Pastor Bajinder Singh Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in 2018 Rape Case 2
A court in Punjab’s Mohali on Tuesday sentenced self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment in a 2018 rape case.
The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Vikrant Kumar pronounced the verdict.
Bajinder was pronounced guilty on March 28 under sections 376 (rape), 323 (punishment for voluntary causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
The case was registered on a complaint filed by a woman at the Zirakpur police station in Mohali in 2018.
Tight security arrangements were made at the court complex before the pronouncement of the verdict on Tuesday.
China Launches Major Military Exercises Around Taiwan 4
China on Tuesday launched joint military exercises consisting of multiple forces around Taiwan as a “stern warning” against Taiwanese independence forces and to assert its sovereignty over it.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command on Tuesday started to conduct joint exercises around Taiwan Island, a spokesperson of the Command said.
The theatre command organised its army, navy, air and rocket forces to close in on Taiwan Island from multiple directions, said Senior Colonel Shi Yi, the spokesperson for the theatre command was quoted by state-run Xinhua news agency.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its mainland, has conducted similar military exercises in the recent past, but this is the first major military exercise around Taiwan since US President Donald Trump assumed power for a second tenure.
According to Shi, these drills mainly focus on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, assault on maritime and ground targets, and blockade of key areas and sea lanes to test the joint operation capabilities of the troops.
The drills serve as a stern warning and forceful deterrent against “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, and are a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity, Shi said.
Naxal-Affected Districts Came Down From 12 to 6, Says Amit Shah 6
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the Naxal issue is now confined to just six districts in the country, from the earlier 12.
Shah said the Modi government is building a ‘Sashakt, Surakshit and Samriddh Bharat’ with a ruthless approach to Naxalism and relentless efforts for all-pervasive development.
He said Bharat is determined to uproot Naxalism for good by March 31, 2026.
“Taking a giant stride towards building a Naxal-free Bharat, today our nation achieved a new milestone by significantly reducing the number of districts most affected by left-wing extremism to just 6 from 12,” Shah posted on microblogging site X.
Taking a giant stride towards building a Naxal-free Bharat, today our nation achieved a new milestone by significantly reducing the number of districts most affected by left-wing extremism to just 6 from 12. The Modi government is building a Sashakt, Surakshit and Samriddh Bharat…
As per the Union home ministry data, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts are those where Naxal activities and violence still continue.
The LWE-affected districts have been further sub-categorised as ‘most-affected districts’, a terminology brought in in 2015, and ‘districts of concern’, which was coined by the home ministry in 2021.
There were 12 ‘most-affected districts’ according to the last review.
As per official records, there were 35 such districts in 2015, 30 in 2018 and 25 in 2021.
Fuel Ban for Overage Vehicles in Delhi Delayed Over Installation Issues 8
The Delhi government’s decision to deny fuel to overage vehicles at refill stations starting April 1 has been delayed, as the required devices have not yet been installed at all locations.
An official from the environmental department said the minister will announce the rollout once all installations are completed across the city.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told PTI that the government was expediting the equipment installation to ensure a smooth transition.
A meeting is expected to be held tonight to assess the remaining work and determine the project timeline.
“We are trying to get it done at the earliest. Some locations still do not have the necessary installations, but we are working to ensure they are in place soon,” Sirsa said, adding that it is better to delay the rollout rather than start it without proper management.
Sirsa had at the beginning of March announced that the End-of-Life Vehicles would be denied fuel at refill stations across the capital starting April 1.
“We are ensuring that all fuel stations in Delhi have CCTV cameras that will determine the age of the vehicle based on the year of registration. Vehicles that do not meet the criteria will not be given fuel and will be penalised. The entire installation and software connection will be completed by March 31,” the minister had said while announcing the ban.
Sirsa now said it may take a few more days before all petrol stations and other locations are fully equipped. “We don’t want a situation where it starts in some locations while others remain unprepared. Our goal is total implementation.”
Meanwhile, Sirsa inaugurated sewer renovation and water line projects in Rajouri Garden, with Rs 1.5 crore allocated for water supply and Rs 50 lakh for road construction.
Drinking water is a major issue in the area, as many households lack access to clean water, he said.
“My priority is to ensure that every ward has access to clean drinking water, as our Prime Minister has also promised the people. We are actively working on this, along with addressing the sewage issue,” Sirsa said, adding that no water or sewage lines had been laid in the area for the past 10 years.
Sirsa was chosen as minister after being elected an MLA from west Delhi’s Rajouri Garden constituency.
