Sharda University Suicide Shocker: Two Staffers Arrested After Student Found Dead in Hostel 2
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across Greater Noida, a second-year BDS student of Sharda University, Jyoti Sharma, allegedly died by suicide inside her hostel room. The incident occurred on Friday night, prompting an immediate police investigation.
Following a complaint filed by the student’s family, two university staff members were arrested in connection with the case. The arrests were made based on prima facie evidence and statements provided by the family, according to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Sudhir Kumar.
Jyoti Sharma, a native of Gurugram, was pursuing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the private university. The Knowledge Park Police Station in Gautam Budh Nagar has registered the case, and further investigation is underway. Her body has been sent for postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about student safety and institutional responsibility on campus.
CAG Slams Maharashtra Excise Department for Massive Rs 245 Crore Revenue Loss 4
In a damning audit report, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has exposed massive irregularities and mismanagement within the Maharashtra State Excise Department, resulting in a staggering revenue loss of over ₹245 crore.
The CAG revealed that due to incorrect assessments during licence renewal, the state exchequer lost ₹20.15 crore in fees and an additional ₹70.22 crore in interest. The department’s failure to implement revised supervision fee rates further cost the government ₹1.20 crore.
One of the most glaring lapses noted in the audit was the excise commissioner’s unauthorized decision to exempt old stock of beer from duty—without prior approval from the state government—leading to significant losses. The report also criticized delays in submitting mild beer samples for chemical analysis, which hindered tax recovery of ₹73.18 crore.
The CAG flagged a loophole in the Bombay Prohibition (Privilege Fee) Rules, 1954, which allowed major shareholding changes in public limited companies without charging fees. This regulatory gap resulted in another ₹26.93 crore slipping through the state’s hands.
Further scrutiny uncovered undervaluation in production costs for 11 liquor products supplied through the Canteen Stores Department (CSD), leading to an excise duty shortfall of ₹38.34 crore. Additionally, pricing errors in imported foreign liquor between 2017 and 2022 led to non-collection of ₹14.37 crore.
The audit slammed the department for systemic failures, underscoring the urgent need for reform to plug revenue leakages and restore accountability in liquor regulation.
Stop This Farce in the Name of Democracy: The Shame of Maharashtra Assembly 6
What happened on July 17, 2025, inside the sacred halls of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan is not merely a scuffle—it is a disgrace, a vulgar exhibition of power, arrogance, and moral decay by those elected to serve. It’s no longer a matter of party lines—BJP, NCP(SP), Shiv Sena, Congress—it’s the very institution of the MLA that stands discredited today.
Let us be clear: Vidhan Bhavan is not your wrestling arena. It is not your clubhouse to flaunt muscle and manhood. It is not a private estate where you bring your cronies and fill the corridors with sycophants. Vidhan Bhavan is the epicenter of democratic governance—the people’s Parliament of Maharashtra. And you’ve reduced it to a circus of ego and criminality.
Where is the morality? Where is the dignity?
This is not the first time we’ve seen the absolute rot on display. From an MLA being dragged out of his quarters by his wife after being caught with another woman to a policeman—Suryavanshi—being beaten to death by lawmakers inside the Assembly. From the violent desk-smashing oath disruption by MLA Ramesh Wanjale to an MLA dressed up as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj saluting ministers as if democracy were a costume drama—this institution has become a mockery of the people’s mandate.
Just this week, Gopichand Padalkar and Jitendra Awhad’s supporters turned the Assembly entrance into a street fight. Arrests were made, FIRs lodged, and Speaker Rahul Narwekar had no choice but to ban all visitors—finally recognising that most of these ‘visitors’ are nothing more than props, goons, and hanger-ons brought in to flex political muscle.
Let us call a spade a spade—these MLAs, from ruling and opposition alike, are drunk on power and disconnected from the people. They walk around surrounded by self-styled “staff,” treat the public like nuisance, and treat Parliament like a private war zone. No MLA today wants to serve. They want to be seen. They want headlines. They want Twitter trends. They want chairs, posts, positions, and followers—not responsibilities.
