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Trainee IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar’s Mother Manorama, Threatens Farmer With Gun; FIR Lodged

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ANI
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Trainee IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar’s Mother Manorama, Threatens Farmer With Gun; FIR Lodged 2

A day after the central government formed a panel to probe the candidature of trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against her mother, Manorama Khedkar, for allegedly threatening a farmer with a pistol, said the police on Saturday.

This follows a viral video, reportedly a year old, which showed Manorama Khedkar threatening a farmer carrying a pistol in her hand.

According to the police, the FIR has been registered at Paud police station in Pune based on the complaint of the farmer who alleged having been threatened by the trainee IAS officer’s mother.

“The Police have registered an FIR against Manorama Khedkar, Dilip Khedkar, parents of trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar and five others. The FIR was filed last night at Paud police station based on the complaint of a local farmer who alleged that he was threatened by Manoram Khedkar. Charges under the Arms Act have also been included”, said the police.

The central government on Thursday, constituted a single-member committee to verify the candidature claims and other details of Khedkar following a controversy over her alleged misuse of power as a civil servant.

The Ministry of Personnel announced in a statement, emphasising that the committee is chaired by a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary under the Central Government and that it will submit its report in two weeks.

“The Central Government has constituted a single-member committee, chaired by a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India, to verify the candidature claims and other details of IAS Puja Manorma Dilip Khedkar, a candidate of Civil Services Examination 2022 and earlier CSEs. The Committee will submit its report in 2 weeks,” reads the Ministry of Personnel statement.

The Pune Municipal Corporation is also likely to take action against illegal encroachment on the footpath outside Puja Khedekar’s family bungalow and others nearby, with Buldozers seen on standby near the bungalow.

Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre who secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 841 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, sparked controversy recently when she used her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate. She also demanded facilities that are not available to probationary officers in the IAS.

According to a report submitted by Pune collector Suhas Diwse to the General Administration Department, Khedkar repeatedly demanded that she be provided with a separate cabin, car, residential quarters, and a peon even before joining the duty as a trainee on June 3. However, she was denied the claims.

The IAS trainee was also accused of removing the nameplate of a senior official at the Pune collector’s office when he allowed her to use his ante-chamber as her office.

Khedkar allegedly submitted fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to clear the civil services exam. Reports claimed that she had also submitted a mental illness certificate.

In April 2022, she was asked to report at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, for verification of her disability certificate, but she did not do so, citing Covid infection.

Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar Discusses Cauvery Water Release Amid MUDA Scam Allegations

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PTI
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Karnataka's DK Shivakumar Discusses Cauvery Water Release Amid MUDA Scam Allegations 4

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Friday that he had consulted legal experts about releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. He stated, ‘We have had discussions with our legal team on the future course of action, and we will soon engage with the officials of the irrigation department.’

Shivakumar’s statement came in response to a query about the Cauvery Water Control Committee’s decision to direct Karnataka to release one thousand million cubic feet of water to Tamil Nadu daily. This directive has intensified the ongoing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water sharing, which remains a critical lifeline for both states.

Amid the water-sharing dispute, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened an emergency meeting of the Water Resources Department at his residence. Meanwhile, Shivakumar addressed allegations from the BJP regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. The BJP has demanded a CBI investigation into the claims, which involve CM Siddaramaiah and several others in a controversy over the alleged forgery of documents to obtain land compensation.

Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Arvind Kejriwal Amid Controversy

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PTI
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Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Arvind Kejriwal Amid Controversy 6

The Supreme Court’s recent decision to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sparked mixed reactions from political quarters. The BJP has asserted that the court’s decision effectively acknowledges Kejriwal’s guilt in the ongoing excise policy case.

Speaking at a press conference, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj emphasized that Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), initially sought adjudication against what he termed as an illegal arrest. However, the Supreme Court’s refusal to provide relief led to claims by the BJP that sufficient evidence has been presented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to suggest Kejriwal’s prima facie guilt.

