Aeroflot Flight from Bangkok to Moscow made an emergency landing at Delhi due to suspected fumes. Boeing 777-300 ER landed safely with over 400 passengers on board.

Aeroflot Emergency Landing in Delhi

Aeroflot Flight SU273 from Bangkok to Moscow made an emergency landing in Delhi due to cabin fumes. Boeing 777-300 ER landed safely, with 400  passengers. Awaiting Aeroflot's response.

Aeroflot flight SU273 from Bangkok to Moscow made an emergency landing in Delhi due to suspected cabin fumes. The Boeing 777-300 ER, carrying over 400 passengers, landed safely. Confirmation via Flightradar24.com. Awaiting Aeroflot's detailed response.

An Aeroflot aircraft from Bangkok to Moscow, carrying over 400 people, made an emergency landing at the Delhi airport on Tuesday, according to a source.
The aircraft, operating the flight SU273, was diverted to Delhi due to suspected fumes in the cabin, the source said.
Aeroflot, a Russian carrier, could not be immediately contacted for comments.
The source said the plane made an emergency landing at around 3.50 pm and there were more than 400 people onboard.
The aircraft was a Boeing 777-300 ER, as per information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.

Statewide mock drills in Madhya Pradesh focusing on emergency preparedness to enhance the response capabilities of local authorities.

Madhya Pradesh Emergency Mock Drills Scheduled

Madhya Pradesh conducts mock drills this Wednesday for emergency preparedness. Covering sirens, blackouts and evacuations.

Mock drills in Madhya Pradesh to enhance emergency preparedness, covering sirens, blackouts, and evacuations.

Civil defence mock drills will be conducted in five districts of Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal and Indore, on Wednesday in accordance with the instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
State Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said detailed instructions are being issued to the authorities concerned for the civil defence mock drills in the state.
Speaking before the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Yadav said detailed guidelines are being issued to the district collector and superintendents of police regarding the civil defence mock drill to be held on Wednesday.
In view of the current national and international conditions, mock drills will be held on Wednesday in five cities of the state including Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Katni from 4 pm.
The drills will be conducted for activities like warning of danger through siren, blackout, keeping major infrastructure safe, safe evacuation of injured in case of accident, he said.
On Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed all states to conduct mock drills on May 7 in view of new and complex threats, which emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Civil Defence initiates tests of 75 citywide sirens following directives for mock drills. Coordination with multiple agencies boosts emergency preparedness amid raised tensions.

Civil Defence Conducts Citywide Siren Tests

Civil Defence tests 75 sirens aligning with emergency drills directive. Multilateral agency efforts ensure preparedness against new threats, following recent terror incidents.

Civil Defence officials test 75 sirens citywide, supported by multiple agencies, in preparation for Union Home Ministry-mandated mock drills amid tensions.

Civil Defence officials on Tuesday started activating the emergency response system by testing some 75 sirens installed across the city.
The Union home ministry has asked all states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday in view of "new and complex threats" that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
"After receiving the guidelines regarding the mock drills, we have started testing the sirens....our personnel are visiting each site to verify that sirens are functioning properly," said Yogesh Pardeshi, divisional warden of the Kothrud division of Civil Defence.
Volunteers are also coordinating with various agencies including the district disaster management cell, fire brigade, police, defence forces, and medical services to prepare for the comprehensive mock drill, he said.
District disaster management cell officer Vitthal Banaute said a meeting of all stakeholders including representatives of Civil Defence, police, local administration, defence entities, health officials and fire services has been convened to finalize preparations for the exercise.

Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, India heightens civil defence with a nationwide drill set for May 7, aiming to bolster preparedness against potential threats.

India Ramps Up Civil Defence Amid Tensions

In response to increasing tensions with Pakistan, India is enhancing its civil defence measures. A massive drill on May 7 will test the nation’s readiness to handle potential threats, simulating emergency and hostile scenarios to strengthen national resilience.

India enhances civil defence amid Pakistan tensions, scheduling a nationwide drill on May 7 to test readiness against potential hostile attacks.

