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A deadly drone attack in Sudan&rsquo;s South Kordofan region has killed dozens of civilians, including many young children, after strikes hit a kindergarten and a hospital in the army-held town of Kalogi. Local authorities reported that three consecutive drone strikes targeted the school, the medical facility, and later the crowd attempting to rescue injured children.
Officials blamed the attack on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their ally SPLM-N (Abdelaziz al-Hilu faction), which control large parts of South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The region has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, with fighting between the Sudanese army and RSF causing tens of thousands of deaths and displacing nearly 12 million people.
UNICEF confirmed that more than ten children aged five to seven were killed, while Sudan&rsquo;s foreign ministry reported a total of 79 deaths, including 43 children. The UN condemned the attack as a severe violation of children&rsquo;s rights and called for immediate protection of civilians.
Violence in Kordofan has intensified following RSF&rsquo;s capture of El-Fasher in late October. The UN has documented mass killings, sexual violence, looting, and abductions across the region. Recent RSF advances have triggered fears of further atrocities, while army drone strikes in SPLM-N strongholds have also resulted in high civilian casualties.
Over 40,000 residents have fled Kordofan in the past month as both sides exchange accusations over recent drone attacks, including incidents near the Chad border. The UN and independent analysts warn that escalating hostilities could reshape control of central Sudan and threaten major cities, including the capital Khartoum.
Humanitarian agencies also face rising threats. The World Food Programme reported an attack on one of its aid trucks in North Darfur, leaving the driver seriously injured and endangering life-saving operations for displaced families

Paramilitary drone attack on Kalogi hits school, hospital; heavy civilian toll

Sudan Drone Strikes Kill Dozens in Kalogi

Sudan&rsquo;s government has firmly denied allegations by the United States that chemical weapons were used in Khartoum, insisting there is no proof of chemical or radiological contamination.
In a detailed report, the Federal Ministry of Health stated that field tests, medical assessments, and surveillance data revealed no signs of toxic substances. "There is no evidence of chemical or radiological contamination in Khartoum State," the ministry said. Forensic pathology teams also found no fatalities typically linked to chemical weapons.
The findings are based on tests conducted since April, when Sudanese Armed Forces regained control of the capital from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Measurements were conducted using equipment accredited by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Khartoum dismissed the US sanctions imposed in June over alleged chemical weapons use as "political blackmail" and a distortion of facts. Sudan cited the collapse of health services and the spread of diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue as reasons for any health complaints among citizens.
The conflict between SAF and RSF, ongoing since April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, aggravating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The RSF is also under US sanctions, with the US State Department having declared its actions in Darfur as genocide.
Sudan&rsquo;s report comes as thousands of displaced families return to Khartoum, navigating poor infrastructure, widespread disease, and insecurity.

Khartoum says no evidence of chemical contamination amid US accusations

Sudan Rejects US Chemical Weapons Claims

A political coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced the formation of a parallel government in Sudan, raising concerns about further division of a country already torn by more than two years of civil conflict. 
"The leadership body of the Sudan Founding Alliance has agreed to appoint Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi as Prime Minister of the Peace Government," Alaa El Din Nugud, the alliance's spokesperson, said in a televised statement broadcast via Telegram. 
According to the statement, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was selected as President of the Presidential Council, the highest sovereign authority in the new government, while leader of Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu was appointed as Vice President of the Presidential Council, Xinhua news agency reported. 
An anonymous source within the alliance told Xinhua that the RSF secured 42 per cent of the positions in the parallel government, while the SPLM-N received 33 per cent. 
The remaining 25% was shared among the other groups in the alliance. Political analyst Abdul-Khaliq Mahjoub said the announcement of a parallel government would further complicate Sudan's political crisis. 
"There are serious concerns that Sudan may face the specter of division, given the existence of two governments. 
This reality worsens the political situation in the country," Mahjoub said. "Having two governments entrenches geographic division ... This could eventually lead to permanent partition, as seen in certain other countries," he added. 
The RSF signed a founding charter with various political and armed groups in February, setting the groundwork for the parallel government. 
The RSF currently controls most of the Darfur region in western Sudan and parts of the Kordofan region. Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. 
The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

RSF leaders announce parallel Sudan government formation

RSF takes 42% share in new Sudan govt; SPLM-N, others also hold key positions

Sudan's RSF Forms Rival Government Amid War

At least 11 people were killed and seven injured after a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Sudan, state-run Mineral Resources Company said.&nbsp;
The incident occurred at the Kersh Al-Feel mine in the Houeid area, between the cities of Atbara and Haya in Red Sea State, the company said in a statement on Sunday. It did not specify the date of the collapse, Xinhua news agency reported.
The company said the mine had previously been ordered to shut down due to safety concerns.
It pledged to continue monitoring mining activities and to improve safety standards, urging miners to comply with safety and environmental regulations.
Traditional mining accounts for a significant share of Sudan's gold production, but the sector has seen frequent accidents due to poor safety standards and aging infrastructure.
The company added that it had previously suspended work in the mine and &ldquo;warned against its continuing activity due to its posing great risk to life&rdquo;.
According to official and NGO sources, nearly all of the gold trade is funnelled through the United Arab Emirates, which has been accused of arming the RSF. The UAE denies it does so.
The war has shattered Sudan&rsquo;s already fragile economy. 
About 1.5 million artisanal miners produce nearly 80 % of Sudan's gold, which totaled around 64 tonnes in 2024, according to official data.
&mdash;IANS (Except for the headline, this article hasq not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.)

