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Mystery in Bukhara: Meghalaya Principal Secretary Syed Md A Razi Found Dead in Hotel Room

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Mystery in Bukhara: Meghalaya Principal Secretary Syed Md A Razi Found Dead in Hotel Room 2

In a tragic and shocking turn of events, Meghalaya Principal Secretary Syed Md A Razi was found dead in his hotel room in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, where he was on a private visit since April 4. The senior Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, who had been on deputation to the Meghalaya government since 2021, is suspected to have died of cardiac arrest, officials said on Tuesday.

According to a senior official, concern arose when Razi failed to respond to phone calls on Monday morning. Hotel staff were then alerted, and upon forcibly opening the door, they discovered his lifeless body inside the room.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, confirming the news, said necessary formalities are being carried out and that Razi’s wife is on her way to Bukhara. Mourning the bureaucrat’s untimely demise, Sangma posted on X: “Deeply pained to hear about the untimely demise of Syed Md A Razi, IRTS, Principal Secretary, GoM.”

Praising Razi’s service, Sangma wrote that he was “incredibly efficient, unwaveringly dedicated” and someone who inspired his peers with both his work ethic and warm personality. He added, “His absence leaves a profound void in all of us.”

While early reports suggest a cardiac arrest, the circumstances of the death in a foreign hotel room are bound to raise questions. Formal investigations by local authorities are likely to continue as the Indian government coordinates through diplomatic channels.

Delhi Sizzles: Heatwave Grips Capital as AQI Dips to ‘Poor’ Category

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Web Team
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Delhi Sizzles: Heatwave Grips Capital as AQI Dips to 'Poor' Category 4

Delhi woke up to a warm Tuesday morning as temperatures continued to rise, with the minimum settling at 22.4°C, which is 2.2°C above the seasonal average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heatwave conditions in parts of the national capital, intensifying concerns about both heat stress and deteriorating air quality.

The IMD declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature hits 40°C or more in the plains, or the temperature exceeds normal by 4.5°C to 6.4°C. On Monday, Delhi experienced its first heatwave of the season, with the mercury soaring to 40.2°C. Today, forecasters expect it to climb further, potentially touching 41°C.

Adding to the discomfort, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 216 at 9 am, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as poor, posing health risks especially for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

The double threat of rising temperatures and polluted air has raised alarms among environmentalists and public health experts, who urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, and limit outdoor activity. As Delhi’s summer intensifies, both the skyline and breathing space are heating up — and relief seems nowhere in sight.

Trump’s Tariff Tsunami: Markets Panic as President Doubles Down on Global Trade War

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Web Team
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Trump's Tariff Tsunami: Markets Panic as President Doubles Down on Global Trade War 6

President Donald Trump on Sunday refused to back down from his sweeping tariffs on imports from most of the world, insisting they will remain unless other nations balance their trade with the United States. His comments, made aboard Air Force One, come despite financial markets reeling, fears of a global recession escalating, and growing political backlash at home and abroad.

“I don’t want the markets to fall, but sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something,” Trump said, doubling down on his belief that trade deficits represent a loss and promising that the U.S. would no longer tolerate imbalanced trade relationships. “We’re going to have surpluses or at worst, going to be breaking even,” he added, claiming that leaders from across Europe and Asia were “dying to make a deal.”

The higher tariffs, announced April 2 and scheduled to be enforced starting Wednesday, have already triggered a wave of economic uncertainty. U.S. stock futures plunged Sunday evening, with Dow and S&P 500 futures down nearly 4% and Nasdaq futures falling by almost 5%. Even bitcoin dropped by 6% in response to the instability.

Trump’s decision fulfills a key campaign promise to “reset” global trade rules, bypassing Congress to act unilaterally. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the turbulence, noting that unfair trade practices “can’t be negotiated away in days or weeks.” He insisted that the U.S. would judge trade partners by their offers and credibility.

Amid concerns, Trump took to social media with a bold message: “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy.” His cabinet officials and economic advisers fanned out across media platforms on Sunday, defending the tariffs while brushing off fears of an imminent recession.

“We’re building long-term economic fundamentals,” Bessent said. “Markets may fluctuate, but our focus is prosperity.”

Reactions from U.S. allies have been mixed, with countries like Israel and Vietnam scrambling for exemptions. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, set to meet Trump on Monday, is expected to raise the tariffs during their discussions. Vietnam’s leadership reportedly told Trump they would drop tariffs to zero if a deal could be reached.

