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Police in Odisha have rescued a two-and-a-half-year-old boy who was allegedly sold by his father for ₹1 lakh in the Nilgiri area. Two individuals, the child&rsquo;s father and the alleged buyer, have been detained for questioning.
The incident occurred in Barisahi village under the Nilgiri Notified Area Council. The matter surfaced after a video, purportedly showing the father negotiating the sale of the child with a prospective buyer, circulated widely on social media. Authorities said the authenticity of the video is still being examined.
Following a complaint filed by a local activist at the Nilgiri police station, police launched an investigation and traced the toddler to the Chiminibhati area. The child has since been rescued and placed before the Child Welfare Committee for care and protection.
Officials identified the father as Rakesh Kumar Behera, alias Kua, a mason by profession. Police sources said he allegedly received ₹50,000 as an initial payment. During questioning, he reportedly cited financial distress and the responsibility of raising four children as reasons behind his actions.
Sources further indicated that Behera had been married twice and that the rescued child was born to his second wife, who is currently living separately.
Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the full circumstances of the case and whether others were involved.
&nbsp;

Father, buyer detained after viral video sparks police action

Odisha Toddler Sold for ₹1 Lakh, Rescued

Several workers are feared dead after a massive rockfall triggered by an explosion at a stone quarry in Odisha&rsquo;s Dhenkanal district, officials said on Sunday.
The incident took place on Saturday evening at a quarry near Gopalpur village under the Motanga police station limits. At the time of the accident, workers were engaged in drilling and stone extraction activities when a large portion of rocks suddenly collapsed following an explosion.
Authorities said the exact number of workers trapped beneath the debris is still unclear, as rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions.
Teams from the local fire services, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, and a trained dog squad were immediately deployed to the site. Heavy machinery has also been pressed into service to remove debris and locate any survivors.
Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil and Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar reached the quarry to personally monitor and coordinate the rescue efforts.
The incident has drawn political reactions as well. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the tragedy and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the explosion and the safety measures in place for workers. He also urged authorities to speed up rescue operations and ensure accountability.
Further details are awaited as rescue teams continue their search at the site.

Explosion-linked rockfall in Dhenkanal leaves workers feared trapped

Odisha Quarry Collapse Triggers Rescue Ops

Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday took part in the iconic Dhanu Jatra festival in Bargarh, stepping into the symbolic court of demon king Kansa to present an account of his government&rsquo;s development initiatives for the district.
Riding an elephant, the chief minister arrived at the &lsquo;Darbar&rsquo; of Kansa, a central character in the annual festival that reenacts the defeat of Kansa by Lord Krishna. During the theatrical exchange, the ruler of Mathura asked Majhi about governance and development in his kingdom. Bargarh is traditionally portrayed as Mathura during the festival.
Majhi responded by outlining 123 development projects worth ₹1,362 crore that have been launched in the district. He also announced four additional projects with a combined outlay of about ₹380 crore.
According to the chief minister, foundation stones have been laid for 85 projects costing ₹980.58 crore, while 38 projects valued at ₹382.26 crore have already been inaugurated. He also highlighted women-focused welfare measures, stating that over 3.41 lakh women in Bargarh have benefited from the Subhadra Yojana, receiving ₹10,000 annually.
Majhi further said that during the 2024&ndash;25 kharif and rabi seasons, paddy procurement from more than 2.41 lakh farmers reached nearly 13.99 lakh metric tonnes. Payments and input assistance to farmers totalled ₹4,338 crore.
The symbolic court responded with approval, reflecting the festival&rsquo;s tradition of blending satire, mythology and contemporary issues.
Among the new projects announced were a sewage treatment plant on the Jira river, a vending zone at Hatpada, a modern bus terminal and an inland water reservoir at Grindola. These initiatives together are expected to cost around ₹380 crore.
Addressing the public later, Majhi described Dhanu Jatra as a living example of India&rsquo;s cultural economy, where spirituality and social life intersect. He announced an increase in the state grant for the festival from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore and said over 200 participating artists would be honoured with ₹10,000 each.
The chief minister also laid the foundation stone for a Rangamahal for the festival, to be built at a cost of approximately ₹12.80 crore, and said efforts were underway to secure UNESCO recognition for Dhanu Jatra. From the symbolic court of Kansa, he also issued a call for integrity in public life and a stand against corruption.