Myanmar Earthquake Tragedy: Death Toll Surges Past 1,700 as Rescue Efforts Struggle 10
The death toll from the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has climbed past 1,700, with more bodies being recovered from the rubble, the country’s military-led government confirmed on Monday. More than 3,400 people have been injured, and over 300 remain missing.
The powerful quake hit on Friday at midday, causing widespread destruction across the country, including in the capital Naypyitaw and Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay. The tragedy coincided with Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramzan, with at least 700 Muslim worshippers killed as mosques collapsed, according to Tun Kyi, a member of the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network. Reports suggest that around 60 mosques were damaged or destroyed.
The full scale of the disaster remains unclear due to telecommunication breakdowns and restricted movement in affected areas. Lauren Ellery from the International Rescue Committee stated that some regions might be facing far worse devastation than currently reported. A town near Mandalay reportedly saw 80% of its buildings collapse, yet the extent of the damage remains largely unreported due to connectivity issues.
Myanmar’s military government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, with rescue efforts severely hampered by a lack of heavy machinery and scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Desperate volunteers and emergency teams are left to dig through the rubble by hand in a frantic search for survivors.
The earthquake also sent tremors through neighboring Thailand, where at least 18 people were killed—many at a Bangkok construction site where an unfinished high-rise collapsed. Thirty-three others were injured, and 78 remain missing. Rescuers in Bangkok have been using specialized equipment to detect signs of life beneath the rubble, but progress has been slow.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt remains hopeful, stating, “Even if one life is saved, it is worth all the effort.”
As the death toll rises and relief efforts struggle, the humanitarian crisis deepens, leaving thousands in urgent need of aid and assistance.
AFSPA Extended in 3 Districts of Assam, Withdrawn From One 12
The Assam government said it has extended the application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in three districts of the state for six more months after a review of the law and order situation.
The government, however, withdrew the controversial law from Dibrugarh district as the situation “improved” there.
Home and Political Department Secretary Debaprasad Misra, in an order on Sunday, stated that the four districts were kept under the purview of AFSPA since October 8 last year after withdrawing the act from the rest of the state.
“Following the receipt of reports from various security agencies, it has been observed that the overall security situation in Assam has significantly improved, particularly over the last three-and-a-half years, due to the sustained efforts and proactive counter-insurgency measures by the Assam Police and security forces,” it added.
In light of these improvements, the Government of Assam believes that the “disturbed area” status under the AFSPA need not be extended in Dibrugarh district beyond March 31, 2025, the order stated.
“Despite these improvements, there have been sporadic incidents of IEDs being planted by ULFA (I), the only militant group active in the state, in various districts, alongside their involvement in kidnapping for ransom to fund their activities,” Misra said in the notification.
Therefore, the Government of Assam recommended that the “disturbed area” status under AFSPA be continued for an additional six months in the three districts of Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sivasagar.
The AFSPA was first imposed in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended every six months since then after a review by the state government.
The act empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior warrant. It also gives a certain level of immunity to the security forces in case of an operation going wrong.
Civil society groups and rights activists have been demanding the withdrawal of the “draconian law” from the entire Northeast claiming violation of human rights by the armed forces.
The cry to repeal the act gained renewed momentum following the death of 14 civilians in firing by security forces in a botched anti-insurgency operation and retaliatory violence in Mon district of Nagaland on December 4, 2021.
Woman Can't Be Forced to Undergo Virginity Test; Violation of Article 21: Chhattisgarh HC 14
A woman cannot be forced to undergo a virginity test as it violates Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees her fundamental right to protection of life and liberty, including the right to dignity, the Chhattisgarh High Court has said.
Emphasising that Article 21 is the “heart of fundamental rights”, the HC said granting permission for a virginity test would be against the “fundamental rights, cardinal principles of natural justice and secret modesty of a female”.
Justice Arvind Kumar Verma made the observation in response to a criminal petition filed by a man who demanded his wife’s virginity test, alleging she was in an illicit relationship with another man, challenging a family court’s order dated October 15, 2024 which rejected the interim application.
The wife had alleged her husband was impotent and refused to cohabit.
The HC said if the petitioner wants to prove the allegations of impotency are baseless, he can undergo the medical test concerned or produce any other evidence.
“He cannot possibly be permitted to subject the wife to undergo her virginity test and fill up the lacuna in his evidence,” said the HC order passed on January 9 which was made available recently.
The high court noted the petitioner’s contention demanding a virginity test of his wife is unconstitutional as it violates Article 21 of the Constitution, which includes the right to dignity of women.
