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Puja Khedkar Challenges Delhi High Court Decision

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Former probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar challenged the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) decision to cancel her candidature by filing a petition with the Delhi High Court on Monday. The petition was presented before a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and is set for a hearing on Wednesday.

On July 31, the UPSC announced the cancellation of Khedkar’s provisional candidature through a press statement, citing her guilt in cheating and forgery. As a result, she has been disqualified from future exams and selections.

The UPSC had given Khedkar until 3:30 pm on July 30, 2024, to respond to a show-cause notice, emphasizing that this was her final opportunity. They warned that no further extensions would be granted and that any failure to respond by the deadline would lead to further action without additional reference. Khedkar did not submit her explanation within the allotted time, leading to the cancellation of her candidature and a permanent ban from future UPSC exams, according to the commission’s statement.

Recently, the Delhi Patiala House Court dismissed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation. Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala stated that custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy and the involvement of others.

The court noted that Khedkar faces charges under Section 420/468/471/120B IPC, Section 66D IT Act, and Sections 89/91 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for allegedly deceiving the complainant. The investigating agency was instructed to broaden its inquiry to include candidates who may have illegally exceeded permissible attempts, improperly claimed OBC (non-creamy layer) benefits, or fraudulently obtained disability benefits, and to investigate any possible insider assistance in Khedkar’s case.

Khedkar has also applied for anticipatory bail in relation to an FIR lodged against her for allegedly falsifying her identity to fraudulently obtain additional attempts in the civil services examination. The FIR was filed by the Delhi Police based on a complaint from the UPSC.

Uddhav Thackeray Dares PM to Stop Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh

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On Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and protect minority Hindus in Bangladesh. This follows reports of violence targeting Hindus in the country after protests led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Thackeray, who is in Delhi meeting with INDIA bloc leaders to discuss the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand, suggested that if Modi could address the conflict in Ukraine, he should also act to safeguard Hindus in Bangladesh.

“If Prime Minister Modi can stop the war in Ukraine, he should also take steps to help Hindus in Bangladesh,” Thackeray said.

He criticized a BJP campaign advertisement, quipping, “If he can stop the war between Ukraine and Russia, he should also address this issue. The atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh demand justice.”

Thackeray emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Modi government to protect Hindus in Bangladesh from ongoing violence.

Expressing concerns about potential similar situations in India, Thackeray said, “Do you want a similar situation to arise here? To prevent this, timely actions and dialogue with all parties are necessary.”

Regarding the situation in Bangladesh, Thackeray warned that the situation should serve as a lesson, saying, “The people are supreme, and no politician should test their patience. The people’s court has already given its ruling in Bangladesh.”

He also noted that protestors in Bangladesh were derogatorily referred to as “razakars,” and drew a parallel to how farmers protesting in Delhi were labeled as terrorists. “This situation in Bangladesh is a warning to all. No one should consider themselves above others. We are all human,” Thackeray added.

Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday and departed Dhaka on a military aircraft. She arrived at Hindon airport in Ghaziabad and is currently staying in a safe house in India, with potential plans to move to Europe.

Elon Musk’s Tesla Recalls More Than 1.6 Million Vehicles in China

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Tesla is recalling 1.68 million cars in China for a remote software update designed to alert drivers when their trunk isn’t securely locked, according to China’s market regulator.

The regulator announced late Tuesday that vehicles with defective trunk latches will be repaired at no cost. The recall includes certain imported Model S and Model X vehicles, as well as domestically produced Model 3 and Model Y cars manufactured between October 15, 2020, and July 17, 2024.

The recall notice highlighted that an unsecured trunk lid could open while driving, potentially obstructing the driver’s view. It did not specify if such incidents have occurred. The State Administration for Market Regulation stated that Tesla will address the issue with a remote software update.

China remains a key market and production hub for Tesla, which is also facing increasing competition from local electric vehicle manufacturers. The company reported a significant drop in net income for the second quarter last month, with sales declining despite price reductions and low-interest financing options.

Kamala Harris Announces Her Running Mate

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Vice President Kamala Harris has officially announced that she has selected Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate. Harris made the announcement in a post on X shortly after CNN reported the news, citing sources.

“I am proud to announce that I’ve asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate,” Harris wrote on X. “As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his.”

