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In a historic victory, Zohran Mamdani has been declared the winner of the New York mayoral elections by the Associated Press. With 75 per cent of the votes counted, Mamdani secured 50.4 per cent, while his closest rival, Andrew Cuomo, garnered 41.3 per cent. The declaration came at 9:34 p.m. EST after a tightly contested race across all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Mamdani&rsquo;s win marks a milestone in New York&rsquo;s political history, making him the first Muslim and Indian-origin individual to hold the city&rsquo;s highest office. He will officially assume charge on January 1, 2026, succeeding Eric Adams.
The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist assemblymember from Queens also becomes the youngest New York mayor in more than a century. His campaign gained strong momentum after a decisive 12-point victory in the Democratic primary earlier this year.
Despite challenges, including criticism from national political figures and shifting party endorsements, Mamdani maintained steady voter support. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump just before the election, trailed behind in the final count.
Mamdani&rsquo;s victory reflects a new wave of progressive leadership emerging in one of the world&rsquo;s most influential cities.

Zohran Mamdani creates history as the first Muslim Indian-origin Mayor of New York City

Zohran Mamdani Becomes New York Mayor

An NYPD officer was shot on Wednesday night in the Bronx, New York City, according to multiple reports citing law enforcement officials. 
The incident occurred near the intersection of Paulding Avenue and East Gun Hill Road shortly before 10:30 p.m. local time.
Police said one suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. 
A senior NYPD official told CBS News that the bullet grazed the officer&rsquo;s head and that he is currently in stable condition.
Details about what led to the shooting remain unclear, and authorities have not yet released information about the suspect.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.

An NYPD officer was shot in the Bronx late Wednesday night; one suspect is in custody

NYPD Officer Shotn Bronx, Now Stable

In a landmark ruling that underscores the imperative of accountability, Sean &ldquo;Diddy&rdquo; Combs was sentenced to four years and two months in prison by Indian-origin Judge Arun Subramanian. The sentencing concluded a nearly two-month-long federal trial in Manhattan, where multiple women testified against the hip-hop mogul, alleging threats, sexual assault, and coercion in connection with drug-fueled sex marathons spanning several years.
The sentence, accompanied by a $500,000 fine, reflects Judge Subramanian&rsquo;s stern stance on exploitation and abuse. During the hearing, he asked Combs directly, &ldquo;Why did it happen so long? Because you had the power and the resources to keep it going, and because you weren&rsquo;t caught.&rdquo; He went on to praise the courage of the women who came forward, stating, &ldquo;You gave them a voice. You stood up to power.&rdquo;
Also read <a href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/diddy-s-fall-from-fame-to-federal-shame/20254">https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/diddy-s-fall-from-fame-to-federal-shame/20254</a>
&nbsp;
Who is Arun Subramanian?&nbsp;
Arun Srinivas Subramanian, born in 1979 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Indian immigrant parents, has cultivated a distinguished legal career marked by pro bono advocacy and high-profile litigation. After earning his Bachelor of Arts from Case Western Reserve University, Subramanian received his Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 2004. His early career included prestigious clerkships with Judge Dennis Jacobs at the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Judge Gerard E. Lynch at the Southern District of New York, and ultimately, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the US Supreme Court.
Subramanian later joined the New York-based law firm Susman Godfrey LLP, where he became a partner and represented clients in cases that recovered over $1 billion, including championing victims of child pornography trafficking and consumer rights cases. His pro bono work has been extensive, serving on panels for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and contributing to public interest cases. Recommended for a federal judgeship by Senator Chuck Schumer, Subramanian was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2022 and confirmed in 2023, becoming the first South Asian judge appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
In delivering the sentence to Combs, Subramanian emphasized the broader societal implications of sexual abuse. He rejected the defense&rsquo;s portrayal of the rap mogul&rsquo;s &ldquo;freak offs&rdquo; and choreographed sex parties as consensual, noting the need for accountability: &ldquo;Given the prevalence of sexual violence in society, a substantial sentence must be given to send a message to abusers and victims alike that abuse against women is met with real accountability.&rdquo;
He also addressed Combs directly on the personal impact of his actions, remarking, &ldquo;I know you feel like you are in a dark place now, but these crimes were serious ones, and your violence, coercion and abuse have had devastating consequences for the women involved, women who loved and depend on you.&rdquo; The judge encouraged Combs to use his platform responsibly, stating, &ldquo;We all have voices. You have a megaphone.&rdquo;
For Combs, who expressed remorse before the court, the sentence accounts for time already served, leaving him with an additional 36 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The ruling stands as a high-profile example of justice delivered without fear or favor, demonstrating the judiciary&rsquo;s resolve in holding even prominent figures accountable.

