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 massive fire tore through Barangay Lamion in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, late Tuesday night, destroying an estimated 1,000 homes and forcing thousands to flee in the remote island province of the Philippines.
The blaze erupted around 10:09 pm on February 3, 2026, and spread swiftly across the coastal settlement. Strong winds and the lightweight, highly flammable materials used in many stilt houses intensified the fire, allowing flames to engulf large sections of the densely populated community within hours.
Visuals shared online showed rooftops consumed by flames, thick smoke rising into the night sky, and structures collapsing as the fire advanced. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control by about 2 am on Wednesday, but not before an area housing roughly 5,000 people was devastated.
Despite the scale of destruction, no fatalities have been reported in initial assessments. Hundreds of families have been moved to temporary shelters as authorities organise relief operations.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua directed immediate assistance, including food, water, tents, medical aid, and security support. Emergency units, alongside social welfare agencies and local officials led by Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali, are coordinating rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, though early indications suggest it may have originated in a residential structure. Survivors described frantic attempts to escape as flames jumped rapidly from one house to another.
Drone images taken at daybreak revealed widespread destruction, charred remains of stilt foundations jutting from the shoreline and debris scattered across what was once a thriving neighbourhood.
Authorities have estimated losses at more than Php17.5 million, while community leaders are urging donations and long-term rebuilding support to help affected families recover.

Late-night blaze in Tawi-Tawi displaces thousands; probe underway

Massive fire razes 1,000 homes in Philippines

At least 15 people have died, and 28 remain missing after a ferry carrying more than 350 passengers sank in rough seas off the southern Philippines early Monday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
The ferry, identified as MV Trisha Kerstin 3, sent out a distress signal around 1:50 am, more than four hours after departing from the port of Zamboanga City in Mindanao. The vessel was en route to Jolo Island when it encountered choppy waters and went down approximately five kilometres east of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with the Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force deploying vessels and aircraft to the area. Authorities confirmed that at least 316 passengers had been rescued and were receiving medical assistance, while search efforts continued for those still unaccounted for.
Emergency responders in Basilan reported difficulties managing the large number of survivors, citing limited medical staff and facilities. Several injured passengers were taken to hospitals in the region, while others were transported to coast guard stations in Zamboanga City and Isabela City.
Preliminary accounts from survivors indicated that sea conditions were rough at the time of the incident. Authorities said a marine casualty investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the sinking. Initial findings suggest the ferry was not overloaded when it departed.
Videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed dramatic rescue scenes, with survivors pulled from the water and provided emergency medical care. Social media footage also captured passengers calling for help in the darkness following the sinking.
The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, has a long history of deadly ferry accidents due to heavy reliance on inter-island sea transport. Despite safety regulations, maritime disasters continue to occur, often resulting in significant loss of life.

Over 350 onboard as ferry capsizes off Basilan amid rough sea conditions

Philippines Ferry Sinks, 15 Dead, 28 Missing

The Philippines has ordered the evacuation of over 100,000 residents across eastern and northern regions as Typhoon Fung-wong rapidly intensified into a super typhoon on Sunday, threatening to lash the country with torrential rains, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges.
Storm alert signals were hoisted across wide areas, with Signal No. 5, the highest warning level, raised over Catanduanes and coastal stretches of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. The National Capital Region, including Metro Manila, remains under Signal No. 3 as precautionary measures intensified across Luzon.
According to government forecasters, Fung-wong&mdash;known locally as Uwan&mdash;spanned a massive 1,600-kilometre-wide rain and wind band, capable of covering nearly two-thirds of the Philippine archipelago. The storm&rsquo;s approach from the Pacific comes as the nation is still reeling from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left 224 people dead in the central provinces last week before moving on to Vietnam, where it claimed additional lives.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency, citing both the widespread devastation from Kalmaegi and the imminent impact of Fung-wong. &ldquo;We must prioritise preparedness and protect lives,&rdquo; he said, urging local authorities to accelerate pre-emptive evacuations and ensure the readiness of relief operations.
At noon Sunday, Fung-wong was tracked near Pandan town in Catanduanes province, packing sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 km/h (143 mph). Heavy rains and dense fog have already hampered visibility in several eastern communities. Meteorologists warned the storm could make landfall between Aurora and Isabela provinces by late Sunday or early Monday before moving northwestward across northern Luzon.
Disaster response units have been placed on full alert as authorities brace for possible widespread flooding, landslides, and coastal inundation. Emergency shelters and food stocks have been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas, while the military has deployed assets for rescue and relief operations.
The approaching super typhoon, coupled with the lingering scars of Kalmaegi, is expected to test the Philippines&rsquo; disaster preparedness once again&mdash;underscoring the increasing frequency and ferocity of tropical storms in the region.

