Shyam Plastic Industries Right

Parth Engineers & Consultant Right

Versatile Solution Bottom

Parth Engineers & Consultant Bottom

Shyam Plastic Industries Bottom

Versatile Solution Right

Benefit-top add-1

Benefit-top add-2

Benefit-top add-3

A 25-year-old nurse who had recently recovered from a Nipah virus infection died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Barasat, located in West Bengal&rsquo;s North 24 Parganas district. Health officials confirmed that she had been in a prolonged coma before her death.
Originally from Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, the nurse began showing symptoms in early January after returning home for the New Year. She was first admitted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital but was later transferred to a private facility as her condition deteriorated.
Her illness emerged shortly after a male colleague reported similar symptoms. Tests conducted on January 11 confirmed Nipah infection in both healthcare workers. The two required ventilator support after slipping into a coma. While the male nurse recovered and was discharged last week, her condition remained critical.
State health authorities said one of the two Nipah-positive patients identified on January 11 succumbed to cardiac arrest despite intensive medical care. Officials also clarified that there are currently no active Nipah cases in West Bengal.
Global health authorities have evaluated the situation and consider the likelihood of wider transmission to be low. Recent cases reported in India and Bangladesh had raised concerns about a possible outbreak, but risk assessments indicate limited chances of regional or international spread.
The incident nevertheless underscores the need for continued surveillance and rapid response systems to contain rare but potentially deadly viral infections.

Recovered Nipah patient dies after weeks in coma; officials confirm no active cases

Nipah Survivor Nurse Dies of Cardiac Arrest

The World Health Organization has said that the recent Nipah virus cases reported in India pose a low risk of wider spread and do not warrant any travel or trade restrictions. The assessment comes after India confirmed two cases of the virus infection in West Bengal.
In its latest update, the WHO stated that there is no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission and that the overall national, regional and global risk remains low. The agency noted that both cases were detected in North 24 Parganas district and were confined to the same area.
According to the WHO, there was no travel history linked to the patients during the period when they were symptomatic. Based on available information, the likelihood of the virus spreading to other Indian states or internationally is considered low.
Despite heightened screening measures introduced by several Asian countries for incoming travellers, the global health body has advised against imposing restrictions on travel or trade at this stage.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that primarily spreads from animals to humans, with fruit bats identified as the natural hosts. Transmission can occur through food contaminated by bats or through close contact with infected animals or people.
The infection can cause severe illness, including fever and inflammation of the brain. The fatality rate is estimated to range between 40% and 75%, depending on outbreak conditions and healthcare response.
While human-to-human transmission is possible, the virus does not spread easily and typically requires close and prolonged contact.
Early symptoms of Nipah infection include fever, headache and muscle pain, which can resemble common viral illnesses. As the disease progresses, patients may develop neurological symptoms linked to acute encephalitis.
Some individuals also experience severe respiratory distress. In critical cases, seizures may occur, leading to coma within a few days. Although many survivors recover fully, some may suffer long-term neurological complications. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Nipah virus infection. Medical care focuses on supportive treatment and managing complications.
However, several vaccine and treatment candidates are under development. Among them is a potential vaccine being researched by scientists at Oxford University, building on technology used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global health body rules out travel curbs after two Nipah cases in Bengal

WHO says Nipah outbreak in India poses low risk

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar in Baramati, raising concerns over the timing of the incident and its possible political implications.
Speaking at a public event on Wednesday, Banerjee said the incident had left her deeply shocked and claimed that political leaders were increasingly unsafe in the country. She linked the crash to recent political developments, stating that reports had emerged suggesting Ajit Pawar was considering distancing himself from the BJP-led ruling alliance in Maharashtra.
Banerjee alleged that Pawar was expected to return to the original political path of the Nationalist Congress Party, which split in 2023, and insisted that only the Supreme Court could ensure a fair and transparent probe. She claimed that central agencies no longer enjoyed public trust and demanded judicial supervision of the investigation.
The Trinamool Congress chief also expressed condolences to Ajit Pawar&rsquo;s family, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and the people of Maharashtra. Her remarks come at a time when West Bengal is heading towards assembly elections, with the TMC facing a strong challenge from the BJP.
Ajit Pawar was among five people killed when a chartered aircraft crashed in Baramati in Maharashtra&rsquo;s Pune district on Wednesday morning. The jet, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, crash-landed at the local airport. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, five people, including crew members, were on board.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also demanded a probe into the crash but avoided drawing any political conclusions. He said aviation accidents, regardless of aircraft size, must be investigated thoroughly to establish the cause.
Earlier, Kharge described Pawar&rsquo;s death as a deeply distressing loss and said the veteran leader would be remembered for his service to the people of Maharashtra.

