In a day packed with significant developments across the legal, political, and economic spheres, key stories emerged from the Supreme Court's strict stance on pollution, a political controversy, campus tensions, an international allegation, and a positive economic forecast for India.
Supreme Court Pulls Up Air Quality Body for Delhi Inaction
The Supreme Court of India came down heavily on the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its failure to take effective measures as Delhi's air quality persists in the 'poor' category. The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the body's performance, stating it was "failing to do its duty."
Rejecting the CAQM's request for a two-month adjournment to plan crucial interventions, the bench directed the commission to convene a meeting of experts within the next two weeks. The mandate is clear: assess the root causes of the persistent pollution and formulate a concrete set of long-term remedial solutions.
Political Row Over Chavan's Remark on PM and US
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan stirred a controversy with a statement linking ongoing trade tensions between India and the US to a CIA-backed operation in Venezuela. In his remarks, Chavan posed a rhetorical question, asking whether former US President Donald Trump would dare to "kidnap our Prime Minister," drawing a parallel to the Venezuela situation.
He criticised the central government for its silence on the developments in Venezuela and accused it of being apprehensive in its stance towards the United States amidst the trade frictions, including the imposition of tariffs.
JNU Administration Seeks FIR Against Student Union Members
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has approached the police, seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against office-bearers of the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) and other students. The action stems from a protest held near Sabarmati Hostel on Monday night, marking six years since the January 5, 2020 campus violence.
The university alleged that during the protest, which was also against the Supreme Court's denial of bail to former students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, participants raised "objectionable, provocative and inflammatory" slogans. These slogans were reportedly directed against the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, prompting the varsity's move.
International Model Alleges Forced Marriage to Malaysian Prince
In an international story, Indonesian-American model Manohara Odelia has made serious allegations against members of the Malaysian royal family. Through an Instagram post, the 33-year-old model claimed she was coerced into a marriage with Prince Tengku Fakhry.
Odelia stated that her association with the prince was neither consensual nor romantic. She further asserted that the relationship was unlawful as she was a minor at the time the marriage took place.
Robust 6.9% Growth Projected for Indian Economy in FY27
On a positive economic note, India Ratings and Research has projected a healthy growth trajectory for the Indian economy. The agency forecasts the economy to expand by 6.9 per cent in the financial year 2026-27 (FY27).
This growth is expected to be supported by ongoing structural reforms and benefits accruing from new trade agreements. The report suggests India is entering a "Goldilocks" phase, characterised by robust economic growth coupled with stable and controlled inflation. Retail inflation is projected to average 3.8 per cent. Furthermore, public finances are expected to improve, with the Centre's debt declining to 55.5 per cent of GDP.
