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Will Royals Reclaim Lost Thrones? SC to Decide If Jaipur Royals Can Sue Over Princely Properties

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Will Royals Reclaim Lost Thrones? SC to Decide If Jaipur Royals Can Sue Over Princely Properties 2

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine whether Article 363 of the Constitution bars courts from hearing property disputes involving erstwhile princely states, reigniting the legal battle between the royal family of Jaipur and the Rajasthan government. This constitutional provision restricts judicial intervention in conflicts arising from pre-constitutional covenants between princely states and the Government of India.

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih issued notice on a plea filed by Jaipur royals, including Rajmata Padmini Devi, Deputy CM Diya Kumari, and Sawai Padmanabh Singh, challenging a Rajasthan High Court ruling that barred civil courts from hearing their suits. These pertain to the iconic Town Hall (Old Vidhan Sabha) and several other heritage properties in Jaipur’s walled city.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the royals, argued that the original covenant was executed among five princes, with the Government of India only acting as a guarantor. He pointed out that this aspect was overlooked by the High Court, leading to the April 17 judgment that rejected the royal family’s claims.

Justice Mishra expressed concern that allowing such suits could open a floodgate of litigation from other former princely states. “Tomorrow you will say the entire Jaipur is yours,” he remarked. Salve clarified that the royals were not demanding properties vested in the state per the covenant and the Constitution, but merely seeking rightful possession where the state no longer had valid use.

The Rajasthan government, represented by Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma, assured the Court it would maintain status quo and not take any provocative action until the matter is settled. The case revolves around the Town Hall, old police headquarters, Home Guard Directorate, and accountant’s office at Jaleb Chowk—prime heritage properties currently in government possession but claimed by the Jaipur royals.

The Supreme Court has posted the matter for further hearing after eight weeks, setting the stage for what could become a precedent-setting verdict on princely state property rights in modern India.

PM Modi Steps In as Northeast Drowns: Centre Promises Full Support Amid Soaring Death Toll

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pm modi, narendra modi, modi, floods, assam floods, manipur, north east
PM Modi Steps In as Northeast Drowns: Centre Promises Full Support Amid Soaring Death Toll 4

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support from the Centre to the northeastern states battling devastating floods and landslides caused by relentless rains. According to officials on Tuesday, PM Modi personally spoke with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla to assess the grim situation unfolding across the region.

The Prime Minister pledged all possible assistance to the affected states, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to help state governments manage rescue and relief efforts efficiently. The situation remains dire, with the death toll climbing to 36 as of Monday. Over 5.5 lakh people have been impacted across Assam, Sikkim, Manipur, and neighbouring areas due to widespread inundation and rain-induced landslides.

As rivers overflow and connectivity remains disrupted, rescue operations continue across multiple fronts. The government is monitoring the crisis closely, with emergency services and disaster management teams deployed to high-risk zones. The Centre’s promise of comprehensive aid comes at a critical time as affected families and communities brace for further rainfall in the coming days.

Fadnavis Unleashes ₹4000 Crore Kumbh Spend: Simhastha 2027 to Get Mega Infrastructure Overhaul

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kumbh, nashik, maharashrtra, fadnavis, devendra fadnavis
Fadnavis Unleashes ₹4000 Crore Kumbh Spend: Simhastha 2027 to Get Mega Infrastructure Overhaul 6

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has kicked off a ₹4000 crore infrastructure blitz for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 in Nashik, promising a spiritual extravaganza that blends tradition with modernity. Chairing a high-level meeting on Sunday, Fadnavis reviewed the grand preparations and held consultations with Mahants of various Akhadas to ensure the event is deeply rooted in Sanatan values and better organised than ever before.

Declaring this Kumbh will be “grand, divine, and unforgettable,” the Chief Minister revealed on social media platform X that tenders worth ₹4000 crore have already been issued, with an additional ₹2000 crore in the pipeline. With more lead time than the 2015 edition, officials are racing ahead with focused planning.

A major emphasis is being placed on cleaning and conserving the sacred Godavari River. To tackle pollution, sewage treatment projects worth ₹1200 crore are being prepared. All infrastructure—from sewage plants to roads—is being designed to be monsoon-proof to prevent disruption during the massive gathering.

Fadnavis also confirmed provisions for permanent facilities for sadhus, including a proposed land acquisition for a Sadhugram and improved amenities for Akhadas. Enhanced connectivity through a new road network is also underway to better manage the flow of devotees, especially around critical spiritual sites like the Kushavart Kund.

In parallel, the government has prepared a ₹681 crore development plan for Chaundi, the birthplace of Punyashlok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar. This plan includes preservation of her historical ghats with modern upgrades.

