The Odisha cabinet, under CM Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved 11.25% reservation for SEBC in higher education, excluding medical and engineering colleges. This policy, effective this academic year, applies to various courses in government and aided institutions. CM Majhi criticized previous governments for neglecting social justice for backward classes, while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the move as historic.
Security forces concluded a 21-day anti-Maoist operation in Karreguttalu Hills. Thirty-one Maoist bodies were recovered. The operation scattered the Maoist command. Amit Shah called it the biggest assault on Maoists. Forces faced difficult terrain. They cleared caves housing arms manufacturing units. The operation busted a major Maoist stronghold. Disjointed Maoist formations are taking shelter in different places.
Violent clashes erupted in Barasat, West Bengal, leaving at least three police officers injured, one seriously, after a social media post allegedly supporting Pakistan triggered outrage. Nazir Hossain, accused of uploading the controversial Facebook post, was arrested. Thirteen others were detained for inciting violence and attacking police during the ensuing protest.
In Bathinda, authorities arrested Raqib, a tailor working at the military station. This follows the earlier arrest of a cobbler. Raqib, a Roorkee resident, is suspected of sending sensitive information. His mobile is under forensic analysis. Police are investigating the case after the army handed him over. The military base was previously a target during Operation Sindoor.
A Hong Kong-flagged tanker, MT Siren II, arrived near Paradip port with crude oil. The tanker had twenty-one Pakistani crew members. Security agencies prevented them from disembarking as a precaution. The vessel is carrying oil for the Indian Oil Corporation refinery. Other crew members from India and Thailand faced no restrictions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has refuted claims of a radiation leak from any Pakistani nuclear facility, following reports that Indian missiles struck Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor. This clarification counters widespread social media speculation and foreign media theories. The IAEA confirmed that, based on available information, no radiation release occurred.
Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of a special train on the Katra-Qazigund section. This section includes the Chenab Bridge. The train carried soldiers and completed a round trip with full security. This trial is significant due to the ongoing Indo-Pak conflict. The new rail line will improve connectivity to Kashmir.
The Bar Council of India has revised regulations, allowing foreign lawyers and firms to practice foreign and international law under specific conditions. They can advise on foreign law and participate in international commercial arbitration, but are barred from practicing Indian law. These changes aim to establish India as a global arbitration hub while protecting the rights of Indian advocates.
Apple has significantly reduced iPhone 16 prices in China, with discounts reaching up to one-third, as the company faces declining market share. This strategic move aims to regain ground amidst strong competition from domestic brands like Huawei and Xiaomi, who are experiencing substantial growth.
The CCPA has issued notices to Amazon, Flipkart, and other platforms for selling Pakistani flags and merchandise, demanding immediate removal and compliance with Indian laws. This action follows a complaint from CAIT to union ministers, citing heightened national security concerns due to Operation Sindoor. CAIT deemed the sale of Pakistani symbols deeply disturbing amidst the ongoing critical mission against Pakistan.