Opposition leaders raise questions, demand probe into fatal Baramati air crash

Mamata seeks SC probe into Ajit Pawar crash

Health authorities in West Bengal have raised an alert after two suspected cases of the deadly Nipah virus were detected in Barasat, located in the North 24 Parganas district. The patients, a male nurse and a female nurse employed at the same private hospital, are reported to be in critical condition and are currently on ventilator support.
The two had recently travelled to East Midnapore and East Burdwan in December before falling ill. Officials have confirmed that their samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for laboratory confirmation, while precautionary containment measures have already been put in place.
State authorities have begun intensive contact tracing across the districts where the two nurses travelled. Several individuals who came in close contact with them have been identified and instructed to remain in home isolation under medical monitoring. The health department has said that testing facilities and surveillance systems are fully operational to manage the situation.
Nipah virus is a highly lethal zoonotic disease that is commonly found in fruit bats. Humans and animals can become infected through exposure to bat saliva or urine, or contaminated food. The virus has a fatality rate of approximately 70 per cent, making early detection and isolation crucial.
The Union health ministry has assured the West Bengal government of full technical and logistical support. A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has been deployed, and standard containment protocols have been activated to prevent any possible spread.
Officials said Centre&ndash;State coordination is ongoing to ensure the suspected outbreak is contained swiftly and effectively.

Two nurses on ventilator as Nipah alert triggers emergency response

Two Suspected Nipah Cases Detected in Bengal

High drama unfolded at the Calcutta High Court on Friday as proceedings related to Enforcement Directorate raids at the residence of political consultancy firm I-PAC&rsquo;s director Pratik Jain were adjourned due to disruptions inside the courtroom.
The matter was taken up amid heightened political tension in West Bengal following ED searches linked to the alleged 2020 coal smuggling case. The controversy escalated on Thursday when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the I-PAC office while the agency was conducting searches.
During the hearing, Justice Suvra Ghosh noted that several lawyers and individuals entered the courtroom, creating a significant disturbance and preventing the proceedings from continuing smoothly. Despite repeated appeals from the bench to maintain order and decorum, the situation did not improve, prompting the court to adjourn the matter.
The court was scheduled to hear two separate petitions&mdash;one filed by the Enforcement Directorate and the other by the All India Trinamool Congress. The ED petition seeks a probe against the chief minister for allegedly obstructing an ongoing investigation, while the TMC plea urges the court to restrain the central agency from sharing or leaking any party-related information.
Earlier, Mamata Banerjee accused central agencies of attempting to seize documents and digital data related to the party&rsquo;s election preparations. She alleged that the raids were aimed at targeting the TMC ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Later in the day, the chief minister intensified her attack on the Centre by leading a large protest rally in Kolkata, accusing the BJP-led government of misusing central agencies to undermine her party&rsquo;s election strategy.

Court proceedings halted after disruption during hearing on ED raids linked to I-PAC

