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Fighting has intensified in northern Syria as government forces advance toward Raqqa, raising the prospect of a major confrontation with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
Syria&rsquo;s military says it has captured the strategic town of Tabqa, west of Raqqa, during a rapid push aimed at regaining control of key territory held by the SDF. The move brings government troops significantly closer to Raqqa, a city that has remained outside Damascus&rsquo;s control for years.
Heavy clashes are also being reported east of Deir ez-Zor, where the military claims it has secured Deir Hafer and taken control of the Jarrah airbase. Officials say operations are underway to clear mines and unexploded ordnance, suggesting preparations for long-term deployment.
The escalation comes amid a shifting political backdrop. President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently issued a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language and granting formal recognition to the Kurdish minority. Despite the move, government forces appear to be tightening their grip on Kurdish-administered areas through military means.
The Syrian army says four of its soldiers were killed in clashes with Kurdish fighters. The SDF has acknowledged casualties among its forces but has not released figures. Fighting continues along key supply routes, with reports of civilians fleeing areas near the frontlines.
Raqqa holds major strategic and symbolic value. Once the de facto capital of ISIS, it later became a centre of Kurdish self-administration. Any assault on the city could mark one of the most consequential shifts in control since the start of the Syrian conflict, with potential regional and international repercussions.

Syria force advance as SDF braces for Raqqa battle

Government troops push deeper into Kurdish-held areas amid heavy clashes in north Syria

Syria experienced a surge in security disturbances this week, ranging from sectarian unrest in Homs and coastal demonstrations to anti-terror operations in Aleppo, reflecting the country&rsquo;s continuing instability during its political transition.
Tensions escalated on Tuesday following the killing of a Sunni Bedouin couple in Homs last week, an incident authorities said was intended to provoke sectarian conflict. 
Retaliatory attacks in Alawite-majority neighbourhoods prompted a 12-hour nightly curfew and heightened security measures.
The unrest sparked widespread protests across coastal regions. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, tens of thousands of people gathered at more than 42 locations to denounce sectarian incitement. 
The group also reported isolated incidents, including an attempt to damage a statue in Tartous and a shooting in Latakia that left one man seriously wounded.
Interior authorities spokesperson Noureddin al-Baba, speaking to state-run al-Ikhbaria TV, said the right to protest is protected but cautioned against efforts to deepen sectarian divides. 
&ldquo;We advise our people not to be drawn into agendas promoted by groups outside the country,&rdquo; he said.
Separately, security forces dismantled an Islamic State (IS) cell in Aleppo&rsquo;s Afrin area, detaining several militants and confiscating weapons and bomb-making materials. 
Meanwhile, an armed attack on a security checkpoint west of Sweida killed one officer and injured two others, according to state media, with investigations ongoing.
The overlapping incidents underscore Syria&rsquo;s fragile security environment amid its ongoing political transition. 
The country has remained volatile since the civil war began in 2011. 
In December 2024, Syria&rsquo;s current interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, took control after the departure of former president Bashar al-Assad.
&mdash;IANS

Protesters gather amid heavy security in Syria

Sectarian clashes, protests and terror crackdowns expose Syria’s escalating security chall

Syria Sees Surge In Unrest Amid Sectarian Tensions

Israeli military operations in southern Syria have increased sharply, with more than 30 incursions recorded in the first half of November, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The monitoring group said Israeli forces carried out ground penetrations, detained civilians and soldiers, bulldozed roads and farmland, and established temporary checkpoints across Quneitra and Daraa provinces. 
It described the escalation as an &ldquo;unprecedented surge&rdquo; occurring &ldquo;in the absence of any formal response&rdquo; from Damascus.
The Observatory noted that daily violations highlight &ldquo;mounting security challenges along the southern border,&rdquo; where Israel has expanded its presence since late 2024. 
The Israel Defense Forces reportedly set up at least nine permanent outposts inside Syrian territory in mid-2025 and established a 15-kilometre &ldquo;zone of control.&rdquo;
Israel has warned that southern Syria must not become &ldquo;another southern Lebanon,&rdquo; and has threatened &ldquo;painful blows&rdquo; against armed groups or Syrian forces nearing the frontier. 
Tensions intensified further in July after Israeli strikes and raids following clashes in the Druze-majority province of Sweida. 
Israel said it would continue to &ldquo;operate forcefully&rdquo; until &ldquo;perceived threats&rdquo; were neutralised.
Despite criticism from the United Nations, Egypt, and Turkiye over breaches of Syrian sovereignty, Israeli officials assert their actions are defensive and argue that Syrian authorities do not fully control the region.
&mdash;IANS

