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Brazil&rsquo;s Supreme Court has sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison after finding him guilty of plotting a coup against President Luiz In&aacute;cio Lula da Silva, who defeated him in the 2022 election. Four of the five justices presiding voted to convict the 70-year-old far-right leader on five counts.
The charges carried a maximum of 43 years, but his age and health conditions reduced the term. Bolsonaro, who denies wrongdoing, remains under house arrest while his lawyers prepare an appeal to the full bench of 11 justices.
The ruling drew swift global reactions. U.S. President Donald Trump, a close ally, called the conviction &ldquo;very bad for Brazil,&rdquo; while Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed Washington would &ldquo;respond&rdquo; to what he termed an unjust verdict. Observers note this could trigger fresh U.S. tariffs or sanctions, especially after Trump tied higher import duties on Brazilian goods to Bolsonaro&rsquo;s legal troubles.
Bolsonaro was already barred from holding public office until 2030 in a separate case. Analysts suggest he may attempt to position a political heir to challenge Lula in upcoming elections, while his allies in Congress are expected to push for possible amnesty measures.
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Brazil’s top court convicts ex-president Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup against Lula

Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Brazil Coup

Brazilian President Luiz In&aacute;cio Lula da Silva has firmly rejected any attempts to treat Brazil as a &ldquo;lesser partner,&rdquo; in a pointed message to Washington amid rising U.S.-Brazil tensions.
Speaking at a ministerial cabinet meeting, Lula emphasised Brazil&rsquo;s sovereignty and warned against foreign interference. &ldquo;Anyone who wants to enter these 8.5 million square kilometres of our airspace, our maritime space, our forests must respect our Constitution and our legislation,&rdquo; he declared.
The remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian exports and sanctions against Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the case against ex-President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump also called Brazil a &ldquo;horrible trading partner&rdquo; and labelled Bolsonaro&rsquo;s trial a &ldquo;political execution.&rdquo;
Lula, pushing back against Trump&rsquo;s criticism, said Brazil is ready for dialogue with the U.S. &ldquo;on equal terms&rdquo; but will not accept a subordinate role. He stressed that sovereignty is not only about protecting territory but also about safeguarding citizens.
&ldquo;We want to care for Brazil, not be dictated to from abroad. Sovereignty is about protecting people,&rdquo; Lula said, adding that his government values respect, not confrontation.
[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.]
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Brazil’s Lula asserts sovereignty, rebukes Trump tariffs, rejects U.S. dominance in trade

Lula: Brazil Refuses Subordinate Status

Brazilian President Luiz In&aacute;cio Lula da Silva has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s claim that Brazil is &ldquo;a horrible trading partner,&rdquo; stating that Brazil will not bow to pressure from Washington. Speaking at an event in Pernambuco, Lula called Trump&rsquo;s remarks &ldquo;a lie,&rdquo; insisting Brazil is a fair trading partner but one that &ldquo;won&rsquo;t bow down to the US government.&rdquo;
Trump&rsquo;s comments came earlier in the day, alongside his criticism of the trial against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, which he called a &ldquo;political execution.&rdquo; Lula countered, saying &ldquo;democracy is judging Bolsonaro&rdquo; and defending the independence of Brazil&rsquo;s judicial process.
The war of words follows the US government&rsquo;s imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods. In response, Brazil has rolled out the Sovereign Brazil initiative, a 30 billion reais (about $5.56 billion) support package for exporters hit by the tariffs. The measures include affordable loans, tax breaks, modernisation of the export guarantee system, and targeted support for small businesses, rural producers, and perishable food exporters.
Lula criticised the US justification for the tariffs, which included alleged human rights violations linked to Bolsonaro&rsquo;s trial. &ldquo;Brazil had no reason to be taxed, and we will not accept any accusations that we do not respect human rights,&rdquo; he said. While condemning the tariffs as unjustified, Lula confirmed Brazil will not impose reciprocal measures &ldquo;for the time being&rdquo; to avoid escalating tensions.
He stressed the importance of remaining calm during crises: &ldquo;Crises exist so that we can create new things. The unpleasant thing is that there are no justified reasons for imposing tariffs on Brazil.&rdquo;
The statement marks a firm yet measured Brazilian stance rejecting US claims while prioritising negotiation over retaliation in hopes of preserving long-term trade relations.
[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.]
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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