Indian-Origin Judge Sends Sean ‘Diddy’ to Prison

Judge Arun Subramanian delivers a strong message on accountability in Diddy’s sentencing

In yet another clash with America&rsquo;s media giants, U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, four of its reporters, and publisher Penguin Random House. The suit, lodged in a Florida court, claims the outlets engaged in malicious attacks that have tarnished his personal reputation, political legacy, and even his business empire.
The filing points to a series of New York Times articles and a Penguin-published 2024 book, Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father&rsquo;s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success. Trump&rsquo;s lawyers argue that the publications were filled with &ldquo;repugnant distortions and fabrications&rdquo; and published with full knowledge that they would inflict reputational and financial harm.
&ldquo;Defendants maliciously published the Book and the Articles knowing that these publications were filled with repugnant distortions and fabrications about President Trump,&rdquo; the filing states.
Trump has tied the alleged damage directly to his business interests, pointing to losses in the stock value of Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG). &ldquo;The harm to the value of TMTG stock is one example of how the Defendants&rsquo; defamation has injured President Trump,&rdquo; his lawyers wrote, noting the company&rsquo;s share price has faced steep declines in recent months.
The lawsuit comes just days after Trump threatened legal action over New York Times reporting on allegedly suggestive notes linked to Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019. Trump has consistently denied any ongoing ties with Epstein, saying he distanced himself from him years before his legal troubles began.
In a fiery rant on Truth Social, Trump doubled down, calling the New York Times &ldquo;the worst and most degenerate newspaper in American history&rdquo; and accusing it of becoming a &ldquo;mouthpiece for the radical left Democrat Party.&rdquo; He argued the paper had been lying about him, his family, and movements like MAGA and America First,&nbsp;for decades.
This lawsuit is not an isolated battle. Trump has repeatedly targeted major news outlets he claims distort coverage against him. Earlier this year, he sued the Wall Street Journal and its parent companies, including Rupert Murdoch, seeking $10 billion over a report that tied his name to a 2003 birthday greeting for Epstein.
In July, Trump also forced a settlement with CBS parent Paramount over allegations that 60 Minutes deceptively edited an interview with then Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. He has touted that case as a &ldquo;successful litigation&rdquo; against the &ldquo;fake news media.&rdquo;
For Trump, the lawsuits form part of a broader strategy to frame himself as a victim of media persecution while rallying his base against the &ldquo;radical left.&rdquo; For his critics, they are seen as attempts to silence the press ahead of another contentious election season.
Either way, the courtroom showdown with the Times and Penguin promises to be one of Trump&rsquo;s most consequential media battles yet, one that pits the presidency against some of America&rsquo;s most powerful publishers.

President accuses media, publishers of decades of lies, bias, and damage to his brand

Trump Slaps $15B Suit on NYT, Penguin

No. 3 seed Aoi Ito of Japan and Indonesia&rsquo;s Janice Tjen will meet in an all-Asian clash in the final round of US Open qualifying. The winner will secure a place in the main draw.
Ito, 21, continued her strong summer form &mdash; which has included wins over Jasmine Paolini and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova &mdash; by defeating Spain&rsquo;s Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales 6-0, 1-6, 6-1 in a rollercoaster contest.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Tjen fought back from 3-5 down in the opening set and saved two set points to overcome Poland&rsquo;s Maja Chwalinska 7-5, 7-5. The victory marked her 99th match win since graduating last May. If successful, she would become the first Indonesian to play in a Grand Slam main draw since Angelique Widjaja at the 2004 US Open.
Persistent rain earlier in the week had caused scheduling chaos, pushing all second-round matches to Thursday and delaying the final round until Friday.
Among other notable results, 18-year-old No. 2 seed Tereza Valentova and 17-year-old Emerson Jones both wrapped up rain-delayed matches with straight-set wins. Andorra&rsquo;s Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva also staged a comeback victory over Astra Sharma to move one step closer to history as her nation&rsquo;s first Grand Slam main draw player.
Britain&rsquo;s top seed Francesca Jones advanced after a tense second set, defeating Ekaterine Gorgodze 6-1, 7-6(11).

