Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) Maharashtra government, in a bid to give a push to the state’s industrial and logistics landscape, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Horizon Industrial Parks, a Blackstone-backed logistics platform and Xsio Logistics Parks for a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitment exceeding Rs 5,000 crore.

This venture is expected to create over 27,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across the state.The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, industry secretary P Anbalagan, and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation CEO P Velrasu.The Blackstone Group Companies were represented by Tuhin Parikh, Head of India Real Estate, Blackstone, Alok Jain, Managing Director, Blackstone, RK Narayan, President – Strategy and Business Development, Horizon Industrial Parks and Ashish Agrawal, Managing Director, Xsio Logistics Parks.The MoU represents one of the largest FDI-backed investments in Maharashtra’s logistics and industrial sector to date. It envisages the development of 10+ state-of-the-art, sustainability-compliant industrial and logistics parks across key locations, including Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune, and other strategic corridors. These developments will catalyse next-generation manufacturing, warehousing, and supply chain ecosystems, reaffirming Maharashtra’s leadership as India’s premier investment destination, the government said in a statement.“This transformative collaboration aligns with Maharashtra’s vision for inclusive industrial growth and global competitiveness, underpinned by sustainable infrastructure, employment generation, and robust investor confidence,” it stated.Earlier, the state government signed MoU with two universities from Australia and New York. Discussions are underway with three more important universities. The first campus in the country where world-class universities come together is being set up in Navi Mumbai.A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with Prime Focus, in which it will build a Film City at this location with an investment of about Rs 3,000 crore, and at least 10,000 people will get employment. ‘AI’ power and the best technology in the world will also be there.The government also inked MoU with Godrej for an investment of Rs 2,000 crore to set up a film industry in Panvel. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that these MoUs will bring investment worth Rs 8,000 crore.–IANSsj/uk

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) In a landmark moment for the Indian judiciary, Justice B.R. Gavai on Wednesday took over as the Chief Justice of India (CJI), becoming the first Buddhist and only the second member from a Scheduled Caste (SC) background to occupy the highest judicial office of the country.President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice B.R. Gavai in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.He will remain in office until November 23, 2025, giving him a tenure of just over six months. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, and in the last six years, Justice Gavai authored around 300 judgments on a variety of subjects, including constitutional and administrative law, civil law, criminal law, commercial disputes, arbitration law, electricity law, education matters and environmental law.CJI Gavai’s tenure commences at a time when the judiciary is confronting a series of critical and complex challenges, including restoring public faith in the justice system.In connection with the cash discovery row, it may be recalled that ex-CJI Sanjiv Khanna, last week, forwarded to the President and the Prime Minister the report of the top court-appointed “in-house” enquiry panel.With limited time at the helm, CJI Gavai’s challenge will be to plant the seeds to restore institutional credibility to ensure that the judiciary is perceived to function with integrity and transparency.Earlier in the day, a bench of CJI Gavai and AG Masih declined to give an out-of-turn hearing on a plea seeking criminal prosecution of Justice Yashwant Varma, who is embroiled in a controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of a huge pile of burnt cash in the storeroom attached to his bungalow in the national capital after the fire brigade had gone there to douse a blaze on March 14.CJI Gavai-led Bench told advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara, the lead petitioner-in-person, to follow the “mentioning procedure” of sending an email to the apex court registry for urgent listing of the petition. Justice Gavai, a seasoned judge with a deep understanding of constitutional law, social equity, and institutional integrity, favoured application of “creamy-layer” principle for excluding the well-off among the SC/ST communities from availing the quota benefits.Speaking for the majority, in a 7-judge Constitution Bench dealing with the question of whether a sub-classification among reserved category groups for giving more beneficial treatment would be permissible under the Constitution, Justice Gavai said: “When the 9-Judge Bench in Indra Sawhney held that applicability of such a test (creamy layer test) insofar as Other Backward Classes are concerned would advance equality as enshrined in the Constitution, then why such a test should not also be made applicable to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.””Can a child of IAS/IPS or Civil Service officers be equated with a child of a disadvantaged member belonging to Scheduled Castes, studying in a Gram Panchayat/Zilla Parishad school in a village?” Justice Gavai asked.He said putting the children of the parents from the SCs and STs who, on account of the benefit of reservation, have reached a high position and ceased to be socially, economically and educationally backward and the children of parents doing manual work in the villages in the same category would defeat the constitutional mandate.In his stint as CJI, Justice Gavai will be watched closely for how he handles politically sensitive matters.Ex-CJI Khanna, on May 5, in view of his impending retirement, opined that the clutch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, be listed before the Justice B.R. Gavai-led Bench for further hearing. It had directed that the pleas challenging the amendments introduced to the Waqf Act, 1995 be listed this week for hearing.The batch of pleas challenging the contentious Places of Worship Act, which prohibits the filing of a lawsuit to reclaim a place of worship or seek a change in its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947, also remain pending before the top court for adjudication. In an interim order passed on December 12, 2024, a ex-CJI Khanna-led Special Bench, ordered that no fresh suits would be registered under the Places of Worship Act in the country, and in the pending cases, no final or effective orders would be passed till further orders.Even with just over six months in office, CJI Gavai’s approach to these cases will leave an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary. CJI Gavai’s appointment is perceived as representation of historically marginalized communities in the highest echelons of the Indian judiciary.–IANSpds/pgh