In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government is intensifying its civil defence preparedness across the nation.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a crucial review meeting on Tuesday via video conferencing with chief secretaries from states and Union Territories (UTs) to finalise plans for a massive national civil defence mock drill scheduled for May 7.
The meeting saw participation from chief secretaries, civil defence heads, and officials from key Central forces, including Directors General of Civil Defence and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). During the discussions, officials identified critical "loopholes" in the existing defence mechanisms.
"We reviewed preparedness and have pinpointed areas needing improvement," a senior National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) official disclosed to TNIE.
An advisory was issued on Monday by the Ministry of Home Affairs urging all states and UTs to conduct coordinated civil defence exercises. These drills will encompass all of India's 244 designated civil defence districts, many of which are perceived as vulnerable to potential threats, including wartime scenarios.
Of the 244 sites, 19 have been prioritized for the upcoming drill on Wednesday, sources revealed.
The exercise aims to assess and bolster the civil defence machinery's readiness against potential hostile attacks or emergencies. Simulating a war-like situation, the drill will include operationalizing air raid warning systems, activating sirens, and coordinating responses from local emergency services.
"The goal is to ensure that the nation and its administrative structures are prepared for any contingencies arising from a hostile environment. This civil defence drill, the first in decades, will concurrently test infrastructure and human response across various regions," an official stated.
This will be the first national-level civil defence exercise since 1971, with no such drills conducted even during the 1999 Kargil conflict (Operation Vijay).
Officials emphasize the necessity of public cooperation, with local authorities expected to issue detailed guidelines on how residents in vulnerable zones should react during the drill. State disaster response forces, health departments, local police, and district administrations will actively partake in the exercise.
The drill's backdrop&mdash;growing tension on the western border&mdash;magnifies its urgency. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which killed several security personnel and civilians, has heightened fears of cross-border terrorism and potential escalations.
Although the government has not explicitly linked the mock drill to the current geopolitical climate, its timing has attracted attention from analysts and defence observers.
"This is a definitive statement that India is not underestimating any threat. While formally a routine preparedness measure, the drill's timing and scale are clearly influenced by the worsening regional security climate," noted a senior retired military officer.
As India prepares for the May 7 drill, authorities are urging citizens to remain calm, stressing that the exercises are precautionary and aim to enhance national resilience.
Key Features of the Proposed Exercise:
- Operationalization of air raid warning sirens - Activation of hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force - Establishment and manning of control and shadow control rooms - Civil defence training for civilians, including students, in attack scenarios - Activation of civil defence services, including wardens, firefighting, and rescue services - Implementation of blackout measures - Early camouflage of vital installations - Updating and rehearsing civil defence plans - Updating and rehearsing evacuation plans - Cleaning of bunkers, trenches, and related facilities

Punjab Legislative Assembly passes amendment easing criteria for Scheduled Caste candidates aspiring for law officer roles.

Punjab Empowers SC Law Officer Aspirants

The Punjab Assembly's amendment aids Scheduled Caste candidates in law officer roles by lowering financial entry barriers.

Punjab's legislative amendment lowers income criteria, enabling greater access for Scheduled Caste candidates to law officer roles.

In a significant step towards promoting social justice and inclusivity, the Punjab Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed the Punjab Law Officers (Engagement) Amendment Act, 2025, presented by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema. This landmark amendment enables the Punjab Government to notify relaxation in the minimal annual professional income criteria for engagement of Scheduled Caste candidates as law officers in the office of Advocate General Punjab.
Presenting the bill during a special session focused on protecting Punjab's waters, Finance Minister Cheema said that this amendment will provide adequate representation to Scheduled Caste candidates in the office of the Advocate General Punjab. He highlighted that the Aam Aadmi Party had promised to appoint lawyers from poor and backward families, and this amendment fulfills that commitment.&nbsp;
The Finance Minister explained that the Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, had reserved 58 posts in the Advocate General's office for Scheduled Caste candidates. However, many seats remained vacant due to the high income limit set by the 2017 law. This amendment aims to reduce the income limit, making it more accessible for Scheduled Caste candidates to join the office of the Advocate General.
Finance Minister Cheema also addressed the Congress party's stance on this issue, stating that despite having two cabinet ministers from Scheduled Castes, they failed to protect the rights of these communities. He recalled his own efforts to advocate for reservation in the 2017 Act, which were unfortunately not accepted by the previous Congress government.
Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat and MLAs including Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, Budh Ram Singh, Nachhatar Pal, Rajneesh Kumar Dahiya, and Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary thanked the Finance Minister and the state government for bringing this much-needed amendment.

Punjab opposes a directive from the BJP-led Central Government to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, intensifying inter-state tensions over resource management.

Punjab vs Haryana: Water Sharing Dispute

Punjab challenges the Central directive to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. This issue underscores inter-state tensions over water sharing and calls for equitable resource management.