Israeli forces patrolling near Syrian border amid rising tensions

Monitoring group reports over 30 Israeli incursions in southern Syria during early Nov

Israel Steps Up Operations In South Syria

Syria is facing its worst agricultural crisis in nearly four decades as a historic drought, compounded by years of conflict and economic collapse, pushes millions toward hunger, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned.
The 2024&ndash;25 season is the driest in 40 years, crippling both rain-fed and irrigated farming. More than 75 per cent of rain-fed farmland has been hit, with rainfall deficits reaching 69 per cent in key areas, FAO officials said. Even irrigated lands are struggling due to water shortages, power cuts, and broken infrastructure.
&ldquo;This dual shock to crops and livestock is unprecedented,&rdquo; said Pirro-Tomaso Perri, FAO program officer. Wheat output in 2025 is projected at just 900,000&ndash;1.1 million tonnes far below the 4 million tonnes needed leaving a massive deficit.
Over 14 million Syrians are already food insecure, with 5.5 million at risk of sliding deeper into hunger. The drought has devastated pasturelands, doubled fodder prices, and forced herders to sell off flocks. Families returning to rural areas also face destroyed irrigation networks and limited inputs.
FAO has launched a $286.7 million Emergency and Recovery Plan (2025&ndash;27) to support 9.7 million people with drought-tolerant seeds, livestock feed, veterinary services, and irrigation rehabilitation. But only $66 million is currently sought for immediate drought relief, and funding gaps threaten to derail recovery.
&ldquo;Emergency action is needed now to save the next harvest,&rdquo; Perri warned. &ldquo;The window for action is closing rapidly.&rdquo;
[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.]

UN warns millions risk hunger as Syria’s historic drought devastates crops, livestock

Syria Faces Worst Drought in 40 Years

Heavy clashes broke out between Druze fighters and the interim government-aligned Bedouin tribal forces in the countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, further threatening a fragile ceasefire in the region, activists reported.&nbsp;
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said large reinforcements from tribal fighters gathered in the villages of Bustan, Dama, and Najran, amid signs of preparations to storm neighboring Druze-populated areas, Xinhua news agency reported.
Fierce fighting erupted in the towns of Areeqa and Umm al-Zeitoun along the Damascus-Sweida highway, during which tribal gunmen reportedly burned homes and looted properties. 
The violence led to the closure of two key roads, further escalating tensions in the already volatile area.
An anticipated prisoner exchange between the two sides was called off after mortar shells, allegedly launched from tribal positions, landed near the site of the scheduled handover.
The observatory reported that at least 1,120 people have been killed since the fighting began on July 13, including over 100 civilians and dozens of government troops.
Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian authorities declared an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, marking a significant turning point in the deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria, which prompted a recent Israeli intervention with massive airstrikes.
In a statement issued Saturday, the Syrian authorities said the truce aimed to preserve national unity and ensure the safety of civilians amid "critical circumstances," describing the move as a national and humanitarian obligation.
The authorities called on all parties to cease hostilities and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
It vowed to restore state control of the southern province of Sweida, facilitate the return of displaced civilians, and re-establish law and order, warning that any violation of the ceasefire would be treated as a breach of national sovereignty, subject to legal consequences.
&mdash;IANS

Armed fighters clash in Syria's Sweida countryside

Clashes resume in Syria's Sweida as ceasefire falters; 1,120 dead since July 13 fighting

