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Less than two weeks after the deadly Bondi attack that killed 15 people, Australia&rsquo;s New South Wales government has rushed through some of the toughest gun and protest laws in the country, arguing that extraordinary measures are needed to restore public safety. The legislation, passed in the early hours of Wednesday, dramatically expands police powers while tightening restrictions on firearms and public assembly.
At the heart of the changes is a new provision allowing police to restrict protests for up to three months following a terrorism declaration. Authorities will also be empowered to move people on if their presence is deemed to cause fear, harassment or intimidation, and the public display of symbols linked to prohibited organisations will be banned. The government has said that once such a declaration is made, &ldquo;no public assemblies can be authorised in designated areas.&rdquo;
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the scale of the shift, saying the laws involve &ldquo;very significant changes that not everyone will agree with,&rdquo; but insisted the state had been irrevocably altered by the Bondi attack. He added that reviewing hate speech and tightening gun ownership, particularly limiting certain firearms to agricultural use, would help &ldquo;calm a combustible situation.&rdquo;
Civil liberties groups, however, say the laws go far beyond security. Palestinian, Jewish and Indigenous organisations have announced plans to challenge the legislation in court, warning it grants &ldquo;sweeping powers to effectively ban protests&rdquo; and suppress political dissent. UN special rapporteur Ben Saul urged restraint, cautioning that &ldquo;overreach does not make us safer it lets terror win,&rdquo; as the debate over security versus democratic freedoms intensifies.

New gun curbs, protest limits spark backlash over free speech in Australia’s largest state

NSW Pushes Sweeping Post-Bondi Laws

Australia&rsquo;s landmark law banning social media access for users under 16 has triggered sweeping action across major platforms, with Meta beginning to remove minors from Instagram, Facebook and Threads ahead of the December 10 deadline. The company said it was &ldquo;working hard&rdquo; to identify and block young users, acknowledging that the process would remain &ldquo;ongoing and multilayered.&rdquo;
The legislation requires 10 platforms including TikTok, YouTube and Twitch, to take &ldquo;reasonable steps&rdquo; to block underage users or face penalties up to 49.5 million AUD. Instagram alone is estimated to have more than 350,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15, all of whom are likely to be affected. Some platforms such as WhatsApp, Pinterest and Roblox remain exempt for now.
While Meta said it would comply fully, the company pressed for systemic reform, arguing that app stores should handle age verification and parental consent. YouTube raised sharper concerns, claiming the new rules could leave minors &ldquo;less safe&rdquo; by pushing them to browse without logged-in protections, a position Australia&rsquo;s communications minister dismissed as &ldquo;weird&rdquo; and insufficient.
The government insists the crackdown is vital, pointing to cases where harmful algorithmic content exacerbated mental health crises among teens. Digital rights groups, however, have challenged the law as a threat to free expression. As Australia becomes the first nation to attempt such sweeping age restrictions, regulators worldwide from Europe to Malaysia, are watching closely.

Meta Begins Removing Teens Under 16 in Australia

Australia enforces world-first social media age ban; Meta, YouTube push back

Erin Patterson, 50, has been sentenced to a minimum of 33 years in prison for murdering three relatives with a Beef Wellington laced with deadly death cap mushrooms, in what has become one of Australia&rsquo;s most shocking homicide cases.
The meal, served at her home in Leongatha, Victoria, in July 2023, killed her mother-in-law, Gail Patterson, father-in-law, Donald Patterson, and Gail&rsquo;s sister Heather Wilkinson. Heather&rsquo;s husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived after weeks in hospital.
Justice Christopher Beale said the killings were carefully planned and highlighted Patterson&rsquo;s lack of remorse. &ldquo;The devastating impact of your crimes is not limited to your direct victims. Your crimes have harmed a great many people,&rdquo; he said, noting the trauma inflicted on Patterson&rsquo;s own children, who lost their grandparents.
Patterson has been kept in near-continuous solitary confinement for her safety. With time already served, she will be eligible for parole only at age 82, though prosecutors argued she should never be released.
The case also resurfaced allegations from her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, who testified that he once slipped into a coma after eating a chicken korma she had prepared in 2022.
Like India&rsquo;s infamous &ldquo;Curry and Cyanide&rdquo; case, where Jolly Joseph poisoned six family members over 14 years by lacing their meals with cyanide, Patterson&rsquo;s crime underscores a chilling pattern of domestic poisoning disguised through food. Both cases reveal how trust and hospitality shared meals with loved ones were weaponised for control, revenge, and hidden motives.

