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Assam Rifles has carried out a major anti-narcotics operation near the India-Myanmar border, seizing methamphetamine tablets valued at over ₹13.33 crore and arresting a Myanmarese national involved in trafficking. The operation took place along the World Bank Road at Zokhawthar in Mizoram&rsquo;s Champhai district.
Acting on targeted intelligence, personnel detected suspicious movement and intercepted a consignment containing 4.444 kg of highly addictive meth tablets. The seized narcotics, believed to have been smuggled from Myanmar, were handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai for further investigation. The arrested trafficker has been identified as Bawi Kanthanga.
Authorities said the swift action reflects ongoing efforts to curb cross-border drug routes that threaten youth in Mizoram and neighbouring states. The tablets, often referred to as Yaba or party pills, contain methamphetamine mixed with caffeine and are banned in India due to their severe psychotropic effects.
In a separate operation, Assam Rifles recovered illicit liquor worth ₹19.32 lakh from Bijang in Manipur&rsquo;s Kangpokpi district. A joint mobile check post, set up with the Manipur Police, intercepted a suspicious truck moving toward Imphal, leading to the discovery of concealed liquor.
Mizoram shares unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, making it vulnerable to smuggling networks operating from Myanmar&rsquo;s Chin State. Multiple districts in Mizoram and Manipur continue to be used as corridors for narcotics, wildlife, and other contraband entering India.
&nbsp;

Assam Rifles busts major cross-border meth network, arrests Myanmarese trafficker

Massive Meth Seizure Near Mizoram Border

Over 56.35 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 1 p.m. in the by-election for Mizoram&rsquo;s Dampa Assembly constituency. Polling began at 7 a.m. across 41 polling stations in Mamit district and will continue till 4 p.m. without a break.
Officials said voting has remained peaceful so far, with no untoward incidents reported. Webcasting was arranged in 40 polling stations, except Zopui, due to poor connectivity.
Three polling stations were identified as critical, prompting enhanced deployment of security forces. A total of 20,790 voters, including 10,185 women, are eligible to vote in this tribal-reserved seat, which fell vacant after the death of MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.
Situated along the unfenced Bangladesh border and sharing an inter-state boundary with Tripura, the Dampa constituency includes significant Chakma and Reang tribal populations. Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel were deployed to ensure law and order, particularly in sensitive areas.
The by-poll features a five-cornered contest. The ruling Zoram People&rsquo;s Movement (ZPM) has fielded singer-preacher Vanlalsailova, while the Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) nominated its Vice-President and former Health Minister R. Lalthangliana. The Congress candidate is former Transport Minister John Rotluangliana, the BJP has put forward Lalhmingthanga, and the People&rsquo;s Conference is represented by its Vice-President K. Zahmingthanga.
The Mizoram Election Department said that all officials and security personnel have been instructed to stay alert and act promptly in case of any violations or poll-day offences. State police nodal officer H. Ramthlengliana, Inspector General (Law &amp; Order), is overseeing the security arrangements.
Vote counting will be held on November 14.

Over 56% Turnout in Mizoram’s Dampa By-Poll

Peaceful polling in Dampa with strong security; counting set for November 14

<div>In a remarkable archaeological discovery, skeletal remains estimated to be over 700 years old have been uncovered in Khawlek village, Saitual district, Mizoram. The find includes nine human skulls along with other skeletal fragments, buried along a cliffside between Vanbawng and North Khawlek. Local residents first reported the discovery on January 11, 2025, drawing attention to the historical significance of the site.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>To authenticate the remains, archaeologist Vanlalhuma Singson, also an assistant professor from HATIM, Lunglei, conducted an on-site assessment. Samples were subsequently sent to a specialized radiocarbon dating laboratory in Miami, Florida. The tests confirmed that the remains date back to approximately 1250 AD to 1320 AD, establishing their age at more than seven centuries.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Radiocarbon dating, also known as carbon-14 dating, is a method used to determine the age of organic materials. Living organisms continuously absorb carbon, including a small proportion of the radioactive isotope carbon-14. Upon death, carbon-14 absorption stops, and the isotope begins to decay at a predictable rate, known as its half-life. By measuring the remaining carbon-14 in the sample, scientists can estimate the time elapsed since the organism died. This technique is highly effective for dating artifacts up to about 50,000 years old, making it ideal for historical human remains.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The discovery has been lauded by the Mizoram Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Former IAS officer Rin Sanga, convener of INTACH Mizoram, emphasized that this find provides valuable insights into the region&rsquo;s early inhabitants and cultural heritage. Archaeologists and historians are hopeful that continued excavations in Saitual could reveal further evidence of ancient settlement patterns and practices, enriching our understanding of Mizoram&rsquo;s past.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>This discovery adds significant knowledge to the rich cultural history of Mizoram and underscores the importance of scientific techniques like radiocarbon dating in uncovering the mysteries of ancient civilizations.</div>