With lakhs expected to attend from across the world, Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027 is shaping up to be not only a celebration of spiritual legacy but also a showcase of Maharashtra’s commitment to eco-conscious infrastructure and cultural pride.

Assam Flood Crisis Deepens: Over 4 Lakh Affected, IMD Warns of More Torrential Rain

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assam floods, rain, assam, floods, north east
Assam Flood Crisis Deepens: Over 4 Lakh Affected, IMD Warns of More Torrential Rain 8

The flood situation in Assam turned increasingly critical on Monday, with over four lakh people affected across 15 districts as relentless rainfall continues to lash the state. According to the India Meteorological Department’s Regional Centre in Guwahati, moderate to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in several parts of Assam in the coming days, worsening the already dire scenario.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported two more deaths on Sunday night in Cachar and Sribhumi districts, pushing the total flood and landslide death toll this year to 10. Cachar remains the worst hit, with over one lakh people affected, followed by Sribhumi with 85,000 and Nagaon with 62,000.

At present, 764 villages are submerged, and nearly 3,525 hectares of crop area have been damaged. The administration is running 155 relief camps across 12 districts, sheltering over 10,200 displaced people. Essential supplies, including more than 1,000 quintals of rice and thousands of litres of mustard oil, have been distributed in the last 24 hours.

Several key rivers, including the Brahmaputra at Dibrugarh and Nimatighat, and its tributaries Dhansiri and Kopili, are flowing above the danger level. The Barak River and its tributaries in Sribhumi and Matizuri have also breached safe limits.

With more heavy rains predicted and rivers swelling further, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned that the situation may deteriorate in low-lying and riverbank areas. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured full support and discussed the crisis with Sarma. Meanwhile, rescue operations are ongoing, including air evacuations by the Indian Air Force from the Assam-Arunachal border.

Transportation has taken a hit with disrupted roads, railways, and ferry services, further isolating affected regions. As multiple agencies scramble to provide relief, the state braces for more rain and rising waters.

Anna University Sexual Harassment Case: Convict Gets 30-Year Life Sentence Without Remission

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anna university, harassment case, anna, university
Anna University Sexual Harassment Case: Convict Gets 30-Year Life Sentence Without Remission 10

In a landmark judgment, a Chennai Mahila Court on Monday sentenced Gnanasekaran—convicted of sexually harassing a student on the Anna University campus in December last year—to life imprisonment for a minimum of 30 years without the possibility of remission. Judge M Rajalakshmi, who had convicted the accused on May 28, announced the sentencing after the prosecution successfully proved 11 charges against him.

The judge ordered that the sentences for each of the 11 convictions would run concurrently. The strict sentencing reflects the judiciary’s zero-tolerance approach to crimes against women, especially those occurring within academic institutions.

Mayawati Defends Akash Anand’s Rise, Slams ‘Seasonal Frogs’ in Congress, BJP, SP

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mayawati, akash anand, bahujan samaj party, bsp
Mayawati Defends Akash Anand’s Rise, Slams 'Seasonal Frogs' in Congress, BJP, SP 12

In a strong statement amid internal changes, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Monday defended Akash Anand’s elevation within the party, saying it was “natural” for people to feel uneasy about the ups and downs of his political journey. Anand, recently reinstated and now appointed as the Chief National Coordinator—a newly created post that positions him above the three national coordinators—is effectively the party’s second-in-command.

Mayawati took to social media platform X to assert that the BSP remains the only true Ambedkarite party dedicated to the upliftment of the Bahujan community. She emphasized that the party has a tradition of making tough decisions in its interest and reversing them when the individual shows remorse, subtly referring to Anand’s earlier exit and return.

Expressing confidence in Anand’s ability to carry forward the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and BSP founder Kanshi Ram, Mayawati made it clear that the party has no room for opportunistic and self-serving individuals. In a sharp jab at political rivals, she warned BSP supporters against being misled by “seasonal frogs”—a reference to leaders aligning with Congress, BJP, and Samajwadi Party for personal gain. She cautioned that such alliances do not benefit the Bahujan community in the long run and urged people to stay vigilant.

Over 2,200 Govt Employees Caught Illegally Availing Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana

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aditi tatkare, ladki bahin yojna
Over 2,200 Govt Employees Caught Illegally Availing Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana 14

In a startling revelation, Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare announced that more than 2,200 government employees were wrongly receiving benefits under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, despite being ineligible. The scheme, launched by the Mahayuti government in August 2023 ahead of the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections, provides ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women aged 21 to 65. However, government employees are explicitly barred from availing this benefit.

Tatkare disclosed the irregularities in a post on X, stating that out of nearly 2 lakh applications scrutinised so far, 2,289 government employees were flagged and subsequently denied the scheme’s benefits. She asserted that verification of applicants would be an ongoing process to ensure only deserving beneficiaries receive support.

