When ‘healthy’ is just a label

The Enforcement Directorate has apprehended Ramgopal Agarwal, the former treasurer of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh, as part of an investigation into a staggering Rs 3,000 crore liquor scam. Allegations state that cash proceeds were funneled directly to Agarwal during his tenure. Following his arrest, he has been placed in ED custody for a week. The scam allegedly involved a network managing illicit commissions and sales.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju said India was not a "banana republic"and that there should be rules and regulations to spend foreign funds. The proposed legislation, aimed to manage the gap in the regulation of foregin fundings to NGOs and curb the proselytisation, was fiercely criticised the opposition that termed the bill "anti minority". Union minister Nityanand Rai moved the motion in the Lok Sabha after the House resumed proceedings.

The Congress party spent Rs 248.6 crore on recent assembly elections across five states.Its total receipts during this period amounted to Rs 207.1 crore, showing a deficit.General party propaganda accounted for Rs 143 crore of the total expenditure.The party allocated Rs 105.6 crore towards its candidates and their campaigns.After the polls, the party's cash in bank balance significantly decreased by 45 percent.

Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud will serve as Russia's arbitrator in a dispute. This arbitration concerns Ukrainian bank Oschadbank's claims regarding lost assets in four regions. The dispute arises from Russian military actions and follows an earlier Crimea-related arbitration. Justice Chandrachud previously declined similar appointments from Russia. A three-member tribunal will now hear this significant investment treaty case.

A parliamentary committee raised alarm bells over the skill development initiative aimed at persons with disabilities, highlighting a persistent struggle to achieve training goals. There has been a notable deficit in the number of individuals trained as compared to targets set. The committee urged implementing a stronger, industry-integrated strategy to enhance employment results. In response, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities acknowledged these suggestions.

India's food regulatory authority has implemented a ban on plastic packaging for pan masala. The new regulations require the use of sustainable materials such as paper, paperboard, or other naturally sourced options, explicitly prohibiting synthetic polymers and laminates. However, the use of tin and glass containers for pan masala remains allowed. These changes will come into effect following their publication in the official gazette.

Himachal Pradesh has been severely affected by monsoon rains, resulting in 70 fatalities and 204 roadblocks. Damages to public property have skyrocketed to over Rs 910 crore. The primary causes of these tragic deaths include landslides and mishaps from steep terrains. Additionally, 93 lives were lost due to road accidents during this challenging period. Restoration efforts are ongoing but are significantly hindered by continuous rain, creating additional hazards.

K. Muraleedharan, the Health Minister of Kerala, indicated that TG Mohandas obtained bail thanks to a technicality in the law. In response, BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan criticized this as an example of the state's selective retaliation. Mohandas was detained over comments related to a student protest in New Delhi and faced charges under new legislations alongside the IT Act due to a complaint regarding videos that allegedly disrupted public order.

Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini has categorically denied any prospective alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal for 2027 Punjab assembly elections. However, recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal have led to renewed speculation around possible tie-up. After the meeting, SAD, whose electoral fortunes have waned significantly, changed its perspective on delimitation. The BJP is reportedly keen on dominating any potential alliance.

India firmly reaffirmed its position on Arunachal Pradesh, dismissing China's recent objections as unfounded. In Jharkhand, police clashed with activists as 110 ABVP members were detained. In a significant development, Syria's former leader Bashar al-Assad has been sentenced to death for his involvement in crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, NASA has extended an invitation to ISRO to collaborate on the Moon Base program, aiming for enhanced space cooperation.

Pune Police registered an FIR against a UK OCI cardholder for alleged religious conversion attempts.The accused allegedly spoke about Jesus and made statements about Hindu deities.In a separate case, a 21-year-old man was arrested under the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act.This development follows a wider debate over religious conversion and foreign funding.Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that transparent organizations have nothing to fear.

Air India's departing CEO recently conferred with government representatives about a serious turbulence event that led to injuries and hospitalizations of those on board. The investigation is focused on potential mechanical failures and pilot behavior. Interestingly, the pilot's initial test for psychoactive substances did not return negative. Further steps will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing investigations and confirmation tests.

On Tuesday, US Ambassador Sergio Gor engaged in significant talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, focusing on enhancing strategic ties between Washington and New Delhi. Gor emphasized the importance of these discussions for global security, following his prior meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday. This diplomatic dialogue came just days after US Vice President J D Vance's conversation with PM Modi, highlighting the ongoing collaboration.

On Tuesday, US Ambassador Sergio Gor engaged in significant talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, focusing on enhancing strategic ties between Washington and New Delhi. Gor emphasized the importance of these discussions for global security, following his prior meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday. This diplomatic dialogue came just days after US Vice President J D Vance's conversation with PM Modi, highlighting the ongoing collaboration.

India's external affairs ministry has strongly denounced Pakistan's actions concerning Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where protests were met with brutality, leading to numerous fatalities. The Joint Awami Action Committee, prohibited from operating, led rallies demanding a fair distribution of refugee seats. Additionally, upcoming elections in the region were marred by violence and claims of electoral fraud, prompting India to call on the global community to hold Pakistan accountable for these viol

The external affairs ministry firmly asserts the integral status of Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. This statement is a response to China's persistent efforts to impose Chinese names on various places in the state. A total of twenty-seven historically and strategically important locations have been officially identified on the Survey of India map. New Delhi categorically dismisses China's renaming initiatives as invalid.

Several agitators and four policemen were injured during a clash near the Jharkhand assembly on Monday, as police used water cannons, tear gas and lathi-charged job aspirants protesting against the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, officials said. Pankaj Kumar, an aide of Mahto who was with him in the hospital, claimed that he was injured during lathi-charge by police near the assembly.

Rahul Gandhi has called upon Amit Shah to respond to the police's crackdown on student demonstrators, emphasizing the need for accountability. In a historic moment, Vande Mataram will echo from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the very first time. Meanwhile, a government office in Thailand experienced a shooting incident involving a local government representative. Bangladesh's Prime Minister has advocated for strengthened relationships with India.

Rahul Gandhi condemned police action against protesting students in Jharkhand.Students marched towards the Assembly seeking recruitment process fairness and accountability.Police used force, including tear gas and water cannons, after barricades were breached.The Jharkhand government faces calls to address student demands and resolve issues.CID arrested the former JPSC Chairman in connection with the investigation.

In his "unnegotiable list of demands", the Congress leader reiterated that the Union home minister Amit Shah must make a statement on police action against students protesting against NEET paper leak. He said apart from Shah's statement PM Modi should apologise for what happened and he called for an accountablity over the donation theft in Ayodhya Ram Mandir.Rahul said opposition was not "interested in Amit Shah's fantasy conversations".

Mohandas was produced before the Thiruvananthapuram Additional Chief Judicial First Class Magistrate Court for remand proceedings. Judge Mithun Gopi G S granted him bail after hearing arguments from both sides. Police had taken Mohandas into custody from his residence in Mattancherry, Kochi, on Sunday evening. His arrest was formally recorded on Monday. The prosecution asked the court to allow Mohandas to remain in custody for further investigation.