setbacks in Delhi. To keep his political career afloat, Kejriwal is expected to focus heavily on Punjab, and this by-election could mark the beginning of his re-entry into national politics.

Security forces killed six terrorists in two different encounters in Jammu and Kashmir. These joint operations took place in Kelar (Shopian) and Tral. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF carried out the missions together. IGP Kashmir, VK Birdi, confirmed the operations during a press briefing on Friday.

Forces Act After Reviewing Strategy

Terror activities in the Kashmir Valley have increased recently. In response, security agencies reviewed their strategy. Based on this review, they launched focused operations. IGP VK Birdi said, "In the wake of heightened terror activities in Kashmir Valley, all the security forces deployed here reviewed their strategies. Following this review, there was an intensified focus on operations. On the basis of this intensified focus and coordination, we conducted two successful operations in the last 48 hours during which we had significant achievement. These two operations were conducted in the Kelar in Shopian and Tral areas, which resulted in the neutralisation of a total of six terrorists. We are committed to finish the terror ecosystem in Kashmir Valley."

Encounter in Kelar: Three Terrorists Gunned Down

According to Major General Dhananjay Joshi, GOC of Victor Force, the first encounter happened in Kelar. On May 12, the Army received information about terrorists hiding in the higher areas. On the morning of May 13, they spotted movement and challenged the group. The terrorists opened fire, and the forces retaliated. They successfully killed three terrorists.

The second operation happened in Tral, a border village. As troops began a cordon search, terrorists hid in different houses and opened fire. Security forces faced the challenge of saving civilians first. After evacuating the residents, they gunned down three more terrorists.

Major General Joshi said, "On May 12, we got information on the possible presence of a terrorist group in the higher reaches in Kelar. On the morning of May 13, on detection of some movement, our parties challenged the terrorists, who retaliated with fire. Our parties neutralised them. The second operation in Tral area was conducted in a border village. As we were laying a cordon at this village, the terrorists positioned themselves in different houses and fired at us. At this time, the challenge we faced was rescuing the civilian villagers. After this, three terrorists were neutralised."

Key Terrorist Identified

One of the six killed terrorists was Shahid Kuttay. He played a role in two major attacks. He also helped fund terror activities. Joshi said,
"One of the 6 terrorists neutralised, namely Shahid Kuttay was involved in two major attacks, including an attack on a German tourist. He also a hand in funding activities." These operations followed the recent terror strike in Pahalgam. In that attack, 26 people, including a Nepali national, lost their lives. Soon after, India intensified its counter-terror push.

Operation Sindoor

As part of the retaliation, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor. They used precision strikes to destroy terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Nearly 100 terrorists were killed. Key targets included Bhawalpur, the main base of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Muridke, a major Lashkar-e-Taiba training center.

Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Friday morning. The AQI hit 301, placing it in the "very poor" category. A sudden increase in dust pollution caused this decline.

AQI Touches Hazardous Levels in Several Areas

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s overall AQI at 7 am was 301. This range falls under "very poor." Most monitoring stations showed similarly dangerous levels.

The AQI at Anand Vihar reached 352. In Ashok Vihar, it stood at 322. Aya Nagar recorded 333. These figures confirmed a significant drop in air quality.

IMD Explains the Reason Behind the Sudden Decline

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) explained the cause. Strong winds, blowing at 30–40 kmph, hit Palam and nearby areas. These winds brought heavy dust from Rajasthan. As a result, Delhi’s air quality dropped quickly—something unusual for May.

AAP Blames BJP Over Pollution Spike

Soon after, a political row broke out. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) blamed the BJP for failing to deliver on clean air promises.

AAP’s official handle wrote on X, "In the month of May itself, Delhi-NCR was covered in a blanket of pollution. In the month of May itself, AQI has crossed 500 in many areas of Delhi-NCR, and dust and poisonous air are spread in the air. This has never happened before. There are BJP governments in Delhi and all the surrounding states, but no BJP government is doing any work to reduce pollution."

Kejriwal Points to Better Conditions Under AAP Rule

AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal also responded. He shared a news report and said on X, "Air pollution was never this bad during the AAP regime at this time of the year."