Punjab rejects BJP-led Central Government's directive to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, highlighting inter-state tensions over water sharing.

After standing firm against the BJP-led central government&rsquo;s directive to release 8500 cusecs of water to Haryana, Punjab Education and Information &amp; Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today assured the state assembly that he would not allow excess water to be released from the Bhakra Dam, which falls within his constituency, Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Highlighting Punjab's precarious water situation while addressing in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the state's agrarian economy relies heavily on groundwater.
With no coal, gold, or oil reserves, groundwater is Punjab's only natural resource. However, over-exploitation of groundwater has led to 90% of its blocks being classified as dark zones.
He pointed out that the state's irrigation network has been neglected for 50-60 years, threatening the very lifeline of Punjab's economy.
S. Harjot Singh Bains criticised the previous regimes for failing to protect Punjab's rights during the formation of the BBMB, resulting in the state's water resources being exploited and wasted.
Representing the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the water scarcity faced by the residents of his constituency, particularly in villages like Jeowal, Bhabour Sahib, Swamipur Bhagh, and Khera, despite their proximity to the Bhakhra Main Line and Nangal Dam.
He said that over 30-35 villages in the Changer area struggle to access water for drinking and irrigation. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal for providing water supply to these villages over the past three years and ensuring irrigation facilities for approximately 10,000 acres of the area.
S. Harjot Singh Bains informed the House that the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has successfully increased canal water usage from 22% to 60%. He emphasised the need to further motivate farmers and upgrade irrigation infrastructure to ensure surface water supply to every field, thereby reducing the stress on groundwater resources.
Lashing out at the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for illegally occupying Punjab's land, S. Harjot Singh Bains mentioned the deplorable state of Nangal city, which was built around the same time as Chandigarh but has become dilapidated in just 50-60 years. Similarly, Talwara has also been neglected.
The education minister pointed out that Asia's largest workshop in Nangal, which could have employed over 10,000 youth of the state, lies in ruins. He questioned the injustice, citing Punjab's historical sacrifices for India's independence and defense. He also urged the House to stand united in solidarity with Punjab, ensuring that not a single drop of its water is diverted to Haryana or any other non-riparian state.

Punjab Minister Goyal challenges BBMB, refuses Haryana's water increase. Advocates restructuring, repeal of Dam Safety Act-2021 to protect state rights.

Punjab Battles for Water Rights Against BBMB

Minister Goyal challenges BBMB, criticizing unlawful meetings and preserving Punjab water rights against Haryana demands. Calls for Dam Safety Act repeal to safeguard state autonomy.

Punjab's Minister Goyal challenges BBMB, refusing more water to Haryana beyond humanitarian aid, urges restructuring, and repeal of Dam Safety Act over state rights.

