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At least 121 people were killed this week in Rio de Janeiro in what authorities have described as Brazil&rsquo;s deadliest police operation. 
The raids targeted the Comando Vermelho (CV), or Red Command ,one of the nation&rsquo;s oldest and most powerful criminal organizations, which dominates the drug trade in several cities.
The large-scale operation took place just days before the United Nations COP30 climate summit in northern Brazil, with Rio preparing to host the associated C40 global mayors&rsquo; meeting and the Earthshot Prize awards led by Britain&rsquo;s Prince William.
What Is the Comando Vermelho?
The Comando Vermelho is one of Brazil&rsquo;s most influential and long-standing criminal groups. 
It is deeply involved in drug and arms trafficking and has been responsible for decades of violent territorial battles with rival gangs.
While its power has fluctuated over time due to conflicts with other organizations, particularly the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Brazil&rsquo;s largest crime syndicate based in S&atilde;o Paulo, the CV continues to play a central role in Rio&rsquo;s narcotics trade and remains synonymous with the city&rsquo;s underworld violence.
The Origins of the Gang
The Comando Vermelho traces its roots to the early 1970s, when political prisoners and common criminals were held together in a maximum-security prison in Rio de Janeiro during Brazil&rsquo;s military dictatorship.
The political prisoners introduced ideas of hierarchy, discipline, and solidarity, principles that became the backbone of the CV&rsquo;s organization. 
Originally formed to protect inmates, the gang soon began expanding its reach beyond prison walls, recruiting from other jails and establishing dominance across Rio&rsquo;s favelas.
Today, the CV controls large areas of Rio&rsquo;s periphery, overseeing drug sales and enforcing its own order through intimidation and violence. 
The group is also linked to extortion, robbery, and even the control of certain public utilities such as local internet services.
According to Insight Crime, the CV has an estimated 30,000 members.
Expansion and Influence
Over the years, the Comando Vermelho has extended its operations to other Brazilian states ,including Amazonas, Bahia, Goias, and Espirito Santo, in search of new drug and arms routes, especially through the Amazon region.
Authorities reported that CV leaders from several states were killed during this week&rsquo;s coordinated raids. 
A recent report by the Brazilian Public Security Forum highlighted a surge in violent crime in the Amazon, driven by conflicts between the CV and rival gangs over control of key smuggling corridors that connect South American cocaine producers to international markets.
Why Police Launched the Operation
According to state police, the large-scale raids had been under planning for more than two months. 
The operation was designed to flush gang members out of Rio&rsquo;s densely populated favelas and into a forested hillside, where a special forces unit was waiting in ambush.
Since 2022, the Comando Vermelho has regained control over several neighborhoods in Rio that had previously been taken by rival groups. 
In February, the CV briefly entered into a truce with the PCC, but the ceasefire collapsed within weeks.
The CV continues to battle the PCC for control of trafficking routes and prison territories. 
It also faces threats from paramilitary organizations composed of current and former law enforcement officers, as well as rival local gangs such as the Terceiro Comando (Third Command).

Armed police raid Rio favela amid crackdown

Over 120 killed in Rio as police crack down on Comando Vermelho, Brazil’s deadly drug gang

