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At least 15 people lost their lives after a passenger bus met with a fatal accident on Indonesia&rsquo;s main island of Java shortly after midnight on Monday. The bus, carrying 34 passengers, reportedly lost control while travelling on a toll road.
According to local authorities, the vehicle rammed into a concrete barrier before overturning on the roadway. Emergency response teams rushed to the spot and began rescue operations to assist survivors and recover the victims.
Officials said several passengers were injured in the crash and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, including possible speeding or road conditions at the time of the incident.
Road accidents remain a serious concern in Indonesia, particularly involving long-distance buses operating overnight on major highways.

Passenger bus overturns after hitting barrier on Java toll road, many injured

Bus Crash on Java Toll Road Kills 15

A major fire devastated a seven-storey office building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, leaving at least 17 people dead. According to initial investigations, the blaze erupted on the first floor before rapidly spreading through the structure and sending dense black smoke across the area.
Evacuation efforts are still underway, as several people are believed to be trapped inside. The building is identified as the office of Terra Drone Indonesia, a company specialising in aerial survey drones for sectors ranging from mining to agriculture.
Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Susatyo Purnomo Condro, said the fire began when a battery stored on the first floor ignited. Employees attempted to extinguish it, but the flames spread quickly because the floor was being used as a warehouse. The fire intensified, and smoke rose to the sixth floor.
Authorities confirmed that all victims recovered from the site have been taken to Kramat Jati Police Hospital for identification. Panic also spread across nearby residential and commercial areas as emergency teams worked to control the blaze. The fire has since been extinguished, but search and rescue operations are continuing.

Deadly blaze engulfs Jakarta building; battery ignition suspected as cause

Jakarta Office Fire Kills 17 People

Cyclone-triggered floods and landslides across Indonesia&rsquo;s Sumatra island have caused extensive devastation, with the confirmed death toll reaching 916 on Saturday. 
Government data also lists 274 people as missing across three affected provinces, including Aceh, as search and relief operations continue.
In Aceh Tamiang, one of the worst-hit regions on the island&rsquo;s northeast coast, residents endured a challenging journey to reach aid centres. 
Survivors trekked for nearly an hour, climbing over slippery logs and navigating past overturned vehicles to access emergency supplies distributed by volunteers. 
Clean clothes and tanker-supplied drinking water were provided to those arriving at the site.
Among them was 14-year-old Dimas Firmansyah, a student at an Islamic boarding school, who said the area had been cut off for days. 
He recounted how students remained in the school for a week, taking turns searching for food and boiling floodwater to survive. 
&ldquo;We stayed for about a week there,&rdquo; he said, urging authorities to visit the region to witness the scale of the destruction.
Local officials have appealed to the national government in Jakarta to declare a state of emergency to unlock additional funding for rescue and relief efforts. 
However, earlier this week President Prabowo Subianto stated that conditions were improving and that current arrangements remained adequate.
The severe flooding has also affected neighbouring countries, with storm systems causing around 200 deaths in southern Thailand and Malaysia.
Environmental groups have attributed the scale of the disaster to widespread deforestation linked to mining and logging. 
Authorities are investigating several companies suspected of clearing land in flood-hit areas. 
The environment ministry said operations at these companies have been temporarily halted and that they will be required to undergo environmental audits.
Companies under scrutiny include North Sumatra Hydro Energy, operator of a 510-megawatt hydropower plant in Batang Toru; Agincourt Resources, which runs the Martabe Gold Mine; and state-owned agricultural firm Perkebunan Nusantara III. 
While Agincourt Resources declined to comment, the other companies did not immediately respond to requests for clarification. 
According to the ministry, aerial surveys indicate land-clearing activity in Batang Toru that may have intensified the flooding.
Relief efforts remain ongoing as authorities attempt to reach isolated communities and account for those still missing.