700-Year-Old Human Remains Found in Mizoram

Skeletal remains in Saitual from 13th century using carbon-14,revealing ancient heritage

The Mizoram government will launch a four-month-long special campaign to curb the illegal trade of drugs and their menaces from Monday, officials said on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Various drugs, especially highly addictive methamphetamine tablets and different types of contraband, including exotic animals, are often illegally traded through six districts in Mizoram &mdash; Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip &mdash; which share unfenced borders of 510 km with Myanmar. 
From Mizoram, these drugs are ferried to other parts of the country and abroad, including Bangladesh, through Assam and Tripura.
A senior police official said that the four-month-long campaign and operation would start from Monday and would continue till December 31 this year. 
The police, various other law-enforcing agencies, in collaboration with the Young Mizo Association (YMA), will be undertaking the campaign in all drug-affected localities, villages and bordering areas of all 11 districts of Mizoram.
The influential YMA has been undertaking various social, cultural and awareness programmes in the Mizo society in Mizoram and other states, where Mizo people are residing.
Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga had recently said that drug smugglers, including Myanmar nationals and drug addicts, often commit various crimes, including theft, causing danger to the Mizo society.
Experts and social activists claimed that only 10 to 12% of the drugs smuggled from Myanmar were seized by the law enforcement agencies, including Assam Rifles and Mizoram police.
According to the data of the state Excise and Narcotics Department, more than 50 people, including women, have died of drug abuse this year.
In more than five years since 2020, a total of 351 people have died due to drug abuse.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma last week said that drug abuse remains the biggest threat to the state. 
The Chief Minister had said that the state lies within close proximity to the "Golden Triangle", a region notorious for drug trafficking.
Calling for collective efforts to fight the menaces of both drug abuse, smuggling of narcotics and spread of HIV/AIDS, Lalduhoma said that it is a struggle for both physical and spiritual well-being of all people.
The Mizoram government has started the recruitment process to form a Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) battalion to deal with drug trafficking and other law and order-related issues.
&mdash;IANS

Mizoram police launch anti-drug campaign with community

Mizoram launches 4-month campaign to combat drug smuggling, abuse across state borders

Mizoram To Launch 4-Month Anti-Drug Campaign

In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Assam Rifles seized drugs worth over Rs 7.55 crore in two separate incidents across Mizoram within 24 hours. Four individuals, including a Myanmar national and three women, were arrested.
In Champhai district, troops apprehended the Myanmar citizen and recovered 20,200 methamphetamine tablets weighing 2.22 kg, estimated at Rs 6.67 crore. Commonly known as Yaba, these tablets are a highly addictive party drug.
In a second operation, based on intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles launched a search in Theiriat village, Lunglei district, near the unfenced Bangladesh border. Three local women were caught with 117.60 grams of heroin, worth Rs 88.20 lakh.
All suspects and seized drugs were handed over to Mizoram Police for further legal action.
Meanwhile, the Young Mizo Association's (YMA) Central Anti-Drugs Squad (CADS) destroyed Rs 4.29 crore worth of narcotics collected between March and June. The substances included heroin, meth, ganja, codeine syrup, and liquor. 809 individuals were apprehended during this period.
Mizoram, with unfenced borders spanning 510 km with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh, continues to serve as a key smuggling corridor, particularly from Myanmar&rsquo;s Chin state.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
&nbsp;

Rs 7.55 Crore Worth Drugs Seized in Mizoram; Myanmar National, 3 Women Arrested

Assam Rifles bust two drug trafficking operations in Mizoram within 24 hours; YMA also destroys seized narcotics worth Rs 4.29 crore.