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today said that BBMB has become merely a puppet of the union government and it should be restructured to safeguard the rights of Punjab.
Presenting the resolution in Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal declared that the Punjab government cannot provide even a single drop of water from its share to Haryana. The 4,000 cusecs of water currently being provided to Haryana state for drinking purposes on humanitarian grounds will continue. Beyond this, not a single drop of water will be given.
He condemned the illegally and unconstitutionally convened meeting of the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) called by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Demanding restructuring of the BBMB, he said that the current BBMB has become merely a puppet of the union government. In meetings, neither is Punjab's voice heard nor are Punjab's rights considered; therefore, the BBMB should be restructured. He said that the law specifies how many days' notice must be given for calling different types of BBMB meetings, but the BBMB does not comply with the law and illegally calls meetings at night. The House directs the BBMB to comply with the law in this regard.
He questioned the union government that the Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas rivers flow only through Punjab. On what basis, then, is the water from these rivers given to other states? When the treaty for distribution of these rivers' water among states was signed in 1981, the volume of water recorded in the rivers and distributed was much greater than what exists today. Therefore, a new treaty should be constituted for the distribution of these rivers' water.
He stated that the 1981 treaty specifies how much water should be given to each state. The BBMB has no right to change this. If the BBMB decides in a meeting to give one state's rightful water to another state, such a decision would be illegal and unconstitutional. The BBMB should refrain from making such illegal decisions.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said, "For the past few days, the Bharatiya Janata Party, through the union government, Haryana government and BBMB has been attempting to usurp Punjab's rights. By convening meetings through unconstitutional and illegal means, attempts are being made to divert Punjab's share of water to Haryana. Haryana had already used all of its water share as of March 31. Now the BJP wants Punjab's rightful water to be given to Haryana."
He said that in the last three years, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has endeavored to deliver water to every field in Punjab. Extensive construction of canals and watercourses has been undertaken.
Until 2021, only 22 percent of Punjab's area was irrigated through canal water, but today canal water reaches 60 percent of Punjab's area.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that every drop of Punjab's water is precious for Punjab. Punjab will no longer give its share of water to any other state. He mentioned that on April 6, 2025, Haryana state requested drinking water.
Punjab, showing magnanimity, provided 4,000 cusecs of water from its share to Haryana because our Gurus have taught us that providing water to the thirsty is a great virtue.
The Water Resources Minister said that Haryana has a population of 3 crores, and to fulfill the drinking and other personal needs of 3 crore people, 1700 cusecs of water are required. However, Haryana asked for 4000 cusecs of water from Punjab, which we provided on humanitarian grounds.
Now Haryana claims it needs 8500 cusecs. Punjab does not have surplus water to meet this demand, but the BJP forcibly convened an unconstitutional and illegal BBMB meeting and passed a resolution that Punjab will provide water to Haryana from its share, which is unacceptable to us.
He outrightly rejected the Dam Safety Act-2021 and demanded that the Union Government immediately repeal the Dam Safety Act-2021. Denouncing the Dam Safety Act-2021 as an attack on Punjab's rights, he stated that this law gives complete authority to the union government to directly control rivers and dams in states, even when these dams are entirely within state boundaries.
This fundamentally contradicts India's constitutional framework and constitutes a direct assault on Punjab's constitutional rights over water.

Punjab Government under CM Mann addresses water injustices, transforming access for farmers, especially in Malout, ending decades of inequity.

Historic Water Rights Success of Punjab

Led by CM Mann, Punjab govt. secures water rights, transforming access for farmers, particularly in Malout, and rectifying past injustices.

The Punjab government, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, addresses water inequities. Progress in Malout marks a transformative moment for struggling farmers, enhancing water access long denied.

Appreciating the historic step taken by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said during a special session convened over the issue of additional water release by BBMB that this is not just an administrative decision but a historic move for Punjab&rsquo;s water rights and for safeguarding the interests of its farmers.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that ever since India&rsquo;s independence, Punjab has faced injustice in water distribution. The state&rsquo;s rights were exploited through unfair agreements and legislations. She pointed out that it wasn&rsquo;t just the role of the central government but also the involvement of previous state governments of that time.
Citing the example of Malout constituency, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that for over 50 years, villages located at the tail ends of the canals were deprived of water. She highlighted the condition of villages like Balmgarh, Ramgarh, Ram Nagar, and Tarkhanwala where farmers, burdened by debt, were forced to work as daily wage laborers. Marriages were delayed, and generations lived their lives amid misery and struggle.
She mentioned that these were the same villages which were often &lsquo;adopted&rsquo; by former Chief Ministers from Akali and Congress parties, yet no real efforts were made to listen to their grievances. Recalling an incident, Dr. Kaur shared how she once took elderly villagers to meet Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann in Jalandhar. The Chief Minister listened to their pain and immediately ordered work to be started.&nbsp;
She remarked that it was the Mann Government that showed the courage no previous government did. &ldquo;When it came to ensuring water rights and listening to the voices from the villages, it was only S. Bhagwant Mann who said &mdash; &lsquo;First, the water will reach the fields, then we&rsquo;ll talk about election symbols. People must get a life of dignity before politics,&rsquo;&rdquo; she quoted.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that today, Malout constituency is fortunate as the cleaning and repair of distributaries are underway, and canal water is being supplied to the tail-end fields. For this, she especially thanked Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Goial.
In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the media fraternity to share this as more than just a story &mdash; it is a lived reality, which must be heard directly from the elderly who have endured this hardship for 50 years. She emphasized that the pain and suffering of these people must be addressed by the system that overlooked them for so long.

Aman Arora of AAP accuses central government and Haryana of exploiting Punjab's water resources. Calls for annulment of unfair deals and adherence to riparian principles.

AAP Demands Justice for Water Rights of Punjab

Aman Arora criticizes Centre, Haryana over Punjab's water exploitation. Calls for unity to end decades-long injustices and demands fair water-sharing respecting riparian rights.

