Bombay HC upholds constitutional validity of UAPA, dismisses petition challenging anti-terror law

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), stating that the law is in accordance with the Constitution and that the arguments presented by the petitioner lack merit.

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Central Railway greenlights game-changing semi-high-speed rail link connecting Pune, Shirdi, Nashik

After the Union Ministry of Railways directed a route change in Maharashtra’s Khodad, Pune district, the Central Railway has finalised the detailed project report (DPR) for the new Pune to Nashik semi-high-speed rail corridor via Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmadnagar) and Shirdi. The ministry’s directive was aimed at avoiding the disruption to the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) located in Pune’s Khodad near Junnar. 

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Why Japan has sounded global alert over China’s military buildup and alliance with Russia, North Korea

Japan has raised alarm over China’s intensifying military operations from its southwestern coasts to the Pacific, calling it the biggest strategic challenge in a new annual defence report released on Tuesday. The defence ministry outlined China’s growing assertiveness in the region as a pressing security threat. The report also highlighted China’s strengthening military cooperation with Russia, growing tensions around Taiwan and ongoing threats from North Korea as significant regional risks. Japan’s Defence Ministry warned that the overall security environment is deteriorating.

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OPINION | Fake voters: Remove names, keep process transparent

Leaders of several opposition parties have alleged that the Election Commission is working like “an agent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)”. Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Tejashwi Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi have alleged that the EC is working at the behest of the BJP while revising voters’ lists. On July 16, Mamata Banerjee led a padyatra in Kolkata to allege that Bengali-speaking people from her state are being forcibly kept in detention camps in BJP-ruled states by describing them as Bangaldeshis. She alleged that the names of more than 32 lakh voters have been struck off from the electoral lists in Bihar. She warned people that EC may carry out a Bihar-type electoral revision exercise in West Bengal too.

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INLD chief Abhay Chautala gets death threat via WhatsApp, son files complaint with Chandigarh police

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Abhay Singh Chautala has received a death threat through a voice message sent to his son, Karan Chautala, warning that he should “stay out of their way” or face consequences similar to slain party leader Nafe Singh Rathee. Karan lodged a formal complaint with Chandigarh Police on Wednesday, urging immediate action to ensure the family’s safety.

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Nimisha Priya case: Yemen national victim’s family firm on execution, says ‘no postponement will stop us’

Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, has received temporary relief after her scheduled execution in Yemen was postponed, but concerns about her life remain following a recent statement from the brother of Talal Abdo Mahdi, the Yemeni national for whose murder Nimisha was given the death penalty.

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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis gives ‘offer’ to Uddhav Thackeray to join NDA ahead of BMC polls

In a surprising political development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday made an “offer” to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to consider joining hands with the ruling NDA alliance. While addressing the Legislative Council, Fadnavis made a light-hearted yet pointed remark, saying, “Uddhav ji, there is no scope for us to sit in the Opposition until 2029. But if you wish to come here (to the ruling side), it can be considered — although such a decision will need to be taken in a unique way.” 

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Stroke in pregnancy: Understand the causes, diagnosis, treatment and risk factors

When the blood supply to a part of the brain is hampered for any reason, the clinical condition that it causes is known as a stroke.

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Joe Root goes past Shane Warne, Steve Waugh on elite home Test wins list after Lord’s result against India

England’s all-time highest run-scorer in Tests, Joe Root, was consigned to coming clutch once again when the hosts needed him the most after conceding the second of the five-match series against India in Birmingham and the No. 4 batter responded in style with his 37th Test century and his eighth at Lord’s. Root with crucial returns of 104 and 40 played a crucial role in India being set a sizeable target of 193 to chase in the fourth innings, which they failed to.

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India-US trade talks: New Delhi refuses to budge on dairy imports over ‘non-veg milk’ concern

As India and the United States engage in high-stakes trade negotiations aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, dairy and agriculture have emerged as major sticking points. India remains steadfast in its refusal to open its dairy sector to American imports, citing not only economic concerns but also deep-rooted cultural and religious sensitivities.

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