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A disturbing new report has revealed that one in three Australian teenagers have struggled with suicidal thoughts over the past year, highlighting a growing mental health crisis.
The study, released by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), shows that 34% of young people aged 14 to 19 reported suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the last 12 months. Alarmingly, the numbers are higher among females (38%) compared to males (31%).
Researchers found that suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts peak between ages 16-17 for both boys and girls. For some, suicidal attempts occurred without any prior signs, making it difficult for families to detect early.
'This research shows that suicidal thoughts and behaviours in young people are complex, unpredictable, and often don't follow a linear path," said Agatha Faulkner, senior survey manager at AIFS. "Some young people attempt suicide without prior ideation or planning, which can understandably be a shock for their families and friends. For males in our study, this peaked at 14-15 years, showing that mental health interventions should start very early on."
A separate study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) earlier this year reported suicide as the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15-24 and 25-44.
The crisis is compounded by widespread sleep issues. A survey by Melbourne's Royal Children&rsquo;s Hospital revealed that 42% of children between 5 and 17 suffer from sleep-related problems such as trouble falling asleep or waking frequently during the night. Teenagers using screens before bedtime were among the worst affected.
Doctors warn that lack of sleep contributes to poor mental health, mood swings, weakened immunity, and can even increase the risk of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Experts are calling for early intervention programs, better awareness campaigns, and stronger family support to tackle what is now being described as one of Australia&rsquo;s most urgent youth health challenges.

1 in 3 Aussie teens face suicidal thoughts

New study warns of rising suicidal thoughts, poor sleep among Australian teens

An Australian study has set a new global benchmark for assessing the environmental risks of deep-sea mining.&nbsp; 
The study provided science-based tools to help decision-makers evaluate the potential impacts and viability of extracting critical minerals from the ocean floor, according to a statement by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia's national science agency which led the research.&nbsp;
The established framework aimed to address the significant environmental uncertainties and risks associated with deep-sea mining, as international interest in these resources grows, said the study commissioned by The Metals Company Australia, which seeks approval to mine polymetallic nodules in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific.
The CCZ spanning between Mexico and Hawaii, is rich in cobalt and nickel for renewable energy, but remains one of Earth's most fragile and least understood environments, the researchers said.
The CSIRO-led team, including researchers from Australia's Griffith University, Museums Victoria, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and Earth Sciences New Zealand, developed integrated ecosystem assessments and management tools to guide robust and transparent oversight of any future deep-sea mining activities, reported Xinhua news agency.
"There will be impacts at deep-sea mining sites, and our research shows the speed and scale of potential recovery differs across functional groups of species," said Senior Principal Research Scientist Piers Dunstan at CSIRO.
The research employs an adaptable ecosystem-based management framework, using a traffic light system to define "serious harm" and guide regulatory action. It predicts mining impacts will be mostly confined to the seabed, with some bottom-dwelling species showing significant declines and slow recovery rates.
"Without such research, there is a risk of harm from mining activities that can persist for generations," said Tina Soliman-Hunter, a professor of Energy and Natural Resources Law at Macquarie University in Sydney.
(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by Benefit News editorial team and is published from an IANS news feed.)

Study offers tools to assess deep-sea mining risks and guide future environmental action

Australia Sets Global Bar for Deep-Sea Mining Risks

The Australian government has formally designated Terrorgram, a violent nationalist extremist network operating online, as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995. The decision aligns Australia with the UK and US, which have already taken similar action.
Home Affairs and Cyber Security Minister Tony Burke said the group promotes hate and poses a threat to national safety: &ldquo;This extremist hatred has no place in Australia. We are acting decisively to restrict the activities of such groups and keep Australians safe.&rdquo;
Terrorgram operates primarily on encrypted platforms like Telegram, creating and sharing propaganda that incites attacks against minority communities, infrastructure, and individuals. It has been linked to terrorist activity across the US, Europe, and Asia.
The listing empowers Australian security and law enforcement agencies to take strong action, including arresting individuals who support, fund, or associate with the group &mdash; offences that carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison.
This move also complements counter-terror financing sanctions imposed on Terrorgram in February 2025 under the UN Charter.
The Australian government urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, while reaffirming its commitment to working with global partners to combat terrorism and online extremism.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
&nbsp;