Gold mine collapse in Sudan kills 11 workers, rescue efforts underway in remote region

11 Dead In Sudan Gold Mine Collapse

At least 13 civilians were killed and 21 others injured as a result of artillery shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, volunteer groups said.&nbsp;
"Thirteen people, including 3 children, were killed and 21 others injured due to a deliberate artillery shelling by the RSF on El Fasher this Friday morning," the Sudanese Doctors Network, a volunteer group, said in a statement on Friday.
"The shelling and tightening siege on the city directly target thousands of children, women, and the elderly, in clear defiance of all international calls to de-escalate and lift the siege," it said, calling on both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF to implement a humanitarian truce.
Meanwhile, the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher said in a statement that "El Fasher woke up this morning to the sound of explosions and intense artillery shelling by the RSF, which shook residential neighbourhoods."
The statement added that the shelling resulted in the deaths of several unarmed civilians, including women and children, and left dozens injured with varying degrees of severity, Xinhua news agency reported.
Some of the wounded were taken to the city's main hospital, which is currently facing a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies, it noted.
The shelling of El Fasher coincided with a phone call earlier on Friday between UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, during which Al-Burhan agreed to a UN-proposed one-week humanitarian truce in the city.
The RSF has been imposing a blockage on El Fasher since May 2024, including daily shelling and intense urban battles involving both the RSF and the SAF. The blockage has led to critical shortages of essential goods and medical supplies.
El Fasher serves as a major administrative hub for the Darfur region. It is the only state capital in Darfur that remains outside RSF control.
The city, which hosts three camps for displaced persons including Abu Shouk, Zamzam and Al-Salam, is home to around 1.5 million people, with 800,000 internally displaced, according to UN figures.
Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the SAF and the RSF since April 2023. 
The war has killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee their homes, both within Sudan and across its borders.
&mdash;IANS (Except for the headline, this article has&nbsp;not been edited by the Benefit News&nbsp;editorial team and is published directly&nbsp;from the IANS news feed.)

Smoke rises over El Fasher after RSF shelling

13 civilians, including children, killed as RSF shells El Fasher amid ongoing Sudan conflict

13 Civilians Killed In RSF Shelling In Sudan

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced that its forces have made military advancement on several battlefronts against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
&ldquo;Units from the army's armored corps have advanced in the Al-Sajana area, southwest of Khartoum,&rdquo; the SAF said in a brief statement on its Facebook page.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The Al-Hurriya Bridge has been secured after crushing and destroying the militia, forcibly expelling them from within civilian areas and neutralising many of their elements,&rdquo; according to the statement, adding that the army units are advancing towards central Khartoum, a key area where the RSF has a strong presence.&nbsp;
In the western Sudan front, the SAF said that its warplanes had carried out successive airstrikes throughout Wednesday on RSF positions around El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, Xinhua news agency reported.
&ldquo;The airstrikes caused human and material losses among the RSF, and dozens of their fighters fled due to the continued aerial bombardment on their positions,&rdquo; the SAF's 6th Infantry Division said in a statement.&nbsp;
The SAF has been engaged in intense battles in areas of western, central, and southern Khartoum, aiming to end the RSF's control of strategic areas in the capital. On January 25, the SAF announced the completion of the first phase of its military operation in Khartoum after linking forces from Omdurman and Khartoum North with units positioned near the Signal Corps, southern of Bahri city, north of Khartoum. 
The army also managed to end the RSF's siege of the army's main headquarters, which had lasted for nearly 21 months. 
Additionally, the SAF is fighting in the East Nile area, east of Khartoum, where it declared recently that it had lifted the siege on a major camp in the Al-Aylafun area. The army has, as well, controlled areas such as Um Dawanban and Alosaylat and other locations in the East Nile neighbourhood. 
On February 17, the army announced that it had taken full control of the Kafouri area in Bahri city, the last stronghold of the RSF in the city. 
Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a crisis monitoring group cited by the United Nations.&nbsp;
The conflict has also displaced over 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to estimates by the International Organisation for Migration.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

Sudanese army advances, battles RSF, airstrikes continue

SAF secures Al-Hurriya Bridge, launches airstrikes on RSF positions in North Darfur

Sudanese Army Makes Major Gains on Battlefronts

<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The death toll from shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a crowded market in Omdurman, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, has risen to 54, Sudan's Ministry of Health announced.&nbsp;
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The ministry said in a statement that health institutions reported 54 deaths and 158 injuries in the deadly attack on Sabreen Market in the Karari locality, Xinhua news agency reported.<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">&nbsp;
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It condemned the attack against civilians, saying, "This constitutes a breach of international norms and laws."
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudan's minister of information and government spokesperson, also slammed the attack as it resulted in massive civilian casualties and widespread destruction of private and public property.
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Earlier, a medical source at Al-Nao Hospital in Omdurman told Xinhua that "the situation is catastrophic in every sense of the word. We need blood donors and medical supplies."
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A Xinhua correspondent in Omdurman reported the shelling simultaneously targeted residential areas near the market.
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The RSF has not commented on the incident yet.
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) frequently accuses the RSF of bombing the Karari locality from its positions in Bahri, a city in Khartoum State. Karari is the only area in Omdurman that remains densely populated and fully under army control.<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">&nbsp;
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Military confrontations between the SAF and the RSF have intensified recently in Khartoum.
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the two parties since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced over 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organisations.
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #001e2f; background: white; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">&mdash;IANS

Military conflict between SAF & RSF had claimed 29,683 lives of civilians

54 Killed & 158 Injured in Sudan Market Shelling

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

Khartoum News