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BENGALURU: In a significant development for singer Sonu Nigam, the Karnataka High Court has ruled that the state government will not take coercive action against him as long as he cooperates with the ongoing investigation into his controversial remarks at a concert last month. Nigam, who is seeking the dismissal of multiple cases filed against him, faced backlash after he recounted an incident where a student "rudely" demanded he sing in Kannada. His comments, which included a reference to a separate violent incident in Pahalgam, sparked outrage, leading the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to initiate a 'non-cooperation' campaign until he issues an apology. Following public outcry, Nigam did apologize, stating, "Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego." However, he also expressed his right to be offended by the student's behavior, emphasizing his long-standing connection to the Kannada language. 
Published: May 15 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe washing and wiping of the feet of Miss World 2025 contestants by women from Telangana before their entry into the Ramappa temple has sparked significant outrage, with opposition parties BRS and BJP condemning the act as an affront to the dignity of Telangana women. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday as part of the beauty pageant's activities at the UNESCO World Heritage site, has been labelled as "colonial" and "racist" by critics. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy described it as a humiliating display of servility, calling for an unconditional apology from Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The BRS has echoed these sentiments, urging immediate intervention to restore the dignity of local women, particularly from Dalit and tribal communities, who were allegedly compelled to perform this task. BRS leaders warned that failure to address this issue could lead to widespread discontent among Telangana's populace. 
Published: May 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Supreme Court of India has mandated all states and union territories to form special investigation teams to scrutinize whether any reserved forest land held by the revenue department has been improperly allocated to private entities for non-forestry purposes. Highlighting a significant issue where extensive notified forest land remains under revenue department control, the court directed that such lands be transferred to the forest department. This ruling stems from a case involving 11.89 hectares of reserved forest land in Pune, which was deemed illegally allotted for agricultural use in 1998 to the "Chavan family." The court criticized the collusion between politicians, bureaucrats, and private developers, emphasizing the need for prior approval from the Central government for any non-forest activities on forest land. The bench ordered the retrieval of these lands within three months and stipulated that any future use must focus solely on afforestation. 
Published: May 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inOperation Sindoor has highlighted the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) indigenous capabilities, according to missile scientist Dr V.K. Saraswat, who called for an end to criticism of the agency. Despite past morale issues stemming from two high-level restructuring committees aimed at reforming DRDO, Dr Saraswat emphasized the organisation's success in developing modern weapon systems, including the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) and the Akash missile. He dismissed the recommendations of the latest committee, led by Dr K Vijay Raghavan, suggesting dismemberment of DRDO as misguided. Dr Saraswat asserted that DRDO effectively collaborates with industry and academia, showcasing its ability to design and manufacture a broad range of military technologies. He expressed renewed optimism within DRDO post-Operation Sindoor, stating that the agency's achievements in self-reliance are crucial for India's development as a nation. 
Published: May 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNirav Modi, the fugitive diamond merchant linked to the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case, has had his latest bail petition rejected by the High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division, in London, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This marks Modi's tenth attempt at securing bail since his incarceration in the UK in March 2019. The 55-year-old, who denies any wrongdoing, claimed potential threats to his life from the Indian government as a reason for his bail, citing alleged plots against Sikh activists in the US and Canada, which India has denied. The CBI opposed the bail, supported by the Crown Prosecution Service, with a team having traveled to London for the case. In 2022, the UK High Court approved Modi's extradition to India, where he faces charges of embezzling Rs 6498.20 crore from the bank. His uncle, Mehul Choksi, was recently arrested in Belgium for his involvement in the same fraud. 