Calcutta HC Adjourns ED–TMC Hearing Amid Chaos

<div class="flex flex-col text-sm pb-25">
<article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-6949545d-27e4-8322-8c86-6f6c94292fa4-16" data-testid="conversation-turn-166" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant">
<div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)">
<div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" tabindex="-1">
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col grow">
<div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="4def35a1-efa7-4652-905c-b081d5b771fe" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-2">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]">
<div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling">
The political pitch in West Bengal intensified on Tuesday as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Union Home Minister Amit Shah exchanged sharp attacks, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Amit Shah, on a three-day visit to the state to kick off the Bharatiya Janata Party&rsquo;s campaign, launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress government, accusing it of fostering an environment marked by fear, corruption and misgovernance. He alleged that development in the state had come to a standstill and claimed that welfare schemes initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were being derailed by what he described as a &ldquo;toll syndicate&rdquo; operating under the state government&rsquo;s watch.
Shah further accused the Mamata Banerjee-led administration of facilitating illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, alleging that it had significantly altered West Bengal&rsquo;s demography in recent years. He claimed the state government was obstructing border fencing along the India-Bangladesh frontier by refusing to provide land for the project.
&ldquo;I have written seven letters to the chief minister on border fencing. Over the past six years, multiple meetings have been held with state officials. Why is the Trinamool Congress government hesitant to provide land? Does it want infiltration to continue?&rdquo; Shah asked, alleging that official documents were being prepared for illegal infiltrators. He asserted that after April 15, 2026, a BJP government would work to revive Bengal&rsquo;s heritage and culture.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back strongly, dismissing Shah&rsquo;s allegations and accusing the BJP of turning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise into what she termed a massive scam. She alleged misuse of artificial intelligence during the exercise and claimed that harassment linked to the process had driven several people, including booth-level officers, to suicide.
Addressing a public gathering, Banerjee invoked characters from the Mahabharata to criticise the BJP leadership, likening them to Duryodhana and Dushasana. She rejected claims that her government had blocked border infrastructure projects, stating that land had been provided for fencing in areas such as Petrapol and Andal.
Recalling the situation 14 years ago, Banerjee said the state had witnessed significant development under her leadership, including efforts to address water scarcity and regional infrastructure gaps. She accused the BJP of using election season to harass citizens under the pretext of administrative exercises.
She also questioned the BJP&rsquo;s narrative on infiltration, asking why responsibility was being pinned solely on West Bengal while ignoring security lapses elsewhere in the country.
Shah, however, escalated his criticism by alleging that political violence in the state had surpassed even the levels witnessed during the Left Front regime. He claimed that more than 300 BJP workers had been killed and thousands displaced, alleging they were being forced to align with the Trinamool Congress to return home.
Appealing directly to voters, Shah said the people of West Bengal had already given the Congress, the Left and the Trinamool Congress opportunities to govern and urged them to give the BJP a chance to establish what he called a governance model free of fear and corruption.
Senior Trinamool Congress leader and state education minister Bratya Basu dismissed Shah&rsquo;s remarks, calling them baseless and asserting that the BJP&rsquo;s campaign would have little impact. He claimed the party would fail to cross even 50 seats in the upcoming assembly elections and predicted a decisive victory for the Trinamool Congress.
As the 2026 polls draw closer, the exchange underscores an increasingly polarised political battle in West Bengal, with both sides sharpening their rhetoric and consolidating their bases.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden">
<div class="text-center">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
<div class="pointer-events-none h-px w-px absolute bottom-0" aria-hidden="true" data-edge="true">&nbsp;</div>

Political heat rises in Bengal as Amit Shah and Mamata Banerjee clash before 2026

Shah, Mamata trade barbs ahead of Bengal polls

A woman was allegedly attacked with a knife by her boyfriend at a guesthouse in Kolkata, West Bengal, on Sunday. Police arrested the accused, identified as 40-year-old Pradeep Kumar Selvaraj, a resident of Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
The incident took place at a guesthouse located on B.B. Ganguly Street under the jurisdiction of Muchipara police station. The woman, aged 38 and a resident of North 24 Parganas district, sustained a serious shoulder injury and was bleeding heavily following the assault. She was immediately taken to NRS Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.
Police received information about the attack in the afternoon and rushed to the spot. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused and the victim were staying together at the guesthouse when the attack occurred. The weapon used in the assault has been seized, and further investigation is underway.
The motive behind the attack has not yet been established, and police are continuing to question the accused.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over violence against women. Recently, a young woman in Bengaluru was assaulted by a man she had met through social media after rejecting his advances. The accused was later arrested.
According to global data, intimate partner violence remains a serious issue in India. A World Health Organisation report shows that over 20 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 in India have faced such violence, highlighting the scale of the problem.

Boyfriend arrested after woman stabbed at guesthouse, motive under probe

Kolkata Guesthouse Knife Attack on Woman

A court in West Bengal on Tuesday sentenced three convicts to life imprisonment in connection with the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl who later died in 2022 in Hanskhali, Nadia district. The sentence was pronounced by the additional district judge court in Ranaghat.
Brajagopal Goali, Prabhakar Poddar, and Ranjit Mallick were found guilty of gang rape, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Samarendra Goali, father of prime accused Brajagopal, was sentenced to five years in prison.
One of the convicts, who was a minor at the time of the crime, was released on a bond of ₹50,000 with a condition to maintain good conduct for one year. The defence has said the verdict will be challenged in a higher court. The remaining accused were given lesser prison terms for criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and criminal intimidation.
The crime occurred on April 4, 2022, when the girl was gang-raped during a birthday party for the son of a local panchayat leader affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress. She fell ill after the assault and died the following day. Her body was cremated in haste, allegedly under pressure from the accused.
Her body was cremated in haste, allegedly under pressure from the accused, triggering widespread public outrage and allegations of a cover-up.
Following petitions citing concerns over the fairness of the investigation due to the alleged involvement of a ruling party leader&rsquo;s son, the Calcutta High Court transferred the probe from the state police to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The case had led to political controversy in the state and drew national attention over the handling of crimes against minors and alleged abuse of power.