Typhoon Fung-wong nearing Philippines (Courtesy: Zoom Earth)

Over 100,000 evacuated as Fung-wong intensifies into a super typhoon near Luzon

Philippines braces for Super Typhoon Fung-wong

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, on Friday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GZF). The tremor is the latest in a string of strong earthquakes that have shaken the Southeast Asian nation in recent weeks.
The quake caused damage to several school buildings and a hospital, while also disrupting electricity in nearby areas. A tsunami warning was briefly issued but later lifted after coastal residents were safely evacuated.
This comes just over a week after a massive 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same region at a depth of 62 kilometres, as reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
In Davao City, home to more than 5 million residents, schools were evacuated as precautionary measures were taken. The earlier quake on October 10 had prompted authorities to warn of potentially &ldquo;destructive&rdquo; tsunami waves, urging people to move to higher ground immediately.
The Philippines, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes due to intense tectonic activity in the region.

Fresh tremors strike Mindanao days after a 7.5 quake, damaging schools and power loss

6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Mindanao

A massive earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck Mindanao in the Philippines, prompting authorities to issue a &ldquo;destructive tsunami&rdquo; warning. The tremor occurred at a depth of 62 kilometres off the coast of Manay town in Davao Oriental, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) cautioned that the first tsunami waves could hit coastal areas between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m. (PST) on October 10, 2025. The agency expects waves exceeding one meter above normal tides, potentially higher in enclosed bays and straits. Residents in high-risk zones have been urged to evacuate immediately.
Authorities reported structural damage in several areas, including Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte, where buildings and a church sustained serious harm. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also confirmed that hazardous tsunami waves may affect regions within 300 kilometres of the epicentre.
Neighbouring Indonesia has issued similar alerts for North Sulawesi and Papua, warning of waves up to 50 centimetres high.
This quake follows a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu province last week, killing at least 74 people and destroying the historic Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan.
&nbsp;

A 7.6 magnitude quake strikes Mindanao, triggering destructive tsunami warnings

Powerful 7.6 Quake Triggers Tsunami Alert

A harrowing earthquake struck off the coast of Cebu late Tuesday night, plunging central Visayas into chaos as buildings crumbled and residents raced into the streets. With aftershocks rattling the region, rescuers laboured through darkness to pull survivors from the wreckage.
Shortly before 10 pm local time, a magnitude 6.9 tremor struck about 10 km below the surface, centred near northern Cebu. Within hours, authorities confirmed at least 22 lives lost and 37 people injured across the province.
<img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1759278727135_8.jpg.jpg" alt="8.jpg" width="620" height="413">
In Bogo city alone, 14 fatalities have been reported, including several children. In San Remigio, the collapse of a sports complex during a local game cost six lives, among them a child struck by falling debris. Additional deaths came from Medellin and Tabuelan amidst extensive structural damage.
The earthquake&rsquo;s most visible blow fell on the heritage Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, where the stone fa&ccedil;ade partially collapsed. Miraculously, the Blessed Sacrament and iconic retablo remained intact&mdash;a glint of solace amid the rubble.
Rescue crews in San Remigio and Bogo scrambled to detect victims trapped beneath debris. Officials warned that the full toll may yet rise as efforts continue under challenging conditions.
Blackouts swept across Cebu and neighbouring central islands as the quake severed power lines. Explosions from transformers added to the alarm. Emergency services were dispatched to hospitalise the injured, while pleas for medical volunteers echoed across social media pages.
In a province already battered by a recent storm, officials declared states of calamity in affected municipalities. Governor Pam Baricuatro urged residents to stay in open areas and not return indoors until assessments are complete. As night deepened, the region waited anxiously &mdash; haunted by aftershocks and the possibility of more casualties.