The new generation of voters must open their eyes.
It is not enough to complain about bad roads, rising prices, water cuts, or unemployment. You put these people in power. You chose goons with criminal records, candidates who treat women and citizens with disdain, those who speak in abuses more than policies.
And now you see the result.
Abuse. Mimicry. Violence. In the temple of democracy.
Let us ask: Would you allow such men into your own homes? Into your workplaces? Into your children’s schools? Then why are you allowing them to decide the fate of 12 crore people?
Speaker Narwekar may now form an ethics committee, set rules, ban meetings, and demand apologies. But what is the point of apologies when the rot is systemic? Will one regret undo the national shame caused by lawmakers hurling abuses and fists in public view?
The only way to end this rot is at the ballot box. Stop treating elections like festivals of caste, religion, and money. Stop electing criminals in the name of loyalty and symbols. Stop glorifying loudmouths and abusers as “strong leaders”.
Vidhan Bhavan should be a seat of intellect, vision, debate, and dignity. Instead, it has become a den of showboating, brawling, and lawlessness.
Shame on the MLAs who disgraced it. Shame on the parties who protect them. And shame on the voters who choose them again and again.
If you want change, start by demanding candidates with clean backgrounds. People who can speak policy, not profanity. People who walk with the people, not ahead of them with six men in tow.
The BMC elections are around the corner. Take back control of your city, your state, and your democracy.
Vote wisely. Or forever hold your peace as democracy is throttled in full public view.
Maharashtra Govt Renames Islampur to Ishwarpur Amid Hindutva Push 8
The Maharashtra Government on Friday officially announced that Islampur in Sangli district will now be renamed as Ishwarpur. The decision was declared in the state legislature on the final day of the monsoon session, drawing immediate political and social attention.
The renaming move follows persistent demands from Hindutva outfit Shiv Pratisthan, led by Sambhaji Bhide. The group had submitted a formal memorandum to the Sangli collectorate calling for the change. Bhide’s supporters have been vocal in asserting that they would not back down until their demand was fulfilled.
A local Shiv Sena leader from Islampur stated that the call to rename the town has been pending since 1986, making this a long-standing issue rooted in regional and ideological identity. The announcement has sparked fresh debates over cultural symbolism and political messaging ahead of the upcoming elections.
US Labels TRF as Terror Outfit Over Pahalgam Attack, Reinforces Trump's Call for Justice 10
In a major diplomatic move, the United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). This comes in the wake of the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians lost their lives.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision through a statement issued by the Department of State, asserting that the designation underscores America’s commitment to counterterrorism and enforces former President Donald Trump’s call for justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
Initially, TRF had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam massacre, only to later retract the statement amid mounting diplomatic pressure between India and Pakistan. The group has also been involved in multiple assaults on Indian security forces, including incidents reported as recently as 2024.
Rubio stated that TRF and its associated aliases are now included under LeT’s FTO and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) listings, as per Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. The US also reaffirmed its existing FTO designation of LeT.
Calling the Pahalgam incident the most lethal attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes, Rubio emphasized that the US remains committed to defending national and global security interests.
Following the attack, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the weeks that followed, India dispatched seven multi-party delegations to 33 international capitals, including Washington, to present evidence of Pakistan’s continued complicity in global terrorism.
Upholding Sanatan Dharma: Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Leads Grand Go-Pratishtha Mahayagya in Mumbai 12
In a spiritually charged atmosphere, the grand Go-Pratishtha Mahayagya—a 100-Kundiya sacred fire ritual dedicated to cow reverence and protection—was ceremoniously inaugurated at the Chaturmasya site in Korakendra, Mumbai. The Mahayagya is being held in the divine presence of His Holiness Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the revered Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, who has emerged as a leading voice in the national movement for Gau Raksha (cow protection) and the restoration of Sanatan values in Bharat.