Japan’s Aoi Ito and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen set up all-Asian US Open qualifier showdown

Ito, Tjen to Clash in US Open Qualifiers

New York City was shaken on Sunday morning after a deadly shooting inside a popular lounge in Brooklyn&rsquo;s Crown Heights neighborhood. The violence unfolded around 3:30 am at Taste of the City Lounge, where gunfire erupted suddenly, leaving behind a trail of chaos and panic.
According to police, three men were killed in the attack. Two of the victims were identified as 27 and 35 years old, while the age of the third victim has not yet been released. Eight others suffered injuries but are reported to be in stable condition after being rushed to local hospitals.&nbsp;Authorities said at least 36 shell casings were recovered from the scene, indicating multiple rounds of gunfire and possibly more than one shooter. Witnesses described scenes of fear and confusion as patrons scrambled for safety when the shots rang out.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the incident a &ldquo;terrible tragedy&rdquo; and confirmed that no arrests have been made yet. Detectives are working to identify the suspects and determine what led to the shooting.
The Crown Heights community has been left stunned by the violence, with residents demanding stronger safety measures and answers from authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Gunfire at NYC’s Crown Heights lounge kills three, injures eight, probe underway

Brooklyn Lounge Shooting Leaves 3 Dead

The UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution to extend for a year, until July 31, 2026, the sanctions against armed groups operating in the Central African Republic (CAR) as well as other individuals that undermine peace in the country.&nbsp;
Adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, Resolution 2789 instructs all the member states to "take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel of all types to armed groups and associated individuals operating in that country," according to a UNSC meeting coverage.
It also extends the mandate of the panel of experts that assists in the implementation of the sanctions until August 31, 2026, Xinhua news agency reported.
The UNSC lifted last year the arms embargo on the CAR government through Resolution 2745, but left in place the arms embargo on armed groups and associated individuals operating in the CAR and the targeted measures of asset freeze and travel ban against entities and individuals designated by the Sanctions Committee.
A year ago, by adopting resolution 2745 (2024) (document S/RES/2745(2024)), the Council lifted the arms embargo on the Central African Republic Government and its security forces. 
However, the embargo has remained in place for non-State actors, along with travel bans and asset freezes.
&ldquo;This renewal is identical to resolution 2745 (2024),&rdquo; said the representative of France, which led the drafting of the text. 
He highlighted that &ldquo;serious changes&rdquo; had been made under the previous text, allowing for the Council&rsquo;s unity on the issue for the first time since 2020. 
&ldquo;France wanted to build on this collective success by proposing this year a technical roll-over,&rdquo; he added.
&mdash;IANS

UNSC extends sanctions on Central African militias

UNSC extends restrictions on Central African Republic's armed groups to maintain stability