AAP's Arora accuses the center of exploiting Punjab's water. Criticizes past agreements disadvantaging Punjab. Urges annulment of unfair deals, stresses riparian rights.

Launching a scathing attack at BJP led Centre and Haryana Government of "putting a knee on Punjab&rsquo;s neck" and looting its rightful share of water for decades, State President of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora exposed the historical injustices faced by Punjab over its water rights during the Special Punjab Vidhan Session, on Monday.
Addressing the house, Mr. Aman Arora recounted how Punjab has been systematically deprived of its water resources since 1955. Later in 1960 with the Indus Water Treaty, which diverted 80% of Punjab&rsquo;s river waters to Pakistan. He also highlighted how subsequent agreements&mdash;like the Punjab Reorganization Act (1966), the Tripartite Agreement (1981), and arbitrary assessments&mdash;further robbed Punjab of its rightful share.
Punjab has been betrayed repeatedly&mdash;whether it was Congress or BJP government at the Centre. They have always treated Punjab as a milking cow, taking our water and grain but giving nothing in return, Mr. Aman Arora said.
He pointed out that despite Punjab being a riparian state, non-riparian states like Haryana and Rajasthan were unlawfully given Punjab&rsquo;s water, violating international riparian laws. In 1955, Punjab&rsquo;s water assessment was 15.85 MAF, but by 1981, it was artificially increased to 17.17 MAF just to justify giving more water to Haryana and Rajasthan.
Mr. Aman Arora also slammed the Shiromani Akali Dal for its role in weakening Punjab&rsquo;s stand, recalling how the Badal-led government had demanded Rs 3 crore for the construction of SYL canal on July 4, 1978 despite knowing the fact that it&rsquo;s against Punjab's rights. On March 31, 1979, SAD government happily received Rs 1 crore sent by Haryana for the construction of SYL and signed Punjab&rsquo;s death warrant. Later accepted the Tripartite Agreement in March 1981 under pressure of Congress led Governments in Centre, Rajasthan and Haryana, he added.
Praising Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann&rsquo;s firm stance against releasing additional water to Haryana, Mr. Aman Arora said, "Punjab has no extra water to give. We will not bow down to pressure from Delhi or Haryana." He urged all political parties to come united, warning that Punjab&rsquo;s survival is at stake.
Calling for a long-term solution, Mr. Aman Arora demanded the cancellation of all unjust water-sharing agreements and strict adherence to riparian principles. "If Rajasthan can be denied Narmada waters for not being a basin state, why is Punjab forced to give its waters to non-riparian states?" he questioned.
Mr. Aman Arora said, "Punjab feeds the nation, but its own children are left parched. Enough is enough&mdash;we will not let this betrayal continue." He urged all the political parties to stand united to ensure that Punjab&rsquo;s voice is heard loud and clear at the centre level.

"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.

Kharge Writes to PM Modi on Reservations

"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the government's caste census decision, urging him to draw upon the Telangana model as well as have a dialogue with all political parties soon on this issue.
In his letter to Modi, Kharge has also urged the prime minister to remove the 50 percent cap on reservation by a constitutional amendment and immediately implement Article 15(5), providing for reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in private educational institutions.
"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.
"Our great nation and our large-hearted people have always come together as one whenever needed, just as we have done after the recent cowardly terrorist attacks in Pahalgam," he said in his letter to Modi dated May 5.
The Congress believes that conducting the caste census in the comprehensive manner is absolutely necessary to ensure social and economic justice and equality of status and opportunity as pledged in the Preamble of our Constitution, Kharge said.
The Congress president recalled that he had also written to the prime minister on April 16, 2023, putting forward the Congress' demand for an up-to-date caste census.
"Regrettably, I never received any reply to this letter. Unfortunately, your party leaders and yourself went on to attack the Congress and its leadership for raising this legitimate demand, which you today acknowledge is in the interests of deeper social justice and empowerment," Kharge said in his letter to the PM.
"You have now announced, without providing any details, that the next census (which was actually due in 2021) will include caste as a separate category as well," he noted.
Kharge said he has three suggestions to make, with the first one being about the design of the census questionnaire.
Caste information has to be collected not for counting purposes but for achieving larger socio-economic objectives, Kharge pointed out.
"The recently concluded Telangana caste survey was designed and implemented with such goals in mind. The Union Home Ministry must draw upon the Telangana model--both the methodology adopted for finalizing the questionnaire and the final set of questions asked," Kharge said.
Nothing in the report published finally should be concealed so that complete socio-economic data of each caste is made available to provide them their constitutionally enabled rights and the socio-economic progress can be measured from one census to another, he said.
Kharge also pointed out that only the Tamil Nadu reservations law has been protected in the Ninth Schedule of our Constitution since August 1994.
Laws of other states should also be included in the Ninth Schedule of our Constitution, he said.
Moreover, whatever the results of the caste census will be, it is abundantly clear that the arbitrarily imposed 50% ceiling on reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and OBCs must be removed by a constitutional amendment, Kharge asserted.
The Congress president also called for immediate implementation of Article 15(5).
"Article 15(5) was introduced in the Constitution of India with effect from 20th January 2006. This was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court. Finally, it was upheld by the Supreme Court after prolonged deliberations on 29 January, 2014, very shortly before the model code of conduct for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections went into effect," he said.
Kharge pointed out that it provides for reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and OBCs in private educational institutions as well.
"In its 364th Report on the Demand for Grants for the Department of Higher Education, submitted on 25th March 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports had also recommended new legislation to implement Article 15(5)," he said.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, had been demanding a nationwide caste census, making it a major election issue. Some states, like Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka, have conducted such surveys.
Sharing Kharge's letter on X, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said, "Following the CWC meeting on May 2nd, the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji wrote to the PM last night on Mr. Modi's sudden and desperate U-turn on the caste census - even as the nation's anguish and anger at the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks continued unabated." "Kharge ji has made three very specific suggestions," he said. '