Erin Patterson gets 33 years for killing three relatives with deadly mushroom-laced meal

Aussie Woman Jailed for Mushroom Murders

Saurabh Anand, a 33-year-old Indian-origin man, was left critically injured after a brutal machete attack in Melbourne, Australia. The assault occurred on July 19 around 7:30 p.m. near the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows.
Anand was walking home from a pharmacy and speaking to a friend on the phone when five teenagers surrounded him. One attacker checked his pockets, another punched him repeatedly in the head, and a third held a machete to his throat.
While trying to protect himself, Anand suffered three severe blows to his arm with the machete, nearly severing his hand. He also sustained stab wounds to the shoulder and back, resulting in a fractured spine and broken bones.
Despite the intense pain and injuries, he managed to leave the area and call for help. At the hospital, doctors initially considered amputating his hand, but a complex surgery allowed it to be reattached successfully.
Four of the five teenagers involved in the assault have been arrested, and police investigations are ongoing.
This incident comes shortly after another Indian, Charanpreet Singh, was reportedly racially abused and assaulted by a group of men in a separate case involving a parking dispute.
The back-to-back attacks have raised concerns about the safety of Indian-origin residents in Australia.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/india/25-vehicle-crash-on-mumbai-pune-e-way-kills-1/17042" target="_blank" rel="noopener">25-Vehicle Crash on Mumbai-Pune E-Way Kills 1</a>
&nbsp;

Saurabh Anand survives brutal machete attack

Saurabh Anand survives brutal machete attack in Melbourne; teens arrested

Indian Man's Hand Reattached After Machete Attack

Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues is set to make her return to the Women&rsquo;s Big Bash League (WBBL) for a second consecutive season after being retained by the Brisbane Heat in the first round of the WBBL International Player Draft held on Thursday.
The Melbourne Stars had initially attempted to draft Rodrigues with their third pick, but Brisbane Heat exercised their retention rights to bring her back into their squad.
"Indian superstar Jemimah Rodrigues will return to the Weber Women&rsquo;s Big Bash League for the second season in a row as she strives to lift the Brisbane Heat to the title this summer," the franchise said in an official statement.
The 24-year-old had a strong showing in the previous season, scoring 267 runs at an impressive strike rate of 139.06, making her the second-highest run-scorer for the Heat. Her performance helped the team reach the WBBL final, where they ended as runners-up to the Melbourne Renegades.
Rodrigues shared her excitement in a message to fans: "I&rsquo;m super, super, super excited to be rejoining you all back in Brisbane."
Rodrigues recently hit a career-best ODI score of 123 against Sri Lanka and also played alongside Jess Jonassen, Brisbane Heat&rsquo;s captain, for the Delhi Capitals in the 2025 Women&rsquo;s Premier League (WPL) in India.
The Heat also picked West Indies allrounder Chinelle Henry in the third round. Henry made headlines with a blistering 18-ball fifty, equalling the record for the fastest half-century in the tournament and ending with a strike rate of 196.
South African allrounder Nadine de Klerk, who signed a multi-year deal last year, was also confirmed for WBBL 11.
The inclusion of Rodrigues and Henry takes the Heat squad to 11 players, with four more names to be announced following the T20 Spring Challenge.
Brisbane Heat WBBL 11 Squad (so far): Jess Jonassen, Nadine de Klerk (SA), Chinelle Henry (WI), Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Charli Knott, Grace Parsons, Georgia Redmayne, Jemimah Rodrigues (India).
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
&nbsp;

Brisbane Heat Retain Jemimah Rodrigues for WBBL Season 11

Indian star Jemimah Rodrigues returns to Brisbane Heat after a stellar 2023 WBBL campaign

The triple Olympic champion swimmer Summer McIntosh has shattered the world record in the 200m individual medley, rewriting Hungarian legend Katinka Hosszu's decade-old mark.&nbsp;
McIntosh, who won three gold medals at the 2024 Olympic in Paris, clocked 2 minutes, 5.70 seconds on Monday at the Canadian trials for the World Championships in Singapore in July and August.
She split 57.99 on the opening 100 to be .95 ahead of the world record pace at the halfway mark, only to fall off the a bit on the breaststroke leg. McIntosh trailed Hosszu&rsquo;s world record pace by .14 heading into the final 50 before racing home in 29.95 to shatter the old record.
"It's awesome and 200m IM I think is my main race out of my top five, six races where I really have to execute perfectly,&rdquo; McIntosh said.
McIntosh broke her second world record in the meet&rsquo;s first three days. She demolished the 400m freestyle world record on Saturday in 3:54.18 to open the qualifiers. Then on Sunday, she swam the third-fastest 800m free in history, trailing only Katie Ledecky&rsquo;s top two times.&nbsp;
The 18-year-old Canadian was previously the third-fastest 200m IMer in history thanks to her 2:06.56 to win Paris Olympic gold. With Monday&rsquo;s time, she passed American Ariana Kukors, who swam 2:06.15 at the 2009 Worlds, and Hosszu.
"Breaststroke has always been my weakest so getting through that 50, just trying to get to the wall and knowing that I'll be really strong in that last 50 because my freestyle has been great here so far.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Overall I'm really happy with that time and I always just trying to keep pushing forward but I'll have to look over my splits to see where my breaststroke was but happy with it," McIntosh, who will swim the 200m butterfly on Tuesday, said.
McIntosh won three gold medals in 200m individual medley, 200m butterfly and 400m medley event at the Paris Games last year.
(Apart from the headline, this article has not been edited by Benefit News editorial team and is published from an IANS news feed.)

