Amidst a controversy surrounding a video of Maharashtra's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar allegedly berating a woman IPS officer during a raid, Pawar has released a statement clarifying his intentions. Pawar insists that he was simply trying to maintain peace and prevent escalation of the situation, and holds deep respect for the police force and women officers who serve with courage. However, the incident has caused outrage and raised questions about interference in law enforcement.
In a scathing post on his new social media platform, Truth Social, former US President Donald Trump urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to acknowledge the significant support the United States provided during World War II. Trump's post was filled with sarcasm, as he also called on Xi to give his regards to Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accusing them of conspiring against the US. Despite the tension between the two nations, Trump claimed in a BBC interview that China needs the US more than the other way around.
The top brass of Tamil Nadu's BJP held a crucial meeting in Delhi to discuss their plan for the upcoming 2026 state assembly elections. With a focus on strengthening the party's organisational base and coordinating with allies, BJP leaders were directed to push the anti-corruption and anti-dynasty narrative against the DMK. Special emphasis was also placed on highlighting the benefits of a "double-engine government" and reaching out to smaller parties and opposition leaders. Interestingly, former state president Annamalai's absence at the meeting raised some questions.
A heated argument between Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and IPS Officer Anjali Krishna has triggered a controversy in the state. The video of Pawar's phone call where he can be heard threatening the officer over her actions to stop illegal mining has gone viral. While his party defends his behavior, the opposition has criticized it. The incident raised concerns over political interference and the safety of young IPS officers in the country.
In a controversial case dating back to 2014, self-styled godman Sant Rampal has had his life sentences suspended by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The case involves the deaths of his followers during clashes with police who had come to arrest him. The decision by the high court has raised questions about the role of religious leaders and their influence in such situations.
The British Columbia government has announced that the maximum allowable rent increase for next year will be three percent, down from this year's increase of 3.5 percent. This change is aligned with the rate of inflation and is aimed at providing relief to renters. The government has also implemented a renter's tax credit to assist low- and moderate-income renters.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has suspended the life sentence of controversial godman Rampal in the Satlok Ashram deaths case. He was convicted in 2018 for the murder of five women during a police siege in Hisar. The court took into consideration Rampal's age, previous incarceration, and unresolved questions surrounding the cause of death, and noted that the co-accused had already been granted bail. Rampal's lawyer argued that he was falsely implicated, and medical reports did not establish homicide.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of SNDP Yogam, for being a true torchbearer of Sree Narayana Guru's teachings. At the inauguration of the Sreenarayaneeyam Convention Centre, the CM emphasized the historic role of SNDP in the state's social renaissance and warned against rising communalism. Vijayan commended Natesan's efforts in empowering marginalized communities through education and employment, and urged vigilance against those who misuse Guru's teachings to spread division.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, along with party leaders and officials, visited flood-affected areas in Punjab and distributed relief material among the affected families. He assured that the Punjab government is standing with the people and providing necessary help. Kejriwal also praised the spirit of the Punjabis in helping each other during this difficult time.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has refuted claims that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tried to stop an IPS officer from taking action against illegal excavation in Solapur district. NCP State President Sunil Tatkare stated that Pawar may have rebuked the IPS officer in order to calm down party workers, rather than completely preventing the action. This comes after a video surfaced of Pawar purportedly speaking to the officer to halt the excavation, with the IPS officer being unable to recognize his voice. The incident has sparked accusations of misuse of power and demands for transparency and accountability from ministers.