In contrast, AAP leaders have hailed the Supreme Court’s order, describing it as a victory of truth. They alleged a conspiracy by the BJP to imprison Kejriwal in a ‘fake’ excise policy case. Despite the interim bail, Kejriwal remains incarcerated due to a separate arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a related corruption case.

Maharashtra Polls: Seat-Sharing Talks Heat Up in Maha Vikas Aghadi Alliance

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PTI
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Maharashtra Polls: Seat-Sharing Talks Heat Up in Maha Vikas Aghadi Alliance 8

As the Maharashtra assembly elections approach, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is actively deliberating seat-sharing arrangements. This coalition, comprising Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)-SP, and Shiv Sena (UBT), is strategizing to field candidates for the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

Key leaders from Congress, the NCP-SP, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) convened for a crucial meeting on Tuesday to finalise the seat-sharing formula. Sources indicate Congress may contest 120–130 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) 90–100 seats, and NCP-SP approximately 75–80 seats in the upcoming elections.

The Maharashtra Congress Unit is set to conduct a two-day meeting starting today to fine-tune its seat-sharing strategy. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared its intent to contest the elections in alliance with its Mahayuti partners, mapping out a detailed electoral strategy during a core committee meeting on June 29.

BJP state president Ashish Shelar confirmed that no structural changes would be made within the party’s state unit, emphasising the approval of Maharashtra’s recent budget, which benefits various social segments, including farmers, youth, and women.

The recent Lok Sabha polls provided a morale boost to the MVA, with Shiv Sena (UBT) securing seven seats, Congress 13, and NCP-SP one, totaling 17 seats for the alliance, while the BJP’s tally dipped to nine seats from its previous 23 in 2019. Their vote share is recorded at 26.18 percent.

Recalling the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP and the then unified Shiv Sena contested together, winning 105 and 56 seats, respectively. The undivided NCP and Congress had secured 54 and 44 seats, respectively.

Maratha Quota and Kunbi Recognition: Activist Manoj Jarange Plans Rally in Maharashtra

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PTI
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Maratha Quota and Kunbi Recognition: Activist Manoj Jarange Plans Rally in Maharashtra 10

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange will hold a rally in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Saturday, wherein he might announce the next course of his agitation, organisers said on Thursday.

To send his message “loud and clear,” 250 loudspeakers will be installed in all four directions in a 500-metre radius of the venue, they said.

Jarange had on June 13 suspended his indefinite fast over the Maratha quota and set a deadline of one month before the state government would accept the community’s demands.

The activist’s rally will commence at 11 am on Saturday (July 13) from the CIDCO bus stand and culminate 4 km away at Kranti Chowk, where he will address a gathering, said the organisers.

Jarange might spell out his next step at the public meeting, they said. Vehicular movement at the Kranti Chowk, which is the city centre, near the busy Jalna Road will be stopped during the rally. People from the Maratha community from all neighbouring districts are expected to attend Jarange’s programme and eight huge grounds have been reserved to park the vehicles bringing them, the organisers said.

“We are giving a month’s time to the government to fulfil the demands of the Maratha community. But we will also go ahead with our preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. If the government doesn’t provide a reservation to us, we will go and take it,” Jarange said on June 13 after suspending his fast.

Jarange has been demanding the implementation of the draft notification that recognises Kunbis as “sage soyare” (blood relatives) of Maratha community members and also seeking a law to identify Kunbis as Marathas.

Kunbi, an agrarian group, falls under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, and Jarange has been demanding that Kunbi certificates be issued to all Marathas, thus making them eligible for quota benefits.

Mumbai Police Summons BJP MLA Nitesh Rane in Disha Salian Death Probe

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PTI
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Mumbai Police Summons BJP MLA Nitesh Rane in Disha Salian Death Probe 12

Mumbai Police have issued a notice to Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Nitesh Rane, compelling his appearance on Friday concerning the Disha Salian death case. Salian, once the manager of the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died in 2020.

Rane has consistently claimed that Salian was murdered. Authorities are requiring him to appear at Malvani Police Station, where he will be questioned about his accusations and any evidence he can submit.