The revelation adds fuel to an ongoing debate about the sustainability and implementation of the welfare scheme. While Mahayuti leaders credit the scheme for their strong electoral performance, they have also acknowledged its significant financial burden on the state exchequer. The government’s swift action in identifying fraudulent claims signals an effort to restore integrity to the scheme and safeguard public funds.

MMRDA Scraps Rs 13,000 Cr Ghodbunder–Bhayandar Tunnel Project Tender Amid L&T Row, Eyes Fresh Bids with Lower Costs

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mmrda, borivali, thane, ghodbunder, borivali-thane tunnel, twin tunnel, supreme court, tender
MMRDA Scraps Rs 13,000 Cr Ghodbunder–Bhayandar Tunnel Project Tender Amid L&T Row, Eyes Fresh Bids with Lower Costs 16

In a bold move aimed at bolstering transparency and public trust, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to scrap and re-tender the ambitious ₹13,000 crore Ghodbunder–Bhayandar twin tunnel and elevated road project, despite securing legal victories in the High Court and Supreme Court. The decision, taken “purely in public interest,” signals a commitment to ensuring cost-efficiency and responsible governance, MMRDA said in an official statement on May 30.

The legal dispute began when infrastructure giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) filed petitions challenging the original tendering process. While both the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court upheld MMRDA’s procedures as legally and technically sound, L&T argued that its financial bid—never opened—was ₹3,000 crore lower than its competitors’. However, the firm had failed to submit a key affidavit certifying that no bridge built by it had collapsed within two years, leading to its disqualification.

Even as the Supreme Court, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, upheld the High Court’s decision, MMRDA’s legal team—Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta—voluntarily proposed a re-tender in court, stating it would be done in the spirit of transparency and fairness.

The Authority is also mulling a downward revision of the base cost by ₹3,000 crore to enhance financial prudence. The twin project includes a 5-km tunnel with a 14.6-metre diameter connecting Gaimukh in Mira-Bhayandar to the Fountain Hotel junction at Shilphata in Thane, and a 9.8-km elevated creek road bridge linking Bhayandar to Ghodbunder Road. Combined, these projects aim to drastically reduce traffic congestion and improve East-West connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) had earlier emerged as the lowest bidder. With the fresh tendering process now on the horizon, the race to execute one of Mumbai’s most transformative infrastructure projects has been reset.

‘Outrage Must Not Go Unpunished’: Tharoor Slams Pakistan, Criticizes Colombia’s Sympathy After Terror Strike

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shashi tharoor, colombia, tharoor, operation sindoor
'Outrage Must Not Go Unpunished': Tharoor Slams Pakistan, Criticizes Colombia’s Sympathy After Terror Strike 18

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading a multiparty Indian delegation in Colombia, strongly defended India’s retaliatory action under Operation Sindoor following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Speaking to the media in Bogotá, Tharoor said India had no choice but to strike back, emphasizing that “this kind of outrage could not go unpunished.”

He criticized the international community for offering only condemnation without action and particularly slammed Pakistan for its complete inaction, stating that no arrests or prosecutions followed the attack. Tharoor revealed evidence of Pakistan’s complicity, including photos of uniformed military officials attending the funeral of a known terrorist on the sanctions list.

Calling out Colombia’s official reaction, Tharoor expressed disappointment that the country extended condolences over Pakistani casualties from India’s retaliatory strike rather than standing with the victims of the terror attack.

“There can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist them,” he declared, clarifying that India’s response was a legitimate act of self-defence. He highlighted that the attack had been claimed by The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot based in Muridke, Pakistan.

The Indian delegation, including MPs from Congress, BJP, Shiv Sena, and other parties, aims to clarify India’s position and counter any misconceptions abroad regarding its anti-terror operations.

Ashadhi Wari 2025: Maharashtra Govt Offers Insurance, Tents, and Toll Relief for Warkaris

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insurance, warkaris, wari, maharashtra govt, maharashtra
Ashadhi Wari 2025: Maharashtra Govt Offers Insurance, Tents, and Toll Relief for Warkaris 20

The Maharashtra government has unveiled a robust support plan for the 2025 Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage, aimed at safeguarding and easing the journey for thousands of Warkaris heading to Pandharpur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed authorities to expedite repairs on rain-damaged routes to ensure safe passage for devotees.

In a significant move, group insurance coverage will be provided to pilgrims, along with enhanced medical assistance and improved infrastructure at Palkhi halts. Waterproof tents, consistent water supply, and electricity connections will be arranged at rest stops. Continuing past traditions, toll concessions will also be offered to vehicles transporting Warkaris.

These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to honoring the spiritual and cultural significance of the Ashadhi Wari by providing a safer, more comfortable pilgrimage experience.

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