Australia Lists Terrorgram as Terror Group to Tackle Online Extremism

Canberra designates extremist online network 'Terrorgram' a terrorist group under national security law

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The Australian government has suspended its embassy operations in Tehran and ordered the withdrawal of its diplomats and their families due to a rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that all Australian officials and dependents have been directed to leave Iran. The decision follows security assessments in light of the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel.
Australia&rsquo;s Ambassador to Iran will remain stationed in the region to assist with government response efforts, while consular support will now be provided from neighboring Azerbaijan to help Australians leaving Iran.
"We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe. Those who cannot or choose not to leave are advised to shelter in place," Wong said in a statement.
More than 2,000 Australian citizens have reportedly registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for help exiting Iran.
In contrast, Italy has decided to keep its embassies operational in both Tehran and Tel Aviv. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that charter flights are being arranged to help Italian nationals who wish to depart from the conflict-affected areas.
Meanwhile, Israel's military confirmed a series of overnight airstrikes on Tehran. The strikes targeted multiple locations believed to be part of Iran's missile and nuclear weapons programs, including facilities for missile production and the headquarters of the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research.
On the US front, former President Donald Trump is expected to decide within the next two weeks whether to support military action against Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the decision will depend on whether any diplomatic negotiations with Iran emerge in the near future.
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The Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

Officials ordered to leave as security risks grow; support shifted to Azerbaijan for citizens

Australia shuts Iran embassy amid rising tensions

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said that the relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger and said that he is looking forward to working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the coming years to build a prosperous future for the region.&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, PM Modi had dialled Albanese, congratulating him on his party's landslide victory in Saturday's General Election.
"Thank you for the call Prime Minister Narendra Modi and for your warm congratulations. The relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger. I look forward to working with you over the coming years to build a prosperous future for our region," Albanese said in a post on X.
During the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Albanese on his historic re-election as the 32nd Prime Minister of Australia.
"Spoke with my friend Anthony Albanese to personally congratulate him on his party&rsquo;s historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.&nbsp;
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two countries. They noted that in its five years, the CSP has seen robust cooperation developing across a diverse range of sectors. They stressed on the role played by the vibrant Indian origin diaspora in cementing bilateral ties.&nbsp;
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest and reiterated their commitment to working together in promoting a free, open, stable, rules-based and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
"Prime Minister invited PM Albanese to visit India including for the Annual Summit and the QUAD Summit to be hosted in India later in the year. The leaders agreed to remain in touch," the MEA stated.
PM Modi had also congratulated Albanese on Saturday immediately after Labor's resounding win which saw the party bagging a haul of 92 lower house seats, only the third time in the history of the country that a party has won more than 90 seats.
"Congratulations Anthony Albanese on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," PM Modi wrote on X.
Albanese, who also spoke with US President Donald Trump with talks focusing majorly on the issue of tariffs, announced Monday that his first overseas trip in his second term as Prime Minister would be to Indonesia.
Prime Minister Modi and his Australian counterpart had met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio de Janeiro last November during which they also held the second Australia-India Annual Summit ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025.
Both Prime Ministers noted the significant progress made in strengthening bilateral ties across a range of important sectors &ndash; including climate change and renewable energy, trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, skills, mobility, science and technology, regional and multilateral cooperation, community and cultural links, and people-to-people ties.
Reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation, they had also reflected on the shared interests in the region, noting with satisfaction that closer bilateral engagement has benefited both nations and the broader region.
Both leaders have emphasised that &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; and &lsquo;Future Made in Australia&rsquo; have complementarity and collaborative potential and could help create new jobs, unlock economic growth and secure our future prosperity in a changing world.
India and Australia are also members of the Quad grouping along with the United States and Japan.
&mdash;IANS
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Anthony Albanese with PM Narendra Modi —File Photo