“I have just received the summons and have maintained from the start that this is a murder case. I am ready to cooperate with Mumbai Police. The MVA government tried to cover up and protect Aditya Thackeray and his associates. Any information I have will be shared with the police,” Rane stated. He reiterated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.

Salian was found dead on June 8, 2020, shortly before Sushant Singh Rajput was also found dead in his Bandra, Mumbai flat. Last year, Mumbai Police formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate Salian’s death.

Initially, the Mumbai Police had classified the case as an accidental death.

Gautam Gambhir Appointed as Head Coach of India Men’s Cricket Team

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PTI
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Gautam Gambhir Appointed as Head Coach of India Men's Cricket Team 14

Former opener and left-hand batter Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the India men’s cricket team, marking a significant transition for Indian cricket amid the recent T20 World Cup celebrations.

In a departure from T20Is, stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired, and Rahul Dravid has stepped down after an illustrious tenure that saw the team reaching the finals of ICC events in all three formats. Although Dravid’s era brought only one trophy, the consistent final appearances were noteworthy.

Gambhir, who played pivotal roles in India’s ICC title victories in 2007 and 2011, and mentored Kolkata Knight Riders to multiple IPL wins, will now lead a formidable Indian team through a packed calendar. He is set to face stern tests in the next cycle, beginning with a crucial tour down under against a resilient Australian side.

The Indian team recently topped the ICC World Test Championship standings after a compelling 4-1 series win against England. However, with tough upcoming series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia, Gambhir’s mettle will be tested.

For the ODI format, India eyes redemption after a heartbreaking World Cup final loss at home. With the Champions Trophy and the Cricket World Cup on the horizon, a period of transition is expected as Gambhir plans for future leadership beyond Rohit Sharma.

In the T20 format, the team enjoys fresh glory but faces a rebuilding phase following the retirements of key players like Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. Selecting a new captain and identifying key positions will be crucial for Gambhir as India prepares to defend their title at home in 2027.

18 Killed, 19 Injured As Sleeper Bus Rams Milk Tanker On Lucknow-Agra Expressway

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PTI
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18 Killed, 19 Injured As Sleeper Bus Rams Milk Tanker On Lucknow-Agra Expressway 16

Eighteen people died and 19 were injured when a double-decker sleeper bus hit a milk tanker on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway on Wednesday, police said.

The accident took place around 5 am near Jojikot village in the Behta Mujhawar police station area.

District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi said prima facie the bus, which was on its way to Delhi from Bihar, was speeding and hit the milk tanker from behind.

Eighteen people died and 19 were injured in the accident. A probe has been launched into the matter, he said.

Bangarmau Circle Officer (CO) Arvind Kumar said that due to the impact of the collision, both the bus and milk tanker overturned. The drivers of the two vehicles were among the dead.

He said the injured were rushed to a hospital and their condition was stated to be stable.

The police are trying to identify the victims.

Hathras Stampede: SIT Says Organisers of ‘Satsang’ Responsible for Mishap

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ANI
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Hathras Stampede: SIT Says Organisers of 'Satsang' Responsible for Mishap 18

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the stampede in Hathras has recorded 119 statements and submitted a report on Tuesday stating that the committee that organized the ‘Satsang’ was responsible for inviting more people than permitted.

According to sources, the report indicated that the committee responsible for organizing the religious event, ‘Satsang,’ was accountable for the stampede incident. The committee invited more people than the permitted number, failed to make adequate arrangements, and the officials had not inspected the site despite granting permission.

Statements from 119 people, including family members of the deceased and injured devotees, were recorded in the nearly 300-page report.

The SIT also recorded statements from DM Hathras, Ashish Kumar, SP Nipun Agarwal, SDM, and CO Sikandrarao, who gave permission for the Satsang, as well as police personnel on duty for the Satsang that took place on July 2.

ADG Agra Zone Anupam Kulshreshtha and Aligarh Commissioner Chaitra V were present. The report has been submitted to the government.

Earlier on Monday, an eyewitness to the incident claimed that the attempt by a large number of devotees to collect “Baba’s Charan Dhul” (soil from the feet of the godman) led to the stampede.