The Yagya is being conducted under the Vedic leadership of Krishna Yajurvedacharya Pt. Shri Veereshwar Datar of Kashi, Maharashtra, supported by Acharya Pt. Animesh and Acharya Pt. Sudhir. Representing the divine intent of Paramaradhya, celibate Parmatmanand Ji is overseeing the sacrificial rituals. The event has drawn participation from renowned Vedic scholars and Acharyas from across India, alongside prominent pundits of Mumbai. The Mahayagya will be held daily at 9 AM throughout the auspicious Chaturmasya period.
In a significant step towards global spiritual participation, the organizers have also launched a dedicated mobile app, enabling Sanatani devotees across India and abroad to engage, contribute, and offer their prayers online for this sacred cause.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj, known for his tireless advocacy of Gau Pratishthan Andolan, has boldly called upon the government to grant the cow a status beyond mere animal categorization. “The cow is not just a creature—it is our Mata, our divine mother. It must be removed from the list of animals and declared a National Deity,” he asserted. “Once the law recognizes this and people accept it culturally and spiritually, the national consciousness will transform.”
He strongly condemned the ongoing slaughter of cows, calling it a tragic insult to Indian heritage. “We Sanatanis feed our first roti to Gaumata. To see her slaughtered is not only heartbreaking, it is a direct assault on the soul of Bharat. What greater victory could our enemies have than to see us silent in this matter?” the Shankaracharya asked with piercing clarity.
In sharp contrast to this spiritual call, a recent report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) paints a grim picture. It forecasts that India will increase its beef (largely carabeef) production and exports in 2025, aided by growing policy support. With a bovine population of over 307 million and 41.41 million slaughter-ready animals, India continues to be among the world’s largest producers—a deeply troubling statistic for those who see Gaumata as sacred.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s appeal is not just religious—it is cultural, civilizational, and moral. He urges every citizen who believes in Sanatan Dharma, who honors Indian values, and who wishes to protect Bharat’s sacred traditions to participate in this Mahayagya—whether in person or online—and strengthen the demand to declare the Cow as our National Deity and safeguard her existence through policy and public will.
Let us unite to preserve the spiritual backbone of Bharat. This is not merely a Yagya—it is a collective prayer, a civilizational call, and a duty to our divine heritage. Join the movement. Stand with Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj. Protect Gaumata. Protect Dharma.
Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has moved the Supreme Court, challenging the in-house committee’s findings and the removal recommendation made by then Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. This comes after a large amount of unaccounted cash was reportedly found at his official residence in Delhi following a fire in March.
Justice Varma’s plea questions the constitutional validity of the in-house procedure, asserting it creates an extra-constitutional mechanism that undermines the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. He contends that only Parliament is vested with the authority to remove a sitting judge, and the committee’s process lacks legal standing and procedural safeguards.
The case took a dramatic turn after a blaze broke out at Varma’s residence on March 14, while he and his wife were away in Madhya Pradesh. Firefighters allegedly recovered bundles of unaccounted cash from the scene. A video also surfaced showing the cash burning in the fire. Justice Varma has denied all allegations, claiming he is being framed in a deliberate conspiracy.
A three-member panel comprising Chief Justices Sheel Nagu (Punjab and Haryana High Court), GS Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka High Court) was formed by CJI Khanna on March 22. The panel submitted its report on May 4, following which the CJI recommended Justice Varma’s impeachment to the President.
Justice Varma was then transferred back to the Allahabad High Court and took oath, but his judicial responsibilities were withdrawn by the CJI. In his petition, he alleges that he was not given an opportunity to present his defense, and that he was pressured to resign or retire, failing which the removal proceedings would be initiated.
He further criticizes the Supreme Court’s public disclosure of the allegations via press release, calling it a violation of due process and an invitation for a media trial. Justice Varma’s plea also highlights the absence of clarity on the cash’s ownership and exact value, which he claims was ignored in the committee’s final report.
Filed through advocate Vaibhav Niti, the petition could spark a landmark constitutional debate over judicial accountability, the scope of in-house inquiries, and the boundaries of CJI authority.