In a landmark moment for the nation&rsquo;s educational journey, Mizoram became the first fully literate state under the Central government&rsquo;s ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced here on Tuesday.&nbsp;
The announcement was made with pride by the Chief Minister at a celebratory event here. While addressing the gathering, he said that Tuesday marks a historic moment in the journey of Mizoram state, one that would be remembered by generations to come.
He emphasised that this achievement is not just a statistic, but &ldquo;a transformational milestone, one that speaks to the collective will, discipline, and vision of our people.&rdquo;
Union Minister of State for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary and the state&rsquo;s Education Minister Vanlalthlana graced the occasion.
Lalduhoma further expressed that this was a collective accomplishment by citizens who love their state and work with dedication, highlighting especially the 1,692 individuals who, despite having missed earlier educational opportunities, demonstrated extraordinary determination and a will to learn, even in later stages of life.
&ldquo;We celebrate this day not as the end of a campaign, but as the dawn of a new era of opportunity, empowerment, and inclusion,&rdquo; he said.
The Chief Minister noted that while today may not mark the conclusion of the literacy movement, &ldquo;We also renew our commitment to sustaining literacy through continuous education, digital access, and vocational skill training.&rdquo;
He called on all Mizos to dream bigger and aim higher: &ldquo;Let this be just the beginning. Let us now aim higher, digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills for every Mizo.&rdquo;
Reiterating the pride of the moment, Lalduhoma declared: &ldquo;We are proud to be the first, and we will work to remain the best.&rdquo;
He concluded with an inspiring vision: &ldquo;Let this declaration ignite a new wave of learning and empowerment. Together, we move forward &mdash; towards a smarter, stronger, and more inclusive Mizoram.&rdquo;
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary congratulated the people of Mizoram on this remarkable achievement and commended the dedication of all stakeholders involved.
He praised the state&rsquo;s commitment to inclusive growth through education and expressed confidence that Mizoram would continue to lead the way in lifelong learning and skill development.
&ldquo;This is a proud day not just for Mizoram, but for the entire nation,&rdquo; the Central Minister said, extending his best wishes for the state&rsquo;s continued journey towards excellence in education and empowerment.
Mizoram&rsquo;s recognition as the first fully literate state was declared under the Ministry of Education&rsquo;s ULLAS initiative, which mandates a minimum literacy rate of 95 % of the population.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023&ndash;2024), Mizoram has reached a literacy rate of 98.2 %. This landmark achievement is the result of sustained efforts by the School Education Department, particularly through Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram).
The state government established a governing council and executive committee under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with the State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha Mizoram spearheading the initiative.
To support the mission, the State Centre for Literacy (SCL) was set up under SCERT. It developed Mizo language learning materials titled Vartian, along with an English version for learners in the Lawngtlai district.
Additional resources, such as Romei for learners and Margdarshikha for Volunteer Teachers, were created. Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) acted as surveyors for the New India Literacy Programme, identifying 3,026 illiterate individuals aged 15 and above, of whom 1,692 expressed a willingness to learn.
According to the 2011 census, literacy level was 93.91 % in Kerala and 91.58 % in Mizoram, among the most literate states in the country. The national literacy rate, according to the 2011 census, was 74.04 %.
&mdash;IANS

CM Lalduhoma celebrates Mizoram's full literacy achievement

CM Lalduhoma announces Mizoram as India's first fully literate state under ULLAS initiative

Mizoram Declared India’s First Fully Literate State

Seizure of drugs, arms, ammunition, explosives and exotic animals in Mizoram by the security forces continues unabated with highly addictive 17.946 kg methamphetamine tablets valued at more than&nbsp; ₹54 crore confiscated in the northeastern state, officials said on Sunday.
A drug peddler, a Myanmar national, was apprehended in connection with the seizure.&nbsp;
A defence spokesman said that acting on a secret inputs, the Assam Rifles in coordination with Mizoram police launched a swift and precise joint operation on Saturday night resulting in the recovery of nearly 17.946 kg (1,80,000 tablets) methamphetamine tablets at Siachangkawn in Lawngtlai district, which shares unfenced border with Bangladesh.
He said that the seized contraband is assessed to be valued at nearly ₹54 crore.
The apprehended Myanmar national and the recovered narcotics are being handed over to Bualpui Police outpost in Lawngtlai district for further legal proceedings.
This operation highlights the unwavering commitment of Assam Rifles to combat the menace of drug trafficking in the region and safeguard the youth from the perils of narcotics, an official statement said.
A senior Mizoram police official said that the methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba or party tablets, smuggled from Myanmar and intended to supply to Bangladesh through a clandestine route.&nbsp;
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma while addressing a function in Aizawl on Saturday expressed his deep concern over the rising drug abuse in the state.
He urged all citizens to work together towards a drug-free Mizoram.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to strengthen both legal and traditional measures in combating drug trafficking.
In particular, he highlighted the potential of community-based social sanction, deeply rooted in Mizo tradition, as powerful tools in the fight against drugs, often more effective than formal legislation.
Myanmar's Chin state is a hub for smuggling of varied drugs, exotic wildlife animals and many other contrabands through six Mizoram districts&mdash;Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.&nbsp;
Mizoram shares 510 km and 318 km unfenced border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, respectively.
&mdash;IANS
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(Left) Drugs seized in the op ; (right) one drug peddler in police custody