Odisha CM briefs ‘Kansa’ on ₹1,362 crore projects

Majhi joins Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh, lists development works from Kansa’s court

A major blow was dealt to the Maoist network in eastern India after senior CPI (Maoist) leader Ganesh Uike was killed in an encounter with security forces in Odisha&rsquo;s Kandhamal district. The gunfight erupted in a dense forest under the Chakapad police station area during an anti-Naxal operation, resulting in the deaths of four Maoists.
Ganesh Uike, a central committee member of the banned outfit and its chief in Odisha, carried a bounty of ₹1.1 crore. Aged 69, Uike was considered one of the most influential Maoist leaders operating across Odisha and neighbouring states. He was known by several aliases and hailed from Telangana&rsquo;s Nalgonda district, reflecting the cross-regional spread of his activities.
Security forces recovered bodies from the encounter site, including two women cadres, whose identities are still being verified. The operation follows sustained intelligence-led efforts to dismantle Maoist leadership structures in Odisha&rsquo;s interior districts, long considered vulnerable to left-wing extremism.
The killing of Uike is seen as a significant setback for the Maoist movement in the region, particularly at a time when security agencies have intensified operations to curb insurgent activity. Officials believe the encounter will weaken the group&rsquo;s operational capacity and disrupt its command structure in eastern India.

₹1.1 crore bounty holder Ganesh Uike among four Maoists killed in Kandhamal encounter

Top Maoist Leader Killed in Odisha

The mysterious death of a Class 9 student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar has taken a dramatic turn, with police confirming that the boy was murdered by his classmates, contradicting the institute&rsquo;s initial claim of an accidental fall.
Fourteen-year-old Siba Munda, a resident of Tikargumura village in Keonjhar district, died on December 12 while undergoing treatment at KIMS Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar. KISS authorities had earlier informed his family that he had fallen ill and later slipped in the hostel bathroom.
However, following an investigation by the Infocity police station, officials concluded that Siba was assaulted and strangulated inside a hostel washroom after a dispute over spilt dal. The post-mortem report established that the death was due to homicidal violence and not an accident.
Three students, all minors, were apprehended and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Khurda district. They have been sent to a correctional home for further proceedings.
The case triggered outrage after Siba&rsquo;s family staged a protest outside the Keonjhar collectorate, accusing the school authorities of suppressing facts and denying access to medical records. His father, Raghunath Munda, alleged that no medical documents or post-mortem details were provided before the body was handed over.
In a major development, Bhubaneswar Commissioner of Police Suresh Devdutt Singh confirmed that eight KISS officials, including the additional CEO and several teachers, were arrested for allegedly intimidating minor witnesses and attempting to conceal evidence. Seven doctors who treated the boy are also being questioned.
The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has warned of strict action if lapses by the institute are established, as the investigation continues to uncover accountability in the case.