European leaders, too, have expressed frustration. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni opposed the move but said she was prepared to deploy “all tools” to protect Italy’s businesses. In total, over 50 nations have reached out to Washington to begin negotiations, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

The tariffs are also sparking political tension at home. While many Republicans support Trump’s trade vision, there is mounting discomfort. Several GOP senators are backing a bipartisan bill that would require any new tariffs to be approved by Congress within 60 days. Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon said he would introduce a House version, calling past decisions to cede tariff powers to the president a mistake.

Still, some Republican leaders remain cautious. Sen. John Barrasso, a senior figure in GOP leadership, defended Trump’s right to act but acknowledged growing concerns. “There is concern across the country,” he said. “People are watching the markets. There’ll be a discussion in the Senate. We’ll see which way it goes.”

As America heads into a new chapter of economic nationalism, Trump’s high-stakes gamble is testing both global alliances and domestic patience — with no clear resolution in sight.

Waqf Law Sparks Uproar: Supreme Court to Hear Petitions Against ‘Anti-Muslim’ Amendment

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Web Team
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Waqf Law Sparks Uproar: Supreme Court to Hear Petitions Against 'Anti-Muslim' Amendment 8

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to urgently consider listing multiple petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which has sparked nationwide uproar among Muslim organisations and political leaders.

The Act, recently passed by Parliament and signed by President Droupadi Murmu, is under fire for allegedly stripping Waqf Boards and state governments of their authority over Waqf properties, instead centralising control under the Union government.

During the court proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, urged for urgent listing of the pleas. The matter was also raised by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, lawyer Nizam Pasha, and others on behalf of petitioners including AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, noted the submissions and said the listing request would be considered later in the day.

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, in its plea, described the law as a “dangerous conspiracy” to rob Muslims of their religious freedom, calling it a direct attack on the Constitution. The organisation also indicated that its state units would be challenging the law separately in various High Courts.

Maulana Arshad Madani, the president of Jamiat, has filed an interim petition seeking to halt the implementation of the Act altogether.

Another petitioner, Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, a body of Sunni Muslim clerics, argued the law intrudes on Article 26 of the Constitution, which protects the rights of religious denominations to manage their own affairs. Their plea warned that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreparably damage the autonomy of Waqf institutions.

The law has also been challenged by Association for the Protection of Civil Rights, an NGO, which said the Act imposes arbitrary restrictions not seen in the governance of other religious endowments.

Owaisi, in his plea, argued that while protections for Hindu, Jain, and Sikh endowments remain intact, those for Waqfs are being eroded — calling it “hostile discrimination” against Muslims and a violation of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.

Amanatullah Khan, in a separate petition, has sought that the entire amendment be declared unconstitutional, citing violations of a host of constitutional provisions, including Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 300-A.

With widespread concern among religious and political leaders, the legal battle over the Waqf (Amendment) Act is shaping into a high-stakes constitutional showdown that may have far-reaching implications for minority rights and religious autonomy in India.

₹1.5 Crore Scandal Rocks Gokhale Institute’s Parent Body; Secretary Arrested for Fund Misuse

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Web Team
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gokhale institute, gokhale, fund misuse, pune
₹1.5 Crore Scandal Rocks Gokhale Institute’s Parent Body; Secretary Arrested for Fund Misuse 10

The secretary of the Servants of India Society (SIS), the parent body of the prestigious Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), has been arrested for allegedly misappropriating ₹1.5 crore in institutional funds. According to police, Milind Deshmukh was taken into custody on Saturday following a complaint lodged by GIPE’s Deputy Registrar Vishal Gaikwad at the Deccan Gymkhana police station.

Deshmukh is accused of diverting GIPE funds during 2022–23 for the purchase of SIS land in Nagpur, without securing official permissions or following due process. As per the complaint, Deshmukh unilaterally drafted a letter on SIS letterhead, stamped by the Gokhale Institute, demanding to freehold SIS land valued at ₹1.5 crore. The GIPE Board of Management approved the request on December 14, 2022, without further scrutiny.

Subsequently, in February 2023, GIPE transferred ₹1.02 crore to the Nagpur district collector’s account, and ₹40 lakh via cheque to the Servants of India Society. The latter amount was claimed to be spent on document retrieval, stamp duty, contractor fees, and administrative costs. However, the complaint alleges this money was misused for Deshmukh’s personal benefit.

Deshmukh has been booked under IPC Sections 406, 420, and 34 for criminal breach of trust, cheating, and conspiracy.