President Lula rejects US tariff claims, launches Sovereign Brazil Support Plan

Lula: Brazil Won’t Bow to US Pressure

Brazil has unveiled a $5.56 billion aid package to shield exporters from the impact of a 50% tariff imposed by the US. Announced under the &ldquo;Sovereign Brazil&rdquo; program, the plan offers affordable loans, tax breaks, and support for small businesses, especially those in perishable food sectors.
It also includes modernising the export guarantee system, reviving tax refund schemes, and facilitating public procurement from affected rural and agro-industrial producers.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva slammed Washington&rsquo;s move, calling the tariffs unjustified, and denied US allegations of human rights violations over the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula stressed Brazil would avoid reciprocal tariffs to prevent worsening ties, but reaffirmed the nation&rsquo;s sovereignty.
In July, Lula had warned against foreign interference and pledged to make US-based digital platforms comply with Brazilian laws and taxation, accusing them of fueling disinformation.
&ldquo;This country is sovereign. My only boss is the Brazilian people,&rdquo; he declared.
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Lula launches loans, tax breaks to counter 50% US tariffs while rejecting retaliation

Brazil Unveils $5.56B Exporter Aid Amid US Tariffs

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that Brazil will not tolerate foreign interference in its internal affairs, amid growing tensions with the US over new tariffs and digital regulations.&nbsp;
Speaking to thousands of students at a national congress in Goiania in south-central Brazil on Thursday, Lula dismissed suggestions that the tariffs were linked to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, Xinhua news agency reported.
"We won't accept interference from any foreign country," Lula said.
Lula pledged a civil and democratic response, while announcing that US-based digital platforms will be required to comply with Brazilian laws and pay taxes. He accused the companies of fueling disinformation and harming Brazilian society.
"This country is sovereign. No foreigner gives orders to the president of Brazil. My only boss is the Brazilian people," he said.
Earlier on Thursday, the Brazilian government has formally protested the US decision to impose 50% import tariffs on all Brazilian exports, effective August 1, warning of serious economic consequences and a strain on bilateral relations.
In a letter to US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Brazil conveyed its "indignation" over the move announced by US President Donald Trump on July 9.
The letter was jointly signed by Vice President and Development Minister Geraldo Alckmin and Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, said a statement released Wednesday by Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services.
&mdash;IANS

Brazil rejects US stance on tariff disputes

Brazil rebuffs US interference amid growing tariff tensions with Argentina and China

Brazil Rejects US Interference On Tariff Tensions

BRICS Unites in Rio, Trump Responds with Fresh Tariff Threats
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Under the blazing Brazilian sun, the BRICS 2025 summit unfolded in Rio de Janeiro with an unmistakable chill in the air&mdash;one not caused by climate, but by rhetoric. The expanding bloc of emerging economies, once envisioned as a cooperative growth engine for the Global South, now finds itself openly challenging the world's largest economy: the United States.
This year&rsquo;s summit was not merely a gathering of technocrats and trade ministers. It became a platform for geopolitical defiance, as the 10 member states&mdash;Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia and the UAE&mdash;jointly condemned recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, labelling them &ldquo;illegal&rdquo; under international law.
But what truly turned heads was their unified stance on global trade.
In their closing declaration, the BRICS leadership raised the alarm over what they described as a surge in "unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures," warning such practices risk undermining the very architecture of multilateral trade and development. Though the statement diplomatically avoided naming the United States, the target of the criticism was unmistakable.
<a title="BRICS" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/opinion/trump-threatens-100--tariffs-on-brics-members/2428" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US</a> President Donald Trump, never one to retreat from confrontation, responded swiftly. In a statement from Washington, he warned of an additional 10 percent tariff on countries aligning with BRICS policies deemed &ldquo;anti-American.&rdquo; The move is seen as a direct counterstrike to the bloc&rsquo;s growing assertiveness, particularly in its opposition to what it views as Washington&rsquo;s unchecked use of economic coercion.
Trump&rsquo;s latest salvo comes with a deadline: nations failing to finalise new bilateral trade agreements with the United States by 1 August will see tariffs revert to their elevated April 2 levels, threatening to deepen the divide between emerging powers and the West.
<h3 data-start="2251" data-end="2285">From Consensus to Contestation</h3>
Once hailed as a collaborative platform for shared prosperity, the BRICS now carries the weight of geopolitical resistance. Though the bloc is far from ideologically uniform&mdash;often divided on issues such as Middle East conflicts or institutional reforms&mdash;it has found rare unity in opposing what leaders see as the arbitrary nature of American trade policy.
The irony, of course, lies in the original vision of the BRICS. Created to amplify the voice of fast-growing economies within a Western-dominated world order, the group was built on economic synergy, not confrontation. But Washington's combative trade posture and unilateral actions have transformed the summit into a battleground of ideologies.
This transformation was evident in Rio. The final communiqu&eacute; warned that indiscriminate tariff measures are not only illegal under WTO rules but also detrimental to &ldquo;prospects for global economic development,&rdquo; echoing a wider anxiety among developing nations caught between superpower rivalries.
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ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/opinion/can-india-thrive-in-a-de-dollarized-world-/5551
<h3 data-start="3290" data-end="3321">A Missing Centre of Gravity</h3>
Still, the political potency of this year&rsquo;s summit was dulled by the conspicuous absence of President Xi Jinping&mdash;the first time the Chinese leader has skipped a BRICS summit in his 12-year tenure. Without Beijing&rsquo;s highest-level endorsement, efforts to articulate a robust anti-Western economic narrative lacked full momentum.
China, despite its assertive trade position and push for alternatives to the dollar-dominated system, remains cautious about escalating tensions further. Meanwhile, nations like Iran and Russia&mdash;already under heavy sanctions&mdash;are increasingly vocal in pressing BRICS to offer a genuine economic alternative to Western-led platforms.
<h3 data-start="3983" data-end="4000">Looking Ahead</h3>
The weeks leading up to 1 August will be critical. For now, Trump&rsquo;s tariff threats have placed the world on notice. Many countries&mdash;BRICS and beyond&mdash;face a stark choice: fall in line with Washington&rsquo;s bilateralism or stand behind a fractured but increasingly assertive multilateral front.
Whether BRICS can move beyond words and translate unity into coordinated action remains uncertain. But what is clear is this: in Rio, the battle lines of a new trade order were drawn&mdash;not in boardrooms or bureaucracies, but on a political stage where the stakes are no longer merely economic, but deeply strategic.