PM Modi congratulated Albanese, vows to boost India-Australia ties and explore new cooperation areas

Albanese: Australia-India Ties 'Stronger Than Ever'

Early voting began in Australia's general election on Tuesday, with about half of the country's 18 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots before election day on May 3.&nbsp;
Hundreds of early voting centres across Australia opened their doors from 8:30 am local time as the election campaign entered its final stretch.&nbsp;
The proportion of Australians choosing to vote early, either in person or by post, has steadily increased at recent federal elections from under 20% in 2004 to almost 50% in 2022.
Voting in elections is mandatory for over 18 million citizens aged 18 and over who are enrolled to do so with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). According to the AEC, eligible voter enrollment for the May 3 election is a record-high 98.2%, Xinhua news agency reported.
Although millions of votes will be cast early, AEC staff cannot start counting any ballots until polls close at 6 pm local time on May 3.
Jill Sheppard, a senior lecturer in politics and international relations at the Australian National University, said that the rise in early voting could be attributed to the convenience of pre-polling as well as growing disengagement among voters with political parties and campaigns.
Earlier on April 21, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the country's upcoming general election was still "up for grabs" despite polls showing his Labour Party was on track to win a second term in government.&nbsp;
The campaign restart came one day before early voting opened across the country on Tuesday &mdash; offering millions of Australians the opportunity to avoid long queues to cast their mandatory votes &mdash; and after several new opinion polls showed that Labour had increased its lead over the Coalition among voters.
The latest edition of Newspoll, published by News Corp Australia on Sunday, reported a 52&ndash;48 lead for Labour over the Coalition on a two-party preferred basis.
A separate poll published by the Australian branch of UK firm YouGov on Friday put Labour ahead 53&ndash;47, marking the government's strongest two-party result in the firm's poll in 18 months, Xinhua news agency reported.&nbsp;
Labour had won the 2022 general election 52.13&ndash;47.87 over the Coalition on a two-party basis.
When asked on Monday if Labour was in pole position to win the election, Albanese pointed to lessons the party had learned from 2019, when polls had widely forecast a Labour victory only for the Coalition to win a third term in power in a result hailed by then-PM Scott Morrison on election night as a "miracle."&nbsp;
"There&rsquo;s no complacency from my camp," Albanese told reporters in the state of New South Wales. "This election is certainly up for grabs."
Dutton, who on Monday announced that a Coalition government would spend 750 million Australian dollars ($482 million) on a crime crackdown, including a national register of sex offenders, also pointed to the 2019 election when asked about the polls.
"Not too many people were predicting a Coalition victory in 2019. A lot of people were busy with work, busy in their lives. Many Australians didn&rsquo;t know there was an election coming up," he said in Melbourne.
"We can well and truly win the election from here."
When Australians visited polling places across the country to vote, they did so on a preferential basis &mdash; assigning their first preference to the candidate in their local electorate whom they most wanted to represent them in the lower house of the federal parliament.
If no candidate in an electorate received a majority of first preference votes, candidates with the fewest votes were eliminated and their votes distributed based on the preferences marked by individual voters.
Australia was divided geographically into 150 electorates, each with approximately the same number of voters. Labour entered the election holding 77 seats in the lower house compared to 53 for the Coalition. Some electorates had as many as 13 candidates running in the election.&nbsp;
The Newspoll published on Sunday found that 34% of respondents intended to vote for their Labour candidate as their first preference &mdash; the highest since January 2024 &mdash; and 35% for the Coalition, while the YouGov poll had both major parties tied at 33%.&nbsp;
Labour traditionally received fewer first preference votes than the Coalition but performed better on preferences. Labour received 32.5% of first preference votes in 2022, compared to 35.7% for the Coalition, but benefited from over 85% of votes for the Greens, Australia&rsquo;s third-largest party, flowing its way.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS
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AEC to start counting ballots after polls close on May 3 —File Photo