Patna, May 14 (IANS) As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, fresh political signals emerge from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ancestral village Kalyan Bigha, hinting at the possible political debut of his son Nishant Kumar.

On the death anniversary of Nitish Kumar’s wife Manju Sinha, a series of tributes and public programs unfolded, which quickly took on political overtones.Nishant, accompanied by his father, paid homage at memorials in Kankarbagh and Kalyan Bigha, marking the occasion with deep emotional significance. However, what followed appeared to transcend ritual.At a local cricket tournament inaugurated by Nishant Kumar, the atmosphere quickly turned charged with political undertones as the crowd raised slogans such as “Nishant Bhai Zindabad! and Bihar ka bhavishya kaisa ho? Nishant Kumar jaisa ho!”The chants stirred speculation that Janata Dal (United) may be preparing to formally introduce Nishant Kumar into electoral politics before the 2025 polls.Though Nishant Kumar has largely kept a low political profile, avoiding media questions about contesting elections or assuming leadership roles, his increased public visibility in 2025 has not gone unnoticed.Political observers point out that this is not the first time he’s appeared at symbolically significant events.His presence alongside Nitish Kumar at family memorials and now in front of a politically charged crowd appears increasingly strategic.Party insiders in JDU suggest that Nishant carries the legacy, discipline, and administrative outlook of his father and that he may play a crucial leadership role in the party’s future.One JDU leader, on condition of anonymity, said, “Nishant has the potential to lead, and if guided by Nitish Kumar, he can be a strong political force in the coming years.”While the BJP has officially backed Nitish Kumar as the CM face for 2025, growing speculation around Nishant’s future could have implications for the party’s internal dynamics and succession planning.–IANSajk/dan

Gondal, May 14 (IANS) A grain trader has filed a police complaint against his long-time manager for embezzling Rs 92.92 lakh.

The manager, Gobarsinh Nagji Rajput, was hired due to a personal connection with the trader’s family. The accused is alleged to have fabricated grain purchase records and misappropriated funds over two financial years.According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Gondal B-Division Police Station, the complainant, Piyushbhai Govindbhai Patel, claimed that Rajput generated false procurement letters and falsified stock statements to withdraw a total of Rs 1.90 crore.The accused allegedly sold 6,472 bags of grain on paper without actual transactions, deceiving the trader into transferring funds under false pretences.The fraudulent activity came to light during an internal audit on March 12, 2025. Stock records for the years 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 were found to be manipulated.Specifically, grain bag numbers 1598 and 4835, amounting to Rs 48.56 lakh and Rs 1.42 crore respectively, were cited in the discrepancy report. Rajput is also reported to have purchased a plot of land valued at Rs 98 lakh in Patel Nagar, Gondal, with the siphoned funds. When pressed by business associate Niravbhai to return the money, Rajput handed over the property documents as part repayment and promised to clear the remaining amount in instalments.However, he failed to follow through and has since evaded further contact. The complainant noted that threats were issued during a meeting at the Sardar Patel Seva Trust office on March 13, 2025, where the property deed was formally transferred. The accused is now facing charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to fraud and criminal breach of trust.Financial fraud in Gujarat has escalated significantly in recent years, encompassing cybercrimes, banking frauds, GST scams, and Ponzi schemes. In 2024 alone, cybercriminals defrauded residents of approximately Rs 1,288 crore, with an alarming average of 333 cases reported daily, translating to over 13 incidents every hour. This surge places Gujarat among the top three states in India for cyber fraud cases.Notably, in the financial year 2023–24, the state witnessed a 469 per cent increase in banking fraud cases, rising from 247 to 1,349 incidents, resulting in losses amounting to Rs 49.92 crore.The textile industry in Ahmedabad has also been severely impacted, with five trading firms defaulting on payments totalling approximately Rs 60 crore over six months.The Maskati Kapad Market Mahajan reports receiving 25–30 complaints monthly related to fraud and disputes, highlighting a growing concern within the sector.Additionally, Gujarat reported GST scams worth Rs 7,000 crore in 2024, involving fraudulent claims and misappropriation of funds.A significant Ponzi scheme also came to light, where funds intended for tribal students were misused, underscoring the exploitation of vulnerable communities.–IANSjanvi/dan

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) A wave of relief and jubilation swept through the family of BSF constable Purnam Shaw in West Bengal as he returned home after spending nearly three weeks in the captivity of Pakistan Rangers.

