Rediff

BJP president Nitin Nabin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey as a leader, asserting that Modi is India's first prime minister to be directly chosen by the people through a public mandate, unlike previous PMs like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi who were initially selected by their party. Nabin highlighted Modi's rise based on organisational experience and public support, not political dynasty.

Former civil servants and rights activists have issued a people's impeachment notice demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. They allege six charges against him, including undermining the Election Commission's functioning, mass disenfranchisement through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and compromising political impartiality. The group, including G K Pillai and Najeeb Jung, was prevented from submitting the notice at the EC office.

Former Supreme Court Justice Abhay Oka warned that major cities might be forced to adopt mandatory face mask usage within 20-25 years due to environmental degradation. He stressed that protecting the environment is a fundamental constitutional duty, countering the misconception that humans own the Earth. Justice Oka also encouraged students to study law and use AI responsibly.

An urban map of the largest cities in the world, by population, in the early 1700s looked almost empty by today's standards.

The Bombay High Court's Goa bench has criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) for rejecting voter registration forms (Form 8s) during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The court emphasised that the ECI's primary objective is to ensure citizens can cast votes and that rejecting forms, even if incorrectly submitted, goes against this principle. The case arose from a petition by a family whose names were deleted from the voters' list after their Form 8s for address change were r

The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Pune administration's decision to ban alcohol sales for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, questioning why Pune was singled out for such restrictions while other regions were not. The court deemed the blanket ban arbitrary and stigmatising for Pune residents, urging the administration to withdraw the order or face judicial intervention.

Thirty-eight people, including 34 passengers, were safely rescued after a ferry suffered an engine breakdown off the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Police, alerted to the incident, coordinated with a local boat operator to tow the stranded vessel 'Anwari' back to shore.

Three FIRs have been lodged against 39 named and more than 900 unnamed people in connection with clashes that broke out between the police and protesting job aspirants in Jharkhand's Giridih and Hazaribag, officials said on Sunday.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged consumers to avoid buying loose or unsealed edible oil due to safety concerns, announcing a compliance order for the entire edible oil sector after detecting widespread violations, including adulteration and improper packaging.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has renewed his call for the restoration of special status and statehood to the region, asserting that the decision to accede to India 80 years ago was correct. He highlighted the importance of upholding India's federal structure and suggested that if Article 370 hadn't been revoked, PoK residents might be seeking reunification. Abdullah also criticised centralised governance models, arguing they erode state autonomy.

The top court was hearing a PIL of public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society seeking directions to the Centre, states and Union territories to implement mandatory front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on packaged foods.

It highlights a profound shortage that marginal additions cannot easily resolve.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon citizens to celebrate Independence Day with honour and pride, urging them to take a pledge for a developed India. This appeal comes amidst parliamentary sessions marked by protests from both ruling and opposition alliances.