Brazil Raids Target Comando Vermelho Gang

Rio de Janeiro woke up to grief, fury, and disbelief on Wednesday after one of Brazil&rsquo;s deadliest police operations left at least 132 people dead including four officers, in what residents, activists, and rights groups are calling nothing short of a massacre.
The sprawling city, known for its music and mountains, was instead filled with the sound of helicopters and gunfire as state police launched raids against the powerful Comando Vermelho, the Red Command gang that controls much of Rio&rsquo;s drug trade. The operation spiraled into chaos, turning crowded favelas into war zones. Schools were closed, roads were sealed, and terrified families fled their homes as clashes raged for hours.&nbsp;By nightfall, the death toll had soared. The state&rsquo;s head of security, Victor Santos, admitted that &ldquo;the elevated lethality of the operation was expected but not desired,&rdquo; adding that reports of police &ldquo;misconduct&rdquo; would be investigated. Yet for many in Rio, the damage was already beyond measure.
President Luiz In&aacute;cio Lula da Silva, visibly shaken, said he was &ldquo;appalled&rdquo; by the carnage. He instructed his justice minister and the federal police chief to fly to Rio and meet with the state governor. &ldquo;We cannot accept that organized crime continues to destroy families, oppress residents, and spread drugs and violence across cities,&rdquo; Lula wrote on X. &ldquo;We need coordinated work that strikes at the backbone of drug trafficking without putting police, children, and innocent families at risk.&rdquo;
The operation, launched by state forces without federal backing, was described by Rio&rsquo;s conservative governor as the beginning of a &ldquo;war.&rdquo; Brazil&rsquo;s justice minister, Ricardo Lewandowski, publicly rebuked the raid, calling it &ldquo;extremely bloody, extremely violent.&rdquo; He warned that &ldquo;physical force alone isn&rsquo;t enough. Confrontation must be carried out with intelligence, planning, and coordination.&rdquo;&nbsp;As dawn broke over the favelas, the aftermath was harrowing. Locals laid bloodied bodies along the narrow streets; sons, brothers, neighbors, victims of what they called indiscriminate violence. &ldquo;I just want to take my son out of here and bury him,&rdquo; a grieving mother said, clutching the body of her teenage boy.
The United Nations human rights office condemned the killings, urging Brazilian authorities to investigate swiftly. &ldquo;We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, and urge prompt and effective investigations,&rdquo; the UN said in a statement.&nbsp;Local activist Raull Santiago described what he saw in chilling terms. &ldquo;We saw executed people: shot in the back, shots to the head, stab wounds, people tied up. This level of brutality, the hatred that is spread, there&rsquo;s no other way to describe it except as a massacre.&rdquo;
As the federal and state governments face mounting pressure, Brazil&rsquo;s latest police raid has once again raised an agonizing question, how far can a state go in the name of law and order before it becomes indistinguishable from the violence it seeks to stop?

Brazil’s Drug War Turns Into a Massacre

At least 130 killed in Rio’s deadliest police raid as outrage and UN condemnation mount

Rio de Janeiro witnessed one of the deadliest police operations in its history this week, leaving at least 60 people dead, including four officers. The large-scale law enforcement raid targeted criminal gangs operating in the city&rsquo;s northern favelas, in what authorities are calling Operation Containment.
Governor Claudio Castro confirmed the figures, saying 60 &ldquo;criminals&rdquo; had been &ldquo;neutralised&rdquo; and 81 suspects arrested. &ldquo;What do we want? A Rio de Janeiro and a Brazil free of crime. We will not retreat,&rdquo; Castro said in a statement, defending the unprecedented crackdown. The operation was reportedly the largest ever against the powerful Comando Vermelho (Red Command), a notorious drug cartel that dominates much of Rio&rsquo;s narcotics trade.
Around 2,500 officers took part in the mission, using armoured vehicles and helicopters as they raided the Alemao and Penha favela complexes, densely packed neighbourhoods often controlled by gangs or militias. Gunfire erupted soon after police entered the area, resulting in dozens of casualties. Witnesses said stray bullets hit bystanders, and families were seen pleading to recover bodies left on the streets. &ldquo;These are relatives of people taken here who are very angry,&rdquo; said one local reporter. &ldquo;They say there are still 20 bodies up the hill they can&rsquo;t reach.&rdquo;
The Comando Vermelho gang has long been central to Brazil&rsquo;s cocaine trafficking network, working with Colombian and Amazonian suppliers. According to government data, Brazil recorded over 180,000 drug trafficking incidents in 2023 and seized nearly 130,000 kilograms of cocaine, making it the world&rsquo;s second-largest consumer after the United States.
Human rights advocates have condemned the operation&rsquo;s brutality, calling it a &ldquo;massacre&rdquo; ahead of next week&rsquo;s high-profile events in Rio, including the C40 World Mayors Summit and Prince William&rsquo;s Earthshot Prize. Critics argue that large-scale police crackdowns often intensify before global gatherings. With Brazil preparing for elections in 2026, the issue of law enforcement and gang violence is expected to dominate the national debate.

