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Supreme Court Takes Up ED–Didi Standoff Linked to I-PAC Raids, Timing and Obstruction in Focus

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Dhruv
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mamata banerjee
mamata banerjee

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has shown what it described as a troubling and recurring tendency to enter premises while statutory authorities are carrying out official proceedings. The submission was made as the top court heard the ED’s petition alleging interference during its recent search operations in Kolkata at the offices of I PAC, the political consultancy firm that works with the ruling Trinamool Congress.

The ED has approached the Supreme Court seeking directions against the West Bengal government and central authorities, including the Department of Personnel and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The agency has asked for the suspension of senior police officials, among them West Bengal Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, and Deputy Commissioner of Police for South Kolkata Priyabatra Roy, accusing them of obstructing its investigation.

Appearing for the ED, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General S V Raju argued that a disturbing pattern was evident. Citing previous instances, Mehta said that whenever statutory bodies exercised their legal authority, the chief minister allegedly intervened directly. He told the court that senior officers accompanied her, accused them of acting in concert, and recalled earlier incidents where officials sat in protest alongside political leaders. He also referred to past episodes where the residence of a senior CBI officer was surrounded and stones were allegedly thrown, according to reports by LiveLaw.

Supreme Court flags disturbance in Calcutta High Court

During the hearing, the Supreme Court also took note of what it termed serious disruption in the Calcutta High Court last Friday while the I PAC raids case was being heard. Proceedings there had to be adjourned after the presiding judge remarked that there was excessive disturbance in the courtroom.

Referring to those events, Mehta told the Supreme Court that a large number of lawyers and others entered the high court during the hearing, calling it an example of mob behaviour overriding democratic processes. The bench responded by saying it was deeply concerned by what had transpired in the Calcutta High Court, PTI reported.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, countered the ED’s claims. He said the chief minister did not obstruct the searches and only took away I PAC chief Pratik Jain’s laptop and his personal iPhone. According to Sibal, no seizure had taken place until around noon, and the laptop contained sensitive election related information. He argued that this was acknowledged in documents signed by the ED itself and claimed there was no disruption of the investigation. He further alleged that the ED’s actions were mala fide and aimed at accessing political material.

Sibal also questioned the timing of the raids, pointing out that they were conducted just months before the state assembly elections. He said the last statement in the underlying case cited by the ED had been recorded in February 2024 and asked why the agency had suddenly acted now. He argued that the ED was aware that I PAC held extensive party data and suggested the raids were intended to gain access to election strategy material, a move he said would unfairly impact the democratic process.

Background of the ED raids

The case is being heard by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi, following a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate under Article 32 of the Constitution.

Tensions escalated in Kolkata last week when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the residence of Pratik Jain during ED searches. She alleged that officials were attempting to seize hard disks, internal documents, and sensitive data belonging to the Trinamool Congress. Visuals from the scene showed her surrounded by police personnel, holding documents, and pushing through a crowd of media persons.

The ED said the searches were part of an investigation into a money laundering case. Raids were carried out at both Jain’s residence and the office of the Indian Political Action Committee, which provides political consultancy to the TMC and manages its IT and media operations.

Despite Loss of 15 Satellites, ‘KID’ Pulls Through in ISRO’s PSLV C62 Mission

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Dhruv
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ISRO
ISRO

Against the backdrop of a troubled launch, one small spacecraft managed to stand out. A satellite known as KID successfully separated from the rest of the payload even as 15 other satellites failed to reach their intended orbit during the Indian Space Research Organisation’s PSLV C62 mission. The launch, part of the EOS N1 programme, took place from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.

The 44.4 metre tall, four-stage rocket lifted off on schedule at 10.18 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The mission aimed to deploy one primary Earth observation satellite along with multiple co-passenger satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 512 kilometres, following a flight lasting roughly 17 minutes.

After receiving clearance from the mission director, the automated launch sequence began, with scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation providing live updates as the vehicle climbed. The early phases unfolded as planned, but concerns emerged soon after the announcement confirming ignition of the third stage.

Most satellites lost, but one separated successfully

This marks the second consecutive setback for ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle; 15 out of the 16 satellites onboard could not be injected into the desired orbit. The problem arose due to an anomaly detected during the rocket’s third stage, a critical phase of the ascent.

