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KOLKATA&nbsp;
No casualties were reported from the collapse of the 15-year-old bridge over the Gandaki River, which connected villages in Saran to the neighboring Siwan district. The cause is still under investigation, though officials have mentioned recent desilting work in the area as a potential factor.
In Saran, two bridges on the Gandak River, situated barely a kilometer apart, collapsed within two hours on Wednesday. One bridge, built in 2004, was near the Dodh Nath Temple, while the other was a British-era structure.
The third bridge, a 15-year-old structure over the Gandaki River, collapsed on Thursday.
This incident follows Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's directive to survey all old bridges in the state to identify those needing urgent repairs. The Chief Minister has also called for improved bridge maintenance policies from the road construction and rural works departments.
In addition to Saran, bridge collapses have been reported in Siwan, Chhapra, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, and Kishanganj districts over the past fortnight.
Two bridges collapsed consecutively in Kishanganj between June 27 and June 30.
One incident occurred in the village of Khoshi Dangi in Thakurganj, where a pillar of a bridge built in 2007-2008 with funds from then-MP Taslimuddin was damaged on June 27 due to heavy rainfall and the subsequent rise in river water levels. According to local Mukhiya Jawahar Singh, nearly 50,000 people have been affected by this collapse.
Another bridge was damaged on the Maria River in Kishanganj&rsquo;s Bahadurganj area. Built in 2011 under NDA rule by the state rural works department, this bridge had an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakh.
In East Champaran, an under-construction bridge collapsed in the Ghodasahan area. The construction, managed by Dheerendra Construction Company, was estimated at Rs 1.5 crore. Locals attributed the collapse to irresponsible construction practices.
On July 1, a makeshift bamboo bridge over the Baghmati River in the Aurai block of Muzaffarpur district was reported damaged, with videos going viral on social media. Locals claimed they build these makeshift bridges for commuting each year at their own expense, only for them to be damaged during the rainy season.
On July 3, three bridges collapsed consecutively in the Maharajganj block of Siwan district. One collapse occurred in the village of Sikandarpur, another in Deoria panchayat, and the third in Bhikhabandh. All these bridges were over thirty years old and funded by then-MP Prabhunath Singh.
On June 18, an under-construction bridge on the Bakra River in Bihar&rsquo;s Araria collapsed. Initiated in May 2021 with an estimated cost of close to Rs 8 crore, the project was expected to be completed by 2023. Locals claim that additional funds were needed to finish the construction of its approach road, rendering the bridge useless. Over 2 lakh people are said to be directly affected by the delayed and substandard construction.
On July 2, a small bridge over the Gandaki River in Deoria, Siwan, and another small bridge in the Teghra block of the district also collapsed. With today's incident, the total number of bridge collapses in the past 17 days now stands at 12.
The government has cited de-siltation drives in rivers across the state and heavy rain as possible contributing factors to the recent series of bridge failures. Meanwhile, opposition parties have launched an all-out attack on the Nitish Kumar government, alleging corruption and a lack of action.
Senior RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the NDA government on X, writing, &ldquo;Four bridges collapsed in Bihar in a single day! The CM and both Dy CMs of the state are silent. The NDA government should tell us who is guilty.&rdquo; He further alleged, &ldquo;Apparently, since BJP is in the government, corruption and crime are no longer issues.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking directions for the Bihar government to conduct a structural audit and establish an expert committee to assess which bridges need strengthening or demolition. The petition raised concerns about the safety and longevity of the state's bridges and requested the formation of a high-level expert panel and the implementation of real-time monitoring in accordance with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' parameters.