Fresh Clashes Erupt In Syria’s Sweida Region

Syria's foreign affairs authorities blamed Druze militias for obstructing a humanitarian convoy bound for the southern province of Sweida.&nbsp;
In a statement, the authorities said the convoy transporting medical supplies was blocked from entering Sweida for the second time in four days, accusing the Druze armed groups of imposing conditions on the aid's entry.
Only a limited portion of the aid, accompanied by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, was allowed in, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the statement.
"The deteriorating security situation is a direct result of ongoing Israeli intervention and the withdrawal of Syrian security forces," the statement said. 
"This has led to a loss of control, impeding efforts to provide essential services and meet basic needs."
Emergency authorities chief Raed al-Saleh told state television earlier on Sunday that aid convoys have been waiting for days to enter Sweida but that "the complex security situation and the kidnapping of colleagues" have delayed deliveries.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the recent violent clashes between local Druze fighters and Bedouin tribal militias have left more than 1,000 dead.
Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian authorities declared an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, marking a significant turning point in the deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria, which prompted a recent Israeli intervention with massive airstrikes.
In a statement issued Saturday, the Syrian authorities said the truce aimed to preserve national unity and ensure the safety of civilians amid "critical circumstances," describing the move as a national and humanitarian obligation.
The authorities called on all parties to cease hostilities and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
&mdash;IANS

Syrian forces clash with Druze militias blockade

Syria condemns Druze militias for blocking aid access, worsening humanitarian crisis

Syria Slams Druze Militias For Aid Blockade

The death toll from escalating clashes in Syria&rsquo;s southern province of Sweida has reached nearly 600, as Israeli airstrikes and growing sectarian violence plunge the region deeper into crisis.
According to SANA, Israel launched another airstrike near the city of Sweida on Thursday, following earlier attacks on military and symbolic sites in Damascus. No casualties have been confirmed from the latest raid.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 597 people have died since July 13, when conflict erupted between Druze fighters, Syrian government forces, and Bedouin militias, in one of the deadliest flare-ups in years.
Thousands of Bedouin families are now fleeing Sweida amid reports of intimidation, sectarian reprisals, and siege-like conditions, raising fears of a humanitarian disaster.
On Thursday night, Syria&rsquo;s interim authorities claimed their military withdrew from Sweida under US-Arab mediation, but blamed local armed factions for violating the ceasefire and committing atrocities against civilians.
The fragile ceasefire, brokered by Druze spiritual leaders, remains shaky. Meanwhile, Arab tribal militias from Deir al-Zour and Idlib are reportedly mobilising in support of the Bedouins, escalating the regional conflict.
Tensions originally erupted after Bedouin tribesmen allegedly assaulted a Druze youth near al-Masmiyah, sparking retaliatory kidnappings and leading to full-scale armed clashes.
The international community has condemned the Israeli strikes, warning of worsening regional instability and urging efforts to restore peace.
[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.]

Syria's Sweida Death Toll Nears 600 Amid Chaos

Israeli airstrikes, sectarian violence, and mass displacement worsen Sweida crisis

A ceasefire agreement has been brokered between Syria&rsquo;s interim government and leaders of the Druze community in the southern province of Sweida, aiming to end four days of intense clashes that left at least 248 people dead.
Announced by Syria's interior ministry via state-run SANA, the deal includes a full halt to military operations, restoration of state institutions, and deployment of internal security forces. A joint monitoring committee involving Druze and state officials will oversee implementation.
Spiritual Druze leader Sheikh Youssef Jarbouh confirmed the ceasefire and agreed to terms that include regulating unauthorised arms and army withdrawal to barracks.
However, divisions persist. Influential Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri rejected the agreement, condemning it as illegitimate and calling for continued armed resistance against the interim government. His statement accused Syrian forces of war crimes and warned of consequences for unilateral actions.
The violence began after a Druze youth was attacked by armed Bedouins at an illegal checkpoint. The incident triggered retaliatory kidnappings, escalating into widespread violence involving Druze militias, Bedouin fighters, and Syrian forces.
Thousands have fled the conflict zone, as clashes continued even after initial ceasefire efforts. Reports also suggest that Israel launched targeted airstrikes in Sweida and Damascus, citing protection of the Druze population.
The situation remains tense as factions remain divided and sporadic fighting continues despite the fragile truce.
[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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Syria and Druze factions agree to ceasefire

Syria and Druze factions agree to ceasefire after days of deadly clashes in Sweida