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday met 16-year-old Bharat Singh, who has been praised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his bowling skills, and said the boy will be trained at the cricket academy at the Sawai Mansingh (SMS) stadium in Jaipur.
Gandhi  had retweeted a video of Bharat Singh on Wednesday, in which he was seen honing his bowling skills using a fishing net.
Impressed by his talent, Gandhi asked Gehlot to help make his dream come true.
Singh, who hails from Rajasthan's Rajsamand, met Gehlot at the chief minister's residence here.
Gehlot said Singh will get training from expert coaches at the cricket academy, adding that all facilities, including accommodation and food, will also be provided to him.

Rajasthan boy praised by Rahul Gandhi for his bowling to receive format training

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has announced that 16-year-old Bharat Singh who was praised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his bowling skills will be trained at the cricket academy at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur.

Gandhi had retweeted a video of Bharat Singh on Wednesday, in which he was seen honing his bowling skills using a fishing net.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday met 16-year-old Bharat Singh, who has been praised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his bowling skills, and said the boy will be trained at the cricket academy at the Sawai Mansingh (SMS) stadium in Jaipur.
Gandhi&nbsp; had retweeted a video of Bharat Singh on Wednesday, in which he was seen honing his bowling skills using a fishing net.
Impressed by his talent, Gandhi asked Gehlot to help make his dream come true.
Singh, who hails from Rajasthan's Rajsamand, met Gehlot at the chief minister's residence here.
Gehlot said Singh will get training from expert coaches at the cricket academy, adding that all facilities, including accommodation and food, will also be provided to him.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-impressed-by-rajasthan-boy-practising-bowling-using-fishing-net-watch-video-1658998762624">Rahul Gandhi impressed by Rajasthan boy practising bowling using fishing net</a>

A man accused of extorting Rs 13 lakh from a married woman using intimate video threats. Police investigate the case amid tech misuse concerns.

Rs 13 Lakh Extortion via Intimate Videos

Man accused of extorting Rs 13 lakh using private video threats in Mumbai. Law enforcement pursues the suspect, emphasizing tech-related crimes.

Himanshu Kumar Singh is accused of extorting Rs 13 lakh from a woman by threatening to unveil intimate videos. FIR filed; search underway.

Police registered an FIR against a man for allegedly extorting Rs 13 lakh from a married woman with whom he had an affair by threatening to release her intimate videos, an official said on Tuesday.
The accused individual, originally from Bihar, is currently on the run, and a search is on to trace him, the official said.
The victim, employed with a private company, became friends with the accused, identified as Himanshu Kumar Singh, in 2022.
The complainant stated that she and Singh shared an intimate relationship. However, Singh secretly filmed their private moments using her mobile phone, laptop, and a spycam.
The FIR stated that Singh blackmailed the woman with the video clips and extorted Rs 13 lakh in cash and gold jewelry from the victim.
Fed up with the harassment, the woman approached Bangur Nagar police station and lodged an FIR, following which a case was registered against Singh on charges of blackmail, extortion, sexual assault, and under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will enjoy Indian delicacies like rice and moong dal halwa on ISS during Axiom Mission 4. This mission showcases India's increasing importance in space exploration.

