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SC Orders CBI Enquiry Into Award Of Contracts To Firms Linked To Arunachal CM’s Kin

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SC Orders CBI Enquiry Into Award Of Contracts To Firms Linked To Arunachal CM’s Kin

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the CBI to register a preliminary enquiry within two weeks into the award of contracts for public works in Arunachal Pradesh to firms allegedly owned by family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

A bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath said the enquiry and consequential investigation, if any, shall cover the award and execution of public works, contracts and work orders in the state for the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2025.

The bench directed the CBI to file a status report before it in the matter within 16 weeks.

“The CBI shall register a PE (preliminary enquiry) within two weeks from the date of the judgement and will proceed in accordance with law,” Justice Nath said while pronouncing the order.

The detailed order is awaited.

The top court had on February 17 reserved its order in the matter.

During the hearing in the matter, the apex court was told that government contracts and work orders worth around Rs 1,270 crore were awarded in the last 10 years in Arunachal Pradesh to four firms related to the family members of Khandu.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena, had referred to an affidavit filed by the state of Arunachal Pradesh and argued that a number of contracts were awarded to the companies owned by the family members of the chief minister.

The counsel appearing for the state had earlier argued that the plea was a “sponsored litigation”.

On December 2 last year, the top court asked the Arunachal Pradesh government to file a comprehensive affidavit giving details of the contracts awarded from 2015 to 2025, including those to firms of family members of the chief minister.

Khandu has been made a party respondent in the PIL.

Pema Khandu’s father Dorjee Khandu’s second wife Rinchin Drema and his nephew Tsering Tashi have also been made parties to the case.

Dorjee Khandu served as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh from 2007 until his death in a helicopter crash in April 2011.

The plea claimed Drema’s firm, Brand Eagles, was awarded a large number of government contracts despite there being a clear conflict of interest. (Agencies)

Congress Playing to Pakistan’s Tune, Says Narendra Modi in Assam Rally

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Congress Playing to Pakistan’s Tune, Says Narendra Modi in Assam Rally

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of “singing to the tune of Pakistan” while highlighting his government’s actions against terrorism.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Modi said his government has taken strong action against terror camps in Pakistan, while alleging that the Congress stance weakens national security. He stated that any such connection with Pakistan cannot be tolerated.

On development issues, the Prime Minister accused Congress of having a short-term and narrow approach, claiming it focused on policies that enabled corruption. In contrast, he said the BJP works with a long-term vision aimed at overall development of all sections of society.

Modi also criticised Congress for not implementing the ‘One Rank, One Pension’ scheme for the armed forces, adding that his government ensured justice for soldiers who protect the nation.

Speaking about Assam, he said the state has seen peace and stability over the past decade due to the BJP’s efforts and implementation of various peace accords. He added that this stability has led to significant development and urged voters to continue supporting the BJP to maintain progress.

Addressing women voters, Modi announced that the 33% reservation for women in Parliament would be implemented from the 2029 general elections. He also encouraged women in the state to push for the passage of the related bill.

The Prime Minister was addressing an election rally ahead of the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes to take place on May 4.

Nation’s Prosperity Key to Individual Growth, Says Mohan Bhagwat

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Nation’s Prosperity Key to Individual Growth, Says Mohan Bhagwat

 RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday said that true individual prosperity is possible only when the nation is prosperous and secure.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day convention organised by Balagokulam, a cultural group for students. During his address, Bhagwat stressed that prosperity and security cannot exist in isolation.

He explained that when a country is safe and economically strong, families and individuals automatically benefit. According to him, people who contribute towards the nation’s growth also achieve personal success in the long run.

Highlighting the role of youth, Bhagwat said many young people face confusion about whether to focus on their careers or contribute to nation-building. He clarified that both goals can go hand in hand.

“There should be no confusion as career building and working for the nation are not contradictory. The key lies in choosing the right path,” he said.

As part of the event, Bhagwat also offered floral tributes to Lord Krishna and interacted with children participating in the programme.

RCB Thrash CSK by 43 Runs in High-Scoring IPL Clash

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RCB Thrash CSK by 43 Runs in High-Scoring IPL Clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru ne zabardast batting aur disciplined bowling ke dam par Chennai Super Kings ko 43 runs se hara diya.

RCB ne pehle batting karte hue 20 overs me 250/3 ka huge score banaya. Isme Tim David (70* off 25), Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 29) aur captain Rajat Patidar (48* off 19) ne explosive innings kheli.

Shuruaat me Virat Kohli jaldi out ho gaye, lekin Padikkal aur Phil Salt (46) ne innings sambhali. Last ke overs me David aur Patidar ne tezi se runs bana kar score 250 tak pahucha diya.

Target chase karte hue CSK ki shuruaat bahut kharab rahi. Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad aur Ayush Mhatre jaldi out ho gaye aur team 30 runs par 3 wickets kho baithi.