Villagers walk through debris after Sumatra floods

Over 900 dead, 274 missing as floods and landslides hit Sumatra, Indonesia

Over 900 Dead In Sumatra Flood Disaster

Cyclone Senyar, which formed over the Strait of Malacca and neighbouring northeast Indonesia, crossed the Indonesian coast on Wednesday morning with sustained wind speeds of 70&ndash;80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system was centred close to coastal Indonesia, lying around 80 km east of Kuta Makmur and nearly 580 km southeast of Nancowry in the Nicobar Islands.
IMD said the storm is likely to continue moving west-southwestward, maintaining cyclonic intensity until Thursday morning. After that, it is expected to recurve eastwards and gradually weaken over the subsequent 24 hours. In the same region, a well-marked low-pressure area persists over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Southeast Sri Lanka&ndash;Equatorial Indian Ocean, which is expected to intensify into a depression within 24 hours and move towards the North Tamil Nadu&ndash;Puducherry coasts over the next two days.
Under the influence of these evolving systems, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across the Nicobar and Andaman Islands, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, the IMD warned. The low-pressure system is expected to strengthen further as it tracks north-northwest across the Bay, raising concern for coastal and island districts.
Gale-force winds reaching 70&ndash;80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, are forecast over the Strait of Malacca, South Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Wind speeds are expected to reduce to 50&ndash;60 kmph by Thursday morning, further dropping to 40&ndash;50 kmph on Friday, with gradual weakening thereafter. Fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid the region until conditions improve.

Cyclone Senyar Crosses Indonesia, India on Alert

IMD warns of heavy rain for TN, Kerala, AP as Cyclone Senyar moves west-southwestward

At least 55 people were injured in explosions that occurred during Friday prayers at a mosque inside a school complex in the Kelapa Gading area of North Jakarta. 
Authorities said a 17-year-old male has been identified as the suspected perpetrator.
Police confirmed that the injured were being treated at various hospitals for burns and other serious injuries. 
&ldquo;The explosion was loud, so loud that I could not breathe because I was shocked,&rdquo; said Luciana, 43, who was working at the school canteen at the time. 
She recalled multiple blasts and widespread panic as people fled the area.
&ldquo;I thought it was a short circuit or the sound system which exploded, we were so afraid so we rushed out,&rdquo; she added.
Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, who visited the hospital, said the young suspect was undergoing surgery, but did not provide details on his condition or motive.
At a press briefing, Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri said an investigation was underway. 
&ldquo;We have taken several measures such as investigating the crime scene, setting up a police line and sterilising the area,&rdquo; he said.
Indonesia, which has faced attacks on churches and Western targets in the past, has rarely seen such incidents at mosques. 
Officials noted that Islamist militancy in the country has largely been contained in recent years.
Footage from local broadcaster KompasTV showed the green-painted mosque cordoned off with police tape, with a line of shoes outside. 
Despite the blasts, there appeared to be no visible exterior damage.
Deputy chief security minister Lodewijk Freidrich said there were two explosions. 
Meanwhile, heavily armed police and emergency teams secured the site, which is located on navy-owned land housing several military personnel and retired officers.

Police secure Jakarta mosque blast crime scene

55 injured as explosions rock mosque inside Jakarta school complex during Friday prayers

