Telangana government is mulling the appointment of a second deputy CM from the backward classes (BC) amid rising discontent over a recent caste survey showing BC population at 46.2%. Currently, Bhatti Vikramarka serves as the deputy CM. Potential candidates for the new post include transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar and TPCC chief B Mahesh Kumar Goud.
After 129 hearings over 11 years, a special MP-MLA court fined Samajwadi Party MLA Nahid Hasan Rs 100 for making derogatory remarks against Narendra Modi and Mayawati during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Hasan was convicted for the comments made at an event in Shamli. He could face one-month imprisonment if he fails to pay.
Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized that only Parliament has the authority to remove a high court judge constitutionally. This follows a notice by opposition MPs seeking the impeachment of Justice Shekhar Yadav of Allahabad HC for purportedly controversial remarks at a Vishva Hindu Parishad event.
Five third-year students at the Govt College of Nursing in Kottayam, Kerala have been arrested for severely ragging their juniors. A video shows the seniors laughing as they torture a junior using sharp objects, extort money, and possibly purchase narcotics. Authorities are investigating the incident.
IIM-Mumbai and IIT-Mandi are leading in social media influence among Indian institutions. They showcased achievements through campaigns highlighting their global reach, research, startups, and infrastructure, drawing significant audience engagement and impressions.
The government will discontinue the duty-free import of yellow peas after February 2024, as the measure was originally implemented to address the price hike of tur dal. The decision, still subject to final approval by a Group of Ministers, may lead to import restrictions to protect local farmers.
The Union government has requested the Supreme Court to allow courts to modify, rather than quash, arbitral awards in corporate disputes. This change aims to save parties from undergoing fresh arbitration and expedite dispute resolution. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized the need for minimal judicial interference along with new powers to make minor corrections to arbitral awards.
Calcutta HC warns courts to exercise caution in matrimonial disputes, quashing FIRs against two women accused of dowry harassment by their sister-in-law. The court noted the allegations were general and lacked specific details, highlighting the complexity of such cases.
A wedding in Lucknow turned chaotic when a leopard unexpectedly appeared, causing guests to flee. Authorities tranquilized and captured the leopard after a tense three-hour operation. The bride and groom resumed their ceremony, and the mood shifted from fear to celebration.
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned after Congress demanded a discussion on the Khavda renewable energy project awarded to the Adani group. Congress alleged the project posed a national security risk due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border and accused the Centre and Gujarat government of bypassing security protocols.
Indian travelers renewing their American B1/B2 visas now face longer wait times as the US reinstates its pre-Covid policy. With wait times still over 400 days in major cities, the visa renewal process has become more cumbersome, affecting travel industry growth and reflecting an increase in in-person interview requirements.
