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SC finds NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha’s arrest invalid, orders release from custody

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday invalidated the arrest and subsequent remand of NewsClick founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha by Delhi police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta ordered Purkayastha’s release, subject to surety and a bail bond.

The court ruled that the failure to provide Purkayastha with a copy of the remand application and grounds of arrest violated principles of natural justice. “A copy of the remand application was not provided to the appellant. This vitiates the arrest of the appellant… Though we would have released him without surety, since the chargesheet has been filed, we release him with surety and a bail bond,” the bench stated.

Purkayastha has been in custody since October 2, 2023, lodged in Tihar jail under anti-terror law. He challenged his arrest over allegations of receiving Chinese funding to promote anti-national propaganda. His arrest was upheld by the Delhi High Court on October 13, 2023, but the Supreme Court has now overruled this decision.

Earlier, NewsClick’s HR head, Amit Chakravarty, withdrew his petition against his arrest and was allowed by a Delhi court to turn approver in the case against the news portal. Purkayastha and Chakraborty were arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on October 3 following searches at 30 locations linked to NewsClick and its journalists.

The FIR alleges significant Chinese funding to NewsClick aimed at disrupting India’s sovereignty and causing disaffection. It also accuses Purkayastha of conspiring with the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking on the Supreme Court’s order, Advocate Arshdeep Khurana said, “The Supreme Court has held the arrest and the remand proceedings to be illegal and has directed the release of Purkayastha. This is a major and big relief because we have been maintaining from the beginning that the entire proceedings against him were illegal and the manner of arrest was illegal which has now been upheld by the Supreme Court.”

Telangana Sees 3.53% Rise in Voter Turnout for Lok Sabha Elections

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Hyderabad: Telangana witnessed a significant increase in voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections on Monday, recording a turnout of 66.3%, a 3.53% rise from the 2019 general elections.

This surge is attributed to favorable weather and increased voter awareness. The polling proceeded smoothly across 17 Parliament seats and the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly seat, with voters queuing up from 6 am.

Polling concluded at 4 pm in 13 assembly constituencies and by 6 pm in the remaining 106 constituencies. Voters in line before 6 pm were allowed to vote, extending the process until 10 pm in 1,400 stations.

Turnout steadily increased throughout the day: 9.48% at 9 am, 24.31% by 11 am, 40.38% by 1 pm, 52.34% by 3 pm, and 61.16% by 5 pm, with a final turnout of 66.3% recorded by midnight.

Comparative data shows a shift in voter engagement. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw a 62.69% turnout, while the 2018 Assembly elections recorded 73.74%. This recent increase indicates a rising trend in voter participation.

Bhongir recorded the highest polling rate at 76.78%, while Hyderabad reported the lowest at 48.48%. The Narsapur Assembly segment of Medak parliamentary constituency had the highest poll percentage of 84.25%, and Malakpet Assembly segment of Hyderabad had the lowest at 42.76%.

Questions arise over the delay in revealing the final polling percentage. EVMs were introduced to expedite this process, yet delays persist. A BRS leader called for the Election Commission to release the final polling percentage promptly. The Supreme Court is set to hear an application on May 17 regarding the delay in publishing voter turnout data for the first two phases of polling, filed by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms.

Revanth Reddy Predicts Congress Victory in 9 to 13 Seats

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Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced that the Congress party is poised to win 9 to 13 seats in the state, including a majority of at least 20,000 votes in the Secunderabad Cantonment assembly constituency by-election.

Reddy stated that the BRS would lose deposits in six to seven seats, and the BJP has been pushed to the third position in the Medak constituency. Speaking to the media at his residence on Tuesday, he added that the BJP would likely secure around 220 seats at the Centre, with a margin of plus or minus 10 seats.

With the elections concluded, the Chief Minister emphasized the shift of focus towards state administration. He announced the establishment of a Farmers Welfare Corporation to support its operations with necessary resources. Through this corporation, the government aims to implement a farm loan waiver.

Special attention will be given to farmers’ investment and ensuring remunerative prices. Additionally, the government will strive to offer maximum commodities at lower prices through fair price shops, as done previously.