At Rio Summit, BRICS unites against US trade threats, warns of global economic destabilisation

BRICS Fires Back at Trump’s Tariff Ultimatum

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday reiterated India's strong support for a fair and rule-based global trading system &mdash; one that genuinely addresses the needs and aspirations of the Global South &mdash; at 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Brasilia.&nbsp;
Addressing the working session on 'BRICS Parliamentary Action in Search of New Paths for Economic Development', Birla appreciated the Parliament of Brazil for successfully organising the event and thanked them for their hospitality.
"Today, the BRICS group has emerged as a formidable force in the global economic landscape. It represents nearly 45% of the population and contributes 40% to the global GDP based on the purchasing power parity.Despite global challenges, BRICS nations have made inspiring progress in the realm of economic development. India believes that to further strengthen this progress, we must enhance trade investment and financial cooperation," he said.
"We are concerned that representation of developing countries in key international institutions, and such imbalances hinder global equity and sustainable development. Therefore, BRICS countries must collectively make concrete efforts to enhance participation in such institutions," Birla added.
The Lok Sabha Speaker emphasised that Covid-19 and other global crisis have disproportionately affected the Global South, exacerbating existing challenges in health, food, and energy security. 
Birla stressed that without strong, coordinated global action, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will become increasingly difficult &mdash; if not impossible &mdash; for many nations.
Highlighting India's economic growth Birla mentioned that despite global uncertainties and challenges, India's economic growth has been remarkable.
India, he said, has consistently outperformed the global growth average as from 2014 to 2025, India's GDP has grown at an average of seven per cent, making it the fastest growing major economy in the world.
"India is not only the world's largest and most vibrant democracy but also a nation with a stable government with strong institutions, based on the rule of law, and which is transparent and accountable. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable progress across various sectors," he mentioned.
Birla highlighted that India considers the BRICS Parliamentary Forum a highly important platform where, through joint efforts and dialogue, a new definition of economic development can be shaped.
On the sidelines of the parliamentary forum, the Lok Sabha Speaker also engaged in a meaningful interaction with Hugo Motta, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil, conveying India's unwavering unified resolve to counter terrorism.
"Held a warm and constructive bilateral meeting with Hugo Motta, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil on the sidelines of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum. Emphasising that terrorism is a global threat and all nations must unite to eliminate this scourge, underscored that the complete eradication of terrorism remains India's unwavering national resolve," Birla posted on X on Thursday.
"Expressed India's gratitude to President Lula for Brazil's steadfast support in our fight against terrorism. Shared insights on how India is reshaping its parliamentary democracy through inclusive representation and cutting-edge reforms. Also highlighted our fast-paced digital transformation &mdash; Indian parliamentary processes are now largely paperless. Informed that through initiatives like Digital Sansad and the use of AI, we are preserving our democratic legacy while aligning Parliament with the needs of the 21st century," he wrote in his post.
Earlier, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the visiting Indian delegation was received by Ambassador of India to Brazil Dinesh Bhatia on arrival in Bras&iacute;lia on Wednesday.
The delegation comprises Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Surendra Singh Nagar, Lok Sabha MPs Vijay Baghel, Vivek Thakur, and Shabari Byreddy; Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh and Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody.
After its arrival, the delegation attended the inaugural ceremony of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Bras&iacute;lia, reaffirming the deep commitment of the nations to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation for an inclusive BRICS partnership.
The 11th Brics Parliamentary Forum, scheduled from June 4- 5 in Brasilia, marked a significant step forward in consolidating inter-parliamentary cooperation between the member countries, reaffirming the commitment of the legislative branches to strengthening political dialogue, exchanging their best practices, and building a common agenda aimed at sustainable development, social justice and multilateral governance.
The BRICS members include 11 nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this year, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan were inducted as partner countries of the BRICS.
&mdash;IANS (Apart from the headline, this article has not been edited by Benefit News editorial team and is published from an IANS news feed.)