Indian Delicacies Aboard Axiom 4: Shubhanshu's Mission

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will relish Indian cuisine on Axiom Mission 4, highlighting India's presence in global space missions. ISRO and DRDO collaborate with NASA to make this cultural culinary experience possible.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will indulge in Indian cuisine aboard the ISS on Axiom Mission 4, reflecting India's growing space role.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will be able to savour varieties of rice, moong dal halwa and mango nectar during his sojourn to the International Space Station aboard the Axiom Mission 4 scheduled for launch later this month.
Shukla, who will spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will also have the option to choose from a range of international cuisine, as approved for the mission by NASA.
Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), have developed a range of rice dishes, moong dal halwa and mango nectar, among other items, for astronauts to savour during space missions.
"Shukla ji will get 'ghar ka khana (home food)' and also have the option to choose from international cuisine, as approved by NASA," said DK Singh, director of ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre.
ISRO and DRDO have developed food items for astronauts of the Gaganyaan mission and the same is being made available to Shukla with NASA's approval, he said.
Axiom Space last month shared a video of Axiom Mission 4 crew members sampling multiple food options available aboard the ISS.
In the video, Shukla could be seen sampling a variety of dishes, rating each based on taste and preference. These meals will later be packed and sent to the space station for the Axiom Mission 4 astronauts to consume during their 14-day mission.
The Axiom Mission 4 will have veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson as commander, Shukla as mission pilot, and Polish astronaut Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu as mission specialists.
Axiom Space has announced the Axiom Mission 4 would be launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre at 10:33 pm IST on May 29.

Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves 850 temporary positions to address Naxalite threats in identified districts. Rs 25 crore initiative aligns with Union objectives. Paralympic medal rewards also increased significantly.

Madhya Pradesh Approves 850 Posts for Naxal Combat

Madhya Pradesh sanctions 850 temporary positions to tackle Naxalite threats in key districts, offering Rs 25,000 per post monthly. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to end Naxalism, complemented by increased Paralympic rewards.

Madhya Pradesh sanctions 850 posts to counter Naxalite threats in Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat. Each member gets Rs 25,000 per month. This aligns with anti-Naxal goals and increased Naxalite surrenders. Paralympic medal rewards are also raised.

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet on Tuesday approved the creation of 850 temporary posts for a special support squad aimed at combating Naxalite activities in Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat districts.
Each squad member will receive an honorarium of Rs 25,000 per month, amounting to a total expenditure of Rs 25 crore, said Minister for Urban Development and Housing Kailash Vijayvargiya.
He said Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been actively working to eliminate Naxalism by 2026.
Referring to his recent meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Vijayvargiya noted that Naxalites are increasingly surrendering.
Stressing that Naxalism doesn't exist in Madhya Pradesh, Vijayvargiya cited information about the movement of Naxals around Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat districts.
"Therefore, the cabinet has decided to create 850 posts for a year. People from local villages, who can collaborate with the government and provide information on Naxalite movements, will be selected for these posts," he told reporters after attending the cabinet meeting.
Among other decisions, the council of ministers also approved a proposal to increase the cash award for medal winners from Madhya Pradesh in the 2024 Paralympics to Rs 1 crore from Rs 50 lakh.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had announced the Rs 1 crore honorarium for Paralympics medalists Rubina Francis and Kapil Parmar for their outstanding performances.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Francis secured a bronze medal in shooting, while Parmar won a bronze in blind judo.

West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee seeks Centre's help for Murshidabad's severe river erosion, where 1,600 hectares are lost. Despite Rs 800 crore investment, Centre's response awaits.

Mamata Banerjee on Murshidabad River Erosion Crisis

West Bengal's CM Mamata Banerjee urges Centre for support as Murshidabad faces severe river erosion loss, risking 1,600 hectares amidst ongoing efforts.