BJP Hits Back, Criticises AAP

In response, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa took aim at Atishi, a former Delhi CM. She had said the AQI touched 500 on Thursday. Sirsa accused AAP of leaving behind problems.

He said, "I am very amazed that Atishi has been the CM and she is tweeting like this - yesterday, the weather department had told that there would be thunderstorms and duststorms - now, will we be blamed for such storms? But it's good that Atishi has expectations from us. But, the 'disease' that 'AAP-da' has given us for the last 10 years, we will make all efforts and will clean the air of Delhi."

CRPF constable Munir Ahmed said he received formal permission before marrying a Pakistani woman. However, the force later dismissed him, claiming he hid the marriage and violated security rules.

“I initially came to know about my dismissal through media reports. I shortly received a letter from the CRPF informing me about the dismissal, which came as a shock to me and my family, as I had sought and received permission for my marriage to a Pakistani woman from the headquarters,” Ahmed said.

CRPF Fired Him Over Security Concerns

According to the CRPF, Ahmed had concealed his marriage with Pakistani national Minal Khan. They also alleged that he let her stay in India even after her visa expired. As a result, they dismissed him citing "national security" concerns.

Nevertheless, Ahmed denied the charges. He said he followed every rule. Moreover, he announced that he will challenge the dismissal in court.

He Started the Process in 2022

Earlier, Ahmed had informed the force about his marriage plans. “I made the first correspondence on December 31, 2022 informing my wish to marry the Pakistani national and I was asked to complete formalities like enclosing copies of passport, marriage card and affidavits,” he said.

Consequently, he submitted the required documents. These included affidavits from himself, his parents, the local sarpanch, and a district council member. Eventually, the headquarters approved his request on April 30, 2024.

He Says NOC Was Not Needed

Ahmed stated that officials told him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was not necessary. In fact, he claimed there was no provision for NOC under the rules since he had already informed the government.

Marriage Took Place Online

Later, Ahmed and Minal Khan got married online. “We got married online on May 24, 2024, through a video call and submitted marriage pictures, 'Nikkah' papers and marriage certificate to the 72 Battalion,” he explained.

They Applied for a Long-Term Visa Immediately

When Minal arrived in India on February 28 on a 15-day visa, they quickly applied for a Long-Term Visa in March. “We applied for a Long Term Visa in March itself and completed the necessary formalities, including interview,” Ahmed added.

Soon, media reports revealed that she was facing deportation. However, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court intervened. As a result, Minal Khan avoided deportation and stayed with Ahmed in their Jammu residence. Ahmed said the court granted relief because they had applied for the visa without delay.

Ahmed Informed Officials at New Posting

After his leave, the CRPF transferred Ahmed to the 41st Battalion in Bhopal. He said he told senior officers about his marriage after joining duty there. “I was given the order copy and relieved immediately, leaving me with no option but to join my duties at Bhopal, where I joined on March 29. I faced the interview of the commanding officer and his deputy on reaching there and also completed the documentation process, clearly mentioning my marriage to a Pakistani woman,” he said.

Additionally, he said he recorded the marriage in the battalion’s data record book. Now, he plans to take legal action against his dismissal.

In a major security development, the Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended a Pakistani Ranger on Saturday. He was caught trying to cross the India-Pakistan international border near Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.

Troops React Swiftly

According to sources, BSF soldiers noticed the Ranger behaving suspiciously near the International Border. As a result, they quickly detained him before he could move deeper into Indian territory.

Initial Findings Raise Concerns

Reportedly, the man was unarmed and did not resist arrest. Still, security agencies have taken the incident very seriously. They have placed the individual under intense interrogation to uncover his identity and motive.

Investigation Underway

So far, officials have not confirmed the purpose of the intrusion. However, they are considering several possibilities — including espionage or an attempt to test India’s border defences.

No Official Details Shared Yet

Due to the sensitivity of the case, BSF has not revealed the Ranger’s name or the exact time of arrest. Nevertheless, sources confirmed the operation took place in the early morning hours.

Security Tightened in the Region

Following the arrest, BSF declared a high alert in the Sri Ganganagar sector. Consequently, additional forces were deployed, and night patrolling was intensified. Commanders have been instructed to stay vigilant for any further incidents.