Om Birla addresses BRICS forum in Brasilia

India backs fair global trade, BRICS unity; Birla highlights growth, digital reforms at forum

Om Birla Highlights India's Growth At BRICS Forum

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is currently leading the all-party Indian parliamentary delegation in Brazil, has said that the upcoming visit to the United States will be a crucial opportunity to counter misinformation and competing narratives surrounding Operation Sindoor.&nbsp; 
His remarks come amid ongoing assertions by US President Donald Trump that his administration helped broker the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan&mdash;claims New Delhi firmly denies.
According to Indian officials, it was Pakistan that reached out to India with a request to halt military action following the Pahalgam terror attack, not the other way around.
Tharoor underlined the importance of setting the record straight during the delegation's final leg of international outreach, which will take them to Washington.
Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of engagements in Brazil, Tharoor said, "Washington is a particularly interesting case because it is a large country, a superpower with enormous influence in the world, and there are many crosscurrents of information, misinformation, and other narratives circulating. So, we have quite a lot of work to do there."
He added that the delegation will engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the US capital.
"We are engaging with a range of audiences, including government officials, senators, and congressmen on Capitol Hill. We are also meeting with think tanks and organisations specialising in foreign policy, and also the media," Tharoor said.
The Congress MP also said that several countries need to understand that dialogue is not possible with the nations that facilitate cross-border terrorism.
Emphasising the importance of international solidarity against terrorism, he noted, "We're looking for solidarity in our struggle against terrorism. What is very clear in these countries is that some of these issues they understand, some they don't fully understand. And the natural instinct in many countries is to say&mdash;why not have a dialogue? But it's very difficult to have a dialogue with people who are pointing a gun at your head, who are sending terrorists across your border. That becomes a problem."
He stressed that dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism must precede any meaningful engagement.
"The first thing should be for them to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism. And then we can see what kind of talking we can do. Stop giving safe haven to killers and murderers, and instead, arrest and prosecute them. We need a different story, but they have not been doing that in Pakistan," Tharoor said.
"For us, in these countries, understanding our position and leaving with a sense of solidarity was important&mdash;and that we have done," he added.
&mdash;IANS
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Tharoor said they’re meeting government officials, senators, think tanks, and the media in Washington

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says US visit will counter misinformation on Operation Sindoor

