CBI cracks down on pan-India 'digital arrest' racket, raids 80 locations

In a groundbreaking initiative named 'Operation Chakra-VI', the CBI targeted an extensive digital scam network spanning 16 states. With operations conducted at 80 locations, this syndicate allegedly swindled many by impersonating officials and creating a deceptive Supreme Court website. Authorities arrested two suspects who laundered approximately Rs 2 crore through shell companies and mule accounts, utilizing forged court documents to exploit victims.

Referring to points raised by legislators during the budget discussion, the minister said members had highlighted alleged irregularities in areas including land allotment, wetlands management and the implementation of development projects. According to Dasgupta, the proposed white papers would seek to fix accountability while offering the public a clearer understanding of the state's financial position and the governance challenges inherited by the present administration.

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney on Tuesday bombing the "deadliest attack in our country’s history", saying that Canada stands against violent extremism in all its forms. "Forty-one years ago today, the bombing of Air India Flight 182 claimed 329 innocent lives, including 268 Canadians. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canada’s history," the prime minister said in a statement.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Dina Patil allegedly threatened journalists with dire consequences when questioned about his daughter's political stance and previous controversial remarks. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde intervened, urging Patil to express regret for his outburst, suggesting it was a reaction to personal attacks. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated he would gather more information before commenting on the incident.

A Jaipur woman, Babita Dhakad alias 'Khadija', was apprehended planning a trip to Pakistan to marry a close associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Officials revealed she intended to enter Pakistan via Nepal, having been under militaey surveillance for several weeks. According to investigator, her electronic devices showed contact with multiple Pakistani numbers, including those linked to terror operatives.

A Jaipur woman, Babita Dhakad alias 'Khadija', was apprehended planning a trip to Pakistan to marry a close associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Officials revealed she intended to enter Pakistan via Nepal, having been under militaey surveillance for several weeks. According to investigator, her electronic devices showed contact with multiple Pakistani numbers, including those linked to terror operatives.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu amidst strong speculation of an imminent Union Cabinet reshuffle. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with the President. The potential changes are fueled by the non-renomination of Rajya Sabha members George Kurian and Ravneet Singh, and some ministers taking up key party roles in their home states, indicating a significant shake-up in the government's composition.

The Indian government reiterated that an Indian passport is not definitive proof of citizenship. This clarification aligns with the Passports Act and legal precedents, emerging after opposition concerns regarding the MEA's comments on passports being primarily for travel. The BJP stood by this view, highlighting that citizenship is established through the Citizenship Act and various supporting documents, rather than solely through passport status.

Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh faces severe devastation from flash floods caused by relentless rainfall. Many homes are lost, and critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has been obliterated. Tragically, one life has been claimed, and four individuals remain unaccounted for. Rescue efforts, spearheaded by the IAF and SDRF, are actively helping residents and delivering essential supplies.

The Supreme Court has deferred a hearing on a plea seeking a court-monitored probe into alleged financial irregularities within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This comes as a state-formed SIT submitted its preliminary report on donation embezzlement, recommending administrative reforms. The probe was initiated after the trust itself requested an inquiry into alleged theft and mismanagement, sparking political debate.

For the first time, NCERT has introduced a chapter on the Emergency from 1975-77 in the Class IX curriculum. This segment sheds light on the suspension of fundamental rights and censorship, underscoring the crucial challenges faced by Indian democracy. The chapter, titled 'Understanding Society: India and Beyond,' also recognizes Jayaprakash Narayan's influence and the subsequent elections, celebrating democracy's resilience after 51 years since the Emergency was declared.

Farmers in Punjab protested the proposed India-US trade agreement, fearing it will harm domestic agriculture, labourers, and small traders. Burning effigies of leaders, they demanded the pact's cancellation, citing concerns over increased imports and unfair competition from subsidized American farmers. This opposition echoes past farm law debates, with calls for MSP guarantees and irrigation reforms.

According to sources, legal and constitutional experts attached to Parliament are currently examining the matter and are expected to provide their recommendations before a final decision is taken. Previous rulings by presiding officers in comparable situations are also being studied to ensure any decision is legally and constitutionally sound. Apart from the rebel factions of the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT), the DMK has also sought a separate seating arrangement following the collapse of its long-st

Political sparring intensifies as the BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of echoing Pakistan's Rafale narrative. Meanwhile, Iran has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi for late Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral ceremonies. In Kolkata, a warehouse collapse tragically claimed three lives, though 21 were rescued. Indian markets saw a significant surge, driven by global cues and trade optimism. On a brighter note, young cricketer Ashirvad Sooryavanshi impressed with a remarkable 168-run century.

In a wide-ranging interview with news agency PTI, Ramesh also launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling its members "fraudulent nationalists", and labelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi "the master of falsehoods". During a rapid-fire segment, the Rajya Sabha MP was asked to give one-word responses to a series of questions. When asked to identify India's best prime minister, he replied, "undoubtedly Jawaharlal Nehru".

Bangladesh has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), bringing the total membership to 27 nations. This treaty-based global initiative, spearheaded by India, aims to conserve seven major big cat species worldwide. The alliance fosters collaboration and shares expertise to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats for the future. Bangladesh's inclusion marks a significant step in strengthening international conservation efforts.

The BJP has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of echoing Pakistan's propaganda regarding the Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor. The party highlighted a recent IAF tender for support for all 36 Rafale jets as proof that Pakistan's claims of shooting them down were false. BJP leaders argue Gandhi questioned the Indian government instead of demanding evidence from Islamabad, thereby legitimizing an adversary's disinformation campaign.

The BJP has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of echoing Pakistan's propaganda regarding the Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor. The party highlighted a recent IAF tender for support for all 36 Rafale jets as proof that Pakistan's claims of shooting them down were false. BJP leaders argue Gandhi questioned the Indian government instead of demanding evidence from Islamabad, thereby legitimizing an adversary's disinformation campaign.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has vehemently denied allegations of "sacrilegious conduct," calling them a "dirty politics" campaign by rivals. He stated that a viral video controversy, linked to an alleged Rs 10 lakh deal for a forensic report, is being exploited to tarnish his image. Mann insists the person in the video is an actor, not him, and accuses opposition parties of using religion for political gain.