“If rice millers attempt to exploit farmers during paddy procurement, the government will take strict action,” Reddy warned. He also mentioned the upcoming academic year, focusing on the distribution of uniforms, books, and fine rice to students.

Post-Election Shock for Millions of Mobile Users: Recharge Costs to Increase by 50 to 250 Rupees

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Following the Lok Sabha elections, millions of mobile users might face a significant shock. According to reports, telecom companies are preparing to raise mobile tariffs by up to 25%. A brokerage firm, Axis Capital, has indicated that these companies have made substantial investments in 5G technology and are now seeking to boost their profits. This price hike is expected to impact both urban and rural areas.

The report suggests that both postpaid and prepaid plans are likely to become more expensive. Additionally, internet plans are also expected to see price increases. The main reason behind the hike in mobile recharge costs is the need to increase average revenue per user (ARPU). Currently, the ARPU for telecom companies is quite low, meaning they are not making enough profit per user to cover their expenses. This situation is prompting telecom companies to consider a 25% increase in their tariff plans.

How Much More Will You Pay?

The crucial question is how this 25% tariff increase will affect the average consumer’s expenses. For example, if you currently recharge your mobile for 200 rupees per month, you can expect an increase of 50 rupees, making the new cost 250 rupees. Similarly, a 500 rupee recharge will see a 125 rupee hike, and a 1000 rupee recharge will cost an additional 250 rupees, totaling 1250 rupees.

Base Price Increase

Media reports suggest that this tariff increase will also raise the base price set by telecom companies. Airtel’s base price is expected to go up by 29 rupees, while Jio’s base price might increase by 26 rupees. This hike could lead to a 10 to 15% increase in ARPU within the current calendar year. Notably, telecom companies have already tripled their tariffs between 2019 and 2023.

In summary, the anticipated tariff hike post-election is set to impact millions of mobile users, significantly increasing the cost of staying connected.

MBT Spokesman Amjed Ullah Khan Injured in Hyderabad Road Accident

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Hyderabad: Amjed Ullah Khan, the spokesman for Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), was involved in a road accident near Akbar Bagh, Malakpet, on Tuesday.

Khan sustained injuries in the accident and was immediately taken to Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet, for treatment.

Doctors have confirmed that he suffered a fractured hand and will require surgery. He is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Amjed Ullah Khan is widely known for his Praja Darbar (public court). Through his Praja Darbar, he has resolved the issues of thousands of families and provided significant assistance not only in Hyderabad, Telangana but also to Indians internationally. He has addressed various problems, from providing medical treatment to the poor to resolving issues faced by Indians abroad, making him highly popular. Currently, he is hospitalized, and reports indicate that people across the country are praying for his recovery.

Inspiring Act of Democracy: Telangana Man Without Hands Votes Using His Foot

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Hyderabad :- In a heartwarming display of determination and civic responsibility, a young man from Sirpur-Kaghaznagar in Telangana’s Komarambheem Asifabad District captured the attention of onlookers as he exercised his right to vote using his foot. Despite facing significant physical challenges due to the absence of hands, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to participating in the democratic process during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

His action serves as a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of democracy, where every citizen, regardless of their physical abilities, has the right to have their voice heard. By overcoming his physical limitations and actively engaging in the electoral process, this young man exemplified the core values of democracy, including equality, participation, and empowerment.

His determination resonates deeply as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, inspiring others to embrace their civic responsibilities and exercise their right to vote. In a world often marked by challenges and obstacles, his act stands as a shining example of courage, perseverance, and the enduring power of democracy to uplift and empower individuals from all walks of life.

Telangana’s Electoral Triumph: CEO Vikas Raj Hails Strong Voter Turnout in Lok Sabha Polls 2024

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Hyderabad :- Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout during Monday’s polling for the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies and Secunderabad Cantonment in Telangana.

Raj reported a positive response from voters, highlighting a peaceful voting process without any significant law and order issues. As the weather remained relatively cool compared to previous days, voter turnout increased steadily throughout the day.

Polling continued late into the night at numerous locations, with queues persisting beyond the scheduled closing time of 6 pm at nearly 1400 polling booths across various constituencies. Voters who queued before the cutoff were allowed to cast their ballots.

The accurate polling percentage is expected to be announced on Tuesday afternoon, with Raj assuring scrutiny and necessary decisions if any irregularities are detected.