The scandal comes amid existing tensions at GIPE, which recently saw the removal—and immediate reinstatement—of Chancellor and EAC-PM member Sanjeev Sanyal by SIS over the institute’s “declining academic standards” and a poor NAAC ‘B’ grade. In a letter posted on X, Sanyal had earlier flagged ongoing financial irregularities at the institution.

He defended his tenure by pointing out that the NAAC grade was based on data from years before he assumed office as Chancellor, shifting the blame to former administrators—ironically, now under the scanner.

Tension in Palghar as Eggs Thrown at Ram Navami Rally; Police File Case

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Web Team
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maharashra, police, mumbai police, palghar, ram navami,
Tension in Palghar as Eggs Thrown at Ram Navami Rally; Police File Case 12

Tension gripped Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Sunday after eggs were allegedly hurled at a Ram Navami motorbike rally, prompting swift police action and the registration of a case against unidentified individuals. The incident occurred near the Pimpleshwar Temple in Virar (West), where the rally — organized by Sakal Hindu Samaj — had reached its final leg after beginning at Sarveshwar Temple in Chikhaldongri.

The procession included over 100 motorbikes, two tempos, and a ceremonial chariot, drawing significant participation from local residents. According to police, a few riders who took a side street were targeted with eggs thrown from a nearby building, sparking anger and brief tension among the devotees.

Officers from the Bolinj police station quickly arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. A case was registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for public mischief and hurting religious sentiments. One individual has been detained for questioning, while surveillance and security have been stepped up in the area.

Authorities urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified content on social media that could escalate tensions further.

President Trump’s Bold Action Against Deadly Criminal Gangs Brings Hope for a Safer America

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Vaidehi Taman
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donald trump, crime, gangster, trump, us, america
President Trump's Bold Action Against Deadly Criminal Gangs Brings Hope for a Safer America 14

Two of the world’s most dangerous and violent gangs—MS-13 and Tren de Aragua—have long posed a serious threat to civil society, especially in the United States. These criminal networks are known for their brutality, and many of their members have entered the U.S. illegally. Their presence has created fear and instability in several American communities.

One recent development came when U.S. authorities arrested Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, a 24-year-old Salvadoran national and one of the top three MS-13 leaders operating on the East Coast. He was captured in Woodbridge, Virginia, and charged for illegally possessing a firearm while being in the country unlawfully. This arrest highlights the persistent danger posed by MS-13—a gang originally formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s to protect Salvadoran immigrants but which quickly evolved into a transnational criminal empire. Over the years, MS-13 has become known for murder, drug trafficking, extortion, and extreme violence, spreading its influence throughout the U.S., Central America, and beyond.

The Trump administration has taken firm and decisive steps to counter these threats. Since returning to office in 2025, President Donald Trump has prioritised national security and safety for every American. He ordered the deportation of several high-ranking MS-13 members to El Salvador, ensuring that they face justice and are removed from U.S. soil. This move was widely praised for directly targeting the root of the threat, rather than only treating its symptoms.

Equally dangerous is the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, led by Héctor “Niño” Guerrero. This organisation is involved in a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, illegal mining, and even arms dealing. Unlike MS-13, Tren de Aragua operates more like a cartel, without distinctive tattoos, making their members harder to identify. Originally based in Aragua state in Venezuela, the gang expanded rapidly, taking advantage of Venezuela’s deep economic crisis to recruit poor and vulnerable individuals. Their operations now span much of Latin America and have even reached U.S. borders.

In a groundbreaking move, President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, starting the process of officially designating these gangs—MS-13 and Tren de Aragua—as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs). This classification, enacted on February 20, 2025, grants U.S. authorities broader powers to investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone affiliated with or aiding these criminal groups. Using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, Trump also authorised the deportation of suspected members, further strengthening national security.

What makes these gangs particularly dangerous is their sheer brutality and organised structure. MS-13 is infamous for gruesome murders and gang rivalries, especially with the 18th Street gang. Tren de Aragua, on the other hand, operates more covertly and spreads terror through corruption, violence, and alliances with other powerful criminal groups like Brazil’s Primeiro Comando da Capital.

Despite their differences, both gangs represent a clear and present danger to the safety and sovereignty of the United States. That is why President Trump’s proactive stance is being applauded across the country. His willingness to confront these violent organizations head-on, while many turn a blind eye or politicise border issues, proves his commitment to law and order.