UNSC Extends Sanctions On CAR Armed Groups

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said that the Syrian interim authorities must act professionally and with discipline.&nbsp;
"A sovereign Syria must ultimately hold the monopoly on the legitimate use of force and operate under the rule of law," he told the UN Security Council.
Pedersen expressed concern about credible reports of widespread violations and abuses in Sweida, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes. 
He noted that among the reported perpetrators were members of the Syrian security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim authorities, Xinhua news agency reported.
"Sectarian incitement and abusive conduct particularly during security operations is simply inexcusable. The state has a clear duty to act professionally and with discipline, even when under attack. It must take control of its forces and ensure visible accountability &mdash; key to rebuilding trust, enhancing security, and promoting unity," he said.
Syrians must feel that the state and its forces exist only to protect them, as is the stated policy of the interim president, Pedersen said, adding that "the gap between that policy and reality on the ground must close."
Loyalty to the state "must be earned through a genuine process that builds a representative state, protects the rights of all, and embraces all segments of society as equal," he added.
Referring to the inclusiveness of the political transition, Pedersen said that "many Syrians express concern about centralised power, limited transparency, weak checks and balances, and insufficient means for genuine public consultation, participation and scrutiny," warning of the risk of "deepening feelings of exclusion and undermining belief in the transition."
The UN envoy said that the formation of a People's Assembly is a crucial step in the political transition, and is expected to take place in September.
"It is absolutely vital that all major Syrian groups and components are fully included as electors and candidates," said Pedersen, referring to the importance of women's participation in both sectors.
The UN envoy said that the United Nations "is ready to do all it can to help, working with the authorities and all Syrians," adding that "the Syrian political transition simply cannot fail."
&mdash;IANS

UN envoy addresses Syria’s political transition challenges

UN warns Syria to control forces, ensure accountability and protect citizens' rights

UN Tells Syria To Ensure Disciplined Governance

The amount of food aid reaching hungry Gazans following Israel's opening of avenues of access is only a slight uptick, a UN spokesman said.&nbsp;
"We've only had one day of this so far, so we'll have to see whether this improves," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. 
"But there was a small uptick from what we've been having, which was a few dozen trucks going in for these days."
Haq said only about 100 truckloads of aid entered the Gaza Strip on Sunday, which is about one-fifth of what should be getting through, Xinhua news agency reported.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that out of 17 missions requiring coordination with Israeli authorities on Sunday, only eight were facilitated, including the collection of fuel and supplies. 
Four missions, including the uplift of food cargo, were impeded but accomplished.
"The long-standing restrictions on the entry of aid have created an unpredictable environment with a lack of confidence by communities that aid will reach them," OCHA said. 
"This has resulted in many of our convoys being offloaded directly by starving, desperate people."
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher on Sunday welcomed Israel's easing of restrictions on Gaza aid, saying that it will help alleviate the tremendous suffering of the starving population, adding that vast amounts of aid are needed to stave off famine and a catastrophic health crisis.
The World Food Program said it has enough food in the region or en route to feed the starving population for about three months, while the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees reported that 6,000 trucks in Jordan and Egypt were waiting to enter Gaza.
The World Health Organization said that July was the worst month for deaths linked to malnutrition, with more than 85% of malnutrition-related deaths recorded in 2025. 
Nearly one in five children under the age of 5 in Gaza City is acutely malnourished.
The office reiterated the urgency of a permanent ceasefire to provide adequate assistance and aid. 
"Israeli authorities must open all crossings and corridors to ensure the delivery of aid in an equitable and dignified manner," it said.
OCHA said that modest quantities of fuel reached Gaza last week, adding that fuel must be allowed in to keep aid operations running, including operating the trucks to collect and distribute cargo.
&mdash;IANS

Gaza aid flow sees minor rise as UN calls for full access and permanent ceasefire

UN Reports Minor Rise In Gaza Aid Access

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on the groundbreaking sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 following a drowning incident in Costa Rica.
According to local authorities, Warner was vacationing along the country&rsquo;s Pacific coast when the tragic accident occurred. Emergency responders confirmed the actor was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is underway, though officials suspect no foul play.
Warner rose to fame in the 1980s playing the witty and relatable teenage son of Bill Cosby&rsquo;s character in the hit NBC series. His role made him a household name and a symbol of positive Black representation on television during its era.
Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner enjoyed a successful career spanning film, television, voice acting, and spoken word poetry. He earned critical acclaim in recent years for his Emmy-winning performance in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson and for roles in Suits, The Resident, and Reed Between the Lines.
Tributes have begun to flood social media, with fans, co-stars, and fellow actors remembering Warner not only as a talented performer but as a thoughtful artist and advocate. "Gone too soon. A kind soul and a quiet force in our industry," one actor wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Warner is survived by family members and is remembered for his contributions to American television and culture over more than four decades.

‘Cosby Show’ Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54

Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowns in Costa Rica at 54; tributes pour in from fans and peer

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

New York City News