Nagaland students, job aspirants protest regularisation of ad-hoc professors

In Nagaland, student groups and job aspirants protested against the government's decision to regularise 147 ad-hoc assistant professors. The Naga Students? Federation initiated a sit-in at the Directorate of Higher Education, demanding the revocation of the April 21 order. They argue it undermines meritocracy and seek open competition for the posts. Additional protests from the Combined Technical Aspirants Nagaland and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum are ongoing.

SC upholds validity of provisions of Consumer law fixing pecuniary jurisdiction bar

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Consumer Protection Act of 2019's provisions on pecuniary jurisdiction, affirming that claims must be based on the value of goods and services. The court dismissed challenges to sections 34, 47, and 58, stating they do not violate Article 14 and are valid for establishing a structured judicial remedy system.

Culture ministry plans to set up 'cells' to educate new artists on IP registration

The Culture Ministry plans to establish dedicated cells in its centers to educate artists about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and assist them with IP registration. Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal announced this initiative during an event focused on IP and music, highlighting efforts to promote traditional instruments and enhance market access for artists through partnerships and workshops.

AIMPLB appeals for 'lights out' protest against new Waqf law

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has called for a nationwide "lights out" protest on April 30 from 9 PM to 9:15 PM against amendments to the Waqf Act, deemed discriminatory. AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas emphasized the symbolic nature of this action, aiming to unite Muslims and justice advocates in opposition to perceived governmental injustices.

Data on food business operators lacking in TN, no uniformity in surveillance: CAG report

A CAG report highlighted deficiencies in Tamil Nadu's food safety enforcement, revealing incomplete data on Food Business Operators and inadequate inspections. Delays in testing food samples and lack of infrastructure in laboratories compromised public safety. The report urged better oversight and recommendations for improving food safety protocols and monitoring within the Integrated Child Development Services.

Inconsistent judicial decisions shake public trust: SC

The Supreme Court highlighted the need for consistent judicial decisions, criticizing contradictory verdicts from Karnataka High Court in a matrimonial case. One judge upheld proceedings against the in-laws, while another quashed those against the husband. The top court emphasized that inconsistency undermines public trust and judicial integrity, declaring the latter judge's decision erroneous and dismissing it.

18 Bills adopted, Tamil Nadu Assembly adjourned sine die

The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed 18 Bills, including amendments to the Goondas Act addressing economic offences and bio-medical waste management. The Tamil Nadu Money Lending Entities Bill, aimed at preventing coercive loan recovery, was also adopted. The assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker M Appavu after the bills were scrutinized.

All preparations in place for Char Dham Yatra amid heightened security

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand begins on Wednesday with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples. Kedarnath and Badrinath will follow on May 2 and May 4. Security measures, including 6,000 police personnel, have been enhanced due to recent threats. Over 22 lakh devotees have registered, with expectations of 60 lakh participants this year.

ED seizes ₹7.44 cr after liquor cases raids in Madhya Pradesh

The Enforcement Directorate has seized ₹7.44 crore in cash during searches in Madhya Pradesh linked to a money laundering investigation involving alleged ₹50 crore irregularities in the liquor trade from 2015 to 2018. The raids targeted 13 premises of liquor contractors accused of causing significant government revenue losses through forgery and manipulation of treasury documents.

Expert panel formed to identify sacred groves in Rajasthan: Centre to SC

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has formed an expert panel to identify sacred groves in Rajasthan, following a Supreme Court directive. The court emphasized the ecological and cultural significance of these groves, urging their protection under the Wildlife Protection Act. The Rajasthan government is tasked with assisting the committee in this initiative.

BSF lodges protest with Pak Rangers on jawan's apprehension

The Border Security Force (BSF) has protested to Pakistan Rangers regarding the apprehension of Indian jawan Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who mistakenly crossed the border in Punjab. Despite previous swift resolutions, Pakistan has been non-committal about Shaw's return, amid rising tensions following a recent terrorist attack. Efforts are ongoing to secure his release.

World Bank sanctions $108m to Pakistan for women empowerment projects

The World Bank has approved USD 108 million for projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, aimed at improving the lives of women and girls. The funding includes USD 78 million for rural road infrastructure and USD 30 million to enhance tourism access. These initiatives aim to boost economic opportunities and essential services, fostering resilience against natural disasters.

After hours cop crusader restores over 200 missing children to families

Ajay Jha, a Delhi police officer, has dedicated himself to reuniting families with their missing specially-abled children through 'Mission Milap.' Over 18 months, he has helped over 200 children return home, often using social media for leads. Jha, motivated by his own son's challenges, provides support and covers travel costs for families, seeking no rewards for his efforts.

Delay in setting up mediation council partly due to HR crunch, says A-G

Attorney General R. Venkataramani attributed the delay in establishing a mediation council, mandated by the Mediation Act, to a human resource shortage. He expressed concerns over selecting qualified candidates and emphasized the need for careful consideration. A conference on mediation is scheduled for May 3, aimed at advancing the mediation ecosystem in India.

Punjab: Wipe out drugs from streets by May 31 or face action, district police chiefs told

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has mandated district police chiefs to eradicate drug availability by May 31, holding officers accountable if they fail. A high-level meeting established strategies to dismantle drug supply networks, with a focus on leveraging technology. The ongoing anti-drug campaign has led to thousands of arrests and significant drug seizures, emphasizing community involvement in combating the issue.