60 Killed in Brazil’s Deadliest Police Raid

Rio de Janeiro sees bloodiest police operation in history; over 60 killed in drug raid

80 Killed in Brazil’s Deadliest Police Raid

Brazil&rsquo;s powerful industrial lobby has raised the alarm over fresh US tariffs, warning that the new trade barriers could derail Brazil&rsquo;s export growth streak, weaken job creation, and dampen investor confidence.
According to the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), export expectations for the next six months fell by 5.1 points to 46.6 in August, marking the first contraction signal in nearly two years. Any reading below 50 suggests declining trade prospects.
&ldquo;The worsening of export expectations is closely related to uncertainties in the external environment, mainly due to the new US trade policy,&rdquo; said Isabella Bianchi, policy and industry analyst at CNI.
A 50% tariff on multiple Brazilian products, enforced by Washington from August 6, has already started biting. Despite production growth, industrial employment fell in July. The CNI&rsquo;s employment index dropped to 49.3 in August, reflecting subdued hiring outlooks.
Investor sentiment is also cooling. The investment intention index slipped to 54.6 points, its lowest since October 2023, though still marginally above the historical average of 52.5.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has strongly rebutted US criticism. &ldquo;It is a lie when the US President says that Brazil is a bad trading partner. Brazil is good, it just won&rsquo;t bow down to the US government,&rdquo; Lula asserted at an event in Pernambuco.
Earlier, Donald Trump described Brazil as a &ldquo;horrible trading partner&rdquo; and criticized ongoing legal proceedings against former president Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a &ldquo;political execution.&rdquo; Lula responded sharply, insisting that &ldquo;democracy is judging Bolsonaro.&rdquo;
As tensions escalate, Brazilian industry fears a prolonged trade standoff could slow an economy that has relied heavily on export-led momentum over the past 21 months.

US Tariffs Threaten Brazil’s Export Momentum

CNI warns fresh US duties could hurt exports, jobs and investment in Brazil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit here in Brazil.&nbsp;
PM Modi had earlier met President Diaz-Canel at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, where Cuba was a special invitee.&nbsp;
During his meeting with the Cuban President, PM Modi conveyed appreciation for Cuba&rsquo;s recognition of Ayurveda and extended support for integrating Ayurveda into Cuba&rsquo;s public health system.&nbsp;
The Prime Minister also proposed Cuba&rsquo;s recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia, which will lead to access to Indian generic medicines.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "It was wonderful to meet President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez of Cuba. In our talks, we covered a wide range of subjects. Economic relations between our nations have a lot of potential to grow in the coming times. Equally promising are sectors like technology, healthcare and energy. The growing acceptance of Ayurveda in Cuba is surely a great thing. We even discussed ways to strengthen the disaster management apparatus."
The PMO, in a statement, mentioned that the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties in the areas of economic cooperation, development partnership, fintech, capacity building, science and technology, disaster management and healthcare.
Acknowledging India&rsquo;s expertise in the digital domain, President Diaz-Canel expressed interest in India's Digital Public Infrastructure and UPI.
The two leaders agreed to work on issues of concern to the global South, including in the areas of health, pandemics and climate change. They appreciated the cooperation between the two countries in the multilateral arena.
Ayurveda, an indigenous ancient medical science of India, is more than 5,000 years old and is considered to be an "upveda" of Atharva Veda.
In fact, the mention of the use of herbs for medicinal purposes is found in Rigveda.
The word Ayurveda is a combination of two words &mdash;Ayu (life) and Veda (science).
PM Modi appreciating Cuba for Ayurveda's introduction to the public health system is yet another proud example of the growing outreach of Indian cultural roots, gradually spreading far and wide.
&mdash;IANS

PM Modi meets Cuban President, discusses Ayurveda

PM Modi lauds Cuba for integrating Ayurveda into its public health system at BRICS Summit