She added, “It’s great to have him on the team. Now let’s get to work.” Harris also included a link for people to donate to the Harris-Walz campaign.
https://x.com/KamalaHarris/status/1820828396298879294

CNN’s John King previously noted that Harris might have chosen Walz due to their “comfort level” and because she believes Walz would be a “good governing partner.” King mentioned that Walz has impressed many observers, especially in light of the challenging circumstances surrounding the campaign and Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick.

Harris’ announcement on X drew criticism from some users. “Y’all picked the most far-Left radical possible! Thanks! You just made it even easier for us to beat you. Walz is a gold mine of headlines and talking points for us,” one user commented. Another joked, “This is a gift to Trump! THANK YOU,” while someone else remarked, “You just handed Donald Trump the election. Thanks, Silver Throat!”

Other users also expressed their disapproval, with comments like, “Congrats on picking the most radical ticket in history!” and “This might be the most radical left ticket in American history.” Another user criticized the choice, saying, “You have given 100 percent for Trump to win the election. Josh Shapiro would have been the best candidate to select and continue pushing the momentum, but you chose to go the other way. Good luck to you!”

Vinesh Phogat Gets Assured of Wrestling Medal

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Vinesh Phogat has made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing India’s fourth medal and guaranteeing at least a silver in the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling category by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semifinal. This is a landmark achievement, as no Indian female wrestler has won more than a bronze at the Olympics before, with the last being Sakshi Malik in Rio 2016. Phogat, however, is not finished yet; she now has the chance to compete for the gold, which would make her the first Indian wrestler ever to win Olympic gold.

The match began cautiously, with both wrestlers carefully engaging and assessing each other’s tactics. Vinesh employed a patient approach similar to the one she used against Japan’s Yui Susaki, but soon found herself in a difficult position as Lopez locked onto her leg. Despite the hold, Lopez couldn’t capitalize, and after one and a half minutes, neither wrestler had gained an advantage.

As the match continued, Lopez was warned for passivity and put on a passivity clock. When the clock expired, Vinesh took a narrow 1-0 lead with just a minute left in the first round. Lopez made an aggressive attempt to grab Vinesh’s right leg, but Vinesh’s strong defense broke the hold. Though Vinesh was also warned for passivity, she managed to maintain her slim lead.

In the second round, Vinesh went on the offensive, targeting Lopez’s right leg but failing to score, which triggered her own passivity clock. With only 30 seconds to make a move, the pressure was on. Then, in a remarkable turn of events, Vinesh executed a powerful flip, earning two points and extending her lead to five. With a minute and a half remaining, Vinesh had secured her place in Indian wrestling history, ensuring the country’s best medal finish of the Paris 2024 Games.

Earlier in the day, Vinesh stunned the Paris Games by defeating the seemingly invincible Susaki, advancing to the semifinals and inching closer to an Olympic medal. Susaki, a Tokyo gold medallist and four-time World Champion, had an unbeaten streak of 82 international wins, but Vinesh’s tactical brilliance led to a 3-2 victory in the opening bout.

Buoyed by this victory, Vinesh faced Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals. Livach, a former European champion and World Championship bronze medallist, put up a strong fight, but Vinesh emerged victorious with a 7-5 win.

Despite an illustrious career with three Commonwealth Games golds, an Asian Games title, and eight Asian Championship medals, Vinesh had yet to achieve Olympic success in Rio and Tokyo. Her breakthrough in Paris sparked celebrations in the Indian camp and provided relief to other competitors in Susaki’s half of the draw.

The match against Susaki was a testament to Vinesh’s strategic acumen. Both wrestlers began cautiously, with little action in the first 90 seconds. Vinesh was penalized for passivity, giving Susaki the first point. The second period continued in a similar fashion, with Vinesh trailing 0-2 after another passivity penalty.

However, with just 20 seconds remaining, Vinesh seized her moment. She initially failed to grab Susaki’s left leg but quickly capitalized on Susaki’s unstable stance to execute a two-point takedown with only nine seconds left, sealing her victory. Vinesh celebrated emotionally, embracing her coach Woller Akos, while the Japanese corner’s challenge to the points was dismissed.

Vinesh had dropped to the 50 kg class due to Antim Panghal’s qualification in the 53 kg category, facing a physical adjustment but ultimately dominating against Livach. She initially led 4-0 with consecutive takedowns, showcasing both strength and technique. Livach mounted a comeback in the second period, narrowing the gap with a double-leg attack and a push-out point. A failed challenge from Vinesh’s side brought the score to 5-4. With 48 seconds left, Vinesh secured another takedown, ensuring her victory despite Livach scoring once more.