His wife and father expressed gratitude to both central and state leaders, hailing his release as a victory for the nation and a testament to coordinated diplomatic efforts.Shaw, who was posted along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, had inadvertently crossed the international boundary on April 23 during operational duty, a day after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. He was subsequently detained by the Pakistan Rangers.Speaking to IANS, his father Bhola Nath Shaw, overwhelmed with emotion, said, “After 23 days, my son has finally returned. I thank Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister, Defence Minister, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for bringing him back. I am proud of my son and would ask him to serve the country again. But what happened in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam is wrong—there must be a strong response against terrorism.”Echoing similar sentiments, Shaw’s wife, Rajani Shaw, lauded the collective efforts that led to her husband’s safe return.”It was a joint effort by PM Modi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the local administration. The Chief Minister had assured me that he would be brought back safely. I am relieved to see him in good health. During the tension of potential war, I feared it might take longer, but the conflict subsided, and he’s finally home.”The Border Security Force (BSF) confirmed Shaw’s return in an official statement: “Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw has been taken back from Pakistan by BSF at Attari-Wagah border today at 1030 hrs. Shaw had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan territory while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector on 23rd April 2025, around 1150 hrs.”The exchange took place following established border protocols. Officials stated that Shaw would undergo standard medical and debriefing procedures to assess his physical and mental condition and verify whether he experienced any mistreatment during his detention.–IANSjk/dan

Chennai, May 14 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) has announced that the board examination results for Classes 10 and 11 will be announced on Friday, May 16. According to an official notification, the results for Class 10 will be declared at 9 a.m., while the Class 11 results will be announced at 2 p.m. on the same day.Students can access their results on the official websites – www.tnresults.nic.in and results.digilocker.gov.in. This year, over 9.13 lakh students appeared for the Class 10 board exams, while 8.18 lakh students registered for the Class 11 exams.The announcement follows the declaration of Class 12 results on May 8, in which Tamil Nadu recorded a pass percentage of 95.03 per cent for the academic year 2024-25.School Education Department officials said elaborate arrangements are in place for the smooth publication of results.Students are advised to keep their registration numbers and date of birth details ready to log in and check their marks online.Once results are published, mark sheets and provisional certificates will be made available digitally through the DigiLocker portal.Schools will also be given access to consolidated result sheets for academic review and follow-up.The DGE has also urged schools and parents to provide emotional support to students, especially those who may not perform as expected.Helplines and counselling support will be made available for students dealing with exam-related anxiety or stress.Candidates who are dissatisfied with the marks can apply for revaluation or retotalling.With this announcement, the results season in Tamil Nadu moves towards completion, bringing clarity to over 17 lakh students and paving the way for higher education admissions and academic planning.In 2023-24, the pass percentage of Class 10 was 91.55 per cent, and the girls outperformed the boys.–IANSaal/svn

Patna, May 14 (IANS) Three children died while one survived after their mother fed them a poison-laced drink and attempted suicide at Rafiganj Railway Station in Bihar’s Aurangabad district on Wednesday. The deceased were identified as Suryamani Kumari (5), Radha Kumari (3) and Sivani Kumari (1).All of them were rushed to the hospital, where one was declared dead on arrival, while two others died during treatment.The woman, identified as Sonia Devi and her son Ritesh Kumar (6), were undergoing treatment at a hospital.According to a Government Railway Police (GRP) official, Sonia had a domestic dispute with her husband Ravi Bind, after which she left her home in Jhikatiya village, under Bandeya police station, along with her four children.The incident occurred at Rafiganj Railway Station when Sonia and her kids were en route to her maternal home.The official said that Sonia allegedly gave her kids a poisonous substance to drink, which led to the sudden deterioration of their health.She also consumed the same with the intent to commit suicide.Alert passengers at the station noticed the family in distress and promptly informed the GRP.The GRP officials quickly responded and rushed all five victims to the Rafiganj Health Centre.Dr. Arvind Kumar, who attended to the victims at Rafiganj, confirmed: “All were brought in by GRP personnel. One of the minor children was dead on arrival, and two lost their lives during the treatment. We stabilised Sonia and Ritesh as much as possible and referred them to the Sadar Hospital for further treatment.”The incident has sparked anguish and unrest among the family members, who gathered at the hospital in tears, demanding a swift investigation and action.Local authorities, including the GRP and the district police, are investigating the case.The case has sent shockwaves across the region.–IANSajk/svn