Regarding security measures, Raj mentioned the deployment of 44 strong rooms across the state and the use of GPS-equipped vehicles for transporting Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to these rooms. Additionally, he noted that 38 FIRs were registered across the state for various violations during the electoral process.

Low Voter Turnout in Hyderabad: Citizens Fail to Engage in Electoral Process

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Despite extensive awareness campaigns and months-long efforts to encourage voter participation, residents of Hyderabad displayed disappointing turnout at polling centers during Monday’s elections.

Political party workers and election officials outnumbered voters at most of the 3,986 polling centers, where makeshift stalls were set up to assist voters. However, much of their time was spent waiting for the next voter to arrive.

Hyderabad witnessed less than 50% voter turnout, with the Hyderabad Parliament Constituency recording the lowest at 39.17%, followed by Secunderabad at 42.48% and Malkajgiri at 46.27%. The by-polls for the Secunderabad Cantonment assembly elections saw a turnout of 47.88%.

Despite being vocal on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) about civic issues, including garbage disposal and power cuts, Hyderabadis failed to translate their concerns into action at the polling booths.

This trend of voter apathy in Hyderabad is not new, persisting across several elections. Previous polls, including the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2023 assembly elections, also reported low voter turnout ranging between 44.84% to 46.93%.

Despite extensive efforts by district election authorities, NGOs, and the media to raise awareness, including large-scale programs like the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), the turnout remains disappointing.

Massive Dust Storm Hits Mumbai; Billboard Collapse Injures Seven in Ghatkopar

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Mumbai was struck by a massive dust storm accompanied by strong winds, causing a billboard to collapse in the Ghatkopar area during early Monday evening. At least seven individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

According to civic authorities, there are concerns of individuals being trapped under the fallen hoarding, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation.

Video footage captured the dramatic moment as the white billboard crashed onto a petrol station in Ghatkopar East.

The adverse weather conditions, including rains and gusty winds, disrupted both Metro and local train services in Mumbai and neighboring districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a “nowcast warning,” forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense rainfall for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts.

Metro services were suspended between Aarey and Andheri East metro stations after a banner interfered with the overhead wire due to strong winds.

Local train services were also affected, with an overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund stations bending due to strong winds, resulting in service suspensions on the Main Line.

The dust storm and rain dominated online discussions, becoming top trending topics on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Google, where users shared images and videos capturing the chaos.

Despite the disruption, many residents welcomed the rain as a relief from the scorching summer heat. Stay tuned for further updates on the situation in Mumbai.

Bomb Threats Target Delhi Airport and Hospitals

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Delhi airport and several hospitals in the national capital were the targets of bomb threats via email on Sunday, triggering a swift response from authorities.

According to fire officials, the Burari Hospital was the first to report the bomb threat at 3:15 pm. Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) M K Meena stated, “An email was received at Burari Hospital regarding a bomb threat. Local police, bomb squad, dog squad were rushed to the spot. Teams are checking the hospital. Nothing suspicious has been found yet.”

Shortly after, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital received a similar threat around 4:26 pm. “Soon after the call, we immediately pressed two fire engines at both the locations. Our teams are still there as the search operation is going on,” said a Delhi fire services official.

A total of eight hospitals, including GTB Hospital, DDU Hospital, Bara Hindu Rao Hospital, Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital, Burari Hospital, Dada Dev Hospital, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospital, reported bomb threats to the police.

The Delhi fire services chief reported that a bomb threat call was received regarding the Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 6:15 pm, prompting the dispatch of fire tenders to the scene.

This incident follows a recent spate of similar threats in Delhi and Ahmedabad. Just days ago, over 130 schools across Delhi-NCR received identical emails alleging the presence of explosives on their premises, leading to widespread panic and evacuations.

The Delhi Police, in collaboration with Russian mailing service company Mail.ru via Interpol, is working to trace the exact source of the emails. An FIR has been registered against unknown persons for creating mass panic and disturbing public order.

In response to the hoax bomb threats, the Union home ministry has called for the development of a detailed protocol and standard operation procedures (SOP) to handle such situations. The ministry emphasized the importance of enhancing security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and regular monitoring of emails in schools, to prevent unnecessary panic due to misinformation.

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