McIntosh trailed Hosszu's pace by 0.14 before finishing strong with 29.95 to set a new record

McIntosh Breaks Hosszu's 200m IM World Record

Australia and England will play a day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in March 2027 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Test cricket, the Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday. 
&ldquo;The 150th anniversary Test from March 11-15, 2027, will be the first time the Australian men have played a Test under lights at the MCG, the scene of the first Test match in 1877 and the Centenary Test in 1977&ndash;remarkably, both won by Australia by 45 runs,&rdquo; it said in a statement.
It will be the first day-night men&rsquo;s Test match at the MCG, which follows the historic first day-night Test at the MCG earlier this year where Australia&rsquo;s women completed an Ashes clean sweep.
CA insisted staging the Test as a day-night match would allow more people to attend and watch the 150th anniversary Test given it will be played outside the school holiday period.
&ldquo;The 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG will be one of the great cricket events and playing under lights will be a fantastic way to celebrate both our game&rsquo;s rich heritage and Test cricket&rsquo;s modern evolution. It will also help ensure more people are able to attend and watch what will be a fantastic occasion,&rdquo; CA Chief Executive Todd Greenberg said in a statement.
&ldquo;The Centenary Test created many iconic performances including David Hookes&rsquo; five consecutive boundaries off Tony Greig, Rick McCosker batting with a broken jaw and Derek Randall&rsquo;s defiant century, and I&rsquo;m sure the 150th Test will create its own lifelong memories.
&ldquo;This season&rsquo;s Ashes series will whet the appetite for this clash in exactly two years, and we look forward to celebrating this historic occasion further as it draws nearer. We are thankful to the Victorian government and the Melbourne Cricket Club for their incredible support to host this momentous Test match,&rdquo; he added.
The 150th anniversary Test will be played after Australia&rsquo;s five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in India that year. Following a landmark Test at the MCG, they will head to England for the Ashes and potentially a World Test Championship final. The year will conclude with the World Cup in South Africa.
&ldquo;With the now complex international schedule, it takes significant planning and support to conduct an event such as this and we are thankful to everyone including the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Victorian government for their enthusiasm to host this momentous Test match. The 150th anniversary Test will be a spectacular event and one, like the 1977 Centenary Test, that will live long in the memory of those who attend,&rdquo; Peter Roach, CA Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling, said.
&mdash;IANS

The day/night Test will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia —File Photo

Match will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to mark 150th anniversary of Test cricket

Aus-Eng to Play Historic Day-Night Test

Novak Djokovic's bid for the record 11th Australian Open took a major blow as the Serbian great retired with injury following a first set of the semifinal against Alexander Zverev on Friday. 
The 37-year-old took to social media to reflect on his retirement from the semi-final stating he &ldquo;could only push so far&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Tried to recover for today&rsquo;s match but I could only push so far. Nevertheless, positives to take out of this year&rsquo;s Aus Open. Congratulations to @AlexZverev for making another GS final. I wish you to win the title because you deserve it, my friend,&rdquo; said Djokovic in a social media post.&nbsp;
After losing that first set in 81 minutes, Djokovic retired when Zverev was leading the match 7-6(5). Djokovic sent the ball into the net to give up the mini-break and lose the first set in a tiebreak. 
Immediately after he lost a 7-6(5) opening set, Djokovic shook the hand of the No. 2, sending the German through to the final. The Serbian pushed Zverev throughout a one-hour, 21-minute opening set, but could not battle on any longer after he missed a volley on set point. 
After overcoming his upper-leg injury in an inspired quarterfinal performance against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic was clearly limited against Zverev despite keeping the scoreline close. 
Djokovic pushed through the pain on Tuesday to overcome Alcaraz in his bid to win a record-extending 25th major. 
The Serbian, who had his upper left leg taped during his win against Alcaraz, was chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and had famously won the hard-court event in 2023 while managing an injury.&nbsp;
Through to his third major final, Zverev awaits defending champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic is the third man in the Open Era to play in the semifinals at the Australian Open aged 37 or older, joining Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer. 
The former No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings struggled to find his top level at the majors in 2024, with his victory against World No. 3 Alcaraz in the quarterfinal being his first against a Top 10 player at a Slam since 2023 when he overcame Daniil Medvedev to capture his 24th major at the US Open.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic shakes hands after retiring

Djokovic reflects on injury retirement: 'I could only push so far.'