ISRO chairman V Narayanan said disturbances and a deviation from the intended flight path were observed while the strap-on motors were operating during the third stage. He added that a detailed technical investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause.

According to sources cited by PTI, all satellites were initially believed to be lost. However, a small experimental payload called KID, short for Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator, managed to defy the odds. Developed by Spanish startup Orbital Paradigm, the capsule is a prototype re-entry vehicle.

In a post on X, the company said that the KID capsule successfully separated from PSLV C62, powered on, and transmitted data. The team said it is now reconstructing the trajectory and will release a detailed report later.

Payloads that failed to reach orbit

Among the satellites that could not be placed in orbit was DRDO’s Anvesha, designed to detect military camouflage from nearly 500 kilometres above Earth. Also lost were AayulSAT, India’s first in-orbit refuelling experiment, and CGUSAT, a student-built low Earth orbit satellite intended for emergency communication and disaster response. The primary Earth observation satellite on the mission was jointly developed by Thailand and the United Kingdom.

This failure follows a similar outcome in May 2025, when the PSLV C61 EOS 09 mission was unsuccessful due to a motor pressure issue that caused a drop in chamber pressure.

A former senior ISRO scientist told PTI that the agency would need time to collect and analyse data before identifying corrective measures. He added that since the satellites did not reach their intended orbit, they may now be drifting as space debris.

ISRO’s official response

Acknowledging the issue on its official X account, ISRO said the PSLV C62 mission encountered an anomaly toward the end of the third stage and that a comprehensive analysis is underway. The agency stopped short of formally declaring the mission a failure.

Later, speaking briefly to the media, Chairman V Narayanan said the mission did not proceed along the expected flight path. He added that engineers are examining data received from ground stations and that further details will be shared once the analysis is complete.

Trump Backs Iranian Protests, Urges Citizens to Seize Institutions

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Dhruv
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Trump
Trump

US President Donald Trump issued a strong message of support for demonstrators in Iran on Tuesday, urging them to continue their protests and assuring them that assistance would arrive soon. His remarks came amid escalating unrest in the country, though he stopped short of spelling out whether the United States would take direct action.

Trump said he had suspended all engagement with Iranian officials, making it clear that Washington would not hold talks while protesters were being killed. In a forceful post on social media, he openly encouraged demonstrators to seize control of state institutions and called on them to document those responsible for violence against civilians, warning that accountability would follow.

The US President’s comments signal an unusually direct endorsement of the protest movement, which has been challenging Iran’s leadership for weeks. Trump framed his message as a show of solidarity with what he described as Iranian patriots standing up against repression, repeating that outside help was on the way.

The protests, now in their second week, were initially triggered by a sharp fall in the value of Iran’s currency but have since evolved into a broader uprising against the regime. Reports indicate that around 2,000 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed as clashes intensified across the country.

Trump’s latest remarks followed another major step taken a day earlier, when he announced a 25 percent import tariff on goods from any country that continues to do business with Iran. He has also suggested that further punitive measures remain under consideration, including military options, reiterating earlier warnings that the United States is prepared to escalate its response to Tehran’s crackdown on dissent.

After Tadap Flopped, Ahan Faced A Tough Journey, Reveals Suniel Shetty: ‘He Went Through A Lot’

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Dhruv
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sunil shetty
sunil shetty

In the film industry, being born into a famous family is often seen as a shortcut to success. However, veteran actor Suniel Shetty recently shed light on the less visible struggles that can follow such expectations. He spoke candidly about the challenging period his son Ahan Shetty faced after making his debut in Bollywood.

Ahan stepped into films with Tadap, a remake of the Telugu hit RX 100. While the film highlighted Ahan’s commitment and screen presence, it failed to make a strong impact at the box office, leading to a difficult phase early in his career.

Speaking at the music launch of his upcoming film Border 2, Suniel Shetty became emotional as he reflected on what his son went through. He addressed the widespread belief that star kids automatically receive endless opportunities, saying that reality often tells a different story. According to him, the period following Ahan’s first release was marked by uncertainty and emotional strain, something many people fail to notice behind the glamour.

Suniel shared that seeing his son deal with disappointment tested the entire family. Instead of pushing him with career advice focused on success or numbers, he chose a more grounded approach. He told Ahan to focus on sincerity and to give his best to whatever work came his way, believing that integrity and passion matter more than immediate results.