Chandigarh, May 14 (IANS) The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday recognised the gravity of Punjab’s review petition and issued notices to the Haryana government and the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board). The court has asked them to provide clear explanations regarding their demand for extra water and actions concerning water distribution.In its review, the High Court questioned the BBMB chairperson’s changing stance on water allocation and sought clarification on why Haryana needs additional water. This decisive intervention reinforces Punjab’s constitutional and legal rights over its water resources, a matter that has long been a point of contention between the two states.The High Court’s order was a result of the Punjab government’s persistent legal strategy, which exposed procedural irregularities in the BBMB during the demands of Haryana to release additional water.Meanwhile, AAP lauded the High Court’s intervention as a landmark step. “This observation marks a crucial turning point in Punjab’s fight for water rights,” said AAP representatives. The party reiterated its commitment to protecting Punjab’s waters and vowed to fight on every front to ensure justice.The High Court also sought answers from the BBMB and Haryana regarding a previous incident where the BBMB attempted to release water illegally. Punjab’s counsel highlighted that no valid orders were issued by the Union Power Secretary regarding Haryana’s claims. This lack of documentation further validated Punjab’s stance that Haryana’s demands were baseless and politically motivated.The Punjab government argued that Haryana’s demands stemmed from undue political pressure rather than genuine administrative requirements. Despite attempts by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to influence the process, the court upheld Punjab’s objections and directed the parties to respond to Punjab’s application by May 20.“We will not allow Punjab’s rightful water share to be stolen by anyone. The court’s directive has provided much-needed judicial support to our fight for justice,” the AAP added.–IANSvg/uk

Bhubaneswar, May 14 (IANS) A state-level bike rally (Tiranga Yatra) was organised on Wednesday in Bhubaneshwar to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, carried out to avenge the death of 26 tourists in the dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off the bike rally during a special event held at the Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday. Majhi, who attended the event as the chief Guest, said on the occasion that after the success of Operation Sindoor, the Triranga Yatra will further strengthen India’s campaign against terrorism. “It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me to attend the Tiranga Yatra today with everyone. The national flag is not just a symbol of our country—it represents every Indian home and our self-respect. Honouring the Tiranga is our foremost duty,” Majhi said. He also added that the three colours of India’s national flag must always shine, and they will continue to shine. Majhi praised the brave soldiers of the armed forces who have protected the dignity of the nation and made the supreme sacrifice. The Chief Minister stated that Tiranga stands as a symbol of the country’s unity and integrity, whether in times of peace or conflict. Majhi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong words asserting that India will not be scared by the nuclear bomb threats of Pakistan have been reverberating across the world. “Today’s Tiranga Bike Rally will further strengthen our national campaign against terrorism. When all Indians, irrespective of caste or religion, unite under the Tiranga, no force in the world can defeat us. The Tiranga represents our resolve, struggle, sacrifice, and the glorious history of our nation,” CM Majhi added. Civil defence volunteers, Odisha police, Central Reserve Police Force, members of the Home Department, NGOs, and other institutions participated in the Triranga bike rally on Wednesday. Majhi expressed his gratitude towards all the participants. “The brave soldiers of India have been enhancing the country’s pride through initiatives like Operation Sindoor. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership. The Tiranga Yatra is inspiring a new sense of patriotism in every Indian, encouraging all to work for the nation beyond barriers of caste, religion, or class. It will definitely be beneficial for the country’s unity and spirit,” stated Majhi.–IANSgyan/dan

Bhopal, May 14 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) to register an FIR against BJP leader and Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his objectionable remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Taking cognisance of the matter, the High Court directed DGP Kailash Makwana to register a case against Shah under sections 152, 196 1 (B), and 197 of BNS.Justice Atul Sridharan of the MP High Court said that prima facie, the minister Vijay Shah made out an offence of promoting enmity between different castes, religion and language. He further stated that referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists” is an offence of hurting the sentiments and faith of the Muslim community.Justice Sridharan ordered that a case against Minister Vijay Shah should be registered by today (Wednesday) evening.Notably, addressing a programme on May 12, Vijay Shah, who is MP’s Tribal Affairs Minister, talking about Operation Sindoor, had said that PM Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to avenge the April 22 terror strike in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. He further stated that, “PM Modi is striving for the society. Those who widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam), we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson.”The Minister’s remark against Sofiya Qureshi sparked nationwide outrage, and the Opposition has demanded strict action against him.Notably, the Indian Army officer Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force briefed the media throughout Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.–IANSpd/uk