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 strong earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck the northwestern Kashmir region on Sunday morning, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed. The tremor was felt across parts of Leh&ndash;Ladakh, an area that falls within the highly active Himalayan seismic belt.
According to the NCS, the earthquake occurred at 11:51:14 am IST, with its epicentre located in the Leh&ndash;Ladakh region. The quake originated at a depth of 171 kilometres, classifying it as a deep-focus earthquake.
Despite the intensity, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. Local authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and urged residents to remain cautious in case of aftershocks.
Seismologists note that while shallow earthquakes tend to be more destructive due to stronger surface shaking, deeper earthquakes like this one are often felt over wider areas but generally cause less damage.
The tremor comes amid increased seismic activity in the broader region. A day earlier, an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 struck Afghanistan. In recent days, Afghanistan has recorded multiple tremors, including a 4.2-magnitude quake on January 15 at a depth of 96 km and a 3.8-magnitude earthquake on January 14 at a depth of 90 km, according to NCS data.
The Himalayan region remains one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Deep-focus quake jolts Kashmir region; no casualties reported so far

Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Hits Leh–Ladakh

A major administrative shift in Ladakh has triggered political unease, after the Centre revised the delegation of financial powers in the Union Territory, removing the authority earlier vested in the Lieutenant-Governor and senior officials. Under the new structure, all project-related financial approvals, irrespective of size will now be sanctioned exclusively by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, effectively centralising Ladakh&rsquo;s fiscal decision-making.
The move has drawn strong resistance from Ladakh&rsquo;s own BJP unit. A delegation led by state BJP president Tashi Khachu and senior leaders Tashi Gyalson and Tonyot Tashi met BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh in New Delhi, urging the party leadership to intervene. They demanded reinstatement of the L-G&rsquo;s powers to ensure timely rollout of welfare schemes, smoother administrative functioning and restoration of the Capex budget, which they argue is crucial for ongoing development work.
Further adding to the local concerns, former BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal separately met L-G Kavinder Gupta, seeking exclusive reservation of tenders up to ₹20 crore for Ladakh-registered contractors. The representation came amid broader demands for safeguarding Ladakh&rsquo;s demographic and economic interests, following recent moves such as 85% job reservation for local residents and expanded women&rsquo;s representation in Hill Development Councils.
Opposition voices have also criticised the Centre&rsquo;s decision. Ladakh Congress leaders termed the move a fresh blow to Ladakh&rsquo;s autonomy, arguing that while people are demanding Sixth Schedule protections and a legislature, the existing administrative powers are being steadily diluted. Calling the decision &ldquo;unfortunate,&rdquo; they questioned whether such centralisation would ever be imposed on any other state or Union Territory.

BJP’s Ladakh unit protests Centre’s takeover of all financial approvals in the UT

Centre’s Move Sparks Ladakh Power Row

In a powerful statement before the Supreme Court, jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk alleged that his detention under the National Security Act (NSA), along with a series of tax raids and criminal cases, was part of a &ldquo;calculated attempt&rdquo; to silence his peaceful campaign for Ladakh&rsquo;s Sixth Schedule protection and statehood.
Wangchuk, who has long championed environmental sustainability and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, reiterated that his movement was rooted in Gandhian non-violence. &ldquo;I have always followed peaceful means to protect Ladakh&rsquo;s fragile ecology, unique culture, and constitutional rights,&rdquo; he stated in his plea before the court.
The amended petition, filed by his wife Gitanjali Angmo, described the allegations against him as &ldquo;baseless, misconceived, and devoid of any material.&rdquo; She argued that Wangchuk&rsquo;s work had strengthened rather than undermined national security. &ldquo;On the contrary, Wangchuk has made significant contributions in support of national security and the Armed Forces&hellip; His work has been directed towards assisting and strengthening the capabilities of the Indian security forces, not undermining them in any manner,&rdquo; Angmo said.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria directed the Centre and the Ladakh administration to respond to the affidavit within ten days.
The Centre, however, has justified Wangchuk&rsquo;s detention, claiming his actions were &ldquo;prejudicial to the security of the State and maintenance of public order.&rdquo; Officials maintained that the activist remains in good health at Jodhpur Central Jail, where he has been lodged since his September 26 arrest following violent protests in Leh that left four dead and over 80 injured.
Wangchuk, meanwhile, has denied inciting unrest or calling for an uprising. &ldquo;I had only urged for a peaceful demonstration &mdash; where we starve ourselves to bring change but not bother anyone else, and make Ladakh an example for other countries also,&rdquo; he clarified.
His wife&rsquo;s petition further claims that the government had misconstrued his references to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, lifting a single line from a longer speech &ldquo;with the apparent intention of maliciously detaining&rdquo; him.
According to the affidavit, a pattern of &ldquo;coordinated actions&rdquo; against Wangchuk began in August and September 2025, just weeks ahead of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections. These included IT raids, CBI investigations, land lease cancellations, and FCRA license suspensions, &nbsp;all allegedly linked to his rising influence in Ladakh&rsquo;s pro-autonomy movement.
&ldquo;The fact that all of these actions arose just two months before the LAHDC elections and at a time when he publicly raised the issue of fulfilling the Sixth Schedule promises made during the 2020 elections reveals a malicious intent,&rdquo; the petition stated.
It concluded that the detention was not a matter of state security but a &ldquo;targeted effort to stifle dissent&rdquo;, as Wangchuk&rsquo;s peaceful activism continues to inspire wide support across Ladakh and beyond.