કોલકાતા ગંડકી નદી પરના 15 વર્ષ જૂના પુલના પતનથી કોઈ જાનહાનિ થઈ નથી, જે સારણના ગામોને પડોશી સિવાન જિલ્લા સાથે જોડે છે. કારણ હજુ તપાસ હેઠળ છે, જોકે અધિકારીઓએ સંભવિત પરિબળ તરીકે વિસ્તારમાં તાજેતરના ડિસિલ્ટિંગ કામનો ઉલ્લેખ કર્યો છે. સારણમાં, ગંડક નદી પરના બે પુલ, માંડ એક કિલોમીટરના અંતરે આવેલા, બુધવારે બે કલાકમાં તૂટી પડ્યા. એક પુલ, 2004માં બાંધવામાં આવ્યો હતો, તે દોઢનાથ મંદિર પાસે હતો, જ્યારે બીજો બ્રિટિશ યુગનો હતો. ગંડકી નદી પર 15 વર્ષ જૂનો ત્રીજો પુલ ગુરુવારે તૂટી પડ્યો હતો. આ ઘટના મુખ્ય પ્રધાન નીતિશ કુમારના રાજ્યના તમામ જૂના પુલોનું સર્વેક્ષણ કરવાના નિર્દેશને અનુસરે છે જેથી તાત્કાલિક સમારકામની જરૂર હોય તેમને ઓળખી શકાય. મુખ્યમંત્રીએ માર્ગ બાંધકામ અને ગ્રામીણ બાંધકામ વિભાગો પાસેથી પુલની જાળવણીની નીતિઓમાં સુધારો કરવા માટે પણ આહવાન કર્યું છે. સારણ ઉપરાંત, છેલ્લા પખવાડિયામાં સિવાન, છપરા, મધુબની, અરરિયા, પૂર્વ ચંપારણ અને કિશનગંજ જિલ્લામાં પુલ તૂટી પડવાની ઘટનાઓ નોંધાઈ છે. કિશનગંજમાં 27 જૂન અને 30 જૂન વચ્ચે સતત બે પુલ તૂટી પડ્યા. એક ઘટના ઠાકુરગંજના ખોશી ડાંગી ગામમાં બની, જ્યાં 2007-2008માં તત્કાલીન સાંસદ તસ્લીમુદ્દીનના ભંડોળથી બનેલા પુલનો થાંભલો 27 જૂને ક્ષતિગ્રસ્ત થયો હતો. ભારે વરસાદ અને ત્યારબાદ નદીના પાણીના સ્તરમાં વધારો. સ્થાનિક મુખિયા જવાહર સિંહના જણાવ્યા અનુસાર, આ પતનથી લગભગ 50,000 લોકો પ્રભાવિત થયા છે. કિશનગંજના બહાદુરગંજ વિસ્તારમાં મારિયા નદી પર અન્ય એક પુલને નુકસાન થયું છે. રાજ્યના ગ્રામીણ કાર્ય વિભાગ દ્વારા એનડીએ શાસન હેઠળ 2011 માં બનાવવામાં આવેલ, આ પુલનો અંદાજિત ખર્ચ 25 લાખ રૂપિયા હતો. પૂર્વ ચંપારણમાં, ઘોડાસાહન વિસ્તારમાં એક નિર્માણાધીન પુલ તૂટી પડ્યો હતો. ધીરેન્દ્ર કન્સ્ટ્રક્શન કંપની દ્વારા સંચાલિત આ બાંધકામનો અંદાજ રૂ. 1.5 કરોડનો હતો. સ્થાનિકોએ બેજવાબદાર બાંધકામ પ્રથાને કારણે તૂટી પડવાનું કારણ આપ્યું હતું. 1 જુલાઈના રોજ, મુઝફ્ફરપુર જિલ્લાના ઔરાઈ બ્લોકમાં બાઘમતી નદી પર બનેલા કામચલાઉ વાંસના પુલને નુકસાન થયું હોવાના અહેવાલો સોશિયલ મીડિયા પર વાયરલ થઈ રહ્યા હતા. સ્થાનિકોએ દાવો કર્યો હતો કે તેઓ દર વર્ષે પોતાના ખર્ચે આ કામચલાઉ પુલ બનાવે છે, માત્ર વરસાદની ઋતુમાં તેને નુકસાન થાય તે માટે. 