Pattern of Suspicious Activities

Notably, this is not the first such case in Rajasthan. Border areas like Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner have seen a rise in cross-border smuggling and infiltration attempts in recent months.

Tensions Remain High

Meanwhile, relations between India and Pakistan remain strained. Continuous ceasefire violations and drone threats have kept BSF forces on heightened alert.

A senior officer remarked, “The arrest of a serving Pakistani Ranger is a significant breach. We are examining whether this was an isolated case or part of a larger plan. Intelligence inputs are being correlated, and Pakistani communication intercepts are under review.”

Possible Diplomatic Repercussions

Looking ahead, India may engage diplomatic channels to raise the issue with Pakistan. If confirmed as a deliberate act, the government could issue a formal protest.

Home Ministry Briefed

Lastly, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been informed of the situation. Top officials are now closely monitoring all developments.

At least six people lost their lives, and more than 15 others suffered injuries in a tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, Goa, on Saturday. The incident occurred in the early morning hours during the temple’s annual festival, according to a report by ANI quoting North Goa Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal.

Massive Crowd Gathers for Lairai Jatra

Thousands of devotees had gathered at the Sree Lairai Devi temple for the Shirgao Jatra, a yearly festival that draws people from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, as reported by PTI. The event is known for its vibrant rituals and traditional ceremonies.

Cause Under Investigation

Police have not yet confirmed what triggered the deadly stampede. A senior police official stated, “The exact cause of the incident would be determined following an investigation.”

Temple with Unique Architecture and Rituals

The Sree Lairai Devi temple is known for its striking mix of northern and southern architectural designs. Every May, it becomes the center of religious fervor during the Shirgao Jatra. The Goa Tourism website describes this festival as a major spiritual gathering, with villagers from nearby places like Maulingem participating in rituals to honor Goddess Lairai throughout the day.

Sacred Rituals Mark the Festival Night

As midnight approaches during the Lairai Jatra, devotees gather inside the temple to perform a powerful circular dance. They clash sticks in sync with the beat of traditional drums. This intense celebration builds up to a grand moment when a selected devotee lights a massive bonfire near the temple.

Fire-Walking Ritual Ends the Celebration

In the early morning hours, once the flames have died down, devotees take part in the symbolic fire-walking ritual. They run barefoot across the hot embers, chanting “Devi Lairai”. Many repeat this fiery act several times.

After completing the ritual, they toss their garlands onto a banyan tree, signaling the end of the celebration. As the sun rises, devotees begin their journey home, bringing the festival to a close.

A photographer recently captured a rare moment when he spotted a white orca jumping out of the ocean with its pod. A Japanese whale-watcher recorded the breathtaking sight on video. According to reports, the killer whale appeared off the coast of Hokkaido, a volcanic island in Japan.

Soon after the encounter last year, Noriyuki Hayakawa, the photographer, shared photos and a video on his Instagram page. However, the stunning visuals have only recently caught people’s attention.

In the caption of his video, translated from Japanese, Hayakawa wrote, “It is believed that the discovery was ‘Sightseeing Boat’. I was on the ‘Shiretoko Nature Cruise Evergreen38’. This is the first white orcas I've come across after 15 years of photographing Rajan orcas. Thank you to the Lajan tourist boat staff for showing me.”

In the video, a group of killer whales can be seen leaping out of the water. However, one whale looks completely different. While the others have black bodies with white patches, this one is entirely white.

Is It Really an Albino?

At first glance, the white orca may seem like an albino. However, Daily Mail clarified that the whale is not a “true albino.” True albinos lack melanin completely. Instead, this orca is leucistic, meaning it has reduced pigmentation but not a total absence of color.

Photographer Shares His Excitement

Speaking about the encounter, Hayakawa told Daily Mail, "My legs were shaking with excitement. It was the first time in my life I'd seen a white orca. I was desperate to get a shot, they swim fast and only surface for a moment."

Moreover, he explained how much the experience meant to him. “This photo means so much to me,” he said. “I've spent over a decade photographing orcas and this is the first white one I've ever seen.”