Sonam Wangchuk Calls NSA Detention ‘Targeted’

Activist says cases & raids a “calculated attempt” to suppress Ladakh’s peaceful movement

Ladakhi education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the killing of four people including an ex-serviceman, during the recent protests in Leh demanding the&nbsp;restoration of Ladakh&rsquo;s statehood and implementation of the Sixth Schedule.
Wangchuk&rsquo;s message, delivered through his brother Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley and lawyer Mustafa Haji, who met him at the Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday, urged the people of Ladakh to maintain peace and unity.
&ldquo;I urge my fellow Ladakhis to continue our struggle in the true Gandhian way of non-violence,&rdquo; Wangchuk said, adding that he was &ldquo;prepared to stay in jail&rdquo; unless an independent probe was ordered into the killings.
The Ramon Magsaysay awardee, known globally for his work in education, sustainability, and climate resilience in the Himalayas, expressed solidarity with the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)&nbsp;both of which have been leading the movement for constitutional safeguards and restoration of full statehood.
&ldquo;Whatever actions the Apex Body takes in the interest of Ladakh, I am with them, wholeheartedly,&rdquo; Wangchuk said in his message.
In a letter to supporters, the activist assured he was &ldquo;doing well, both physically and mentally,&rdquo; and extended condolences to the families of those who died in the Leh violence.
&ldquo;My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and my prayers are with the injured and the arrested,&rdquo; he wrote.
The Leh Apex Body and KDA have both withdrawn from talks with the Union Home Ministry, demanding a judicial inquiry into the violence and the immediate, unconditional release of all detainees, including Wangchuk.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear on Monday a plea filed by Wangchuk&rsquo;s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging his detention under the NSA. The petition describes his arrest as &ldquo;illegal and unconstitutional&rdquo; and seeks his immediate release.
Wangchuk&rsquo;s detention has sparked widespread concern and solidarity across India and among Ladakhis abroad, reigniting the debate over Ladakh&rsquo;s political future and the promises of autonomy made after it was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019.

Wangchuk Demands Probe, Backs Ladakh’s Statehood

In jail under NSA, Sonam Wangchuk urges calm and seeks justice for slain protesters

Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has sharply criticised the police crackdown in Ladakh, raising questions about India&rsquo;s freedom.
In a post on X, Angmo drew a comparison to colonial times, stating, &ldquo;In 1857, 24,000 Britishers used 135,000 Indian sepoys to oppress 300 million Indians. 
Today, a dozen administrators are misusing 2,400 Ladakhi police to oppress 3 lakh Ladakhis under MHA orders.&rdquo;
Her comments come amid the ongoing curfew in Leh and reports of police firing following the September 24 violence. 
Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) for his involvement in protests demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including the implementation of the Sixth Schedule.
Angmo accused the Union home ministry of misusing Ladakh Police and alleged that her husband was being politically targeted. 
She also dismissed allegations linking Wangchuk to Pakistan, calling them &ldquo;false and defamatory.&rdquo;
&ldquo;It was a scientific conference on Himalayan glaciers, not a political summit. If India plays cricket with Pakistan, does that make our players ISI agents?&rdquo; she questioned.
Meanwhile, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta assured that the Centre is actively working to address the region&rsquo;s concerns and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution soon.