Baad me Sarfaraz Khan ne 50 runs ki fighting innings kheli, aur Prashant Veer (43) aur Jamie Overton (37) ne thoda resistance dikhaya, lekin team 207 runs par all out ho gayi.

RCB ke liye Bhuvneshwar Kumar ne 3 wickets liye aur apne 200 IPL wickets complete kiye. Krunal Pandya ne bhi important wickets li.

Rahul Gandhi Questions Government on India–US Digital Trade Commitments

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Rahul Gandhi Questions Government on India–US Digital Trade Commitments

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday raised serious concerns about India’s data sovereignty, questioning the government over its approach to digital trade agreements, especially with the United States.

Speaking on the issue, Gandhi said that India’s data belongs to its citizens and can play a crucial role in building the country’s future in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector. He warned that unclear policies and international commitments could weaken India’s control over its own data.

He asked the government what “reducing barriers” with the US actually means, and whether it could impact India’s rules on data localisation. Gandhi also questioned if sensitive data such as health records, financial information, and government databases would remain securely stored within the country.

According to him, India should be leading the global tech race, but instead there is a lack of transparency about how data will be protected. He criticized the government for giving vague replies, saying terms like “framework”, “balance”, and “autonomy” are being used without clear details.

Gandhi further highlighted that in the AI-driven economy, data is a powerful resource that can help India build technology, grow companies, and create jobs. He stressed that losing control over this data could affect India’s long-term digital growth.

Responding to these concerns, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada said that India’s interests are fully safeguarded. He pointed out that India has a strong IT sector with billions in revenue and millions of jobs, making digital trade an important part of the economy.

Prasada also stated that the ongoing India–US trade discussions aim to create a fair and open digital environment while maintaining India’s regulatory independence. He assured that such agreements do not restrict India’s ability to manage and protect its own data.

The issue has now become a major topic of debate, raising questions about how India can balance international cooperation with protecting its digital sovereignty and national interests.

Absconder Held After 5 Years In Minor Rape Case In J&K’s Kishtwar

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Absconder Held After 5 Years In Minor Rape Case In J&K’s Kishtwar

A man accused of raping a minor from Himachal Pradesh has been arrested by a police team from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district after evading arrest for nearly five years, officials said on Saturday.

The accused, Avtar Singh, a resident of Thakrai village, was wanted in connection with an FIR registered at the Kistwar Police Station in 2021 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2021, they said.

Acting on specific inputs, a police team conducted a well-coordinated raid at a suspected location in Himachal Pradesh and arrested the absconder, officials said.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, warned absconders to surrender at the nearest police station, emphasising that strict legal action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will be taken against those who continue to evade arrest.

Maps.

Railways, Stakeholders Join Hands To Boost Kashmir Cargo Connectivity

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Railways, Stakeholders Join Hands To Boost Kashmir Cargo Connectivity

In a major push to transform Kashmir’s economic landscape by linking its fruit industry and parcel trade with national markets, Northern Railway’s Jammu Division held a stakeholder meeting to boost rail-based parcel movement from the Valley, officials said on Saturday.

The meeting, held in Srinagar on Friday, aimed at formulating a roadmap to augment parcel traffic from the Kashmir region by positioning rail as a reliable, time-bound and cost-effective alternative to road transport, they said.

It was chaired by an Additional Member (Commercial) of the Railway Board. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, along with parcel traders from Kashmir, prominent fruit growers, and key cargo aggregators attended the meeting.

According to officials, the main objective of the meeting was to formulate a robust roadmap for increasing parcel traffic originating from Kashmir.

Detailed discussions were held, specifically focusing on establishing the rail route as a more reliable, time-bound, and cost-effective alternative to road transport for the movement of cherries and other fruit produce, officials said.

They said the key points and strategic decisions were deliberated upon, including strategies to increase the occupancy of the JPP-RCS (Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service) parcel train.

This train departs from Badgam in central Kashmir at 6.15 am, travelling via Bari Brahmana and Ambala cantonment before reaching Adarsh Nagar in Delhi at 5.30 am the following day, ensuring traders receive timely delivery of goods.

A consensus was reached to collaborate with cargo aggregators to facilitate small-scale traders and producers, officials said, adding that this collaboration will enable the seamless consolidation of smaller parcel loads, allowing them to be transported efficiently via trains.

During the meeting, plans were shared regarding the upgradation of loading facilities at the Badgam, Srinagar, and Pampore railway stations, they said.

To further boost parcel traffic, the Railway administration discussed proposals for offering competitive freight rates and introducing special concession schemes for aggregators undertaking bulk bookings, officials said.

Singhal said the objective of the meeting was to establish a streamlined supply chain that enables farmers and traders in Kashmir to transport their goods all the way to Kanyakumari without any delays.