Nearly half of Australia's 18 million voters expected to cast ballots before May 3 election day

Early Voting Begins for Australia Election

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake&nbsp;struck offshore near New Britain, an island in Papua New Guinea, on Saturday morning local time, prompting a brief tsunami warning&nbsp;that was later cancelled.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was shallow, occurring at a depth of 10km.&nbsp;It was centred 194km (120 miles) east of Kimbe, a coastal town on New Britain Island.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued an alert warning of possible tsunami waves of 1&ndash;3m along parts of the Papua New Guinea coastline. A separate advisory for smaller waves of up to 0.3m in the Solomon Islands&nbsp;was also withdrawn.
Authorities reported no immediate damage or casualties, and no significant threat&nbsp;to neighbouring countries. Australia&rsquo;s Bureau of Meteorology&nbsp;confirmed there was no tsunami risk&nbsp;to the Australian mainland. New Zealand&nbsp;also issued no warnings.
New Britain, home to just over 500,000 residents, lies along the Pacific &ldquo;Ring of Fire&rdquo;, a highly active seismic belt encircling the Pacific Ocean known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The destructiveness of an earthquake&nbsp;depends on several key factors: its magnitude, depth, proximity to populated areas, soil composition, and building standards. Shallow earthquakes&mdash;typically less than 70km deep&mdash;are generally more damaging, as the seismic waves have less distance to travel and thus retain more energy when they reach the surface. In contrast, deeper quakes&nbsp;tend to dissipate energy over a broader area and usually cause less surface damage.
While strong, Saturday&rsquo;s quake appears to have caused minimal disruption, with officials continuing to monitor the region for aftershocks.

The quake was centred 194km east of Kimbe on New Britain Island: USGS

Shallow offshore earthquake near New Britain prompts brief tsunami warning, later lifted

6.9-M Quake Strikes Papua New Guinea

A team of international scientists has defined a pathway to safely and completely destroy materials contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by burning them in a hazardous waste incinerator.&nbsp;
The PFAs also known as "forever chemicals" persist and accumulate in the environment, causing significant harm to human and animal health, Xinhua news agency reported.
It is the first study to trace the entire chain of chemical reactions as PFAS break down during incineration, according to the researchers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), the University of Newcastle, the Colorado State University in the US, and the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) in Hefei, China.
PFAS occurs in a range of consumer, industrial, and commercial products, such as non-stick food packaging and cookware, and legacy firefighting foams. The chemicals can leach into soils and groundwater, travel long distances, and do not fully break down naturally.
There is currently a moratorium on burning PFAS in the US, and regulatory uncertainty elsewhere, as improper incineration does not completely destroy them, and risks spreading them further through the air. It also creates harmful greenhouse gas emissions, the researchers said.
"There are over 15,000 types of PFAS, but all of them share a strong fluorocarbon chain which doesn't break down naturally. This is what makes them so persistent in our environments," CSIRO Environmental Chemist and study co-author Lu Wenchao said.
Some of the chemicals formed during PFAS incineration exist for just 1 millisecond: shorter than a housefly's wing flap. But identifying these intermediary molecules is crucial to determining what harmful products are formed throughout the process, Wenchao said.
The interdisciplinary team studied a common type of PFAS called perfluorohexanoic acid.&nbsp;
Wenchao added that using specialised equipment at the NSRL, the team detected the short-lived molecules, created as the PFAS burned.
"By taking 'snapshots' of the chemical reactions as they occur, we can see what intermediaries or harmful free radicals form inside the incinerator," he said, adding these chemicals had been hypothesised, but never actually detected.&nbsp;
Eric Kennedy, co-author from the University of Newcastle, said their results shed light on how PFAS can be safely destroyed at high temperatures, with intermediary molecules identified to ensure no harmful byproducts are formed.&nbsp;
The ultimate goal of incinerating PFAS is a process called "mineralisation," which converts the strong fluorocarbon chains into inorganic compounds like calcium fluoride, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water, said the researchers.
They added that these byproducts can, in turn, be captured at the source and transformed into reusable materials such as industrial chemicals, concrete, fertilisers, and fuels.
&mdash;IANS

