Fema a civil law, RBI alone can compound offences, says ED

The Enforcement Directorate clarified Fema's role as civil legislation for voluntary compliance. Reserve Bank of India is the competent authority for compounding eligible contraventions. The ED issues a no-objection certificate to the central bank for compounding offenses. RBI recently closed a Fema case against Apothecon Pharmaceuticals after a penalty. This action follows master directions prescribing a compounding matrix for determining amounts.

The discussions took place during the 12th Meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the Competent Authorities of the SCO member states, which was chaired by Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the country's Foreign Office. Representatives from Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with officials from the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), attended the meeting.

Political leaders from across the spectrum expressed strong condemnation of the Delhi police's actions at Jantar Mantar. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was transported to Safdarjung Hospital during his ongoing hunger strike, which has drawn attention to the NEET-UG paper leak. Critics have accused the police of using force against peaceful demonstrators and called out the government for its efforts to stifle dissent in this volatile situation.

Hydrogen trains are an innovative solution for clean transit, producing zero direct emissions through fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity. These trains can seamlessly run on existing railway lines without needing overhead power lines. India’s version operates with compressed hydrogen held at high pressure. However, hurdles remain in hydrogen production, safety, and cost-effectiveness, with successful implementation reliant on affordable green hydrogen and robust infrastructur

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from Jantar Mantar and subsequently taken to a hospital as his health declined after twenty-one days of an indefinite hunger strike. During the demonstration, police detained CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke amid the ensuing chaos. Despite Wangchuk's absence, the planned march to Parliament is set to continue, focusing on calling out alleged discrepancies in the NEET examination and advocating for necessary reforms.

In a video message shared at the end of the Day 20 of his fast on Friday, Wangchuk urged people to join the CJP Parliament march on July 20 in large numbers, saying public participation was the movement's biggest strength. "Yes, I am still alive. Twenty per cent of my body is gone. After fats, muscles are gone. After that, organs will go. Finally, the brain. The time has not come yet," Wangchuk said.

Visa and consular services are severely impacted in four Indian missions abroad. The Delhi High Court had quashed the selection of private service providers for these crucial functions. The Centre informed the Supreme Court that these services are now at a standstill. This cancellation has forced missions to divert staff to meet emergency needs. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the Centre's appeal on Monday.

Congress leaders were sternly told to maintain party discipline and avoid public criticism. Dissenting Punjab leaders met with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal regarding their grievances. They were instructed to address internal matters through designated organizational channels. Any open dissent was deemed politically detrimental and unacceptable to the party leadership. The party emphasized focusing on upcoming state elections and maintaining organizational unity.

Jammu and Kashmir politics intensifies as the National Conference plans a protest in New Delhi. The Congress party announced its participation in the proposed sit-in demonstration. Meanwhile, the BJP has scheduled a protest against the current government's alleged corruption. Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone questioned the timing and motives behind the protest. He suggested an assembly session and an all-party delegation instead of street protests.

India's space department faces a growing manpower crunch, with over twenty-five percent of sanctioned posts vacant. This staffing gap has widened significantly since 2019, impacting critical mission development. Recruitment processes were delayed due to Covid-19 and reforms, creating a substantial gap. Efforts are underway to fill over two thousand vacancies by late 2026. The department must rebuild its workforce while retaining experienced scientists.

A Jammu court rejected Kamal Singh Jamwal's bail plea in the Farooq Abdullah assassination attempt case. The judge cited wider implications for public order and democratic stability in the decision. Jamwal's medical plea was also dismissed, with no evidence of mental disorder presented. Charges were formally framed against Jamwal under attempt to murder and arms act provisions. The court directed the prosecution to produce witnesses for the upcoming trial.

Three former Trinamool Congress MPs have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha. They switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party just days before their election. These leaders resigned from their previous posts last month after election results. Their return to the Upper House on BJP tickets marks a significant political shift. This development follows the Trinamool Congress's defeat in recent assembly elections.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticized the government's silence on Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike.Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for twenty days demanding action.He is protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and paper leaks.Doctors have warned of critical health risks if the hunger strike continues.Wangchuk vows to continue his protest until July twentieth for a government response.

There are strong speculations that the government is planning to reintroduce the Delimitation Bill during upcoming Monsoon Session. The Bill could not pass the numbers test during the Budget session. Opposition parties, which were united in their opposition to the Bill in April, appear to be divided now over the idea of uniform seat increase.Some parties may support the bill if their concerns are addressed.The Congress fears isolation and has requested an all-party meeting for discussions.The pr

Two individuals, Ram Shankar Yadav and Manish Yadav, received a 39-hour police remand on Friday. This remand is connected to the alleged embezzlement of Ayodhya Ram temple donations. Custodial interrogation is crucial for uncovering the conspiracy and tracing the money trail. Earlier, two other accused were also taken for custodial interrogation as part of the ongoing probe. The alleged donation scam has triggered significant political backlash against the ruling BJP.

Former Badrinath temple officer Rajendra Chauhan was arrested for alleged donation theft. CCTV footage showed Chauhan collecting cash bundles and putting them into his pocket. The Special Investigation Team received an internal inquiry report from the temple committee. Investigators identified more suspects after examining fresh CCTV footage from recent dates. The investigation into the temple donation theft case is currently ongoing.