Drugs, arms, and exotic animals seized in Mizoram; ₹54 Cr meth tablets confiscated

Mizoram: Assam Rifles, Police Seize Drugs Worth ₹54 Cr

Heroin valued at ₹35.51 crore was seized from Mizoram and two people were arrested in this connection, officials said on Saturday.
The Assam Rifles along with the officials of the Excise and Narcotics Department have seized heroin, smuggled from Myanmar.
A defence spokesman said that the Assam Rifles troops accompanied by Excise and Narcotics Department officials intercepted a truck at Chhungte on National Highway-6 while the vehicle was moving from bordering Champhai district to the capital city Aizawl on Friday night.&nbsp;
He said that after a thorough search of the vehicle, 5073 grams heroin valued at ₹35.51 crore was recovered from the hidden chamber of the truck.
The para-military personnel apprehended two individuals&mdash; MizoramGilbert Lalnunhlima (27) and Lalawmpuia (29). They are residents of Mizoram's Kolasib and Aizawl districts respectively.&nbsp;
The entire consignment along with apprehended drug peddlers have been handed over to Excise and Narcotics Department for further legal proceedings.
"Ongoing smuggling of narcotics is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram and India. Assam Rifles, have continued their efforts against illegal smuggling and have also doubled its efforts to nab the kingpins of the smuggling of narcotics in Mizoram," an official statement said.&nbsp;
Earlier this week, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram police personnel seized 260 cases of foreign cigarettes worth ₹3.38 crore and arrested one person in Lawngtlai district.
Even though six Mizoram districts - Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip - share a 510 km-long unfenced border with Myanmar's Chin state, mountainous Champhai district is the hot spot of the smuggling of various drugs, arms and ammunition and various other contraband.&nbsp;
Various drugs, especially heroin and highly addictive methamphetamine tablets are often smuggled into the northeastern states of India from Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 km-long unfenced border with four northeastern states&mdash;Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km).
&mdash;IANS

Heroin that was seized along with two culprits

Assam rifle troops inspected the truck at Chhungte on highway & recovered 5073 grams of heroin; two arrested