Ceasefire Reached in Syria's Druze Region

Britain has officially renewed diplomatic ties with Syria, signaling a major shift in its Middle East policy. The restoration was marked by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy&rsquo;s visit to Damascus, where both sides agreed to re-open the Syrian embassy in London and set up a bilateral economic council.
Lammy extended an invitation to Syria&rsquo;s foreign affairs chief, Asaad al-Shibani, to visit London, highlighting Britain&rsquo;s intent to support Syria&rsquo;s rebuilding efforts. The visit also included a meeting with Syria&rsquo;s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
As part of the renewed engagement, the UK announced a &euro;94.5 million ($111.3 million) aid package aimed at providing humanitarian support, boosting education and livelihoods, and assisting neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.
The UK will focus its assistance on reviving Syria&rsquo;s agriculture and education sectors, while also addressing issues such as regional security, terrorism, and irregular migration. Britain sees a stable Syria as crucial to reducing refugee flows and strengthening regional peace.
This diplomatic thaw follows recent developments, including the US lifting certain sanctions on Syria and the UK easing economic restrictions earlier this year. The UK had previously unfrozen assets belonging to Syria&rsquo;s central bank and key sectors, although sanctions targeting former regime officials remain in place.
Lammy emphasized that the re-engagement aims to support an inclusive political transition and eliminate threats like chemical weapons and terrorism from the region.
[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.]

Britain Restores Diplomatic Ties with Syria, Offers Aid

UK resumes relations with Syria, pledges €94.5M for aid, education, and refugee support.

Damascus Church Attack Leaves 20 Dead in Rare Suicide Bombing
In one of the deadliest terrorist incidents to strike the Syrian capital in recent years, at least 22 people were killed and over 50 wounded when a suicide bomber affiliated with the Islamic State group (Daesh) targeted a church during Sunday prayers in Damascus.
The attacker, armed with an automatic weapon and wearing an explosive belt, stormed the St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Dwelaa neighbourhood of western Damascus during a packed service. Witnesses reported that the assailant opened fire indiscriminately on worshippers before triggering the bomb inside the sanctuary.
The blast tore through the congregation mid-prayer, killing and injuring many on the spot. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, shattered pews, and bodies strewn across the floor of the historic church. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to tend to the wounded and transport them to nearby hospitals.
The <a title="Syria" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/opinion/from-pariahs-to-partners-the-new-world-order/11885" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Syrian</a> Interior Ministry confirmed that the assailant was linked to Daesh, marking the first such church attack in Damascus since the civil conflict began in 2011. This is also the first major terror incident in the capital since Islamist-led factions ousted former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Simultaneously, other explosions rocked parts of the capital, with local reports suggesting possible car bombings in separate but seemingly coordinated incidents. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether these blasts were linked to the church attack.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab, who visited the site, condemned the bombing as a &ldquo;reprehensible crime&rdquo; and vowed that the perpetrators and their networks would be pursued. He also stated that specialised counterterrorism teams had begun investigations to determine how the attack was carried out and whether further plots were underway.
Officials noted that the United States had previously passed intelligence to Syrian authorities about a foiled IS plot targeting the Sayyida Zeinab district, south of Damascus. Despite this, Sunday&rsquo;s bombing appears to have slipped through existing security nets.
The international community has widely condemned the attack, which many see as a grim reminder of Daesh&rsquo;s continued presence and capacity for violence within Syria. While the terror group lost its territorial &ldquo;caliphate&rdquo; in 2019, its fighters have remained active, particularly in remote desert regions, occasionally resurfacing to target both civilians and state institutions.
Security in Damascus had largely stabilised in recent months, with only sporadic threats reported. The return of such a large-scale bombing &ndash; especially one aimed at a Christian place of worship &ndash; has reignited fears of sectarian violence and a resurgence of extremist activity.
Authorities have raised the alert level across the capital and urged the public to remain vigilant as investigations continue.

St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church after Bomb attack in Damascus

Worshippers gunned down, then bombed at St. Elias Church in deadliest Damascus attack in years

Suicide Blast Hits Church in Damascus, 22 Killed

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

Damascus News