The Karnataka High Court has rejected the appeals filed by Uber India, Ola, and Rapido, effectively allowing for the state to halt bike taxi services starting June 16. The court ruled that unless the state government issues specific guidelines under the Motor Vehicles Act, these services cannot continue. The aggregators argue that current rules already cover bike taxis, but the court has asked for objections from both state and Union governments before the next hearing. With no interim relief, services are expected to be suspended.
An experienced Indian Army pilot, Rajveer Singh Chauhan from Jaipur, met a tragic fate as the helicopter he was piloting crashed near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his condolences, and the District Disaster Management Officer speculated that weather conditions may have played a role. Investigations by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will aim to identify the exact cause of the incident. As a precaution, helicopter services to the Char Dham shrines have been reduced and the DGCA is conducting enhanced surveillance. This incident is just one of the latest in a string of aviation disasters, with the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad that claimed hundreds of lives.
On the occasion of Union Minister Kishan Reddy's birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and other leaders extended their warm wishes on social media platforms. Reddy, who is a grassroots leader and the president of BJP's Telangana unit, has been praised for his efforts in strengthening the coal and mines sector, which are crucial for India's self-reliance. Other prominent leaders like Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Jyotiraditya M. Scindia also greeted Reddy and wished him a long and healthy life in service of the people.
The Chhotanagpuria Teli Utthan Samaj Yuva Morcha held a conference in Lohardaga district where District President Deepak Sahu announced plans for a Teli Hostel and financial support for employment for the youth in the society. State President Arun Sahu encouraged the Teli community to claim their political rights, while National Youth President Ripu Sudan Sahu stressed the importance of education and group discussion. The working committee was also expanded with new appointments, emphasizing the need for coordination between old traditions and new thinking.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, praised Israel's recent military strikes on Iran, calling it one of the most impressive operations in Israeli history. He also expressed appreciation for President Trump's support and urged the Iranian regime to make a deal to avoid further violence and bloodshed. President Trump himself stated in an interview that he anticipated Israel's strike and gave Iran a set timeframe to agree to a revised nuclear agreement, indicating that the US is still open to future negotiations.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes one year of his third term, the BJP has launched a nationwide campaign highlighting the government's achievements. On one hand, the BJP claims success in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and economic growth, while on the other hand, the opposition raises concerns about divisiveness, unemployment, and alleged misuse of institutions. As experts come together on Rajdeep Sardesai's show, they discuss the hits and misses of Modi 3.0 and the challenges that lie ahead for the Modi government.
A retired Indian Army officer and television commentator, Major Gaurav Arya, has sparked a diplomatic row between India and Iran after calling the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, a "son of a pig" during a YouTube broadcast. The Islamophobic slur has received widespread backlash, with the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi responding sharply. Arya's remarks have been criticized for inciting religious tension and undermining the long-standing culture of hospitality in Iranian diplomacy.
In a recent council meeting, East Palestine Village Council passed an emergency ordinance to enter into an agreement with MS Consultants for a new safety complex funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The complex will combine the village's police station, fire department, and emergency services. Additionally, council held the first reading to extend park hours and allow for tent camping as proposed by village manager Antonio Diaz-Guy. The project, which costs approximately $47,000, aims to create a new source of revenue for the village and address the lack of lodging opportunities. Council also made decisions regarding the village's indigent burial policy and junk car ordinance. Stay tuned for updates on these developments.
After being indicted on a second-degree murder charge in the 2024 shooting death of his child's mother, 25-year-old Connor Macleod has decided to plead guilty to manslaughter. The plea deal, which was negotiated between his public defender and the state Attorney General's Office, includes a sentence of 10-26 years in prison with a possibility of a year reduction for good behavior. Macleod's case has sparked controversy and debates on gun control and domestic violence issues in the local community.
In a move towards improving the quality of education in the state, the Odisha government has regularised the services of 9,200 junior teachers engaged in primary and upper primary schools under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. These teachers will now be entitled to various benefits, including free uniforms, textbooks, and special training for out-of-school children. Meanwhile, as part of the scheme, the Union Education Minister has announced a release of Rs 7,622 crore for states and UTs, while the Mizoram government is seeking a revision of salary for teachers employed under the Centres Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.