Heroin Worth ₹35.51 Cr Seized From Mizoram

Gujarat Congress Internal Dispute: The countdown to the 2027 Gujarat Assembly election has already begun. The 2029 Lok Sabha election is not far away either. The Congress high command is making claims of a change of power in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi is talking about rebuilding the Gujarat Congress from the ground up. There is talk of removing the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; and putting the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; on the field. But looking at the current state of the Gujarat Congress, one question cannot be avoided: before entering the race, will the Congress even be able to get its own team to stand in one line? Before declaring war against the BJP, the Congress is caught in a political battle within its own house. The question is bitter, but necessary: if a party cannot create unity within its own organisation, how does it expect to take on the BJP&rsquo;s formidable organisational machinery in Gujarat?
Leaders Changed, But Why Didn&rsquo;t the Problem? Keeping the 2027 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections in mind, the Congress has begun making changes to its Gujarat organisation. The high command wanted to remove the old and inactive structure and bring forward leaders with the ability to fight elections. But when a party repeatedly needs to change its state in-charge, the question becomes bigger than the capability of the individual holding the post. Mukul Wasnik was replaced by Randeep Singh Surjewala as Gujarat Congress in-charge. With the new in-charge came expectations of a new direction, a new strategy and greater discipline within the organisation. Yet, barely had Surjewala taken charge when a controversy erupted within Banaskantha Congress over the organisational structure. That is where the Congress&rsquo;s real trouble begins.
A Symptom of Congress&rsquo;s Organisational Illness Banaskantha is not an ordinary constituency. It is the only Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat that the Congress won in the 2024 general election. That makes it the biggest symbol of political hope for the Congress in Gujarat. So when differences emerge over organisational posts and responsibilities in precisely this constituency, when questions are raised over decisions taken by the state leadership, and when the district organisation itself becomes a subject of controversy, this cannot simply be dismissed as a &lsquo;local dispute&rsquo;. It is a symptom of the Congress&rsquo;s organisational illness. And if this illness continues until 2027, the BJP will be the direct beneficiary. The Congress needs to understand one basic reality: elections are not won through posters, press conferences and speeches by big leaders. Elections are won at the booth. The BJP&rsquo;s organisational machinery is active right down to the booth level. To challenge it, the Congress needs a strong network of workers, clearly defined responsibilities and a united district-level organisation. But here, the very formation of the district organisation is becoming a source of controversy. So where exactly will the Congress find the strength to challenge the BJP at the booth level?
&lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; or Obstacles in Each Other&rsquo;s Way? Rahul Gandhi talks about identifying the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; in Gujarat and bringing the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; to the forefront. It sounds attractive. But politics does not work that way. Simply choosing good horses does not guarantee victory in a race. The horses must run together rather than pull each other down. The direction of the race must be clear. And the coaching staff cannot be fighting among themselves. Only then can a team win. The Gujarat Congress&rsquo;s problem may not simply be about &lsquo;which leader should be promoted&rsquo;. The real problem is whether the leaders who are brought forward will actually work together. Mukul Wasnik is gone. Randeep Singh Surjewala has arrived. The state in-charge has changed. But if factionalism remains unchanged, internal power struggles remain unchanged, coordination between the district and state organisations remains weak, and organisational decisions themselves continue to trigger controversy, then what exactly is the Congress talking about when it talks of change? Changing faces will not change the Congress&rsquo;s fortunes. Its working style must change. Leadership accountability must be fixed. Factionalism must be brought under control. And above all, the party worker must be given confidence that the Congress is genuinely one team. Because if the Congress wants to fight the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other.
When Will the Political Infighting Within Gujarat Congress End? The biggest illusion for the Congress in the 2027 election would be to assume that public anger against the BJP will automatically translate into Congress votes. Politics does not work that simply. Reaching voters requires sustained ground-level work. It requires a booth-level organisation. It requires coordination among local leaders. It requires worker morale. And above all, it requires leadership running in one direction until election day. If even one of these five links is weak, the entire electoral calculation can collapse. For the Congress, this is no longer the time for experiments. It is the time for decisions. How many state in-charges will be changed? How many meetings will be held? How many times will the organisational structure be reshuffled? The question is no longer who the next Gujarat Congress in-charge will be. The real question is: when will the political infighting within the Gujarat Congress finally end? If every new in-charge is going to inherit the same old disputes, factionalism and internal resentment, then how can a new Congress emerge simply because a new face has arrived?
Will &lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; Remain Just Another Political Slogan? If the Congress wants to win Gujarat, it must first win within its own organisation. It must win the trust of its workers. It must win the confidence of its district organisations. It must bring its leaders onto one platform. Otherwise, the Congress will lose its internal battle before its fight against the BJP has even begun. And then the talk of &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; will remain nothing more than another political slogan. The Congress has very little time left in the race for power in 2027. If it wants to take on the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other. Because power in Gujarat will not be won through statements from the Gandhi family. It will be won through organisational strength on the ground. The final question is simple: Is the Congress preparing to defeat the BJP, or is it still calculating whom it needs to defeat inside its own house? Want to win Gujarat? Then first, win the Gujarat Congress.

Congress has set its sights on defeating the BJP in Gujarat. But there’s a bigger battle brewing inside its own house.

Congress Wants to Defeat BJP in Gujarat, But Who Will Save Congress From Itself?