Finally, he expressed his hope that more people would appreciate the rare sight. “I hope as many people as possible get to see it and appreciate how rare and beautiful these animals are,” he added.

Rajani, the wife of BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, has decided to travel to Firozpur via Pathankot in search of answers. Her husband was detained by Pakistan Rangers after accidentally crossing the border while on duty. She has not received any updates for over 72 hours, and her anxiety is growing with each passing hour.

Permission Granted to Travel Despite Concerns

Initially, the commanding officer tried to prevent Rajani from traveling due to her pregnancy and the ongoing discussions between India and Pakistan. However, after further consideration, she was granted permission. Rajani will be accompanied by her two sisters and cousin.

Rajani’s Urgency to Find Answers

"I cannot sit and wait here till eternity. I have not heard from him for over 72 hours now. If I don't get help there, I will go to Delhi and seek answers from the PMO," Rajani said. Her anxiety grew after seeing a disturbing photo of her husband blindfolded. Furthermore, Purnam’s mother, Devanti Devi, expressed her distress, stating, "I just want my son to return safely."

Government's Support and Reassurances

In response, officials from Nabanna, along with Rishra Municipality chairman Bijoy Sagar Mishra, visited the Shaw residence on Saturday. They reassured the family that the state government would continue to work with the Centre. Additionally, MP Kalyan Banerjee took to X to share that he spoke with the BSF DG, who confirmed that Purnam was safe and in good health.

Violent protests broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. As a result, three people lost their lives, and many, including police officers, sustained injuries.

Court Orders Central Forces

Due to the worsening situation, the Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The goal was to restore law and order. Despite this, violence continued for a second straight day on Saturday.

Killings Spark Outrage

On Friday night, the unrest turned deadly. According to police, mobs killed Haragobindo Das (65) and his son Chandan Das (40) after dragging them from their home in Samserganj. Meanwhile, Ezaz Ahmed (25) died from bullet injuries in Suti.

Soon after, violence spread to Suti, Samserganj, and Dhuliyan. Protesters torched vehicles, attacked homes, and clashed with police. So far, police have arrested more than 138 people.

Videos Reveal Widespread Chaos

Moreover, disturbing videos appeared online. In Jalangi, rioters stormed a block development office. In Azimganj, they ransacked a railway worker’s office. One clip showed looters robbing a retail shop. Consequently, police used batons and tear gas. Protesters also blocked the National Highway, worsening the chaos.

High Court Criticizes State

Reacting to the violence, the Calcutta High Court sharply criticized the state’s slow response. It described the situation as “grave and volatile.” The court stressed, “Constitutional courts cannot remain passive when citizens’ safety is at risk.” Furthermore, it ordered the deployment of central forces in any other district facing similar violence. The state must now submit a detailed report by April 17.

Political Responses Pour In

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose backed the court’s order. He said the intervention was “timely and necessary to restore peace and order.”

In contrast, the BJP accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of allowing lawlessness to gain political advantage. The TMC responded by accusing the Opposition of “politicising the issue and exploiting religious sentiments.”

Centre Steps In to Assist

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry deployed more BSF companies. It also held high-level meetings with the state administration. BSF personnel are now helping local authorities to restore calm.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has demanded an NIA investigation. He alleged that a particular community is being targeted.

Protests Spread Beyond Bengal

Additionally, unrest spread to Tripura. In Kailashahar, a protest rally turned violent on Saturday. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police. Several people, including journalists, suffered injuries.

Law Sparks Tension

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 has become a flashpoint. It aims to reform the management of Islamic charitable properties. However, it has triggered outrage in areas with large Muslim populations. Authorities are urging calm. At the same time, they promise strict action against those behind the violence.

Anant Ambani’s childhood nanny, Lalita Dsilva, wished him a happy birthday in a heartfelt Instagram post. She shared an old photo of young Anant wearing traditional Indian clothes. Notably, he had the Indian flag on his chest.

In the caption, she expressed her emotions. She wrote, “Wishing you a very happy birthday Anant. Love and blessings always.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lalita Dsilva (@lalitadsilva2965)

Meanwhile, Anant marked his 30th birthday with a spiritual act. He completed a 170-kilometre padyatra from Jamnagar to the Dwarkadhish Temple. This journey reflected his strong devotion and faith.