Mamata Banerjee addresses river erosion in Murshidabad, highlighting a Rs 800 crore state investment and an unresponsive center. More funds allocated.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said that river erosion has claimed 1,600 hectares of land in Murshidabad district, and the center was unmoved despite repeated calls for help.
Speaking at a program here, she said the state government has spent Rs 800 crore to contain river erosion.
"River erosion has claimed over 1,600 hectares of land in Dhulian, Samserganj, Lalgola, and Bhagabangola. We have given the Centre a proposal of Rs 1,300 crore, but they are sitting on it," she said.
"We have spent Rs 800 crore to contain river erosion and will spend another Rs 175 crore," she added.
Banerjee also announced that to strengthen the administration in Suti, Dhulian, and Farakka, the state government would set up a new sub-divisional office.
"I hope that the work will be completed in a month. The office will be set up at a centralised location," she said.

The Supreme Court has ordered Maharashtra to hold local elections within four weeks, addressing OBC reservation issues.

Supreme Court Mandates Maharashtra Elections

The Supreme Court has paved the way for Maharashtra's local elections, previously stalled due to OBC reservation disputes.

The Supreme Court ordered Maharashtra's local elections, suspended over OBC reservations, to be announced within four weeks.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday paved the way for Maharashtra local body polls, which were stalled for more than five years due to the OBC reservation issue, as it ordered the state election panel to notify it in four weeks.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh said, "The constitutional mandate of grassroots democracy through periodical election of the local bodies ought to be respected and ensured." The reservation it ordered should be provided to the other backward classes (OBC) in line with the law existing in the state before the 2022 report of the J. K. Banthia commission, which recommended a 27 percent quota for the category in local bodies.
The bench also fixed a timeline for concluding the local body polls and asked the State Election Commission (SEC) to conclude it in four months. The SEC was granted the liberty to allow the panel to seek more time in appropriate cases.
The outcome of Maharashtra local body elections would, however, be subject to decisions in pending petitions before the apex court, it added.
The bench noted the core issue in the batch of petitions filed in support of or against the report of the Banthia Commission was OBC reservation.
Other issues, it said, included setting up a dedicated commission to conduct empirical inquiry into the nature and implication of the backwardness for the purpose of reservation in the local body and whether such a reservation could extend the aggregate of 50 percent.
The top court said since the elected bodies had a prescribed term, no irreversible loss would be caused, and the appropriate amendment in the existing law for inclusion or exclusion of certain categories like issues could be considered in the course of time.
Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for some petitioners, argued local bodies elections could not be held due to the pendency of the petitions in the apex court.
Justice Kant pointed out the court's status quo order led to the appointment of administrators in various local bodies, but there were complaints of bureaucrats taking policy decisions.
The bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state government, why elections couldn't be held.
"One thing we can't understand. Whatever the law you have enacted, right or wrong, we will decide. You have already identified certain classes of OBCs. Why can't elections be held as per that law without prejudice to the contentions of the petitioners?" Justice Kant asked.
Mehta agreed elections couldn't be stalled but said the law enacted by the assembly should not be disturbed at the moment.
"Is there any logic? Today bureaucrats are occupying all the municipal corporations and panchayats and taking major policy decisions. Because of all this litigation, a complete democratic process has been stalled. Officers have no accountability. Why not hold the elections as per the data that existed prior to the 2022 report?" the judge asked Mehta.
Jaising said 34,000 seats meant for OBCs were de-reserved.
On August 22, 2022, the top court directed the SEC and the Maharashtra government to maintain the status quo with regard to the poll process to the local bodies in the state.
The top court passed the order on a plea of the Maharashtra government seeking a recall of the apex court order by which it directed the SEC not to re-notify the poll process to 367 local bodies, where it has already begun, in order to provide reservation to OBCs.
The state government came out with an ordinance providing 27 percent reservation for the OBC in local body polls.
The government then moved the top court seeking a recall or modification of its order.
The top court on July 28, 2022, warned the state poll panel of contempt action if it re-notified the election process to such local bodies.
The apex court quashed the SEC notification to provide 27 percent quotas for OBCs in local bodies in 2021, and in December of the same year, it ruled reservation for OBCs in local bodies was not to be allowed unless the government fulfilled the triple test laid down in the top court's 2010 order.
The top court ruled the OBC seats would be re-notified as general category seats until then.
The triple test required the state government to set up a dedicated commission to gather data on the backwardness of OBCs in every local body, to specify the proportion of reservation in each local body in light of the commission&rsquo;s recommendations, and to ensure such reservation did not exceed 50 percent of the total seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC together.
Ninety-two municipal councils and four nagar panchayats figured in the list of 367 local bodies where the election process had already been set in motion at the time when the status quo was passed.
There cannot be reservations for these 367 local bodies, the court said.

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