Gujarat High Court Launches Study Circle for Advocates: In a major initiative to strengthen the professional skills and legal knowledge of young advocates, the High Court of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Judicial Academy (GSJA), has announced the launch of a Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop) for Advocates Practicing before the High Court of Gujarat with up to 10 years of practice. The programme will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Announces Study Circle The initiative was announced by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice and Patron-in-Chief of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, Justice Sunita Agarwal, after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the High Court Lawns on August 15. The announcement was made in the presence of Justice Bhargav D. Karia, Judge of the Gujarat High Court and President of GSJA, members of the Board of Governors of GSJA, other High Court judges, Senior Advocates and members of the Bar.
Focus on Legal Education and Professional Skills The new Study Circle is being introduced as a continuous legal learning and professional development programme for young members of the Bar. The initiative aims to enhance advocates&rsquo; understanding of legal principles, legal research, drafting and advocacy skills through direct interaction with Senior Advocates and subject experts. The programme is also expected to strengthen academic engagement between the Bench and the Bar and provide advocates with an opportunity to discuss important and evolving legal issues.
Justice Sunita Agarwal Highlights Importance of Continuous Learning Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal highlighted the indispensable role of advocates in the administration of justice. She emphasized that continuous legal education has become increasingly important in an era of rapidly evolving jurisprudence. The Chief Justice also stressed that effective advocacy and strong legal research are essential components of a robust justice delivery system. She appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy in conceptualizing and developing the Study Circle programme.
Three Key Legal Modules in First Phase The first phase of the Study Circle will feature three major academic modules covering important areas of High Court practice. Module I will focus on the expanding contours of maintainability in writ jurisdiction under Article 226, an important area of constitutional and administrative law practice. Module II will cover the basic principles of Administrative Law and Second Appeals under Section 100 of the CPC, with particular emphasis on the Doctrine of Substantial Question of Law. Module III will focus on Criminal Law Jurisdiction, particularly the inherent powers of High Courts under Section 482 of the CrPC and Section 528 of the BNSS, including their scope, limitations and principles of judicial discipline.
Study Circle to Be Held Fortnightly The Study Circle is proposed to be conducted on a fortnightly basis, providing advocates with regular opportunities for legal learning and professional interaction. Future sessions will cover a wide range of subjects, including Constitutional Law, Writ Jurisdiction, Arbitration and Conciliation Law, Commercial Law, Public Interest Litigation, Service Law, Taxation Law, Admiralty Jurisdiction, Legal Ethics and Drafting Skills. The programme will also address contemporary legal issues that are particularly relevant to advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court.
Registration to Begin Soon Registration for the Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop Series) for Advocates Practicing in the High Court of Gujarat &ndash; Series of Academic Modules 2026 will begin shortly through the official website of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy. The programme is specifically intended for advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court who have up to 10 years of professional practice.
Registration Fee The registration fee for the Study Circle has been fixed at ₹100 per programme, which will be paid by each participating advocate. The workshops will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad. Advocates attending the workshops will also receive Certificates of Participation.
Major Step Towards Strengthening Justice Delivery The Gujarat High Court and Gujarat State Judicial Academy's new Study Circle is being viewed as a significant step towards professional excellence and development of the legal fraternity. By bringing young advocates, Senior Advocates and legal experts together for regular academic discussions, the initiative aims to improve legal knowledge, research and advocacy skills while strengthening the Bench-Bar relationship. The broader objective is to contribute towards a more effective and efficient justice delivery system in Gujarat.

Study Circle Launched for Advocates With Up to 10 Years of Practice

Gujarat High Court Big Move

A chilling video of the accused in the Indore MBA student murder case has sparked outrage after he was seen smiling and appearing unconcerned when questioned about the crime.
The accused, Piyush Dhanotia, was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering his 25-year-old classmate in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Police said he strangled the woman on February 10 inside his rented accommodation and later locked the room before fleeing. Her partially decomposed body was discovered days later after residents complained of a foul smell.
However, what has intensified public anger is the accused&rsquo;s demeanour. In a video that surfaced online, Dhanotia is seen smiling when reporters ask him why he committed the crime. When pressed for answers, he responded dismissively, saying that what had happened had already happened and that he would speak at the right time. Throughout the interaction, he showed no visible sign of regret.
Police officials said he admitted during interrogation that he forced the woman into sexual acts and killed her when she resisted, though he has reportedly changed his version multiple times. Investigators are also examining allegations that he circulated objectionable videos of the victim in their college WhatsApp group.
The victim&rsquo;s father has accused the accused of blackmailing his daughter with obscene images and attempting to extort money.
As the investigation continues, the accused&rsquo;s apparent lack of remorse captured on camera has become a focal point of the case, drawing sharp reactions both online and offline.
&nbsp;

Video shows MBA student murder accused laughing amid probe

Indore Murder Accused Smiles on Camera

Galgotias University has landed in controversy after showcasing a robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 that was widely believed to be developed by its students. The robot, however, was later identified as a commercially available product made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics.
The backlash began after a video from the summit went viral, in which a university professor introduced the robot dog, named &ldquo;Orion,&rdquo; and referred to it as being developed at the institution&rsquo;s Centre of Excellence. Social media users were quick to point out that the machine closely resembled Unitree&rsquo;s quadruped robots, which are already available globally for research and industrial use.
Unitree is known for manufacturing advanced four-legged robots designed for tasks such as inspection, obstacle navigation and research applications. Its products are often compared to models developed by global robotics players.
Following the uproar, the Greater Noida-based university issued a clarification stating that it never claimed to have built the robot. It maintained that the robodog was purchased as part of its AI investment initiatives and is being used as a research and learning tool for students. Another faculty member present at the summit reiterated that the display had been misinterpreted and that there was no attempt to conceal the original manufacturer&rsquo;s branding.
Despite the clarification, sources familiar with the developments said the university was asked to vacate its pavilion at the summit amid mounting criticism. The institution, however, denied receiving any formal directive from the organisers or the ministry.
Notably, the robotic dog was removed from display shortly after the controversy escalated online.