Djokovic Retires Injured in Aus Open Semifinal

Wakana Sonobe etched her name into the history books by becoming the first Japanese player to win the Australian Open girls&rsquo; singles title. The 17-year-old delivered a commanding performance in the final, dismantling American doubles champion Kristina Penickova 6&ndash;0, 6&ndash;1 in just 54 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;
Sonobe&rsquo;s final victory, her fastest singles match of the tournament, capped a remarkable campaign at Melbourne Park. The Japanese star entered the match fresh from a semi-final win over No.1 seed and home favorite Emerson Jones, showcasing nerves of steel and an unrelenting drive.&nbsp;
Her path to the title was marked by resilience and dominance. Across six matches, Sonobe dropped just one set, a grueling 7&ndash;6 decider in her two-hour-and-29-minute first-round clash against China&rsquo;s Zhang Reuien. From there, she was unstoppable, using aggressive play and tactical precision to keep her opponents at bay.
In the final, Sonobe hit 14 winners compared to Penickova&rsquo;s six and committed only 13 unforced errors, 12 fewer than her rival. Her ability to stay focused and control the match&rsquo;s tempo earned her a well-deserved victory as per ATP Stats.
Sonobe&rsquo;s triumph was witnessed by her family, who had traveled from Saitama, Japan, to cheer her on, along with her coach Ryuji Hirooka. The victory was particularly sweet for Sonobe, who had narrowly missed out on her first Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, finishing runner-up to Mika Stojsavljevic.
&ldquo;This was not easy for me today,&rdquo; Sonobe said in her post-match interview. &ldquo;She [Penickova] is a good player, so strong and powerful. I tried to hit hard and aggressive, and that worked.&rdquo;
Hirooka, who has been coaching Sonobe for three years, was full of praise for her dedication and potential. &ldquo;She always has these really good moments where whatever she does turns into winners. When she&rsquo;s locked in like today, no one can beat her,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
Sonobe&rsquo;s achievement is a significant milestone in Japanese tennis, making her only the second junior singles title winner at Melbourne Park, following Rei Sakamoto&rsquo;s boys&rsquo; title last season. The victory has not only cemented her place in history but also set the stage for an exciting professional career.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to play more pro tournaments, and I want to get a pro title this year,&rdquo; Sonobe said.&nbsp;
Hirooka expressed confidence in her ability to reach the sport&rsquo;s upper echelons. &ldquo;I believe she&rsquo;ll be a top-10 player,&rdquo; he asserted. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s coachable, focused, and has the talent to compete with anyone. That&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;re working for.&rdquo;
&mdash;IANS

Wakana Sonobe gave excellent performance by smashing Kristina Penickova with 6–0, 6–1 in 54 mins

Wakana Sonobe: First Japanese to Win AusOpen

American youngster Ben Shelton, after an entertaining win against Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday, reached the Australian Open last four which is his second career grand slam semifinal. 
The 22-year-old American, who reached the last four at his home major in 2023, is two victories from the title in Melbourne after a 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) win at Rod Laver Arena. 
Shelton is the second active American man to reach multiple major semi-finals after Frances Tiafoe, and the second active man from his nation to reach the Australian Open semis after Tommy Paul, according to ATP. 
Shelton's patience from the baseline paid off in the first two sets, as the American skillfully chose his moments to unleash his lefty forehand and finish points at the net. 
The highlight of the match occurred early in the second set, when Sonego saved a break point with a diving drop volley that spun back onto his side of the net.
Shelton, visibly stunned, extended a handshake as Sonego basked in the applause.
While both players had several break point opportunities in the first two sets, there were no break points in the third set until Shelton lost his final service game, handing the set to his opponent.&nbsp;
In the fourth, it appeared as if the match was swinging in Sonego&rsquo;s favour, but Shelton crucially saved a break point in the sixth game to snap any shift in momentum. 
The 22-year-old bided his time before pouncing in the tie-break to seal victory. The American awaits defending champion Jannik Sinner or home favourite Alex de Minaur in Friday's semifinals. 
"If it&rsquo;s the home favourite Alex de Minaur [in the semi-finals], you guys can boo me, throw stuff at my head... I understand. If it&rsquo;s the No. 1 in the world (Jannik Sinner), it&rsquo;ll probably be the same, so I&rsquo;m looking forward to it. I know I got a few in the crowd who are going to be pulling for me too," said Shelton.
Up six places to No. 14 this week in the ATP Live Rankings, Shleton could move as high as No. 5 by winning his first Grand Slam title.
&mdash;IANS

Ben Shelton celebrates Australian Open semifinal victory

American Ben Shelton defeats Sonego, enters second Grand Slam semifinal at Aus Open

Ben Shelton Advances to Australian Open Semifinal

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

Melbourne News