Gitanjali J Angmo speaks amid Ladakh unrest

Ladakh activist’s wife slams police crackdown, questions India’s freedom

Wangchuk’s Wife Criticises Ladakh Police Crackdown

The wife of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk has strongly dismissed allegations of having ties with Pakistan, calling them &ldquo;false, baseless, and misleading.&rdquo;&nbsp;
She questioned whether attending a climate change conference could legitimately be used to brand someone an ISI agent.
Her clarification comes after online speculation regarding her participation in international climate forums, which fueled controversy. 
She stressed that such narratives are aimed at discrediting genuine environmental activism in Ladakh.
Sonam Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, has been an outspoken advocate for Ladakh&rsquo;s fragile ecology and sustainable development. 
His family said the false claims are part of a broader attempt to undermine his campaigns seeking constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory.

Wangchuk’s wife addresses press denying allegations

Wangchuk’s wife denies Pakistan link, calls charges false and misleading

Wangchuk’s Wife Dismisses Alleged Pakistan Links

Curfew remained imposed in Leh town for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday (September 28, 2025), following last week&rsquo;s violence during protests. 
Officials confirmed that Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta will chair a security review meeting to decide on possible relaxation of restrictions.
The curfew, which was first enforced on September 24 after widespread protests erupted during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), has been strictly observed. 
The agitation was launched to press demands for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.
On Saturday (September 27), authorities relaxed restrictions for the first time, allowing a four-hour phased break from curfew. 
The relaxation period passed peacefully, raising hopes of further easing, depending on the outcome of the upcoming review meeting.

Curfew-bound Leh streets deserted under heavy security

Leh awaits security review as curfew continues; LG to decide on easing restrictions soon

Curfew Grips Leh For Fifth Straight Day

The political standoff in Ladakh has deepened after the Leh Apex Body announced it would withdraw from talks with the Centre, laying down tough preconditions for any future dialogue.
The leaders demanded a judicial inquiry into civilian killings during last week&rsquo;s statehood protest in Leh, where four demonstrators lost their lives and dozens were injured. They also sought an apology from the administration for labelling the agitators as &ldquo;anti-national&rdquo; and called for the immediate release of all detained protesters, including climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk.
At a press briefing, Apex Body leaders Chering Dorjey and Thupstan Chawang accused security forces of using excessive force. They alleged that the CRPF resorted to &ldquo;goondagardi&rdquo; (hooliganism), leaving fear and mistrust across a region that had rarely witnessed such repression before.
The anger intensified after Lieutenant Governor S.D. Jamwal and senior police officials hinted at foreign involvement in the protests, suggesting Pakistani links. &ldquo;Such allegations deeply angered us,&rdquo; Dorjey said, stressing that the movement was rooted in Ladakh&rsquo;s demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards.
Adding to the controversy, Wangchuk&rsquo;s wife Gitanjali Angmo defended him publicly, questioning why his international engagements were being portrayed as suspect. &ldquo;If it&rsquo;s okay for the Hon. PM to meet Muhammad Yunus, why is it a problem when @Wangchuk66, India&rsquo;s educator and innovator, meets him?&rdquo; she asked in a post on X. She also rejected claims of Pakistan links, pointing to Wangchuk&rsquo;s remarks at a UN climate forum where he had praised Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s environmental initiatives.
Meanwhile, curfew-like restrictions continue in Leh for the sixth straight day, as Wangchuk remains in Jodhpur jail under the National Security Act. The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which is allied with the Leh Apex Body, joined the call for his release, warning that such measures risk deepening alienation in a sensitive border region.
The Centre has reiterated that it remains open to discussions, but Ladakh&rsquo;s demand for justice and dignity has, for now, placed a hard pause on the dialogue process.