Railway Job Scam: Three Booked for Duping Aspirants of ₹23 Lakh in Thane 16
Three individuals have been booked in Maharashtra’s Thane district for allegedly cheating job seekers out of ₹23 lakh under the pretext of providing employment in the Indian Railways, police said on Friday.
According to officials, a Dombivli resident filed the complaint after realizing he had been duped. One of the accused, Vishal Nivate, claimed to be a clerk in the Railways and promised jobs as clerks and ticket checkers for the complainant’s son and two others.
Over a span of five months, the accused and his two accomplices allegedly collected ₹23 lakh from the victims, issuing them fake appointment letters and bogus railway ID cards. The complainant raised an alarm when none of the promised jobs materialized.
The case was registered on Wednesday under sections 318(4) (cheating), 316(2) (criminal breach of trust), and 336(2) and 336(3) (forgery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), among other relevant provisions.
While no arrests have been made yet, the police have launched an investigation to determine the full scale of the fraud and recover the defrauded amount.
SC Spares Rapist from Death Sentence, Cites Ignored Mitigating Factors in 'Rarest of Rare' Debate 18
In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court on July 16 commuted the death sentence of a man convicted of raping and murdering a 10-year-old girl in Uttarakhand to life imprisonment without the possibility of remission. The apex court bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol, and Sandeep Mehta noted that both the trial court and the Uttarakhand High Court relied solely on the brutality of the crime to justify capital punishment, without adequately weighing other circumstances.
The convict had challenged the January 2020 high court verdict that upheld his conviction and the death penalty. According to the prosecution, in July 2018, the man lured the child into his hut under the pretext of buying her sweets and later raped and killed her. The court said, “A simple afternoon of play and frolic with family members yielded catastrophic results for a 10-year-old female child… the most innocent desire of either a candy or a toy was exploited in the worst manner possible.”
Evidence included the recovery of the victim’s body from the convict’s hut, the last-seen theory, and DNA analysis. While affirming the conviction, the top court criticized the lower courts for not discussing the “rarest of rare” threshold thoroughly. It emphasized that the courts failed to assess aggravating and mitigating circumstances before arriving at the death sentence.
The bench considered reports from the district probation officer, jail authorities, and psychological evaluations, which highlighted the convict’s deprived background. The convict, from a financially distressed family in Ayodhya, had started working at the age of 12 and had never attended school due to poverty.
“In view of the mitigating circumstances and absence of a comprehensive evaluation by the lower courts, we deem it appropriate to award life imprisonment without remission till the natural life of the appellant, instead of the death penalty,” the court ruled.
Congress Grills Its Own Leader for Silence on Controversial Security Bill in Maharashtra Assembly 20
The Maharashtra Congress has demanded a formal explanation from Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Vijay Wadettiwar over the passage of the controversial Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, without the party’s protest in the state assembly last week.
According to sources, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal sent a letter to Wadettiwar on Monday, seeking clarity on why the party failed to oppose the bill during its passage in the assembly. The move reportedly comes at the behest of the party high command, which had earlier directed its leaders to oppose the bill.
Despite pre-circulated speaking points to all Congress MLAs ahead of the bill’s discussion on July 10, Wadettiwar was reportedly absent from the House, sources said. While the party’s MLCs raised objections and staged a walkout in the Legislative Council the following day, the absence of protest in the assembly has sparked internal backlash.
The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, which aims to curb activities linked to Left-wing extremism with a special focus on ‘urban Naxalism’, includes stringent provisions such as fines and imprisonment of up to seven years. The bill has come under fire from civil society and opposition parties, who argue that it poses a threat to civil liberties and could be used to suppress dissent under the guise of national security.
During an earlier meeting on June 30, chaired by AICC’s Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, Congress had reportedly resolved to oppose the bill. However, in the assembly, only the lone CPI (M) MLA raised a voice against it.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav criticized the bill on Wednesday, calling it “harsher than British-era laws” and slammed the Mahayuti government for pushing such legislation without offering any data to justify its necessity.