PFAS is present in non-stick food packaging & cookware (File Photo)

The study defines how materials of PFAS can be destroyed by burning them in hazardous waste incinerator

Scientists Find Safe Way to Destroy Forever Chemicals

A man has been hospitalised in a critical condition after being shot in an apparent targeted attack in northern Australia.&nbsp;
Police in the Northern Territory (NT) said on Tuesday that officers responded to reports of a shooting in the northern Darwin suburb of Coconut Grove just after 7 p.m. local time on Monday.
Ambulance crews attended the scene and treated a 23-year-old man who had been shot in the leg. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition, awaiting surgery on Tuesday morning, Xinhua news agency reported.&nbsp;
A spokesperson for the ambulance service told News Corp Australia newspapers that the man was shot with a shotgun and had suffered pellet injuries to both legs.
NT Police officers arrested two men, aged 19 and 22, and a 22-year-old woman over the incident at about 4 a.m. local time on Tuesday in the town of Katherine, 270 kilometres southeast of Darwin.
Duty Superintendent Tanya Mace told reporters that police believe the alleged offenders were known to the victim.&nbsp;
"We believe this was a targeted attack and at no time were any members of the public at risk," she said.
Witnesses told News Corp that the attackers exited a vehicle before shooting the man.&nbsp;
Mace said that the forensics team would process the scene as well as the vehicle that the alleged offenders were traveling in at the time of their arrest.
Earlier in December 2024, one man was killed and two others were injured following a shooting in Melbourne, the capital city of Australia's state of Victoria.
Police were called to a property in Campbellfield, 15 km north of central Melbourne, at 10:10 p.m. local time on Friday night after receiving reports of a shooting.&nbsp;
Upon arrival, officers found a 60-year-old man suffering from significant, life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

The man is in critical condition (File Photo)

NT police officers arrested two men; the man suffered pellet injures in both legs

Man Critically Injured in Targeted Shooting: Australia

The Morningside Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) has charged a 34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman with multiple offences, including torture and child exploitation, following an extensive investigation into the alleged poisoning of a one-year-old girl.
Authorities allege that between August 6 and October 15, 2024, the woman administered several unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medications to the child, who was known to her. These actions were carried out without any medical approval and against the advice of healthcare professionals.
Further investigations revealed that the woman obtained outdated and inappropriate medications intended for another individual within the household. She is accused of systematically concealing her actions while continuing to administer these substances. The situation came to light after medical staff at a hospital in Brisbane&rsquo;s south noticed concerning signs while treating the child and reported their suspicions to police on October 15, 2024.
Tragically, it is alleged the woman exploited the child&rsquo;s suffering by filming and sharing videos of the infant in visible distress. The content, purportedly showing the child&rsquo;s declining health, was allegedly used to solicit monetary donations and gain social media followers.
After receiving the initial report, police acted swiftly to ensure the safety of the child, who was immediately removed from harm. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of unauthorized medications in the child&rsquo;s system on January 7, 2025.
On January 16, 2025, Morningside CPIU detectives arrested the woman at an Underwood residence. She now faces charges including five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes involving dangerous substances, and individual counts of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
The woman is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 17, 2025.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton described the alleged offences as "abhorrent" and reaffirmed CPIU&rsquo;s commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
&ldquo;Working in CPIU, we are too often faced with the worst offences against children,&rdquo; said Dalton. &ldquo;We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harm&rsquo;s way and hold any offender to account. There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival.&rdquo;
This case underscores the need for vigilance in protecting children from those who seek to exploit them for personal or financial gain.

34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman  in police custody (photo source social media)

Woman charged with torture and exploitation of child to gain followers and solicit funds online

Mother Accused of Poisoning Infant for Online Fame

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

Canberra News