Before the Paris Games, Vinesh had won the Spanish Grand Prix, which, while not featuring top-tier competitors, provided valuable mat time. Her preparation also involved significant activism, as she was a leading figure in protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, even spending nights demonstrating at Jantar Mantar.

Centre All Set to Ease Long Term Capital Gains Tax For Property Sales

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The Narendra Modi government is set to ease long-term capital gains tax on property sales, as proposed in the Union Budget 2024, according to a Reuters report.

The report states that for long-term capital assets such as land or buildings, transferred by individuals or Hindu undivided families and acquired before July 23, 2024, taxpayers will have the option to calculate their taxes under the new scheme (12.5% without indexation) or the old scheme (20% with indexation), and pay the lower amount.

In her budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced increases in both long-term and short-term capital gains taxes. The government also proposed removing the indexation benefit for property sales, which allowed property owners to adjust their gains for inflation.

While the short-term capital gains tax has been raised from 15% to 20%, the long-term capital gains tax will be set at a flat rate of 12.5%.

Tax and real estate experts have shared their views on the government’s decision.

Gaurav Karnik, Partner and Real Estate National Leader at EY India, commented, “This move provides much-needed relief to taxpayers, as it prevents situations where they would have to pay higher taxes even when there is no real gain on an indexed basis.”

Vivek Jalan, Partner at Tax Connect Advisory, noted, “Retrospective tax creates uncertainty that can disrupt a taxpayer’s financial position. The benefit of inflation-adjusted indexation on long-term capital gains for real estate was significant, allowing a 20% tax rate after adjusting for the indexed cost of acquisition and improvement.”

He added, “After July 23, 2024, when the Union Budget was announced, indexation was removed even for older properties, and the LTCG rate without indexation was increased from 10% to 12.5%. This will impact property sellers, especially those who bought properties before July 23, 2024, with tax planning in mind. This change could hit the real estate industry hard, but making the change prospective for properties purchased after July 23, 2024, would provide much-needed relief for property owners.”

Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of the Hiranandani Group and NAREDCO, stated, “The government’s initiative to allow taxpayers the option to compute taxes either at 12.5% without indexation or at 20% with indexation on real estate transactions is a significant step forward.”

He further added, “This relief applies to the transfer of long-term capital assets, such as land or buildings, acquired before July 23, 2024. By giving taxpayers the choice to select the lower tax burden between the new and old schemes, this amendment is likely to drive investment and boost sales across housing segments.”

LK Advani Admitted to Delhi Apollo For Routine Follow Up

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Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi, according to a PTI report. The 96-year-old statesman, who was born in undivided India, is said to be in stable condition.

“LK Advani is under the care of Dr. Vinit Suri at Apollo Hospital for a routine follow-up check-up. He is doing well and is expected to be discharged soon,” said Dr. Vinit Suri of Apollo Hospitals in Delhi.

Advani’s recent hospitalization comes after a similar visit in early July, when he was also observed at the same facility before being discharged. During that time, he was under the care of Dr. Vinit Suri, a senior consultant in the neurology department.

In late June, Advani was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for treatment in the urology department. He was discharged the following afternoon, on June 27. The specifics of his ailment have not been disclosed.

Recently, Advani was honored with the Bharat Ratna by President Droupadi Murmu on March 30, 2024.

Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi (now in Pakistan), Advani joined the RSS as a Swayamsevak in 1942. He served as the BJP National President from 1986 to 1990, again from 1993 to 1998, and from 2004 to 2005. Advani has held the position of party president longer than anyone else since its founding in 1980.

Throughout his nearly three-decade-long parliamentary career, Advani served first as Home Minister and later as Deputy Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet (1999-2004).

Delhi is in Touch With Dhaka for Diplomatic Missions

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament on Tuesday that India has been “in regular contact with authorities in Dhaka” as well as with the Indian community in Bangladesh amidst ongoing violence and political developments in the neighboring country.

“Throughout July, as violence persisted in Bangladesh, we repeatedly urged restraint and encouraged resolution through dialogue. We conveyed similar advice to various political factions with whom we were in communication,” Jaishankar stated.

He also emphasized that India remains in “close and continuous contact” with the Indian community in Bangladesh through its diplomatic missions. “We expect the host government to ensure the necessary security protection for our establishments in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna. Over the last 24 hours, we have maintained regular communication with authorities in Dhaka,” the minister added.