Ladakh’s Message: Release, Then Dialogue

Leh leaders quit Centre talks, demand justice for protest deaths and activist’s release

Ladakh&rsquo;s tourism sector has been badly affected in the wake of the recent unrest in Leh, dealing another blow to the Union Territory already reeling from the April Pahalgam attack.
The situation worsened after the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk, which triggered widespread protests and clashes in Leh on September 24. 
Violence during a shutdown called by a Leh Apex Body constituent left at least four people dead and over 150 injured. 
Authorities have since imposed an indefinite curfew in Leh town, with mobile and internet services suspended, leaving many tourists stranded.
Stakeholders report mass cancellations of bookings. 
&ldquo;For the past week, we have been facing daily cancellations. The closure of the town has also caused a shortage of goods,&rdquo; said Naseeb Singh, a hotel manager who has been working in Leh for nearly 10 years. 
He added that this is the first time he has seen such turmoil in the otherwise peaceful region.
Local transporter Rigzin Dorjey noted that the sector had already been struggling since the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. 
&ldquo;Tourism had just begun to pick up after Operation Sindoor, but last week&rsquo;s incident has hit us hard again,&rdquo; he said.
A hotelier, requesting anonymity, added that residents and stakeholders are praying for a quick return to normalcy as &ldquo;every day of uncertainty means lost income for thousands of families who depend on tourism.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, tourists caught in the curfew are struggling with basic needs. 
&ldquo;When I arrived, everything was shut. I couldn&rsquo;t even exchange my currency or buy food. I had planned to visit Pangong Lake, but I couldn&rsquo;t get the permit,&rdquo; said Sheena, a tourist from Taiwan.
A tourist from Delhi echoed similar concerns, saying she was disappointed to find markets closed and internet services down. 
Another visitor remarked, &ldquo;We came here to see the mountains and monasteries, but now we&rsquo;re stuck in our rooms. Everyone is simply hoping peace returns soon.&rdquo;

Tourists Stranded Amid Curfew In Leh Town

Protests, curfew leave tourists stranded as Ladakh’s tourism reels from fresh cancellation

Leh Unrest, Curfew Cripple Ladakh Tourism Sector

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), just two days after violent protests in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh left four dead and nearly 100 injured. Wangchuk, a central figure in the agitation, was taken into custody around 2.30 pm by a team led by Ladakh Police chief SD Singh Jamwal and immediately shifted to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan. Mobile internet services across Leh were suspended as curfew-like restrictions continued in the region.
The arrest came at a time when Wangchuk was scheduled to join a virtual press briefing from his village. Leaders of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance has spearheaded the five-year-long agitation, called the move &ldquo;unfortunate&rdquo; and politically motivated.
His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, strongly condemned the arrest, accusing authorities of spreading &ldquo;false narratives&rdquo; to tarnish his reputation. She alleged their home was ransacked by police and said, &ldquo;It is the worst form of democracy&hellip; without any trial, without any reason, they have just taken him away like a criminal.&rdquo;
Opposition leaders across Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh also expressed sharp criticism. Congress called the action a diversion tactic to &ldquo;cover up the BJP&rsquo;s failure to ensure law and order in Ladakh.&rdquo; National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the government&rsquo;s intent to arrest him was evident: &ldquo;The way the Centre was after him since yesterday, it seemed they would do something like this.&rdquo; PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti termed the arrest &ldquo;deeply disturbing,&rdquo; describing Wangchuk as a &ldquo;lifelong advocate of peace.&rdquo;
Wangchuk, known globally for his innovations in education and sustainable technology, has long been a strong voice for Ladakh&rsquo;s constitutional rights. He ended a 35-day hunger strike earlier this week after violence broke out in Leh, where mobs set ablaze the BJP office, Hill Council building, and several vehicles. Police fired to disperse the protesters, escalating tensions further.
Hours before his arrest, Wangchuk had questioned why someone like him, who dedicated his life to education and innovation, was being punished while &ldquo;those who loot the government roam free.&rdquo; He told supporters, &ldquo;All these schools and the university I built provide free education. This person goes to jail, while those playing politics are free. The nation must see what kind of India we are living in.&rdquo;
For many in Ladakh, his detention marks not only the silencing of a prominent activist but also a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for identity, statehood, and dignity.

Sonam Wangchuk held under NSA, moved to Jodhpur

Activist’s arrest sparks outrage as govt faces charges of ‘witch-hunting’ in Ladakh

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

Leh News