Palghar Woman Kills Her Son and Commits Suicide After Domestic Dispute 2
A 23-year-old tribal woman allegedly killed her 4-year-old daughter and then committed suicide after a quarrel with her husband in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police said on Tuesday.
The incident took place on Monday in Sisne village in Dahanu area.
The woman’s husband, a fisherman, was often away from the family, said an official at the Kasa police station.
He returned home on Sunday and went out with his friends.
His wife was upset that he had not taken her with him and this led to a fight between them, the official said.
On Monday, the woman allegedly strangled her daughter to death and then hanged herself from the ceiling of her home, he said.
After being alerted by neighbours, the police arrived at the scene and began an investigation into the incident.
The bodies have been sent for an autopsy, police added.
BMW Hit-And-Run Case: Shiv Sena Leader Rajesh Shah, Father of Key Accused, Granted Bail 4
In a significant development in the BMW hit-and-run case, a Mumbai court has granted bail to Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah, whose son, Mihir Shah, is a key suspect in the fatal incident. The 24-year-old Mihir Shah allegedly drove the car that struck and killed Kaveri Nakhwa, 45, while injuring her husband Pradeep. Mihir remains at large.
The court had initially remanded Rajesh Shah to 14-day judicial custody earlier today, but he was subsequently granted bail. Meanwhile, police have intensified their search for Mihir Shah, forming six teams to locate him. A Look Out Circular (LOC) has also been issued to prevent him from fleeing the country.
Mihir’s driver, who is also implicated in the case, has been remanded to police custody until Tuesday. All three individuals involved have been charged with various offenses, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. However, the court determined that the charge under section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) did not apply to Rajesh Shah.
The tragic incident occurred around 5:30 am on Sunday when Mihir Shah’s BMW reportedly lost control on Annie Besant Road in Worli, crashing into the Nakhwas’ two-wheeler. Following the collision, Mihir Shah fled towards the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, abandoning the car and his driver near Kala Nagar in Bandra before escaping.
The police continue their efforts to apprehend Mihir Shah as the investigation unfolds.
Rahul Gandhi Visits Violence Victims in Manipur, Reaffirms Support 6
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited the victims of violence at the relief camp in Moirang, Manipur’s Bishnupur district, on Monday. He offered support to the affected individuals, as announced by the Congress on social media platform X.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi reached Imphal and visited multiple relief camps, including those at Phubala High School and Jiribam Higher Secondary School. His visit aims to show solidarity with the affected people and provide comfort in their difficult times.
The Congress leader also engaged with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan in Imphal. Meanwhile, PM Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, affirming that the central government is making all efforts to normalize the situation in Manipur, with significant arrests and FIRs filed to curb the violence.
Neglected Drain Cleanup Causes Central Railway Disruption 8
Central Railway services were disrupted due to water flooding the tracks, following a prolonged failure to clean a critical drain near the Kurla Car Shed. This issue persisted despite a formal complaint lodged by RTI Activist Anil Galgali on June 26, 2024.
Galgali, during his visit to Kurla station via the road adjacent to the Kurla Car Shed drain, noticed the neglect and promptly raised the issue through a tweet. He urged both the Central Railway and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to address the drain’s condition to prevent any disruption to railway services.Galgali, during his visit to Kurla station via the road adjacent to the Kurla Car Shed drain, noticed the neglect and promptly raised the issue through a tweet.
In response, the BMC forwarded the complaint to the Central Railway Divisional Railway Manager, who then passed it to the Senior Divisional Engineer Coordination. The Senior Divisional Engineer Coordination, however, contended that the responsibility lay with the BMC.
Expressing his frustration, Galgali criticized both Central Railway and BMC for shirking their duties, leading to the drain remaining uncleared and water inundating the tracks. He called for accountability, urging the General Manager of Central Railway and the Municipal Commissioner to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against those responsible.
The incident highlights the critical need for coordinated efforts and clear accountability between municipal and railway authorities to ensure the smooth functioning of essential services.
Supreme Court Rejects WB Govt Plea Against CBI Probe Into Land Grabbing, Sexual Assault Allegations in Sandeshkhali 10
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the West Bengal government’s plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order that directed a CBI investigation into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali. The bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan refused to interfere with the Calcutta HC order, noting that police in West Bengal had failed to act for months.
Defending the Calcutta HC’s decision, the Supreme Court stated that the order pertains to all related incidents. However, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing West Bengal, argued that substantial work had been done on the case and that a blanket direction was unnecessary.
The apex court remained unconvinced but clarified that its observations would not influence the trial or future remedies related to the case. West Bengal approached the Supreme Court to challenge the April 10 order of the Calcutta High Court, which mandated a CBI investigation into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali.
Looking Forward to Review All Aspects of India-Russia Ties With President Putin: PM Modi 12
As he travels to Moscow on a high-profile visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he is looking forward to reviewing all aspects of India-Russia ties with President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues.
Modi and Putin are set to explore ways to further expand bilateral relations in diverse areas at the 22nd India-Russia annual summit on Tuesday.
After concluding his engagements in Russia, Modi will leave for Austria in the first visit by an Indian prime minister to that country in over 40 years.
“The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past 10 years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi said in his departure statement.
“I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues,” he said.
“We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region. The visit will also provide me an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia,” Modi said.
The prime minister described Austria as India’s “steadfast and reliable partner” “In Austria, I will have the opportunity to meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer,” Modi said.