Jakarta Mosque Blasts Leave 55 Injured

In Indonesia&rsquo;s East Java province, grief has turned to fury as rescuers continue to dig through the wreckage of a collapsed Islamic boarding school where at least 54 people have been confirmed dead and more than a dozen remain missing. The collapse, which struck the Al Khoziny school in Sidoarjo during evening prayers on September 29, has become one of the deadliest school disasters in recent Indonesian history.
The hall, crowded with young boys aged between 12 and 19, came crashing down as two additional floors were being added to the century-old building. Rescue officials said they have been working day and night, using heavy excavators, jackhammers, and even bare hands to remove layers of concrete and debris in search of survivors.
&ldquo;We have retrieved 54 dead victims, including five body parts,&rdquo; said search and rescue official Yudhi Bramantyo, who added that at least 13 more people are believed to be trapped. &ldquo;We hope we can conclude the recovery today,&rdquo; he told reporters, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
Nearly 100 students were pulled out alive and treated for injuries. Six remain hospitalised in serious condition. Outside the ruins, anguished families wait with photographs and prayer beads, clinging to the hope that their children might still be found.
As the death toll rose, anger mounted over revelations that the school&rsquo;s management had been carrying out construction work without a proper permit. Local officials confirmed that two floors were being illegally added to the two-story structure. Police have now opened a criminal investigation into possible negligence.
&ldquo;The construction couldn&rsquo;t support the load while the concrete was pouring for the third floor because it didn&rsquo;t meet standards,&rdquo; said Mudji Irmawan, a structural engineering expert. &ldquo;The entire 800-square-metre section collapsed within minutes.&rdquo;
Sidoarjo district chief Subandi said the school had not applied for the mandatory construction permit. &ldquo;Many buildings, especially boarding school extensions in rural areas, are built without a permit,&rdquo; he said. Under Indonesian law, illegal construction resulting in death can lead to up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching nearly 8 billion rupiah (USD 500,000).
The school&rsquo;s caretaker, Abdus Salam Mujib, a respected cleric in East Java, made a rare public statement following the tragedy. &ldquo;This is indeed God&rsquo;s will so we must all be patient,&rdquo; he said, urging calm among grieving families. &ldquo;May God replace it with something better and reward those affected by this incident.&rdquo; His comments, while intended to comfort, have drawn mixed reactions from those demanding accountability.
Rescue teams, aided by volunteers and local residents, continue to dig through rubble and twisted iron beams as torrential rain threatens to slow the effort. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency said they will not call off operations until every missing student is found.
East Java&rsquo;s police chief, Nanang Avianto, vowed a thorough investigation. &ldquo;We will investigate this case completely. Our team is working with construction experts to determine whether negligence by the school led to the deaths.&rdquo;
As the nation mourns, questions about lax enforcement of building safety codes and the lack of oversight in religious institutions have resurfaced. Indonesia&rsquo;s 2002 building law requires all construction projects to secure official permits, a regulation often ignored in non-urban and religious areas.
For now, the focus remains on the search effort. Alongside the heavy machinery, prayers echo through the debris-strewn grounds, a haunting reminder of the lives lost, the lessons unlearned, and a tragedy that many say could have been prevented.

Indonesia School Collapse Death Toll Rises to 54

Rescue teams race to find missing students as anger mounts over illegal construction

Indonesia&rsquo;s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a public alert for a possible minor tsunami, following a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia&rsquo;s Kamchatka Peninsula. The agency warned that coastal provinces across eastern Indonesia could see waves under 0.5 metres, urging residents to stay alert and avoid the shoreline.
The tremor, originally estimated at magnitude 8.0, was later upgraded by the US Geological Survey (USGS) to 8.7, with a shallow depth of 19.3 km, increasing the likelihood of surface level shaking and tsunami generation. The epicentre was located about 125 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a key city in Russia's far eastern region.
Indonesian Coastal Areas on Watch&nbsp;
Regions identified by BMKG as potentially affected include Gorontalo, North Maluku, North Sulawesi, West Papua, Papua, and Southwest Papua. Specific coastal cities and islands at risk include Gorontalo City, North Halmahera, Talaud Islands, Sorong, Supiori, Manokwari, Jayapura, Biak Numfor, Sarmi, and Raja Ampat.
Daryono, head of BMKG&rsquo;s earthquake and tsunami mitigation division, urged citizens to remain calm and follow updates only from official BMKG sources. &ldquo;We advise communities near the coastline to temporarily distance themselves from the shore until further notice,&rdquo; he said.
Pacific Region on High Alert
The earthquake also triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific region. Countries including Japan, the United States (Hawaii), and the Philippines have activated emergency protocols. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued alerts for Hokkaido and other coastal regions, advising people to stay informed through official websites and evacuate if needed.
In Japan, the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office directed authorities to prioritize public safety and coordinate closely with local governments to prepare for emergency response and rescue operations.
Governments across the Pacific are now closely monitoring wave movements and estimated arrival times, with experts warning that tsunami waves may reach some coasts within three hours of the quake.
Residents in all potentially affected areas have been urged to move to higher ground and adhere strictly to official evacuation guidelines until the all-clear is issued.

