General news

The Karnataka High Court has instructed Google India and its executives to provide bank guarantees covering 50% of the penalties levied for alleged FEMA violations. These penalties, totaling Rs 5.45 crore, stem from transactions involving distributor fees to Google Ireland and equipment purchases from Google US. The Enforcement Directorate claims these transactions, lacking RBI approval, constitute unauthorized commercial loans.

Amidst escalating violence in West Bengal following anti-Waqf law protests, BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar has appealed to Governor CV Ananda Bose for intervention. Majumdar expressed grave concerns over the situation in Murshidabad, citing displacement of families and urged for peace restoration and a judicial inquiry. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for peace and unity, emphasizing religious harmony.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the ongoing violence in the state, emphasizing the right to protest while urging citizens to maintain peace and avoid taking the law into their own hands. Her statement follows clashes between Indian Secular Front supporters and police in Bhangar, resulting in injuries and the torching of police vehicles after restrictions were imposed on an anti-Waqf Act rally.

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary announced the government's commitment to extraditing fugitives like Mehul Choksi, accused in the Punjab National Bank loan scam. Speaking at the National Academy of Direct Taxes, he highlighted the strict actions against tax defaulters under the current regime. Chaudhary also noted the country's economic progress, including the Mudra scheme's success and infrastructure development since 2014.

Tahawwur Rana, the alleged mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is currently being interrogated by the NIA for up to ten hours daily. Extradited from the US, Rana is held in a high-security cell in Delhi. The NIA aims to uncover the broader conspiracy behind the attacks that killed 166. Rana is cooperating, and has requested a pen, some paper or a notepad, and a copy of the Quran.

The BJP strongly criticized Jharkhand minister Hafizul Hassan for his "a Muslim keeps the Quran in his heart and the Constitution in his hand" remarks, deeming them an insult to Indian democracy. Speaking on the ongoing Waqf protests Hassan had said that Muslims hold the Quran in their hearts and the Constitution in their hands. The BJP accused the INDIA bloc of harboring individuals who prioritize religious law. Hassan had alleged the Centre is targeting Muslims and warns of potential unrest.

Fugitive Mehul Choksi, wanted in connection with the Rs 13,000 crore PNB bank loan fraud, has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request from India. Indian authorities are actively pursuing his extradition, presenting arrest warrants to Belgian officials. Choksi's lawyer is contesting the extradition, citing concerns about human rights and prison conditions in India, claiming the case is politically motivated.