Overall, the day was full of personal meaning and emotional messages for Anant.

A video shared online raised concerns about a possible fault in the newly inaugurated Pamban Bridge. The bridge, India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, opened on April 6, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched it on that day. However, Indian Railways and government officials have not confirmed any issue so far.

Social Media Sparks Concern

Initially, the claim appeared on X (formerly Twitter). A user named @trainwalebhaiya posted that the bridge’s vertical lift span tilted while being lowered. This happened after it had been raised to let a navy ship pass. According to the post, the incident caused panic among railway staff. However, it also said the situation was quickly resolved.

Later, another user commented, “Will request you to add this photo also. The vertical lift stuck while coming down after the 1st lift to pass navy ship. Just show baazi doesn't work.. #pambanrailbridge stuck. Railway safety commissioner already issued warning on the usage of substandard materials.”

Despite these posts, no official has released a statement. So far, the claims remain unverified.

Bridge Features and Purpose

The new bridge replaces the iconic 1914 British-era cantilever bridge, which was shut down in December 2022. Since then, the new structure has become a key part of the country’s rail development.

Here are some important facts:

• Cost: ₹540 crore

• Length: 2.08 kilometers

• Design: 99 spans

• Special Span: 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span

• Lift Capacity: Can rise up to 17 meters to let ships pass

• Function: Improves train movement to Rameswaram

• Inaugural Train: PM Modi flagged off the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express from the bridge

PM Modi’s Speech in Rameswaram

During the inauguration, PM Modi also launched several development projects worth ₹8,300 crore. In his address, he made strong remarks on language, education, and national progress.

To promote Tamil, he said, “All efforts are on to take Tamil and its heritage to the corners of the world.” He criticised leaders who write to him in English and added, “At least put your signature in Tamil.”

Furthermore, he spoke about making medical education available in Tamil. He said this would help students from poor families.

On the occasion of Ram Navami, he linked the event to good governance. He said, “Lord Ram’s good governance is the foundation for nation-building.”

Additionally, he spoke about funding for Tamil Nadu. He said the Centre had increased financial support. However, he added that “some people cry” about funds without naming anyone.

No Official Confirmation Yet

Although social media posts claimed a technical problem, officials have not confirmed any fault. Therefore, the claims remain unproven.

Nevertheless, the launch of the Pamban Bridge stands as a major step in modernising Indian Railways. It also shows progress in building better transport infrastructure.

The Special Task Force (STF) shot dead one of the suspects involved in the Tanishq jewellery showroom robbery in Arrah, Bihar. The encounter took place on Saturday. Meanwhile, three STF personnel sustained injuries during the gunfight, according to media reports.

Police Confrontation and Encounter

The STF, Patna Police, and local officials launched a joint raid to capture the accused. Initially, they ordered him to surrender, but he refused and started firing at the officers. As a result, the forces retaliated, leading to an encounter.

After sustaining serious injuries, the accused was immediately taken to a hospital in Narpatganj. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. So far, the police have not disclosed his identity.

How the Robbery Unfolded

On March 10, a group of armed men stormed into the Tanishq showroom. First, they overpowered the security guard. Then, they held customers and staff at gunpoint. After creating panic, they looted the jewellery.

According to local reports, the stolen items were worth around ₹25 crore. However, police have not officially confirmed the value.

CCTV Footage Reveals the Crime

The robbery happened around 10:30 AM. Shortly after, CCTV footage surfaced, showing the criminals wearing masks as they entered the store. They immediately pointed their guns at customers and employees, forcing them to raise their hands.

The gang carried pistols and also seized a gun from security guard Manoj Kumar. Without wasting time, they rushed to the jewellery racks and grabbed gold, silver, and diamond ornaments. The footage also captured them stuffing the valuables into bags before making their escape.

A Well-Planned Getaway

Before executing their plan, the criminals arrived in a car and parked it across the street. As soon as they entered the store, they attacked the security guard and snatched his weapon. Then, after looting the showroom, they quickly fled the scene.

Now, police are actively tracking down the remaining gang members and working to recover the stolen jewellery.