Indonesia Issues Tsunami Alert After Russia Quake

BMKG warns of minor tsunami risk in coastal areas after powerful quake near Kamchatka

Massive Fire Engulfs Indonesian Ferry, Dozens Rescued as Search Continues
A horrifying maritime disaster unfolded off the coast of North Sulawesi on Sunday after the KM Barcelona VA ferry erupted in flames, forcing scores of passengers to leap into the sea in a desperate attempt to survive. The incident occurred near Talisei Island, approximately 60 kilometers from Manado, the provincial capital.
According to Indonesia's North Sulawesi Search and Rescue Agency (SAR), the fire broke out around noon local time while the ferry was en route from the Talaud Islands to Manado. Rescue efforts were immediately launched, with several passengers successfully evacuated to nearby Ganga Island.
"Our team is focused on searching the vessel for any remaining passengers and ensuring all survivors receive proper care," said SAR official Nuriadin Gumeleng, speaking from the rescue ship Bima Sena.
Amateur videos circulated online showing panicked passengers, including families with children, jumping overboard as thick smoke engulfed the vessel. One confirmed fatality, a woman has been reported, though the full passenger list has not yet been released. Initial estimates suggest around 280 people were onboard, leaving over 100 unaccounted for as of Sunday evening.
State owned port operator Pelindo has established an emergency relief center at Manado Port, where survivors are receiving medical treatment and other aid.
This incident comes less than three weeks after a similar maritime disaster in the Bali Strait, where another ferry capsized, resulting in the death or disappearance of nearly half of its passengers and crew.
The KM Barcelona VA operated along one of North Sulawesi's busiest sea routes, connecting remote islands like Tahuna and Talaud to Manado. Authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of the fire and the adequacy of safety measures on board.
&nbsp;

Inferno on Indonesian Ferry Sparks Mass Panic

Hundreds leap into sea; KM Barcelona VA ferry erupts in fire near Talise Island, Indonesia

Team India maintained its all-win record in the group stage of the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships in Indonesia by beating Hong Kong China 110-100 in the last Group D clash on Sunday to top the group standings. 
India and Hong Kong China have already qualified for the knock-out stage before they faced off on Sunday, but it was important to maintain the winning momentum, and India understandably fielded a strong squad against Hong Kong China. 
Rujula Ramu once again gave India a winning start, beating IP Sum Yau 11-8, and the world No.6 junior boys doubles combination of Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu then extended the lead to 22-13 against Cheung Sai Shing and Deng Chi Fai. 
Hong Kong&rsquo;s Lam Ka To helped his team close the gap as he scored 13 points before Rounak Chouhan could take India&rsquo;s tally to 33. 
With just six points separating the two teams at 55-49 after five matches, junior World No. 1 Tanvi Sharma dominated Liu Hoi Kiu Anna in the second girls&rsquo; singles to once again put India in the driver&rsquo;s seat by extending the lead 66-54. 
Though the next four matches were close, India kept their nose ahead and ensured that they topped the group and will now face Japan in the quarterfinals on Monday. 
Japan finished second behind Thailand in Group A. 
Earlier, India secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the event with a dominant 110-83 victory over the United Arab Emirates in their Group D clash on Saturday.&nbsp;
This win follows India&rsquo;s impressive opening-day triumph over Sri Lanka on Friday. With Hong Kong China also registering two wins from as many matches, both teams have now confirmed their progression to the knockout stages. 
India kicked off their campaign in the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team championships in style as they thrashed Sri Lanka 110-69 in their Group D clash in Indonesia on Friday. 
The tournament is being played under a relay scoring format, where teams race to 110 points across 10 matches.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