“Article 21 of the Constitution of India not only guarantees the right to life and personal liberty but also the right to live with dignity, which is crucial for women,” it said.
“No woman can be forced to conduct her virginity test. It is a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21. It has to be borne in mind that Article 21 is the ‘heart of fundamental rights’,” the high court stated.
Justice Verma further said the virginity test is a violation of the basic right of women to be treated with decency and proper dignity.
“The right to personal liberty enshrined under Article 21 is non-derogable and cannot be tinkered with in any manner. The petitioner cannot possibly be permitted to subject the wife to undergo her virginity test and fill up the lacuna in his evidence in this regard,” the HC said.
“Be that as it may, but in any case, granting the permission for virginity test of the respondent would be against her fundamental rights, the cardinal principles of natural justice and secret modesty of a female,” the high court noted.
Non-derogable human rights refer to rights that are absolute and may not be subject to any derogation, even in times of war or emergency.
The HC bench further observed that the allegations made by both parties against each other are the subject matter of evidence and a conclusion can be drawn only after the evidence.
“The High Court is of the considered opinion that the order impugned is neither illegal nor perverse and there is no judicial error committed by the trial court,” it said.
The couple got married on April 30, 2023, as per Hindu rites. They lived together at the man’s family residence in Korba district.
The woman allegedly told her family members that her husband was impotent and she refused to establish a marital relationship or cohabit with him, the petitioner’s counsel said.
She filed an interim application on July 2 last year under section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) before the family court in Raigarh district, seeking maintenance of Rs 20,000 from her husband.
In response to the maintenance claim application, the petitioner sought a virginity test of his wife, alleging she was in an illicit relationship with her brother-in-law. The man also claimed the marriage was never consummated.
On October 15, 2024, the family court in Raigarh rejected the husband’s request following which he filed a criminal petition in the high court.
The case is currently at evidence stage in the family court.
Eid Strengthens Social Unity, Fosters Spirit of Brotherhood: Yogi Adityanath 16
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and urged everyone to take a pledge to further strengthen harmony and social unity.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s Office said, “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state.”
#UPCM@myogiadityanath ने ईद-उल-फ़ित्र के अवसर पर प्रदेशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं दी हैं।
मुख्यमंत्री जी ने कहा कि ईद-उल-फ़ित्र का त्योहार खुशी और मेल-मिलाप का संदेश लेकर आता है।
खुशियों का यह त्योहार सामाजिक एकता को मजबूत करने के साथ ही, आपसी भाईचारे की भावना को…
“Eid-ul-Fitr brings a message of joy and togetherness. This festival not only strengthens social unity but also fosters the spirit of brotherhood. It symbolises peace and harmony,” the post quoted the chief minister as saying.
Encouraging people to uphold these values, Adityanath added, “Everyone should take a pledge on this occasion to further strengthen harmony and social cohesion.”
India Delivers Around 15 Tonnes of Relief Materials to Quake-Hit Myanmar 18
India on Saturday sent around 15 tonnes of relief materials in a military transport aircraft to earthquake-hit people of Myanmar.
A powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand on Friday, destroying buildings, bridges and a monastery.
At least 144 people were reportedly killed in Myanmar India sent the relief materials to Yangoon in a C130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
The supplies included tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets and essential medicines, officials said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand and said India stands ready to offer all possible assistance to the two countries.
“Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone,” Modi said on X.
“India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he said.
16 Naxalites Gunned Down, Two DRG Jawans Injured in Encounter in Sukma 20
At least 16 Naxalites were killed, and two security personnel sustained injuries in a major anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Saturday, officials said.
The injured jawans belonged to the District Reserve Guard (DRG), a unit of the state police, they said.
The gunfight broke out at around 8 am in the forest under the Kerlapal police station area, where a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range Sundarraj P told PTI.
“Bodies of 16 Naxalites have been recovered from the encounter site so far. The operation is still underway,” he said.
The IG said personnel from the DRG and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were involved in the operation launched on Friday night based on inputs about the presence of Maoists in the Kerlapal area.
He said two DRG personnel sustained minor injuries in the face-off, and their condition was stated to be normal.
Sundarraj said a large cache of firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, self-loading rifle (SLR), INSAS rifle, .303 rifle, a rocket launcher and barrel grenade launcher (BGL), and explosive materials were recovered from the spot.
A search operation was still underway in the area, he added.
With the latest action, 132 Naxalites have been gunned down in separate encounters in the state so far this year. Of them, 116 were eliminated in the Bastar division comprising seven districts, including Bijapur.