Sudhir Pratap Singh from Mughalgarhi village said, “The incident happened after ‘Baba’ announced that devotees should take soil from around his feet. The devotees rushed to collect the soil in a hurry but started falling over and piling up.”

“Baba’s convoy left the spot amid the stampede. Only locals and the administration helped the devotees who were present there,” Singh said.

The Uttar Pradesh Judicial Commission team recorded statements from several eyewitnesses in the Hathras stampede case.

Meanwhile, the godman’s advocate, AP Singh, claimed that the mishap was caused by unidentified men who sprayed poison during the event. Singh asserted that the group of conspirators fled the venue after causing the stampede. “The stampede incident at the Satsang was not an accident but a conspiracy,” the lawyer said.

The incident took place at a religious ‘Satsang’ event of self-styled godman Suraj Pal, alias ‘Bhole Baba,’ in Fulari village, Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras, on July 2.

Devprakash Madhukar, the main accused in the Hathras stampede incident, was sent to 14 days of judicial custody after being produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Saturday.

The court inquired if he had written permission for the event and from whom it was obtained. Madhukar replied that he received permission from the SDM for a gathering of 80,000 people. When asked if the event was publicized, Madhukar denied doing so.

Madhukar had been absconding, and a reward of ₹1 lakh was announced for information leading to his arrest. He was finally apprehended on July 5 in the national capital. Additionally, two other accused, Ramprakash Shakya and Sanju Yadav, were also arrested, according to the police.

Earlier on July 6, ‘Bhole Baba’ said in a video statement that “those who created the chaos will not be spared.”

The self-styled godman Suraj Pal, who also goes by the name Narayan Sakar Hari, expressed his grief and condoled the deaths caused by the tragedy.

Russia Set To Release Indian Recruits Fighting In Ukraine After Modi-Putin Talks

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Web Team
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Russia Set To Release Indian Recruits Fighting In Ukraine After Modi-Putin Talks 20

Russia has decided to release and facilitate the return of all Indians fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, a breakthrough achieved after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin during his Moscow visit, according to sources on Tuesday.

The development came after Prime Minister Modi, who is in Moscow for a two-day visit, raised the matter at a private dinner hosted by Putin on Monday evening, sources added. Nearly two dozen Indians are believed to have been forced into fighting the war against Ukraine after being tricked by agents into going to the country on the pretext of getting high-paying jobs. In March, the Indian government said they had “strongly” taken up the matter with Russian authorities for their early discharge.

“Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises,” they said. According to reports, four Indians have been killed in the war, while 10 have returned to the country. About 35–40 Indians are still believed to be stuck in Russia.

The plight of Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war is a key concern for New Delhi. In recent months, reports have surfaced about Indians who have fallen prey to job fraud and were tricked and forced by scammers to fight for the Russian army, which allows recruits from other countries. One such group had even posted a video on social media narrating their ordeal, asking the government to intervene. India’s Foreign Ministry has earlier said that it is pressing hard to bring back the recruits tricked by agents.

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has said the issue is a “very deep concern” for India, and has been engaging with Russia for the past few months to make headway. Two Indians, Ashvinbhai Mangukiya and Mohammad Asfan (both from Gujarat), were reported killed in the Ukraine war earlier this year. Two others were reported killed in June. India has maintained that the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army in a conflict situation is not in consonance with the India-Russia diplomatic partnership, and has asked for the early release and return of all such Indian nationals.

India has also demanded a halt to such recruitments in the future. In such a backdrop, the breakthrough during PM Modi’s visit would be a major relief for the families of the recruits still stuck in Russia. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday evening, which marks his first visit to the country since it launched a war against Ukraine. Russia’s First Deputy PM Denis Manturov received PM Modi at the airport. The Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with Putin on Tuesday and also attend the 22nd India-Russia summit in Moscow. Prime Minister Modi has been treading a fine line between maintaining a longstanding relationship with Moscow and courting closer Western security ties. The visit is also PM Modi’s first since he returned to power for a third term.

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