PM Modi Hails Cuba’s Ayurveda Integration

Jair da Costa, a member of the Brazil squad that won the 1962 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 84, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said. 
A forward who began his professional career with Sao Paulo-based club Portuguesa, Jair made a name for himself at Inter Milan, where he won four Italian Serie A titles, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups over two spells.&nbsp;
"The CBF deeply regrets the death of Jair, former right winger for the Brazilian national team, Portuguesa, and idol of clubs such as Inter Milan and Roma," the entity said in a statement. 
"He passed away this Saturday at the age of 84, in Osasco, Sao Paulo." It added that all games in Brazilian football's four national divisions would observe a minute's silence before kickoff on Sunday.&nbsp;
"The CBF will also observe a minute of silence at all matches in the national competition round in honour of the former right winger, champion of the 1962 World Cup. President Ednaldo Rodrigues expresses his solidarity with the family, friends and fans of the former player," it added. 
Discovered by Portuguesa de Desportos, Jair stood out on Brazilian pitches in the early 1960s, quickly earning a place among the great names of the time. 
Called up to the Brazilian national team, he was part of the squad that won the 1962 World Cup in Chile, playing as Garrincha's reserve, in one of the most iconic teams in the history of football. Portuguesa, with whom Jair played from 1960 to 1962, also published a statement on social media in which it paid tribute to "one of the legends of our club". 
"Jair was discovered at Portuguesa and ... was also one of the first Brazilians to play in Europe. Our condolences to his family and friends," it said. 
His international career began in 1962, when he was signed by Inter Milan. In Italy, Jair was a key player in the golden era of the team known as "Grande Inter", led by coach Helenio Herrera. 
Wearing the Nerazzurri jersey, he won four Italian Championship titles (Serie A), two UEFA Champions Leagues and two Intercontinental Cups. 
He then had a stint at Roma before returning to Brazil. Upon returning to national football, Jair played for Santos, where he won the 1973 Campeonato Paulista. 
He ended his career at Windsor Star, in Canada, in 1976, after a career full of achievements and memorable moments.
&mdash;IANS
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Brazil football legend Jair da Costa dies

Former Brazil World Cup champion Jair da Costa dies at 84, remembered by CBF

Brazil World Cup Winner Jair da Costa Dies at 84

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and China&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed next steps in bilateral relations following the recent meeting of the leaders of the two countries and the de-escalation of border tensions. 
At their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 here on Monday, they &ldquo;noted the progress in the recent disengagement in the India-China border areas&rdquo;, Jaishankar wrote on X.
He added that they &ldquo;exchanged views on the next steps in our bilateral ties&rdquo;.
China&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said at a briefing in Beijing on Monday that his country was ready to &ldquo;enhance strategic mutual trust&rdquo;.
The interaction of the two top diplomats followed the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China&rsquo;s President Xi Jinping in Kazan last month after a breakthrough by both countries in cooling the border tension.
Jaishankar said before the meeting with Wang, &ldquo;In Kazan, our leaders reached a consensus in taking the next steps in our relations bearing in mind the understanding of 21st October.&rdquo;
On that day the two countries said they had reached an agreement to de-escalate the situation along their border where their troops had clashed in 2020 with fatalities on both sides.
&ldquo;I am glad to note that on the ground the implementation of that understanding has proceeded as planned,&rdquo; he said.
That agreement opened the prospects for again trying to improve relations between the neighbours and for their leaders to meet at the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan.
Lin said, &ldquo;China stands ready to work with India to deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of two countries, step up communication and cooperation, and enhance strategic mutual trust.&rdquo;
Jaishankar said, &ldquo;Our leaders have directed the foreign ministers and the special representatives should meet at an early date. Some progress, some discussions have happened in that direction.&rdquo;
Xi is also attending the G20 summit and it did not appear that they made any contact on Monday. Lin said that he did not have any information on a possible meeting between them.
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;

EAM Jaishankar with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the G20 Summit in Rio De Janeiro

Discusses ‘next steps’ in bilateral ties after recent de-escalation of border tensions

EAM Jaishankar Meets Chinese Counterpart at G20 Summit

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

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