The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple premises linked to film producer and businessman Gokulam Gopalan in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Gopalan, known for producing the Malayalam film Empuraan and heading the Gokulam Group, is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities and violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The raids targeted his residences, offices, and institutions connected to the group. Sources indicate the probe is related to suspicious financial transactions and potential misuse of funds. Authorities are scrutinizing documents and digital evidence seized during the operations to trace the money trail and establish accountability. (PC: Kerala Kaumudi)    

India's Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introducing non-Muslims into waqf boards and increasing government oversight of Muslim charitable endowments. Supporters argue this will enhance transparency and reduce corruption, while critics, including Muslim groups and opposition parties, contend it infringes on constitutional rights and threatens the management of waqf properties. The bill has sparked significant protests in cities like Kolkata and Chennai, with demonstrators demanding its withdrawal. Concerns are growing among India's Muslim minority, who fear the amendments could lead to the seizure of historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation. (PC: The Economic Times & The Week)

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel over 25,000 teacher and non-teaching staff appointments in West Bengal due to significant recruitment irregularities. BJP leader Sambit Patra accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of institutionalizing corruption, asserting she will face legal consequences. He emphasized that under BJP governance, law enforcement would address these issues. Patra also criticized opposition parties for their silence on the matter. The controversy centers on alleged manipulation and fraud in the School Service Commission's recruitment process, leading to widespread political debate and legal scrutiny in the state. (PC: The Tribune)

A seven-month-pregnant woman, Tanisha Bhise, tragically died after allegedly being denied treatment by Pune's Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to insufficient funds. Her husband, Sushant Bhise, claimed the hospital demanded ₹10 lakh for her care and refused admission when he could only offer ₹2.5 lakh upfront. This delay forced the family to seek alternative medical assistance, but Tanisha succumbed to complications after delivering twins. The hospital has denied these allegations and announced an internal inquiry. This incident highlights critical concerns about healthcare accessibility and the prioritization of financial considerations over patient care. (PC: Hindustan Times & Asianet News)

The Delhi High Court has directed Wikipedia to remove allegedly defamatory content from the Wikipedia page of Asian News International (ANI), stating that Wikipedia cannot evade responsibility by merely citing its intermediary status. The court emphasized that, as an encyclopedia, Wikipedia's content is often accepted as factual, thereby imposing a higher duty of care. It noted that the statements on ANI's page were sourced from opinion pieces and were presented out of context, leading to potential harm to ANI's professional reputation. Consequently, the court concluded that these statements are prima facie defamatory and ordered their removal. (PC: OneZero)

India's Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, aiming to reform the management of Muslim charitable endowments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this as a "watershed moment" for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. The legislation introduces non-Muslim members into Waqf boards and increases governmental oversight. Supporters argue it will reduce corruption and enhance accountability, while critics contend it infringes upon Muslim property rights and could lead to the seizure of religious properties lacking formal documentation. The bills now await President Droupadi Murmu's approval to become law. (PC: ShutterStock)

  In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court sharply criticized the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) for orchestrating a widespread recruitment scam involving over 25,000 illegal appointments between 2016 and 2021. The court highlighted a “staggering scale of manipulation” and systematic cover-up at every stage—ranging from tampered documents to politically influenced selections. Declaring the appointments illegal, the court ordered their immediate cancellation and directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the entire recruitment process. The verdict intensifies pressure on the Mamata Banerjee government and underscores deep-rooted corruption in West Bengal’s education recruitment system. (PC: Millennium Post)

  A new report highlights that approximately 33% of High Court judges in India are related to sitting or retired judges, or prominent lawyers. The trend, often referred to as "legal pedigree," points to a systemic entrenchment of familial influence within the Indian judiciary. This revelation has reignited debates over nepotism, meritocracy, and transparency in judicial appointments. While some argue that legal exposure from family can inspire judicial careers, critics say it limits diversity and opportunities for first-generation legal professionals, underscoring the need for more inclusive reforms in the selection process. (PC: The Print)  

Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli is witnessing distressing scenes as Telangana government bulldozers clear 400 acres of green cover for a ‘Future City’ project. Peacocks, deer, and other wildlife are fleeing as trees and shrubs are uprooted, threatening their habitat during nesting season.   Government agencies are shifting responsibility, with Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation directing the issue to the forest department, which in turn awaits a formal request. Environmentalists warn of fatal consequences as animals struggle to relocate amid urban expansion. A Supreme Court stay on tree felling raises hopes for intervention. (PC: X)

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday night. The crash happened around 9:30 pm due to a technical issue. Two pilots ejected before impact, but one died, while the other was injured. CCTV footage shows the jet falling and a bright flash after it hit the ground. The crash site, 12 km from Jamnagar, caught fire but was later controlled. The injured pilot is in the hospital. The IAF has ordered an investigation to find the cause. Officials rushed to the spot, and a search was launched for the missing pilot. (PC: PTI)