Police say Class 9 boy was killed by classmates, not a hostel accident

KISS Student Murder Case Shocks Odisha

Doctors at the Rourkela hospital, where she was admitted on Saturday, said the 18-year-old suffered multiple organ failures triggered by the burn injuries.
A teenager, who set herself on fire in Odisha&rsquo;s Sundargarh district over alleged harassment from a 24-year-old stalker and suffered 92% burn injuries on late Friday, succumbed to her injuries on early Monday.
Doctors at the Rourkela hospital, where she was admitted on Saturday, said the 18-year-old suffered multiple organ failures triggered by the burn injuries. 
The woman, a tribal, was a student at a Rajgangpur college.
Sundargarh Police superintendent Amritpal Kaur said the woman set herself afire late Friday at her home after speaking to a male friend.
Police cited a preliminary probe and said the 24-year-old, a porter, had harassed the teenager again in a passenger bus shortly before she set herself afire. 
&ldquo;The accused had been stalking and harassing her for the last two years, but the harassment had worsened,&rdquo; said Kaur.
The teenager&rsquo;s mother said her daughter set herself afire when the rest of the family was sleeping. 
&ldquo;When we woke up to her screams, we found her in flames and rushed her to the hospital,&rdquo; she said.
On Sunday, state health minister Mukesh Mahaling said the state government would try to airlift her to Bhubaneswar or Delhi once her condition improved.
In July, a 20-year-old student at a Balasore college died two days after she set herself on fire on campus over inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a head of a department. 
A 15-year-old girl in Puri set herself afire and died on August 2 at a Delhi hospital. 
Police concluded it was a case of suicide driven by mental stress.
On August 6, a 19-year-old college student in Kendrapara immolated herself after her ex-boyfriend threatened to leak intimate photos online. 
A 35-year-old woman in Dhenkanal sustained over 50% burn injuries after attempting self-immolation on August 10 over her family&rsquo;s struggle to repay loans.
Read the following information and rewrite it into a professionally formatted news article. 
Maintain a formal journalistic tone and structure, including an appropriate headline, dateline, and coherent paragraph flow. 
Ensure that all statements in quotation marks remain exactly as they are written. 
Do not mention or imply that the content was reported by or taken from any agency orexternal source. 
The article should be neutral, factual, and concise, following standard news writing conventions.

Teen victim succumbs to burns after harassment

Odisha student dies after self-immolation, alleges prolonged stalking by suspect

Odisha Teen Dies After Harassment Ordeal

The Odisha government has set an ambitious target to develop at least 15 fully operational airports by 2047, aligning the plan with India&rsquo;s centenary year of Independence. The roadmap to achieve this goal was reviewed during the fourth meeting of the High-Power Committee on Aviation, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening Odisha&rsquo;s aviation ecosystem in line with the state&rsquo;s long-term development vision for 2036&ndash;47. Discussions centred on accelerating infrastructure growth, boosting connectivity, and creating an investor-friendly policy environment. Odisha will complete 100 years as a state in 2036.
At present, the state has 19 airports and airstrips, including 12 owned by the government. However, only five civilian airports are currently operational at Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Jeypore, Utkela, and Rourkela.
Bhubaneswar remains the only international airport in Odisha, offering connectivity to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. To enhance global access, the state government is taking steps to build a new greenfield international airport at Puri, along with dedicated zones for aviation, logistics, and allied services. Progress on the development of existing airports and airstrips, including the Puri project, was reviewed in detail.
The government also aims to generate annual revenue of Rs 5,000 crore from aviation-related services by 2047. To support skill development, the committee emphasised the need for a dedicated policy to promote Flight Training Organisations in the state. The aviation training centre at Dhenkanal was reviewed with a plan to develop it into a major hub for pilot training and capacity building.
Plans are also underway to introduce a comprehensive state aviation policy to streamline regulatory procedures, attract private investment, and ensure uniform sectoral growth. In addition, the proposal to recognise aviation manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities as a thrust sector under the Industrial Policy Resolution was discussed to strengthen the aviation value chain.
The chief secretary stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination, timely execution of projects, and proactive planning to establish Odisha as a major aviation hub in eastern India and unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment.
&nbsp;