Published: May 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump's recent comments discouraging Apple from expanding its manufacturing in India were downplayed by government sources, who highlighted the significant advantages for Apple if it proceeds with its plans. Apple aims to produce the majority of US-bound iPhones in India, benefiting from a robust local manufacturing ecosystem. Sources noted that India's growing role in smartphone production makes it an attractive option for global tech firms. Despite Trump's remarks at a business forum in Qatar, Apple officials confirmed that their investment plans in India remain unchanged. Trump expressed concerns over high tariffs in India, but analysts believe Apple is strategically diversifying its production to mitigate costs associated with US-China trade tensions. Currently, about 15% of global iPhone production occurs in India, contributing to the Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative, which seeks to enhance local manufacturing capabilities. 
Published: May 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inNEW DELHI: India and Pakistan have agreed to continue confidence-building measures following a brief conflict triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. The attack was described by India as the "original escalation" during a briefing on Operation Sindoor, which aims to target terrorists in Pakistan. The understanding reached on May 10 followed four days of cross-border drone and missile strikes, with India launching precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan responding with drone and rocket attacks on Indian civilian areas. India successfully intercepted most of the incoming threats, including Turkish-origin drones. Sources indicate that the military leaders of both nations, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai and Major General Kashif Abdullah, have agreed to lower alertness levels as the situation evolves, emphasizing a shift in India's military doctrine to counter terrorism more aggressively. 
Published: May 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inHundreds of teachers in West Bengal protested in Kolkata today following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the selection process for their hiring "tainted," leading to the dismissal of 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff. The demonstrators clashed with police after attempting to breach barricades outside Bikash Bhavan, which houses key government departments, including Education. They demanded a personal assurance from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that they would not be required to retake recruitment tests. Protesters expressed their determination to restore their jobs without undergoing a new examination. The Supreme Court's April 7 ruling highlighted severe irregularities in the recruitment process, stating it was beyond repair. However, relief was later granted to 'untainted' teachers, those not implicated in the irregularities, allowing them to continue teaching students in grades 9 to 12. The situation has left many schools scrambling to cope with the sudden loss of staff. 
Published: May 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia has revoked the security clearance for Celebi Ground Handling, a Turkish firm responsible for services at nine major airports, amid escalating tensions following Turkey's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The Civil Aviation Ministry's order, effective immediately, cites national security concerns. This decision marks India's first direct action against a Turkish company, coinciding with a broader boycott of Turkish products and tourism. Celebi, which operates under two entities in India, claims to be an Indian enterprise managed by local professionals, emphasizing its commitment to corporate governance and neutrality. In response to Turkey's support for Pakistan, which includes military cooperation and the use of Turkish drones in recent conflicts, India is witnessing a wave of cancellations of travel and educational partnerships with Turkey. Trade associations are also considering a complete boycott of Turkish goods, reflecting a significant shift in India-Turkey relations. 
Published: May 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has ordered Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah to apologize to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army following his controversial remarks, which have sparked significant backlash from opposition parties, military veterans, and even members of his own BJP. Minister Pratima Bagri defended Shah, acknowledging that his comments were "inappropriate" but asserting that he has already apologized and is willing to do so repeatedly. The court declined to stay the Madhya Pradesh High Court's directive for criminal proceedings against Shah and dismissed his petition for interim protection from arrest. Shah's remarks, made during a public address in Indore, were criticized as communal and derogatory, particularly in the context of recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. He controversially suggested that Prime Minister Modi had "sent their [terrorists'] sister" in a reference to Colonel Qureshi, aggravating the situation further. 
Published: May 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn an unprecedented courtroom scene at the Supreme Court of India, a man convicted of rape and sentenced to 10 years in prison exchanged flowers with his survivor, expressing their mutual desire to marry. Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma facilitated the exchange after noting the couple's "unequivocal" decision to wed, leading to the suspension of the man's prison sentence, originally imposed by the Madras High Court. The court mandated that the details of the marriage be arranged by their families and released the man on bail, with conditions to be determined by the Sessions Court. The case, stemming from 2021, involved the man repeatedly raping the woman under false promises of marriage. After his conviction, the accused sought relief from the Supreme Court, which heard the matter privately before reconvening in open court. The next hearing is scheduled for July 25, 2025. 
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