Jaishankar’s statement follows the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister amid escalating violence and protests demanding her ouster.

Bangladesh has been gripped by nationwide protests since June over a controversial job quota bill that reserved positions for families of veterans from the 1971 liberation war. The protests escalated into violence last month.

On July 21, the Supreme Court ruled to reduce the reservation for veterans’ families in government jobs from 30% to 5%. However, the verdict did little to ease the unrest, as protesters continued to demand Hasina’s resignation.

Facing mounting pressure, Hasina stepped down as Prime Minister on Monday and fled to India, where she is expected to seek asylum in the United Kingdom.

On Monday, Jaishankar informed Parliament, “Our understanding is that after a meeting with security leaders, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to resign. She sought permission to come to India on very short notice and arrived in Delhi yesterday evening.”

Sheikh Hasina, 76, had ruled Bangladesh for 15 years with a firm hand. The protests that led to her resignation began as opposition to the job quota scheme but soon evolved into a broader movement calling for her removal from power.

Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced on state television Monday afternoon that Prime Minister Hasina had resigned, and the military would form an interim government.

Sheikh Hasina’s Main Rival to be Released From Prison

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Here’s a rephrased version:

“Just hours after Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and fled the country, Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of jailed opposition leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

The decision to release Khaleda Zia was made during discussions with members of the opposition. President Shahabuddin, after reaching a consensus, directed that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson be freed without delay.

The meeting included the army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman, as well as the heads of the navy and air force, and senior leaders from opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Khaleda Zia, aged 78, is a prominent opponent of Sheikh Hasina and leads the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. She became Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister in 1991, starting her political career following the assassination of her husband, Ziaur Rahman, who served as the President of Bangladesh from 1977 to 1981 and founded the BNP in 1978.

In recent years, Zia has faced numerous health challenges, frequently traveling abroad for treatment. She was imprisoned in 2018 following a corruption conviction, which she claimed was politically motivated. She served as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006.

After her government’s term ended in 2006, the January 2007 elections were postponed due to political unrest and infighting, leading to a military takeover of the caretaker government. During this period, the caretaker government charged Zia and her two sons with corruption. Under her leadership from 2001 to 2005, Bangladesh was ranked as the most corrupt country globally according to the Corruption Perceptions Index.

On May 30, 1981, her husband, then-President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated. Khaleda Zia entered politics on January 2, 1982, by joining the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the party her late husband had founded.

Earlier, Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule came to an end as she fled the country amidst weeks of violent protests, with the military announcing plans to establish an interim government.

Sheikh Hasina arrived at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, aboard a C-130 transport aircraft. Known for her close ties with India since her first election in 1996, she has consistently defended Bangladesh’s strong relationship with Delhi. During a visit to India in 2022, she reminded the people of Bangladesh of India’s support during the 1971 independence war, with backing from its government, people, and armed forces.”

Zack Snyder Responds to Deadpool Digs

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“In the recently released Marvel film Deadpool and Wolverine, Henry Cavill, known for his role as Superman in the DC franchise, made a cameo appearance. When The Hollywood Reporter asked director Zack Snyder about the cameo and the film’s playful jab at his unproduced Superman project, here’s what he had to say. (Also Read: Deadpool & Wolverine box office collection day 10: Ryan Reynolds-Hugh Jackman film mints ₹139 crore in India.)

When asked if he had seen Henry’s cameo as Wolverine, Zack responded, “I haven’t seen it yet, but I did hear about it. Sounds fun.” He smiled when it was mentioned that Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool made a joke about Marvel treating Henry better than the ‘studio down the street.’

When asked about Henry spending 5-6 years in limbo due to a Superman film that never materialized, Zack said, “Well, Henry is an amazing Superman to me, obviously. I hired him. I wanted him to be Superman. So any missed opportunities are unfortunate, and in that way, it would be great to have more Henry. I always think you could have more Henry.”

For those unfamiliar, Henry played Superman in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). After his appearance as Superman in Black Adam (2022), many fans hoped he would return for another Superman film.

In a 2023 interview with The Wrap, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn said, “I like Henry. He’s a great guy. I think he’s been mistreated by a lot of people, including former regimes at this company. But this Superman’s not Henry for a number of reasons.”

Gunn also clarified that Henry was ‘never cast’ for Superman: Legacy and wasn’t ‘fired.’ In 2022, Henry shared on Instagram after a meeting with Gunn and Peter Safran, “I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman.””