Passengers waiting at airport departure terminal

State targets ₹5000 crore aviation revenue, new Puri airport planned

Odisha Plans 15 Operational Airports by 2047

The family of an 18-year-old student who died by suicide in his hostel room at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha has accused a female friend and her family of driving him to the extreme step. The boy, originally from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, was found dead in his hostel on Sunday night.
According to police, the student&rsquo;s mother alleged that he was being harassed by the young woman&rsquo;s parents and brother. A case has been registered at Infocity Police Station against all three family members as well as the woman, under abetment of suicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Preliminary investigation suggests the student had a close friendship with a young woman from Chhattisgarh, and complications in the relationship may have caused emotional distress. When classmates discovered him unresponsive, police broke open the hostel room door under videography. His phone and laptop were seized for examination. He was rushed to KIMS Hospital but declared dead on arrival. The autopsy was conducted at AIIMS Bhubaneswar in the presence of a magistrate and family members.
This incident marks the third suicide reported from the KIIT campus this year. Earlier in February and May, two female students from Nepal were found hanging in their hostel rooms.
KIIT described the incident as deeply unfortunate and stated that the student may have taken his life due to personal issues. The institute said the boy&rsquo;s mother informed them about his emotional involvement with a young woman. She also reported that her son had allegedly been threatened and intimidated by the woman&rsquo;s family, prompting her to file a police complaint.
The institute expressed concern over the rising number of student suicides across educational campuses in Odisha and beyond.
The student&rsquo;s mother criticised the college for having ceiling fans in hostel rooms, saying such fixtures are removed in several coaching hostels in Kota to prevent self-harm incidents. She added that better preventive measures could have saved her son.

Family blames girl’s family for abetment as KIIT reports third student suicide this year

KIIT Student Suicide Probe, Family Alleges Abuse

Odisha Police on Monday arrested a drug peddler and recovered 400 grams of brown sugar worth nearly ₹40 lakh during a targeted raid in the Airfield Police Station area of Bhubaneswar.
The accused has been identified as Sk Akbar, a resident of Arada Bazar (Golapola) under the Sahadevkhunta police limits in Balasore district.
Acting on specific intelligence, the Special Crime Unit (SCU) of the Commissionerate Police conducted a surveillance operation to curb the illegal brown sugar network operating in Bhubaneswar. Officers intercepted the accused near the Lingaraj Road Railway Station, where he was allegedly waiting to carry out a narcotics transaction.
Police said the timely intervention led to the recovery of 400 grams of brown sugar, and the accused was taken into custody without resistance. He is currently being questioned to identify his handlers, supply routes, and wider criminal links.
The Commissionerate Police stated that the seizure marks a significant breakthrough in their ongoing crackdown on drug syndicates in the city. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling networks involved in illegal narcotics trade and bringing all offenders to justice.
Investigators are now working to trace the primary accused, Sk Sadik Mohammad (30), from Balasore&rsquo;s Sahadevkhunta area, who remains at large. Police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking.

Odisha Police Seize 400g Brown Sugar, One Held

Bhubaneswar raid nets drug peddler and narcotics worth ₹40 lakh; key supplier

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to ensure foolproof security and flawless arrangements for the upcoming India&ndash;South Africa T20 International match scheduled to take place at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on December 9.
During a high-level preparatory meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday, CM Majhi underscored the importance of maintaining top-tier security measures, especially in light of the recent blast in Delhi that claimed over eight lives.
He urged the police administration to remain on high alert and ensure public safety throughout the event. 
The Chief Minister also instructed senior officials from the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and state administration to execute all plans efficiently, ensuring that the match reflects Odisha&rsquo;s organisational capability and dignity.
&ldquo;Cricket is one of the most popular sports in our country, and this match will draw national and global attention. Therefore, it must be conducted smoothly, reflecting Odisha&rsquo;s efficiency and honour,&rdquo; Majhi said.
The Chief Minister also directed authorities to set up a green corridor to facilitate emergency medical movement and to guarantee smooth arrangements for crowd management, ticket sales, and health services.
OCA secretary Sanjay Behera briefed the meeting on preparations, including ticketing, crowd control, lighting, stadium infrastructure, fire safety, parking, and traffic management.
The state government faced embarrassment earlier this year after a floodlight failure at Barabati Stadium disrupted play for over 35 minutes during the India&ndash;England ODI in February. 
The government later sought an explanation from the OCA regarding the incident.
&mdash;IANS

Odisha CM chairs T20 security review meeting

CM Majhi directs strict security, flawless crowd control for Cuttack T20 match

Odisha CM Orders Tight Security For T20

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

Bhubaneswar News