Tharoor: Misinformation Needs Tackling in Washington

India has reaffirmed its commitment to long-standing diplomatic ties with the BRICS nations during a multilateral meeting of communications ministers in Brazil.
Union Minister of State (MoS) for Rural Development and Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, representing India at the 11th BRICS Communication Ministers' Meeting in Brazil, highlighted pioneering Digital Public Infrastructure&mdash;from Aadhaar to UPI, which is now a global model for inclusive tech-led growth.
He shared India's progress on four pillars&mdash;Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space and Environmental Sustainability, and Digital Ecosystems&mdash;under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the meeting in Brasilia on Monday.
BRICS members include 11 nations&mdash;Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Egypt, Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
"Productive bilateral talks with Brazil towards strengthening digital ties for a smarter, secure future. Discussed India's strides in indigenous 4G/5G development, and domestic manufacturing and explored cooperation in 6G, Quantum Tech and Satcom. Also, discussed Brazil's 6GHz trials and satcom needs, telecom security and global DPI cooperation," Pemmasani posted on X on Tuesday.
He also held a constructive interaction with the South African counterpart on the sidelines of the BRICS Communication Ministers' meeting, appreciating their continued support at global forums.
They discussed deeper cooperation in areas such as skill development to bridge the digital divide, digital banking, including UPI-based cashless payment systems, and digital public infrastructure.
Both sides explored the potential for greater collaboration at multilateral platforms and assured every possible support to strengthen our digital partnership.
Speaking to IANS, the MoS said, "The meeting was quite successful. Around 10 countries participated in the process, with each sharing their experiences and learning from one another. Overall, when compared to other nations, India has done an exceptional job, whether in expanding 4G and 5G connectivity, laying fibre optics, preventing telecom fraud or implementing satellite reforms. People listened and appreciated India's progressive and dynamic nature of doing things."
The BRICS Communications Ministers met in Brasilia under the Chair of Brazil on June 2, and conducted discussions on universal and meaningful connectivity, space sustainability, environmental sustainability, and digital ecosystems with the vision to further strengthen the cooperation in delivering an open, enabling, inclusive, interconnected, innovation-driven, development-oriented equitable and sustainable digital future for all.
Meanwhile, an all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, earlier arrived in Brazil as part of the government's ongoing diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor to consolidate global support against cross-border terrorism and to present India's zero-tolerance stance on terror.
Addressing a question on the Indian delegation led by Tharoor, the Pemmasani, speaking to IANS, appreciated the delegation for presenting India's truth in front of the world under the innovative initiative launched by Prime Minister Modi.
"He (Shashi Tharoor) is obviously a very experienced individual with extensive international exposure in handling such matters. I believe he and his team are doing a commendable job in presenting India's perspective and truth to the rest of the world and they have been quite successful. For instance, just yesterday, they were able to influence a change in Colombia's position. It's a very interesting and innovative initiative by PM Modi, and it is clearly delivering results," said Pemmasani.
&mdash;IANS
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Pemmasani also met South Africa’s counterpart, discussing cooperation on skills, digital banking, and infrastructure

Pemmasani shared productive talks with Brazil on 4G/5G, 6G, quantum tech, and satcom

India Commits to Space & Digital Tech at BRICS Meet

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy and the world's fourth-most populous nation, has officially joined BRICS, the association of major emerging economies, according to an announcement by Brazil's foreign ministry on Monday. This milestone marks a significant step in reshaping global economic and geopolitical alliances.
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As the 2024 BRICS president, Brazil emphasized Indonesia's strategic importance to the Global South. With a GDP of approximately $1.4 trillion, a population exceeding 280 million, and consistent annual economic growth above 5% over the past decade, Indonesia is one of the most dynamic emerging markets globally.
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"Indonesia shares with other BRICS members support for reforming global governance institutions and contributes positively to deepening cooperation in the Global South, priority issues for Brazil's presidency," the statement read.
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Indonesia becomes the first nation to gain full membership since BRICS opened its doors to expansion at the 2023 Johannesburg Summit. The original BRICS members&mdash;Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa&mdash;unanimously approved Indonesia's entry under the guiding principles agreed upon in Johannesburg.
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The delay in Indonesia's accession was primarily due to the country's 2024 general elections. However, with President Prabowo Subianto's government assuming office in October, the membership process was swiftly finalized.
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China welcomed Indonesia's inclusion, highlighting its role as a major player in the Global South. "Indonesia's accession aligns with the shared vision of BRICS nations and will significantly contribute to the group's collective development goals," said China's foreign ministry.
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Geopolitically, Indonesia's membership bolsters BRICS' influence in Southeast Asia, a region pivotal to global trade and security. It also signifies a shift towards multipolarity in global governance, offering an alternative to Western-led economic structures.
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As BRICS continues to expand, Indonesia's inclusion reflects the bloc's growing role in addressing global challenges, fostering South-South cooperation, and advocating for a more equitable global economic order.

Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto with China and Russia's Presidents

Indonesia's BRICS entry strengthens Southeast Asia's geopolitical and economic influence

Indonesia Joins BRICS, Boosting Global South Unity

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.
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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

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