3 જુલાઈના રોજ સિવાન જિલ્લાના મહારાજગંજ બ્લોકમાં ત્રણ પુલ સતત તૂટી પડ્યા હતા. એક ભંગાણ સિકંદરપુર ગામમાં, બીજો દેવરિયા પંચાયતમાં અને ત્રીજો ભીખાબંધમાં થયો. આ તમામ પુલ ત્રીસ વર્ષથી વધુ જૂના હતા અને તત્કાલિન સાંસદ પ્રભુનાથ સિંહ દ્વારા ભંડોળ પૂરું પાડવામાં આવ્યું હતું. 18 જૂને બિહારના અરરિયામાં બકરા નદી પર એક નિર્માણાધીન પુલ ધરાશાયી થયો હતો. મે 2021માં રૂ. 8 કરોડના અંદાજિત ખર્ચ સાથે શરૂ કરાયેલ, આ પ્રોજેક્ટ 2023 સુધીમાં પૂર્ણ થવાની ધારણા હતી. સ્થાનિકોનો દાવો છે કે તેના એપ્રોચ રોડનું બાંધકામ પૂર્ણ કરવા માટે વધારાના ભંડોળની જરૂર હતી, જેના કારણે પુલ નકામો થઈ ગયો. 2 લાખથી વધુ લોકો વિલંબિત અને નબળા બાંધકામને કારણે સીધી અસર પામ્યા હોવાનું કહેવાય છે. 2 જુલાઈના રોજ સિવાનના દેવરિયામાં ગંડકી નદી પરનો એક નાનો પુલ અને જિલ્લાના તેઘરા બ્લોકમાં બીજો એક નાનો પુલ પણ તૂટી પડ્યો હતો. આજની ઘટના સાથે, છેલ્લા 17 દિવસમાં પુલ ધરાશાયી થવાની કુલ સંખ્યા હવે 12 પર પહોંચી ગઈ છે. સરકારે રાજ્યભરની નદીઓમાં સિલ્ટેશન ડ્રાઇવ અને પુલ નિષ્ફળતાની તાજેતરની શ્રેણીમાં સંભવિત ફાળો આપતા પરિબળો તરીકે ભારે વરસાદને ટાંક્યો છે. દરમિયાન, વિપક્ષી પાર્ટીઓએ ભ્રષ્ટાચાર અને કાર્યવાહીના અભાવનો આરોપ લગાવીને નીતિશ કુમાર સરકાર પર આકરા પ્રહારો શરૂ કર્યા છે. RJDના વરિષ્ઠ નેતા તેજસ્વી યાદવે X પર NDA સરકારની ટીકા કરતા લખ્યું, &ldquo;બિહારમાં એક જ દિવસમાં ચાર પુલ તૂટી પડ્યા! રાજ્યના મુખ્યમંત્રી અને બંને નાયબ મુખ્યમંત્રી મૌન છે. NDA સરકારે અમને જણાવવું જોઈએ કે કોણ દોષિત છે. તેમણે વધુમાં આરોપ લગાવ્યો, "દેખીતી રીતે, ભાજપ સરકારમાં હોવાથી, ભ્રષ્ટાચાર અને ગુનાખોરી હવે મુદ્દા નથી." દરમિયાન, સર્વોચ્ચ અદાલતમાં જાહેર હિતની અરજી (PIL) દાખલ કરવામાં આવી છે, જેમાં બિહાર સરકારને સ્ટ્રક્ચરલ ઑડિટ કરવા અને કયા પુલને મજબૂત કરવા અથવા તોડી પાડવાની જરૂર છે તેનું મૂલ્યાંકન કરવા નિષ્ણાત સમિતિની સ્થાપના કરવા માટે નિર્દેશ માંગવામાં આવ્યો છે. અરજીમાં રાજ્યના પુલોની સલામતી અને દીર્ધાયુષ્ય અંગે ચિંતા વ્યક્ત કરવામાં આવી હતી અને કેન્દ્રીય માર્ગ પરિવહન અને ધોરીમાર્ગ મંત્રાલયના માપદંડો અનુસાર ઉચ્ચ-સ્તરની નિષ્ણાત પેનલની રચના અને રીઅલ-ટાઇમ મોનિટરિંગના અમલીકરણની વિનંતી કરવામાં આવી હતી.