“Austria is our steadfast and reliable partner and we share the ideals of democracy and pluralism.” “This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister in over 40 years. I look forward to my discussions to take our partnership to even greater heights in new and emerging areas of innovation, technology and sustainable development among others,” he said.
Modi said he was looking forward to exchanging views with business leaders from both sides to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities.
“I will also be interacting with the Indian community in Austria which is well regarded for their professionalism and conduct,” he said.
Supreme Court Lays Down Guidelines on Portrayal of Disabled Persons in Visual Media 14
The Supreme Court laid down guidelines against “disparaging” portrayal of persons with disabilities in visual media and films on Monday, saying that terms such as “cripple” and “spastic” have acquired “devalued meanings” in societal perceptions.
The verdict came on a plea filed by one Nipun Malhotra, who submitted that the Hindi film ‘Aankh Micholi’ contained deprecatory references to differently abled persons.
Pronouncing the verdict, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said, “Words cultivate institutional discrimination and terms such as cripple and spastic have come to acquire devalued meanings in societal perceptions about persons with disabilities.” Laying down several guidelines, the bench said the film certification body CBFC must invite the opinion of experts before allowing screening.
“Visual media should strive to depict diverse realities of persons with disabilities, showcasing not only their challenges but also successes, talents and contribution to society. They should neither be lampooned based on myths nor presented as super cripples,” it added.
Mumbai University Postpones Exams Amid Heavy Rainfall 16
Mumbai University’s Centre of Distance and Open Learning exams scheduled for Monday’s first half have been postponed due to heavy rainfall, an official statement confirmed. Mumbai recorded over 300 mm of rain between 1 am and 7 am today, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Several train services were cancelled due to the downpour, according to Central Railways. The new examination date is set for July 13, 2024, with the same time and venue, noted a university statement.
Severe waterlogging disrupted suburban train services in low-lying areas, the civic body reported. The BMC added that its entire machinery is actively working on the ground and urged residents not to believe in rumours.
Water-logging was reported in areas like Worli, Kurla East, King’s Circle, Dadar, and Vidyavihar Railway Station. In response to anticipated severe waterlogging, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed teams in several city parts and surrounding regions.
The Meteorological Department forecast light to moderate rainfall for the next three hours. NDRF teams have been stationed in Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara, as well as in specific Mumbai localities like Ghatkopar and Kurla. Additionally, three teams are positioned in Andheri and one in Nagpur.
The action aims to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure timely responses to potential flood situations. A commuter at King’s Circle, where heavy rain hit, said, “My car is stuck on the road. There’s no point in blaming the government; they are doing their job.” Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) redirected many buses due to waterlogging.
Union Health Ministry Issues Advisory to States in View of Zika Virus Cases From Maharashtra 18
The Union Health Ministry has urged the states to maintain a constant state of vigilance through screening of pregnant women for Zika virus infection and monitoring the growth of the foetus of expecting mothers who have tested positive. The health facilities and hospitals have been assigned a nodal officer to monitor and act to keep the premises Aedes mosquito-free.
Additionally, states have been instructed to strengthen their entomological surveillance and intensify their vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions and health facilities. Additionally, the Zika virus has been spreading in Pune, with two more cases being reported on Monday. This has brought the total confirmed cases in the city to six, with both the new cases involving pregnant women residing in Erandwane.
The first case of the virus was reported by a doctor and his teenage daughter, who were living in the same area as the two new cases. The health officials have conducted inspections and collected samples from the affected area.
Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, the health officer for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), stated that among the 25 samples collected, 12 were from Erandwane and seven included pregnant women. Out of the tested, two had tested positive. Additional 13 samples were collected from Mundhwa, however, no reports were positive for these.
Pregnant women who are infected with Zika are considered to be at a higher risk so health officials have been conducting anomaly scans or them and increasing surveillance in the affected areas. The spread of the virus in the city is a cause of concern and efforts are being made to control the outbreak and prevent further infections.
The PMC has also urged citizens to follow the guidelines and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Assurance has been given by the police that they are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to control the spread of the virus in the city.
Made-in-India Koo App Shuts Down After Failed Acquisition Talks 20
Social media startup Koo, which positioned itself as the homegrown alternative to X (formerly Twitter), is shutting down its service after prolonged acquisition talks fell through.
Founded by Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka in 2019 and launched in March 2020, Koo gained prominence during the 2021 standoff between the Indian government and Twitter (now X) over the latter’s takedown requests related to farmer protests.
“Here’s the final update from our end. Our partnership talks fell through, and we will be discontinuing our service (the Koo platform) to the public. We explored partnerships with multiple larger internet companies, conglomerates, and media houses, but talks didn’t yield the outcome we wanted,” Radhakrishna and Bidawatka said in a joint statement on LinkedIn.
The founders highlighted their achievements, stating they built a “globally scalable product in a fraction of the time that X/Twitter did, with superior systems, algorithms, and strong stakeholder-first philosophies.”
“We explored partnerships with multiple larger internet companies, conglomerates, and media houses, but these talks didn’t yield the outcome we wanted. Most of them didn’t want to deal with user-generated content and the unpredictable nature of a social media company,” the co-founders said in their LinkedIn post on July 3.
“A couple of them changed priorities, almost close to signing. While we would have liked to keep the app running, the cost of technology services to maintain a social media app is high, and we’ve had to make this tough decision,” they added.