“Products from Kashmir hold a distinct identity on the global stage… the Railways is not merely a mode of transport, but a partner in the economic prosperity of this region,” he said. (Agencies)

Congress Alleges Govt Using ‘Special Session’ for Poll Gains, Flags Concerns Over Delimitation Move

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Congress Alleges Govt Using ‘Special Session’ for Poll Gains, Flags Concerns Over Delimitation Move

The Indian National Congress on Friday accused the Centre of convening a “special session” of Parliament to push key legislations related to women’s reservation and delimitation, alleging the move is aimed at gaining political mileage ahead of elections in key states.

Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed the government had remained inactive for nearly 30 months after passing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023, only to revive the issue during the election season.

He further alleged that the proposed session—scheduled from April 16 to 18 as part of the Budget session—would include legislation on delimitation, despite no formal communication from the government. “Off the record, we have been told that there could be a proportionate increase in Lok Sabha seats, but in reality, this could severely impact smaller states, especially in the South, Northeast, and West,” Ramesh said.

Raising concerns over representation, he claimed that states like Uttar Pradesh could see a significant increase in seats, while states such as Kerala may witness only marginal gains. He termed the alleged move “dangerous” for federal balance.

The Congress also questioned the timing of the session, calling it a violation of the Model Code of Conduct in force due to ongoing elections in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. “The only objective is to influence polls. Could this not have been scheduled after a few weeks?” Ramesh asked.

Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi are expected to hold consultations with party MPs and other opposition leaders ahead of April 16 to formulate a joint strategy.

The government, however, has maintained that it is within its अधिकार to decide the timing of legislation. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House J P Nadda defended the move, while Kharge accused the Centre of attempting to “bulldoze” crucial amendments for political advantage.

Sources suggest the proposed legislation could increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats, facilitating implementation of women’s reservation. However, the opposition fears that such a move—especially if delinked from the Census—could disproportionately benefit larger states.

The political face-off comes amid an intense election calendar, with voting underway or scheduled across multiple states, setting the stage for a fresh confrontation between the government and opposition over legislative priorities and timing.

Chandigarh Blast: Two Suspects Identified in Explosion Outside BJP Office

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Chandigarh Blast: Two Suspects Identified in Explosion Outside BJP Office

Two suspects have been identified in connection with the blast outside the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters in Chandigarh, a senior police official said on Friday, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend them.

The explosion took place around 5 pm on Wednesday near the party office in Sector 37, when a suspected crude explosive device was hurled at the site. No casualties were reported.

An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Security was tightened in the area following the incident, with police cordoning off the site and deploying additional personnel. A team from the National Investigation Agency also inspected the location as part of the probe.

Investigators are examining an unverified video circulating on social media that appears to show one individual pulling the pin from a blue-coloured grenade and throwing it, while another records the act. The two are then seen fleeing moments before the explosion. However, the authenticity of the video is yet to be confirmed, and the suspects’ faces are not clearly visible.

CCTV footage has also captured individuals running across the road shortly after the blast, which may aid the investigation.

In a separate unverified social media post attributed to Babbar Khalsa International member Sukhjinder Singh Babbar, the outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities have not confirmed the claim.

Earlier, Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur said preliminary findings suggest a small crude device was used. State BJP chief Sunil Jakhar described the incident as an “attack” on the party office, while Amrinder Singh Raja Warring condemned it as a matter of grave concern.

Police said further investigations are ongoing.

High Energy and Strong Participation Mark Day 6 of J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu Sports Meet

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High Energy and Strong Participation Mark Day 6 of J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu Sports Meet

The sixth day of the Annual Sports Meet 2026, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association Jammu, witnessed enthusiastic participation and a vibrant display of sportsmanship among members of the legal fraternity.

Adding to the उत्साह, several MLAs from across both regions of Jammu and Kashmir visited the cricket ground, interacted with players, and lauded the initiative. Among those present were Arjun Singh Raju, Sajjad Shaheen, Reyaz Khan, Zaffar Khatana, and Shabbir Kulle.

The day featured exciting contests in both cricket and volleyball. In the men’s volleyball final, Team Six Strikers delivered a strong performance to defeat Team Royals and clinch the gold medal.

Cricket action also intensified, with four teams securing spots in the semifinals scheduled for Saturday at the University of Jammu. In the first semifinal, Regal Star XI, led by Sidhant Gupta, will take on Friends Cricket Club, captained by Ravinder Singh Chib. The second semifinal will see Sachin XI, led by Sachin Sharma, face Team Pathania Cricket Club under the leadership of R.S. Pathania.

Association President Nirmal Kotwal, along with Vice President Baldev Singh, General Secretary Pardeep Majotra, Joint Secretary Anshu Mahajan, and Treasurer Rahul Aggarwal, warmly welcomed the visiting MLAs and appreciated the advocates for their dedication and sporting spirit.

Office bearers also expressed gratitude to all members for their continued support, which has been instrumental in the success of the annual event. The sports meet continues to celebrate camaraderie, competitive excellence, and a shared passion for sports within the Bar community.

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