Day: August 2, 2024

Puja Khedkar’s Deceptive Journey to IAS: The Saga of Identity Fraud and Forgery

Manish Kumar

A Controversial Path to Power Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee, has become the center of a significant scandal involving extensive identity fraud and forgery to secure her position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Accused of manipulating multiple identities to gain an unfair advantage, Khedkar’s actions have led to severe consequences, including her permanent debarment from Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. Between 2012 and 2023, Khedkar allegedly falsified her identity at least seven times to circumvent the UPSC’s rules on examination attempts and quotas. This elaborate scheme involved…

UGC NET 2024 Exam Rescheduled: New Dates Announced Amid Controversy

Manish Kumar

Controversy and Cancellation The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) 2024 has faced significant disruptions due to controversy surrounding alleged leaks of the examination paper. Originally scheduled for June 2024, the UGC NET exam was abruptly cancelled following concerns that the integrity of the exam had been compromised. Reports indicated that a potential leak had tainted the examination process, leading to its cancellation just a day after the initial test. The Ministry of Education, in a notification dated June 19, confirmed that the decision to cancel the exams was…

Netanyahu Escalates Strategy: Iran Targeted as Hezbollah Is Downplayed

Manish Kumar

A Shift Towards Total Confrontation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dramatically intensified Israel’s military strategy, signaling a shift towards total confrontation with its adversaries. This approach, reminiscent of historical strategies aimed at the complete dismantling of enemy forces, is underscored by recent high-profile operations. Notably, the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah operative in Beirut, and Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran, highlights Israel’s aggressive stance. These actions are part of a broader strategy that extends beyond regional conflicts, aiming to demonstrate Israel’s capability and…

Rahul Gandhi Alleges ED Raid Plot Following His ‘Chakravyuh’ Speech

Manish Kumar

Claims of an Imminent Raid Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi has claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is planning a raid against him. According to Gandhi, insiders within the ED have informed him about the potential raid. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Gandhi quipped about his anticipation for the raid, stating, “Apparently, 2 in 1 didn’t like my Chakravyuh speech. ED ‘insiders’ tell me a raid is being planned. Waiting with open arms, @dir_ed. Chai and biscuits on me.” The ‘Chakravyuh’ Speech…

UN Praises India’s Digital Revolution: 80 Crores Lifted Out of Poverty Through Smartphones

Manish Kumar

UNGA President Highlights India’s Digital Milestone In a notable address at a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) event, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis extolled India’s digital transformation. Francis revealed that 800 million (80 crores) Indians have been lifted out of poverty in the past five to six years, attributing this significant change primarily to the widespread adoption of smartphones. Impact of Digitalisation on Poverty Alleviation Francis emphasized how digitalisation has revolutionized financial access, particularly in rural India. The high penetration of the internet and the rapid expansion…

Supreme Court Verdict on NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak: No Re-Test, But Systemic Changes Required

Manish Kumar

Key Ruling on Re-Test On Friday, the Supreme Court delivered a significant judgment concerning the NEET UG 2024 examination, addressing the controversy surrounding the alleged paper leak. The Court decided against ordering a re-examination, stating that the issue was confined to specific locations in Bihar and Jharkhand—Patna and Hazaribagh. The Court emphasized the need for the National Testing Agency (NTA) to avoid inconsistencies and to maintain a steady approach in managing such critical examinations. Findings on the Leak The Supreme Court’s three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI)…

Supreme Court Reviews Bibhav Kumar’s Bail Plea Amid Assault Allegations

Manish Kumar

Overview of the Case On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India addressed a critical issue involving Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kumar was arrested in May following serious allegations of assault by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal. The case has drawn significant attention due to its political implications and the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. Charge Sheet and Legal Proceedings The Delhi Police recently submitted a detailed 500-page charge sheet against Kumar to Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal. The charge sheet is comprehensive,…

RBI Reports 97.92% Return of Rs 2000 Notes; Rs 7,409 Crore Still Held by Public

Manish Kumar

Overview of Rs 2000 Note Withdrawal The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has provided a comprehensive update on the status of the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes, following their withdrawal from circulation. As of Thursday, the RBI reported that an impressive 97.92% of the Rs 2000 notes in circulation at the time of the withdrawal announcement have been returned to the banking system. This figure represents a significant compliance rate among the public. Details of the Withdrawal Process On May 19, 2023, the RBI declared its decision to withdraw the Rs…

Puja Khedkar Faces Dual Setbacks: Anticipatory Bail Rejected Following UPSC’s Disqualification

Manish Kumar

Court Denies Anticipatory Bail In a major legal setback for former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, the Delhi Patiala House Court has denied her anticipatory bail plea. This decision comes amid serious allegations that Khedkar misrepresented and falsified information in her Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2022 application. The court’s denial of bail adds to Khedkar’s troubles, as she faces scrutiny from multiple fronts. UPSC Cancels Candidature The UPSC has taken decisive action against Khedkar by cancelling her provisional candidature for the civil services exam and permanently barring…

Tensions Escalate: Iran Issues Direct Retaliation Orders Against Israel Following Haniyeh’s Assassination

Manish Kumar

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ top political leader, in Tehran on July 31 has ignited intense global speculation and concern. The incident, occurring amid significant geopolitical events, has heightened the risk of escalation between Iran and Israel. This analysis delves into the assassination’s details, the subsequent reactions, and potential future implications for the region. The Assassination: Details and Timing On the early hours of July 31, Ismail Haniyeh was fatally struck by an “airborne projectile” while staying in a building designated for Iranian military veterans in Tehran. This attack…