Nivedita

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared that journalists cannot face criminal charges simply for criticizing the government. The court emphasized the importance of press freedom in a democracy, stating that such criticism does not warrant legal action. This decision arose from an FIR against journalist Abhishek Upadhyay in Uttar Pradesh for reporting on "caste dynamics within the general administration." The court asserted that no coercive measures should be taken against him and requested a response from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding his plea to quash the FIR. This verdict reinforces the protection of journalistic work and serves as a warning against using criminal charges to stifle dissent.

Maharashtra's Ahmednagar has officially been renamed Ahilyanagar following approval from the Union Home Ministry. The state cabinet proposed the change in March to honor Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, the 18th-century queen of the Maratha-Malwa kingdom, coinciding with her 300th birth anniversary. Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil called the decision a "historic event," while Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the change during Ahilya Devi Jayanti celebrations. The Railway Ministry has also confirmed there are no objections to renaming the local station.

In a significant operation on Friday, security forces killed at least 30 suspected Maoists during an encounter in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh. The clash began in the Abhujmad forest around 1 PM, part of an ongoing anti-Naxal operation. This marks the largest success for security forces since April, when 29 Maoists were killed in Kanker district. Abhujmad, a dense forest area straddling Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, is a known stronghold for Maoist activities. The operation was initiated following intelligence about a gathering of senior CPI (Maoist) leaders. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating Naxalism, stating that the fight will continue until complete success is achieved. So far in 2024, security forces have neutralized a total of 194 Maoists in the Bastar region.

A disturbing incident has surfaced in Pune, Maharashtra, where a 21-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by three men while her male friend was assaulted. The attack took place late at night in a secluded area during a walk. After the assault, the friend rushed the woman to the hospital for treatment. Police were notified and began investigating the case early in the morning. Both victims are college students; the woman hails from Jalgaon and her friend from Surat. Pune Police, along with the Crime Branch, are conducting extensive searches for the suspects. Concerns over women's safety have been raised by local leaders in light of this incident.

In a tragic incident on the Prayagraj-Varanasi highway in Mirzapur district, 10 people were killed and three others were injured when a speeding truck collided with a tractor trolley transporting laborers. The accident occurred around 1 AM as the laborers were returning home after work. All deceased were residents of nearby villages, while the injured are being treated at Banaras Hindu University hospital, with their conditions stable.