Sta. Rosa church collapsed; injured rushed to hospital

Tremors rock Cebu in central Philippines, rescue scramble on amid aftershocks

Quake in Philippines kills scores, injures dozens

The death toll in flash floods caused by unrelenting rain in Palawan province in the southwestern Philippines climbed to five, local authorities said on Tuesday.&nbsp;
Jerry Alili, chief of the Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said rescuers found two bodies who went missing after floodwaters swept away their van, carrying 12 people, on Sunday night, Xinhua news agency reported.&nbsp;
The bodies of three other people were found on Monday, while seven passengers had been safely rescued and are now recuperating at a local hospital, local authorities earlier said. Palawan province recorded its heaviest 24-hour rainfall as the shear line continued to affect the area, local media reported. "We received 341 millimetres of rain within 24 hours.
That is 12 times the usual monthly allocation. All poured down in just one day," Alili said. Due to widespread flooding, Alili said over 2,000 families were forced to evacuate and have been staying in temporary government-run shelters. 
Earlier in 2024, massive flooding and landslides caused by tropical storm Trami in the Philippines led to 130 deaths and reports of missing persons, while many areas remained isolated with people in need of rescue. 
More than five million people were in the path of the storm, including nearly half a million who mostly fled to more than 6,300 emergency shelters in several provinces, the government agency said. 
Each year, about 20 storms and typhoons batter the Philippines, a Southeast Asian archipelago that lies between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. 
In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest recorded tropical cyclones, left more than 7,300 people dead or missing and flattened entire villages.
&mdash;IANS

Flooded streets, stranded people, rescuers in action

Rescuers recover bodies as floods wreak havoc in Palawan

Philippine Flash Floods Kill Five, Thousands Displaced

A small plane contracted by the US Defence Department crashed in the southern Philippines on Thursday, killing all four people on board, including one US service member, the US Indo-Pacific Command said.
The crash occurred in Maguindanao del Sur in the southern Philippines. Images from the crash site, confirmed by a US Defence official, show the wreckage of a Beechcraft King Air 350 in a rice field.
The official said the service member killed in the crash was a US Marine. It is unclear if the three Defence contractors were also US citizens.
The twin-engine turboprop aircraft was contracted by the Defence Department to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance at the request of the Philippines, Indo-Pacific Command said.
The crash occurred during a "routine mission," and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
The aircraft is registered to Metrea Special Aerospace ISR, Inc., according to publicly available data.
Metrea's website shows a Beechcraft King Air 350 &ndash; the type of aircraft that crashed &ndash; and advertises "integrated, turnkey Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (AISR) solutions to our defence partners".
The crash comes one day after new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held his first call with his counterpart from the Philippines, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. According to a readout of the call, the two discussed the importance of deterrence in the South China Sea and enhancing the capabilities of the Philippine military.
"The aircraft was providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies," the Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement about the crash on Mindanao island.
"The incident occurred during a routine mission in support of US-Philippine security cooperation activities."
The US military said one service member and three defence contractors were killed in the incident. They were not immediately identified pending notification of their families. "We can confirm no survivors of the crash," the statement said.
Small numbers of American troops are put on short-term rotational deployments in the Philippines, where the US military has helped provide intelligence to troops battling militants linked to the Islamic State group that remains active on Mindanao.
The Philippine military said in a statement it could not release information about the crash as the matter was classified and an investigation was ongoing. Police and soldiers were deployed to the site to prevent potential tampering with evidence, a police spokesman said.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;