Things now appear to be looking up for Ahan, who has landed a significant role in Border 2, a sequel to the iconic war film Border that played a defining role in Suniel’s own career. Expressing deep gratitude, Suniel spoke warmly about producer Nidhi Dutta and director JP Dutta for placing their trust in Ahan by casting him in such a major project. From a father’s perspective, he described the opportunity as a blessing and said he hoped his son had done justice to the responsibility.

Border 2 is scheduled to release on January 23, 2026. Unlike the original, which centred on the Battle of Longewala, the sequel broadens its scope to depict a multi front narrative involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Ahan will be seen sharing screen space with established stars like Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. As the release approaches, the Shetty family remains hopeful that this film will mark a turning point in Ahan’s journey.

Supreme Court Delivers Stern Caution to States, Feeders Over Stray Dog Incidents

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Dhruv
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stray dogs
stray dogs

The Supreme Court on Tuesday signalled that it may consider imposing substantial financial responsibility on state governments for every incident involving dog bites, including fatalities. The court also indicated that individuals or groups feeding stray dogs could be held accountable in cases where attacks cause long term or permanent harm.

While hearing a case related to stray dogs, the court questioned why street dogs should be allowed to move freely if they pose a risk to public safety. It observed that for every dog bite and every death linked to such incidents, states could be directed to pay heavy compensation for failing to put proper systems in place. The bench further remarked that dog feeders may also face liability, asking why such animals are not kept within homes if people choose to take responsibility for them. The court noted that the consequences of a dog bite can last a lifetime.

As quoted by law portal Bar and Bench, the court also raised a pointed question during the hearing. It asked who should be held responsible if a nine year old child is killed by dogs that are being fed by a specific organisation, and whether such an organisation should not be made liable to pay damages.

Court questions arguments on animal empathy

In an earlier hearing on January 7, the Supreme Court had pushed back against the argument that showing empathy towards animals prevents attacks. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, had argued that animals do not attack if they are treated kindly and that incidents occur only when their space is disturbed.

Responding to this, Justice Vikram Nath pointed out that the issue goes beyond actual bites and includes the fear and threat posed by dogs. He observed that it is impossible for ordinary citizens to judge the temperament or mood of a dog at any given moment, especially in public spaces.

Sibal suggested that unruly dogs could be reported to authorities, sterilised, and then released back into the area. However, the bench remained concerned about public safety, particularly in crowded or sensitive locations.

The matter is being heard by a three judge bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria. The court has repeatedly expressed serious concern over the dangers posed by stray animals on streets and highways.

In a previous order issued on November 7 last year, the Supreme Court had directed that stray dogs be removed from institutional premises such as schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus terminals and railway stations. It had ordered that these animals be relocated to designated shelters after undergoing sterilisation and vaccination.

10-Minute Grocery Promise Faces Reality Check as Blinkit, Others Pause the Claim

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Dhruv
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Blinkit
Blinkit

Quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto have chosen to step back from advertising 10-minute delivery timelines after Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya flagged concerns about mounting pressure on gig workers and increasingly stressful working conditions.

According to reports, representatives from the government recently held discussions with major delivery platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy, to review issues linked to tight delivery deadlines. The conversations focused on balancing consumer expectations with worker safety and welfare.

Sources cited by ANI said Blinkit has already implemented changes by removing the 10-minute delivery promise from its branding. Other platforms are expected to make similar adjustments in the coming days. The broader aim of the move is to improve safety, security, and overall working conditions for gig workers.

This decision follows growing pressure from delivery workers and sections of the public who have been calling for fairer pay and better work environments. These demands culminated in a large-scale protest by a section of gig workers on December 31, New Year’s Eve.

As part of its updated approach, Blinkit has revised its core brand message. The company has shifted from promoting “10,000 plus products delivered in 10 minutes” to highlighting “30,000 plus products delivered at your doorstep,” signalling a move away from speed-focused messaging.

Earlier, Deepinder Goyal, co-founder of Zomato, which later acquired Blinkit, had downplayed the New Year’s Eve strike. He had maintained that the 10-minute delivery model did not encourage reckless driving, stating that riders typically travel short distances of around two kilometres at an average speed of 16 kilometres per hour. He also said that the company covers insurance premiums for its delivery partners.