Robodog row sparks backlash at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Galgotias Asked to Exit AI Summit

Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away recently. The actor shared the news with an emotional message on social media. His wife, Kiara Advani, has now also paid a heartfelt tribute to her father-in-law.
On Wednesday, Kiara took to Instagram to share pictures from her wedding reception, where she and Sidharth were seen smiling alongside his parents. In a deeply personal note, she remembered Sunil Malhotra as a warm, generous, and steady presence in the family. She reflected on how he welcomed her with open arms and unconditional love, describing his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Kiara wrote that his stories, laughter, and quiet strength would remain with her forever. She added that his legacy of integrity and gentleness lives on through his children and grandchildren. Concluding her message, she expressed that he would always be loved and remembered.
The couple is currently in Delhi with their family during this difficult period. Members of the film industry extended their condolences online. Jacqueline Fernandez offered prayers, while Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra shared messages of support.
On the professional front, Sidharth will next appear in Vvan: Force of The Forest, directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Mishra and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. The film also stars Tamannaah Bhatia and is slated for release later this year.
Kiara, meanwhile, awaits the release of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, and Rukmini Vasanth in key roles. The film is expected to release on March 19, alongside Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar.

Actor pens heartfelt note after Sunil Malhotra’s passing

Kiara Mourns Sidharth’s Father

Days after 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra lost his life in a fatal SUV crash in Delhi&rsquo;s Dwarka, the father of the 17-year-old accused has expressed regret over the incident, stating that his family is &ldquo;deeply grief-stricken.&rdquo; He also confirmed that the Scorpio SUV involved in the accident is part of his commercial transport business.
The crash occurred around 11:50 am on February 3 near Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in Sector 11, Dwarka. According to police, the SUV rammed into a Yamaha R15 motorcycle, killing Sahil on the spot. The vehicle then struck a parked Swift Dzire, injuring cab driver Ajit Singh.
Post-mortem findings revealed that Sahil sustained a fractured skull, multiple rib fractures, and an elbow injury due to the high-impact collision.
The minor driver was detained at the scene and booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving, negligence causing death, and endangering life. He was later presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an observation home. On February 10, he was granted interim bail to appear for his Class 10 board examinations.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered a separate case against the boy&rsquo;s father under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which holds guardians or vehicle owners accountable when a minor commits a traffic offence.
Speaking to the media after being questioned, the father said he was not in the city at the time of the accident and was unaware that his son had taken the vehicle. He stated that the family has cooperated with investigators and provided all necessary documents.
Sahil&rsquo;s mother alleged that her son was killed by a &ldquo;reckless teen&rdquo; just minutes away from his workplace. The 23-year-old, who worked part-time at an insurance firm, had plans to pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom later this year.

Minor held in SUV crash; father booked under MV Act provisions

Dwarka Crash: Accused’s Father Apologises

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday set aside a March 2025 judgment of the Allahabad High Court that had ruled that grabbing a minor girl&rsquo;s breasts and dragging her under a culvert did not amount to an attempt to rape. The apex court termed the ruling a &ldquo;patently erroneous&rdquo; application of criminal law principles.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, held that the high court had incorrectly reduced the charges from attempt to rape under Section 376 read with Section 511 of the IPC and Section 18 of the POCSO Act to lesser offences. The court restored the original summons issued by the Special POCSO Court in Kasganj, clarifying that its observations were prima facie and would not influence the trial&rsquo;s outcome.
Rejecting the high court&rsquo;s reasoning that the accused had merely &ldquo;prepared&rdquo; to commit rape, the Supreme Court reiterated the settled distinction between preparation and attempt, noting that an attempt begins when intent moves into execution. Based on the allegations, including forcibly taking the minor on a motorcycle, dragging her near a culvert, and fleeing only after she screamed, the Bench held that a prima facie case of attempt to rape was clearly made out.
The proceedings were initiated suo motu after senior advocate Shobha Gupta raised concerns over the high court&rsquo;s reasoning. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the controversial observations and later the entire judgment.
Beyond correcting the legal error, the court addressed a broader concern about insensitivity in judicial handling of sexual offence cases. It requested the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal to constitute a five-member expert committee to frame guidelines aimed at fostering compassion and sensitivity in courts, especially in cases involving minors and vulnerable victims.
The committee, to be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, has been directed to submit a report within three months. The guidelines are to be drafted in simple, accessible language and tailored to Indian realities to ensure they are understandable to victims and laypersons alike.