Beechcraft King Air 350 crashes in Maguindanao del Sur, no survivors confirmed

4 Killed as US military Plane Crashes in Philippines

Seven people have been killed and one critically injured after a van crashed in South Cotabato province in the Philippines, a town spokesperson said on Tuesday.&nbsp;
Emil Sumagaysay, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer of Tupi town, said the accident happened along a descending road past 3 pm local time on Monday.
He said the van's brake failed, causing the car to ram into a roadside tree, killing seven passengers at the scene - four women, including two minors, and three men.
The victims were visiting tourist spots in the area when the crash occurred, Xinhua news agency reported.&nbsp;
"The driver, who survived although critically injured, was thrown off the driver's seat through the vehicle's windshield," Sumagaysay said in a radio interview.
Similarly, on December 17, a road crash involving a van and a pickup truck killed four people and injured 13 others in Misamis Oriental in the southern Philippines.
Police said the two vehicles collided around noon. The van was reportedly travelling downhill on a road curve in Laguindingan town when its driver lost control, veering into the opposite lane and colliding with the truck.
The crash resulted in the death of three van passengers and one truck passenger, according to the police.&nbsp;
However, an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fatal crash.
Earlier on December 6, a multi-vehicle road crash in the Philippine capital killed four people, with at least 25 others injured.
Police officer Napoleon Cabigon told reporters that the crash involved a truck, a bus, five cars, and 16 motorcycles. Three men and one woman were killed in the crash, which caused a heavy traffic jam in the area for hours.
Investigations showed that the truck's brakes had malfunctioned, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
The Metro Manila Development Authority reported 32 road crash incidents in the capital from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 6 (Thursday) alone. Traffic accidents in Metro Manila were common as cars crowded the roads during the Christmas season.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

The victims were visiting tourist spots in the area when the crash occurred (File Photo)

Van crashed into tree in South Cotabato province at around 3 pm on Dec 23

One More Crash in Philippines; 7 Killed, 1 Injured

Manila: The death toll from tropical storm Trami that slammed into the Philippines this week has risen to 46, with at least 20 other people still missing, authorities said on Friday. 
In a report, Office of Civil Defence administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said nine regions across the country have reported deaths related to Trami.
Bicol, a region southeast of Manila that bore the brunt of the storm, reported most of the deaths, at 28, followed by Calabarzon region with 15.
Other regions in the Philippines also reported Trami-related deaths, Xinhua news agency reported.
Trami, the 11th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, barrelled across the main Luzon Island, leaving a trail of destruction with disastrous flooding and landslides in the Bicol and Calabarzon regions.
Flash floods and landslides hit several regions in the Philippines on Tuesday, as Trami brought heavy rains and left many areas without power.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the storm impacted over 2.6 million people in at least 15 regions across the Southeast Asian country.
The figures, including the death toll, could rise as the police and other agencies continue to assess Trami&rsquo;s impact as access opens to some isolated villages.
As of Friday, the agency said 293 roads and 67 bridges nationwide remain not passable. Power has yet to be restored in some regions.
The state weather bureau said Trami was spotted 255 km southwest of Ilocos Sur province in the northern Philippines on Friday morning. It was moving west-northwestward, packing 95 km per hour winds and gusts of up to 151 km per hour.
The state weather bureau forecast Trami to exit the Philippines on Friday afternoon or evening.
An average of 20 typhoons lash the Philippines yearly.
&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

Death toll may rise after officials access the impact of the storm

It has impacted over 2.6 million people in as many as 15 regions across the country

‘Trami’: 46 killed, 20 missing in Philippines due to tropical storm

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

Manila News