Bihar Bridge Collapse Crisis Worsens: Saran District Sees 12th Collapse in 17 Days

છેલ્લા 17 દિવસમાં, સમગ્ર બિહારમાં ઓછામાં ઓછા 12 પુલ તૂટી પડ્યા છે, તાજેતરની ઘટના સારણ જિલ્લામાં ગુરુવારે બની હતી. જિલ્લા મેજિસ્ટ્રેટ અમન સમીરના જણાવ્યા અનુસાર, આ માત્ર બે દિવસમાં સારણમાં ત્રીજો પુલ તૂટી પડવાની ઘટના છે.

"બિહાર બ્રિજ તૂટી પડવાની કટોકટી વધુ વણસી છે: સારણ જિલ્લામાં 17 દિવસમાં 12મી વખત તૂટી પડ્યું"

कोलकाता गंडकी नदी पर बने 15 साल पुराने पुल के ढहने से किसी के हताहत होने की खबर नहीं है, यह पुल सारण के गांवों को पड़ोसी सीवान जिले से जोड़ता था। कारण की अभी भी जांच की जा रही है, हालांकि अधिकारियों ने क्षेत्र में हाल ही में हुए गाद हटाने के काम को एक संभावित कारक के रूप में बताया है। सारण में, गंडक नदी पर बमुश्किल एक किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्थित दो पुल बुधवार को दो घंटे के भीतर ढह गए। एक पुल 2004 में बना था, जो दूध नाथ मंदिर के पास था, जबकि दूसरा ब्रिटिश काल का ढांचा था। तीसरा पुल, गंडकी नदी पर 15 साल पुराना ढांचा था, गुरुवार को ढह गया। यह घटना मुख्यमंत्री नीतीश कुमार के राज्य के सभी पुराने पुलों का सर्वेक्षण करने के निर्देश के बाद हुई है, ताकि तत्काल मरम्मत की जरूरत वाले पुलों की पहचान की जा सके। मुख्यमंत्री ने सड़क निर्माण और ग्रामीण कार्य विभागों से बेहतर पुल रखरखाव नीतियों का भी आह्वान किया है। सारण के अलावा, पिछले एक पखवाड़े में सीवान, छपरा, मधुबनी, अररिया, पूर्वी चंपारण और किशनगंज जिलों में भी पुल गिरने की खबरें आई हैं। किशनगंज में 27 जून से 30 जून के बीच लगातार दो पुल ढह गए। एक घटना ठाकुरगंज के खोशी डांगी गांव में हुई, जहां तत्कालीन सांसद तस्लीमुद्दीन के फंड से 2007-2008 में बने एक पुल का एक पिलर 27 जून को भारी बारिश और उसके बाद नदी के जलस्तर में वृद्धि के कारण क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया। स्थानीय मुखिया जवाहर सिंह के मुताबिक इस पुल के ढहने से करीब 50 हजार लोग प्रभावित हुए हैं। किशनगंज के बहादुरगंज इलाके में मरिया नदी पर एक और पुल क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया। राज्य ग्रामीण कार्य विभाग द्वारा एनडीए के शासन में 2011 में निर्मित इस पुल की अनुमानित लागत 25 लाख रुपये थी। पूर्वी चंपारण के घोड़ासहन इलाके में एक निर्माणाधीन पुल ढह गया। धीरेंद्र कंस्ट्रक्शन कंपनी द्वारा प्रबंधित इस निर्माण की अनुमानित लागत 1.5 करोड़ रुपये थी। 1 जुलाई को मुजफ्फरपुर जिले के औराई प्रखंड में बागमती नदी पर बने बांस के बने अस्थाई पुल के क्षतिग्रस्त होने की खबर मिली थी, जिसका वीडियो सोशल मीडिया पर वायरल हो रहा है। स्थानीय लोगों का दावा है कि वे हर साल अपने खर्च पर आवागमन के लिए ये अस्थाई पुल बनाते हैं, लेकिन बरसात के मौसम में ये क्षतिग्रस्त हो जाते हैं। 