Claiming Op Sindoor Success Against India, Pakistan Pushes JF-17 Jets and Says ‘IMF Dependence Will End Soon’

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Dhruv
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jf-17 jets
jf-17 jets

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that tensions with India during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 have significantly boosted international demand for the Chinese origin JF 17 Thunder fighter jets. According to him, the surge in interest has been so strong that Pakistan could potentially move away from its dependence on financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund within the next six months if the trend continues.

Speaking to Pakistani television channel Geo News, Asif said Pakistan’s aircraft have now been proven in real world conditions. He claimed that the volume of new orders has reached unprecedented levels and suggested that sustained defence exports could ease the country’s long standing economic pressures.

Asif also argued that the May 2025 confrontation helped project Pakistan’s military capability and determination on the global stage. He said the episode demonstrated the effectiveness of Pakistan’s defence systems and strengthened confidence among potential buyers.

Pakistan remains under a 7 billion dollar IMF support programme, its twenty fourth so far, which followed a short term 3 billion dollar package that helped the country avoid a sovereign default in 2023, according to Reuters. Despite ongoing economic challenges, Islamabad has recently stepped up defence related engagements with several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Libya.

Growing interest in the JF 17

Pakistan is reportedly in discussions with Saudi Arabia to convert around 2 billion dollars worth of Saudi loans into a deal involving JF 17 fighter jets. Reuters reported on January 7 that the talks are based on information from two Pakistani sources. Separate discussions have also taken place with Bangladesh regarding a possible purchase of the aircraft.

The JF 17 Thunder is a light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and manufactured in Pakistan. Sources cited by Reuters said negotiations have focused primarily on this aircraft, with one source noting that it remains the leading option among other platforms under consideration.

Aamir Masood, a retired Air Marshal and defence analyst, told Reuters that the jet’s appeal has grown because it has now been tested in combat conditions. He added that the aircraft’s relatively lower cost compared to other fighter jets also makes it attractive to buyers with limited defence budgets.

In recent months, Pakistan has intensified efforts to expand arms exports and commercialise its domestic defence industry. According to Reuters, Islamabad last month finalised a weapons deal worth more than 4 billion dollars with Libya’s eastern based Libyan National Army. The agreement, one of the largest arms sales in Pakistan’s history, includes JF 17 fighter jets along with training aircraft.

India’s response to Pakistan’s claims

Pakistan has previously highlighted the performance of the JF 17 during Operation Sindoor, but India has strongly disputed those claims. The Indian Air Force has stated that its forces shot down five Pakistani aircraft during the operation, including jets from the F 16 and JF 17 categories.

Chief of Air Staff Amar Preet Singh reiterated this position during his address at the ninety third Air Force Day celebrations. India has consistently maintained that it agreed to a ceasefire only after a request from Pakistan’s military leadership, asserting that Indian forces had already met their objectives by striking terrorist infrastructure.

Super Cup Final Fallout: Mbappé Orders Real Madrid Teammates Not To Give Guard of Honour to Barcelona

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Dhruv
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mbappe
mbappe

The loss in the Spanish Super Cup final appeared to weigh heavily on Kylian Mbappe. As Real Madrid collected their runners-up medals, the forward was seen urging his teammates not to form a guard of honour for Barcelona as they stepped forward to lift the trophy. The gesture captured the frustration within the Madrid camp after a bitter 3–2 defeat to their biggest rivals.

Mbappe started the final on the bench, having joined the squad late in Saudi Arabia, and was introduced in the second half. With little time to influence proceedings, he found it difficult to make his presence felt. Barcelona’s substitutes brought greater intensity and rhythm, and Real Madrid struggled to keep pace during the closing stages. Mbappe’s late involvement only highlighted the difference in energy and control between the two sides as the match wore on.

Footage circulating online showed Mbappe signalling to teammates to skip the traditional guard of honour, a reaction that reflected his disappointment with the outcome of the final.

The French star came on in the 76th minute as he returned from a knee injury, but was unable to establish a strong connection with Madrid’s midfield. Barcelona duo Pedri and Frenkie de Jong dominated central areas, preventing Madrid from regaining control or mounting a sustained comeback.

For Xabi Alonso, the defeat meant another missed opportunity for silverware since taking charge in June. The loss also brought an end to Real Madrid’s five match winning run across all competitions, halted by their long standing rivals.

Alonso reflects on the final

Speaking after the match, Alonso described the contest as tightly contested and emotionally draining. While disappointed with the result, he praised his players for their effort and acknowledged Barcelona’s edge on the night.