By labelling these gangs as terrorist organisations and deporting their members, Trump has made a powerful statement: America will not be a safe haven for criminal syndicates. His actions show leadership, strength, and a genuine concern for American lives. In a world increasingly plagued by organised crime and open-border challenges, President Trump’s resolve stands as a reminder that national security must never be compromised.

Waqf Bill Fallout: Resignation Drama or JD(U) Crisis? Party Dismisses Protests

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Web Team
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jd(u), nitish kumar, waqf bill, waqf amendment bill
Waqf Bill Fallout: Resignation Drama or JD(U) Crisis? Party Dismisses Protests 16

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has triggered a fresh controversy within Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), with multiple individuals claiming to resign from the party in protest. However, the JD(U) has dismissed these resignations as “bogus”, alleging a political conspiracy.

On Friday, another person, Tabrez Siddiqui, who identified himself as a state general secretary of JD(U)’s minority cell, announced his resignation. This follows the alleged resignations of Mohammad Qasim Ansari from East Champaran and Nawaz Malik from Jamui, both of whom shared their resignation letters on social media on Thursday.

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad refuted these claims, stating, “These individuals never held any official post in the party. The JD(U) firmly supports the NDA’s decision, which will benefit crores of poor Muslims.” He further alleged that some of the so-called resigning members were associated with rival parties or had contested elections as Independents.

Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leaders Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi and Bihar Shia Waqf Board Chairman Syed Afzal Abbas voiced concerns that the Bill did not incorporate key suggestions from Muslim community leaders. However, neither explicitly criticized Nitish Kumar or the JD(U)’s support for the Bill.

The controversy has sparked internal debates about JD(U)’s Muslim voter base, especially with Bihar’s assembly elections looming later this year. Despite its long-standing alliance with the BJP, JD(U) has maintained a “secular” image, securing a portion of Muslim votes in past elections.

Adding fuel to the fire, the opposition RJD took a jibe at Nitish Kumar by posting a morphed image of him on X (formerly Twitter), dressed in RSS attire, with the caption “RSS certified Chief Minister Cheat-ish Kumar” and the hashtag #WaqfAmendmentBill.

As the political storm intensifies, the JD(U) faces a tough challenge in maintaining its coalition balance while keeping its Muslim vote bank intact.

SC Rejects Plea to Ban Social Media for Children Below 13, Says It’s a Policy Matter

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Web Team
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SC Rejects Plea to Ban Social Media for Children Below 13, Says It's a Policy Matter 18

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking a statutory ban on social media usage for children below 13 years, stating that such a decision falls within the domain of policy-making and should be handled by Parliament.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih dismissed the plea, telling the petitioner’s counsel, “It is a policy matter. You ask Parliament to enact the law.” The bench ruled that the issue was beyond the judiciary’s jurisdiction and should be addressed by the legislative authorities.

The plea, filed by Zep Foundation, urged the Centre to introduce a robust age verification system, including biometric authentication, to regulate children’s access to social media platforms. It also sought strict penalties for platforms that fail to comply with child protection regulations.

While disposing of the plea, the Supreme Court granted the petitioner liberty to submit a representation to the relevant authorities, directing that it be considered within eight weeks, as per legal guidelines.

Hyderabad University Students End Protest After Supreme Court Blocks Telangana Govt’s Land Plans

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Afternoon Voice
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Hyderabad University Students, Students Protest, Hunger Strike, Hyderabad Protest
Hyderabad University Students End Protest After Supreme Court Blocks Telangana Govt's Land Plans 20

The University of Hyderabad Students’ Union (UoHSU) has called off its indefinite protest and class boycott against the Telangana government’s plan to develop a 400-acre land parcel near the university campus. The decision came after the Supreme Court intervened on Thursday, staying any further activity on the land until further orders.

The protest, which began on April 1, was aimed at halting the government’s project in Kancha Gachibowli, citing ecological concerns. Following the Supreme Court’s stay, students resumed attending classes on Friday, UoHSU Vice President Akash Kumar confirmed.

The Apex Court has also directed the Telangana government to clarify the “compelling urgency” behind clearing a large tree cover on the disputed land. In response, the state government has formed a ministerial committee to engage in discussions with the UoH executive committee, students, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to find a resolution.

While students welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling, UoH Students’ Union President Umesh Ambedkar vowed to continue the fight until the proposed land auction is scrapped and the entire 400-acre land is officially transferred to the university. Meanwhile, students have also filed a petition in the High Court demanding the withdrawal of police personnel from the university’s East Campus, where the disputed land is located.

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