3 जुलाई को सीवान जिले के महाराजगंज प्रखंड में लगातार तीन पुल ढह गए। एक पुल सिकंदरपुर गांव में, दूसरा देवरिया पंचायत में और तीसरा भीखाबांध में ढहा। ये सभी पुल तीस साल से ज्यादा पुराने थे और तत्कालीन सांसद प्रभुनाथ सिंह ने इनका खर्च उठाया था। 18 जून को बिहार के अररिया में बकरा नदी पर निर्माणाधीन पुल ढह गया। मई 2021 में करीब 8 करोड़ रुपये की अनुमानित लागत से शुरू हुए इस प्रोजेक्ट के 2023 तक पूरा होने की उम्मीद थी। स्थानीय लोगों का दावा है कि इसके एप्रोच रोड के निर्माण को पूरा करने के लिए अतिरिक्त धन की जरूरत थी, जिससे पुल बेकार हो गया। देरी और घटिया निर्माण से 2 लाख से ज्यादा लोग सीधे तौर पर प्रभावित बताए जा रहे हैं। 2 जुलाई को देवरिया, सीवान में गंडकी नदी पर बना एक छोटा पुल और जिले के तेघरा ब्लॉक में एक और छोटा पुल भी ढह गया। आज की घटना के साथ, पिछले 17 दिनों में पुल ढहने की कुल संख्या अब 12 हो गई है। सरकार ने राज्य भर में नदियों में गाद निकालने के अभियान और भारी बारिश को पुल टूटने की हालिया घटनाओं के लिए संभावित कारण बताया है। इस बीच, विपक्षी दलों ने भ्रष्टाचार और कार्रवाई की कमी का आरोप लगाते हुए नीतीश कुमार सरकार पर चौतरफा हमला किया है। वरिष्ठ राजद नेता तेजस्वी यादव ने एक्स पर एनडीए सरकार की आलोचना करते हुए लिखा, &ldquo;बिहार में एक ही दिन में चार पुल ढह गए! राज्य के सीएम और दोनों उपमुख्यमंत्री चुप हैं। एनडीए सरकार को हमें बताना चाहिए कि कौन दोषी है।&rdquo; उन्होंने आगे आरोप लगाया, &ldquo;जाहिर है, चूंकि भाजपा सरकार में है, इसलिए भ्रष्टाचार और अपराध अब मुद्दे नहीं हैं।&rdquo; इस बीच, सुप्रीम कोर्ट में एक जनहित याचिका (PIL) दायर की गई है, जिसमें बिहार सरकार को संरचनात्मक ऑडिट करने और यह आकलन करने के लिए एक विशेषज्ञ समिति गठित करने के निर्देश देने की मांग की गई है कि किन पुलों को मजबूत करने या तोड़ने की जरूरत है। याचिका में राज्य के पुलों की सुरक्षा और दीर्घायु के बारे में चिंता जताई गई तथा उच्च स्तरीय विशेषज्ञ पैनल के गठन और केंद्रीय सड़क परिवहन एवं राजमार्ग मंत्रालय के मापदंडों के अनुसार वास्तविक समय पर निगरानी के कार्यान्वयन का अनुरोध किया गया।

पिछले 17 दिनों में बिहार में कम से कम 12 पुल ढह चुके हैं, जिसमें सबसे ताजा घटना गुरुवार को सारण जिले में हुई। जिला मजिस्ट्रेट अमन समीर के अनुसार, सारण में दो दिनों के भीतर यह तीसरा पुल ढहने का मामला है।

"बिहार में पुल ढहने का संकट और गहराया: सारण जिले में 17 दिनों में 12वीं बार पुल ढहने की घटना"

In the past 17 days, at least 12 bridges have collapsed across Bihar, with the latest incident occurring on Thursday in Saran district. This marks the third bridge collapse in Saran within just two days, according to District Magistrate Aman Samir.

"Bihar Bridge Collapse Crisis Worsens: Saran District Sees 12th Collapse in 17 Days”

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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