3 convicts get life imprisonment in rape-murder of girl in Bengal's Hanskhali

Ranaghat court sentences three to life in 2022 gang rape, minor’s death case

Hanskhali rape-murder: 3 convicts get life

The total expenditure for Lionel Messi&rsquo;s India tour reached ₹100 crore, with the football superstar reportedly receiving ₹89 crore for his visit, while ₹11 crore went to the Indian government as taxes. Around 30% of the tour&rsquo;s funding came from sponsors, and another 30% was generated through ticket sales.
The Kolkata leg of Messi&rsquo;s GOAT India tour on December 13 descended into chaos, with thousands of spectators crowding around the player on the field, leaving him barely visible from the galleries. Frustrated fans later vandalised parts of the stadium, highlighting significant lapses in crowd management and security.
The main organiser of the event, who was arrested after the incident, disclosed during questioning that only 150 ground passes were initially planned. However, the number reportedly tripled when a highly influential person arrived at the stadium, disrupting the flow of the programme and overwhelming security arrangements. Investigators are examining whether this expanded access directly contributed to the breakdown in crowd control.
The organiser also revealed that Messi had expressed discomfort with being touched on the back or hugged, instructions that were reportedly communicated in advance to security personnel. Despite repeated public announcements urging the crowd to maintain distance, the footballer was repeatedly surrounded and embraced, aggravating the situation.
Visuals from the event showed West Bengal&rsquo;s sports minister in close proximity to Messi, holding him around the waist during photographs. The minister has been accused of using his influence to allow relatives and personal acquaintances access to the footballer and resigned from his post pending the investigation.
Authorities are continuing to probe security lapses, access violations, the role of organisers and officials, and how such a large number of people gained access to the ground area during the programme.

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi with West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas

Messi paid ₹89 crore for India tour; crowd control failure sparks vandalism

Messi’s India Tour Cost ₹100 Crore, Chaos Ensues

The Supreme Court on Wednesday transferred the monitoring of the investigation into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata&rsquo;s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Calcutta High Court. The top court also directed that the status reports submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be provided to the victim&rsquo;s father.
The order was passed in a suo motu case initiated by the Supreme Court following the incident in August 2023, which triggered nationwide protests by doctors over workplace safety. The crime occurred while the trainee doctor was on duty, raising serious concerns about the security of medical professionals across the country. In the aftermath, the court had constituted a National Task Force to suggest measures for improving the working conditions and well-being of doctors.
A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma observed that the Calcutta High Court was better placed to monitor the investigation, as it is already hearing a petition filed by the victim&rsquo;s parents. The bench requested the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to assign the matter to an appropriate division bench.
In January this year, a Sealdah court sentenced the main accused, Sanjay Roy, to life imprisonment. Roy, who was working as a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police at the time of the crime, has been ordered to remain in jail for the rest of his life. However, the CBI continues to investigate the possible involvement of other individuals in the case.
During the hearing, the victim&rsquo;s father sought access to the CBI&rsquo;s status reports that had so far been submitted to the Supreme Court in sealed cover. The CBI, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, supported the transfer of monitoring to the High Court and said that the law allows victims to obtain investigation reports. Accepting the request, the Supreme Court directed its registry to supply the CBI&rsquo;s status reports to the victim&rsquo;s father and to transfer all case records to the Calcutta High Court.
The victim&rsquo;s family has maintained that there are unresolved aspects in the investigation and had approached the Supreme Court seeking continued oversight. The CBI, in its charge sheet, had earlier mentioned the role of RG Kar&rsquo;s former principal, Sandip Ghosh and former officer-in-charge Abhijit Mondal. Both were arrested during the probe but were later released on bail after no supplementary charge sheet was filed against them.

Supreme Court hands over probe oversight to Calcutta High Court

RG Kar Doctor Case Monitoring Shifted to HC

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

Kolkata News