India celebrates win in junior badminton clash

Tanvi Sharma, Rujula Ramu shine as India maintains perfect record in Group D

India Beat HK 110-100, Top Group D

In a revelation that challenges the official Indian government position, a senior Indian military officer has privately acknowledged that the Indian Air Force (IAF) did lose combat aircraft during the initial phase of the recent military confrontation with Pakistan. The comments, made by India&rsquo;s Defence Attach&eacute; to Indonesia, Captain Shiv Kumar, during a closed-door seminar in Jakarta, have drawn scrutiny back home and risk causing strategic embarrassment for New Delhi.
Speaking at a regional security seminar on June 10 titled &ldquo;Analysis of the Pakistan&ndash;India Air Battle and Indonesia&rsquo;s Anticipatory Strategies from the Perspective of Air Power&rdquo; at Universitas Dirgantara Marsekal Suryadarma, Captain Kumar conceded that Indian losses occurred early in the operation &mdash; contradicting the Indian government&rsquo;s firm public position that no fighters were lost in the conflict.
In a candid 35-minute presentation to an audience comprising Indonesian Air Force officers, defence scholars, and regional observers, Captain Kumar responded to an Indonesian expert's assessment, which alleged India lost five fighter aircraft during Operation Sindoor &mdash; a cross-border response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The alleged losses included three Rafales, one Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29.
&ldquo;I may not agree with him that India lost so many aircraft. But I do agree that we did lose some aircraft, and that happened only because of the constraint given by the political leadership to not attack the military establishments and their air defences,&rdquo; Kumar said. His remarks were unambiguous and diverged sharply from the Indian establishment&rsquo;s consistent narrative.
Until now, the official Indian position has been to deny any aircraft losses during Operation Sindoor, which was framed as a calibrated counter-terrorism operation aimed solely at non-state actors operating from Pakistani soil. However, Kumar&rsquo;s statements suggest that initial operational restrictions imposed by the political leadership, presumably to limit escalation, left IAF pilots vulnerable to Pakistani air defences.
Slides presented during the seminar supported the claim of losses, listing the downing of high-value assets including Rafales &mdash; a critical component of India&rsquo;s frontline air deterrent. Although Kumar refrained from confirming specific numbers, he admitted the IAF suffered avoidable setbacks due to strategic constraints at the onset.
After the initial setbacks, he said, India adapted its operational strategy. &ldquo;We changed our tactics and went for their military installations. We first achieved suppression and destruction of enemy air defences &mdash; SEAD and DEAD &mdash; and that&rsquo;s why all our attacks could easily go through using surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles,&rdquo; Kumar explained. He added that by May 8&ndash;10, India had achieved complete air superiority.
The Ministry of Defence declined to comment, while the Indian Embassy in Jakarta attempted damage control, stating that Kumar's remarks were &ldquo;quoted out of context.&rdquo; A brief statement claimed the presentation was misinterpreted and was meant to underline the principle of military subordination to civilian leadership &mdash; contrasting with Pakistan&rsquo;s military-dominated structure.
&ldquo;The objective of Operation Sindoor was to target terrorist infrastructure and the Indian response was non-escalatory,&rdquo; the embassy said, without directly addressing the reported aircraft losses.
The broader implication of this disclosure is significant. It not only raises questions about the transparency of wartime communication from the Indian side but also lends credence to long-standing regional assessments that India paid a price in the skies during the early moments of the conflict. In defence circles, it reopens debate about the balance between political restraint and operational freedom in high-stakes combat scenarios.
If verified, the losses &mdash; particularly of Rafale fighters &mdash; mark one of the most serious material costs for the IAF in recent years and cast a long shadow over the government&rsquo;s claim of unmitigated tactical success in Operation Sindoor.

Indian Air Force's Jet Fighters in action (image source: social media)

Indian Defence Attaché admits jet losses in Pakistan strike, contradicting govt’s denial

Attaché’s IAF Loss Claim Jolts Indian Govt Narrative

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

Jakarta News