He told Movistar that defeats always hurt, but stressed that the final was evenly balanced and fiercely fought. Alonso added that Real Madrid came close to finding an equaliser and battled until the final whistle, before congratulating Barcelona on their victory.

History suggests the Super Cup can be a springboard for domestic success. Each of the last four winners has gone on to lift the La Liga title, and Barcelona will hope that trend continues. They are currently enjoying a strong run of form, having won ten consecutive matches in all competitions, and sit at the top of the league despite an uneven start to the season.

‘Mujhe Koi Heroine Kyun Banayega’: Taapsee Pannu Opens Up About Early Career Insecurities Over Her Looks

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Dhruv
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Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu

Actor Taapsee Pannu has spoken openly about the self-doubt she struggled with during the early phase of her career. In an interview with Times Now News, she reflected on how hard she was on herself while trying to learn the many demands of the profession, admitting that the pressure she put on herself took a serious mental toll.

Taapsee on early insecurities

Looking back, Taapsee said she constantly questioned whether she even belonged in the industry. She shared that she often compared herself to conventional film stars and felt insecure about her appearance. At the time, she believed that not fitting the image of a traditional diva meant she would never be seen as heroine material. She also admitted that she lacked basic knowledge about fashion, makeup, and even understanding her own best angles, which only added to her uncertainty.

The mental impact of pushing herself too hard

Taapsee said she now wishes someone had encouraged her to slow down and trust the learning process. She explained that while she eventually picked up all the skills she needed, the relentless self-criticism she subjected herself to in those initial years left her emotionally exhausted. Instead of enjoying the journey, she said she was constantly punishing herself for not being good enough, and hopes that young actors today allow themselves the space to grow without being so harsh on themselves.

Taking the blame for professional setbacks

The actor also spoke about how she internalised failure early in her career. She recalled blaming herself entirely whenever things did not work out, repeatedly telling herself that she had fallen short. Over time, she realised that success or failure in films is rarely the responsibility of one person alone. She pointed out that filmmaking is a collective effort, even though actors often carry the burden of blame when projects do not perform as expected.

What’s next for Taapsee

Taapsee will next be seen in Gandhari, a revenge drama directed by Devashish Makhija. The film is backed by Kanika Dhillon’s Katha Pictures and is set to premiere on Netflix. She was last seen in Mudassar Aziz’s Khel Khel Mein, which also featured Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal, and Fardeen Khan.

Cold Wave Sends Gurugram Temperature Down to 0.6°C, Marking New Low

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Dhruv
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0
Gurgaon
Gurgaon

North India continues to reel under an intense cold wave, with Gurugram in Haryana recording its coldest temperature of the season so far. According to the latest bulletin issued by the Indian Meteorological Department office in Chandigarh, the city’s minimum temperature dropped to just 0.6 degrees Celsius.

Data shared by IMD Chandigarh showed that Gurugram’s Automatic Weather Station logged the lowest temperature in Haryana. Narnaul followed with a minimum of 1.2 degrees Celsius. Temperature trends over the past few days highlight the sharp decline, with Gurugram recording 1.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 4.1 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Delhi also experienced biting cold conditions. On Monday, the lowest temperature in the capital was recorded at three degrees Celsius at Lodhi Road, a day after Ayanagar touched 2.9 degrees Celsius.

Orange alert issued for Gurugram

In view of the plunging temperatures, IMD officials have issued an orange alert for Gurugram for the next two days, warning of an ongoing cold wave. An IMD official said that cold wave conditions combined with dense fog are expected to persist.

The official noted that the previous lowest minimum temperature in the district was 3.8 degrees Celsius on January 3. Compared to Sunday, temperatures dropped by nearly 3.5 degrees in a single day. According to the forecast, cold wave conditions along with fog are likely to continue in Gurugram until Tuesday.

Frost seen across farmlands

The severity of the cold was also visible in rural areas surrounding Gurugram, where frost formed on crops and vegetation during the early hours of Monday. Weather experts explained that frost usually appears when temperatures approach freezing or dip below zero, even if official readings in urban areas are slightly higher.

Residents shared images on social media showing frost on car windshields and open fields. Some people even stepped out early in the morning with temperature gauges to measure just how cold it had become, underscoring the intensity of the cold wave gripping the region.

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