Top court restores rape attempt charge, seeks sensitivity guidelines

SC Sets Aside HC Order in POCSO Case

India&rsquo;s merchandise imports from Russia plunged by over 40% in January 2026, falling to about $2.86 billion from $4.81 billion a year earlier, official trade figures show, largely reflecting a steep reduction in crude oil purchases.
Crude oil typically accounts for roughly 80% of India&rsquo;s imports from Russia, and estimates suggest purchases of Russian crude last month were significantly lower than in previous years. Other goods imported from Russia include coal, fertilisers, iron, pulses, and precious stones, but these have not offset the slump in oil imports. The downturn in oil imports intensified after mid-2025, following punitive tariffs levied by the United States on Indian goods connected to purchases of Russian oil and ongoing diplomatic pressure. India&rsquo;s refiners, including some major private and state firms, have substantially reduced or halted buying Russian crude as they explore alternative sources.
In early February 2026, Washington eased the additional tariff on Indian products after New Delhi signalled a commitment to &ldquo;stop directly or indirectly importing&rdquo; Russian oil and to increase purchases of energy products from the United States, as well as broadening ties in global energy markets.
Analysts expect the shift in crude sourcing to continue, with Indian refiners eyeing other suppliers, including Middle Eastern and Venezuelan grades, as part of broader diversification strategies.

January sees 40% fall in Russia merchandise imports amid crude cutbacks

India’s Russia Imports Drop Sharply

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s Annamayya district for allegedly abducting and murdering a seven-year-old girl from his neighbourhood in Madanapalle town.
The child had been playing outside her home on Sunday evening when she went missing, sparking panic among her family and local residents. A missing complaint was filed the following morning, prompting an intensive search operation led by district police.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from across the town, which reportedly showed the suspect, a neighbour living opposite the victim&rsquo;s house, taking the child into his residence. Acting on this lead, police searched the house on Tuesday morning.
During the inspection, officers discovered the girl&rsquo;s body concealed inside a water storage drum within the premises. The accused was present at the house at the time and was immediately taken into custody.
Preliminary findings suggest the child was killed inside the residence on Sunday night, and her body was hidden thereafter. Authorities are probing whether sexual assault occurred before the murder, with confirmation pending post-mortem and forensic examination results.
Following the discovery, tensions escalated in the area. Residents and family members staged a protest on the Madanapalle highway, briefly preventing police from shifting the body to the government hospital for autopsy and demanding strict punishment for the accused.
Police have stated that all possible angles, including prior allegations of inappropriate behaviour by the suspect, are being examined as the investigation continues.

Child’s body found in drum; protest erupts in Madanapalle town

7-Year-Old Killed, Neighbour Arrested

The United States and Iran held their second round of indirect negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, as diplomatic efforts continue amid heightened regional tensions. While both sides indicated forward movement in discussions, parallel military developments have added complexity to the fragile engagement.
Reports suggest the US has significantly reinforced its military presence in the Middle East. Over 50 advanced fighter aircraft, including F-35, F-22 and F-16 jets, were reportedly repositioned to the region within a 24-hour window. The deployment follows Washington&rsquo;s decision to send a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to Middle Eastern waters, underscoring its strategic posture.
Despite the show of force, the Geneva discussions were described as substantive and focused. Iranian officials signalled that preliminary understandings were reached on broad guiding principles that could shape a future agreement. However, they cautioned that drafting and finalising any deal would take time.
On the American side, officials maintained that the talks unfolded largely as anticipated. Washington&rsquo;s core objective remains preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a position repeatedly emphasised by senior US leadership.
Meanwhile, regional tensions persisted. Iran temporarily restricted navigation in parts of the Strait of Hormuz during a naval drill, highlighting the waterway&rsquo;s vulnerability. Additionally, US leaders suggested that differences remain over key conditions laid out by President Donald Trump.
As diplomacy continues, both nations appear to be balancing dialogue with deterrence, leaving the broader geopolitical landscape uncertain.

Second Geneva round shows progress as military moves raise stakes

Aizawl News