NIA Seizes Arms and Ammunition from Myanmar Rebel Group in Mizoram; Chargesheet Filed Against 10
On August 29, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seized weapons and explosives linked to Myanmar rebel groups in Mizoram. Today, a chargesheet has been filed against 10 accused in this case. The accused are alleged to be running a cross-border smuggling network for arms, ammunition, and explosives. The chargesheet includes sections of the IPC, Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act. The accused include both locals from Mizoram and some listed fugitives from Myanmar.
TV Somanathan Assumes Office as Cabinet Secretary
Senior IAS officer TV Somanathan took office as Cabinet Secretary on August 30. He will hold this position for the next two years. Previously, he served as the Finance Secretary. He replaces Rajeev Gauba, who served for five years. The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking executive official and the senior-most civil servant, working directly under the Prime Minister.
Supreme Court Hearing in Omar Abdullah’s Divorce Case
The Supreme Court held a hearing on the divorce case of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday. The court directed Omar and his wife Payal Abdullah to appear at the Supreme Court Mediation Center for a settlement. They have been separated since 2009, and their marriage took place in 1994. The case has involved various legal proceedings and claims.
Fire at SLN Hospital in Koraput, Odisha
On August 30, a fire broke out at SLN Medical College and Hospital in Koraput, Odisha. The fire, caused by a short circuit, erupted in the Special Child Care Ward. There have been no reports of injuries so far. The hospital superintendent stated that 42 infants from the child care ward have been safely relocated to another ward, and the situation is under control.
Assam Assembly Ends Friday Prayer Break
The Assam Assembly has discontinued the Friday prayer break. Previously, a break was given every Friday from 12 PM to 2 PM for Muslim legislators to offer prayers. This rule, in place since the British era, has been abolished. The decision was made unanimously in a meeting chaired by Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary.
Sharad Pawar Declines Z+ Security
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has declined the Z+ security offered by the central government. He also sent back the CRPF personnel assigned for his protection. Pawar suggested that the increased security might be a precaution due to upcoming Maharashtra state elections and potential information needs.
Vistara to Operate Last Flight on November 11; Ticket Booking Ends September 3
Airline company Vistara will operate its last flight under its brand on November 11. After this date, all Vistara flights will be operated under Air India. Vistara announced that ticket booking will end after September 3, 2024, and all services will be available on Air India’s website. The merger of Vistara with Air India has been approved as part of a foreign direct investment (FDI) deal with Singapore Airlines.
Kerala Police Files Second FIR Against Actor Jayasurya
The Kerala Police has filed a second FIR against Malayalam actor Jayasurya. An actress has accused him of sexual harassment. The police have charged Jayasurya under IPC sections 354, 354A, and 354D. The complaint follows statements made by the actress and an investigation into allegations of harassment in the Malayalam film industry.
Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, a Vir Chakra Recipient, Passes Away
Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, who won the Vir Chakra for his valor during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, passed away on August 28 in Gurgaon. He shot down a Pakistani Sabre jet during the conflict. Keelor was also awarded the Kirti Chakra for his bravery during the 1971 India-Pakistan war and was a founder of Special Olympics India, working for over 450,000 special children.
17-Year-Old Boy Runs Over Biker with SUV in Mumbai
In Goregaon, Mumbai, a 17-year-old boy ran over a biker with an SUV on Thursday, resulting in the biker’s death. The SUV driver was coming from the wrong side. Since the driver is a minor, a case has been registered against the SUV owner Iqbal Jiwani (48) and his son Mohammad Faz Iqbal Jiwani (21).