Justice Sanjay Kumar K Vinod Chandran, while speaking of the various loopholes in the investigation and trial proceedings that resulted in two innocent persons languishing in jail, cautioned the police and the courts to strictly follow accepted rules of practice and procedure when lives are lost or taken away and when there is a possibility of false accusations being leveled and the reputation of the living being endangered.“An overzealous investigation is as fatal to a prosecution as being lethargic and tardy. Basing cases on public perception and personal preference ends up in chaos, often putting innocent people in danger but always freeing the perpetrators. Here we have a couple who died tragically after their home burned down in a fire, and the son and daughter-in-law were charged Murder. The entire case was based on motive; the son harbored ill will against his father and the entire village turned against his son for not giving him his due inheritance. The accident ended with an investigation where the truth was sacrificed on the altar of revenge and the selective but careless investigation of the investigating officer effectively assisted the entire prosecution,” the judge said.Defense lawyer Smarhar Singh, who appeared for the accused brother, tried to convince the court that his brother and his wife were guilty, as evidenced by the dying couple’s dying declarations. But the judge said the death declaration was unreliable because it was not recorded in accordance with the law.“According to us, the investigation is a sham, premeditated and throwing to the winds every principle of criminal jurisprudence provided for due process. The prosecution is therefore a farce that renders the testimonies of witnesses mundane. The investigation and prosecution are premised on the alleged motive and nothing more,” the judge said. It also expressed distress at the trial proceedings after noting that the trial judge asked only four questions of the defendant.“The death of a couple who was burned to death in the final stages of their lives, whether homicide or accidental death, has eluded civil society and cast a shadow of doubt on their own son and his family, who will forever bear the yoke of dishonor. The son and daughter-in-law were charged with their father’s murder, convicted by the Court of First Instance and later acquitted by the High Court, and now we have confirmed the acquittal. The trauma of arrest, incarceration and trial will forever scar the couple, and even more so their children who were orphaned while their parents were incarcerated. We cannot fail to admonish investigators and courts to strive to do better and strictly follow accepted rules of practice and procedure when lives are taken or taken away and there is the possibility of false accusations being made that put the reputations of the living at risk,” the judge said.India to face Pakistan in Hockey World Cup group stage
The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams have learned about their group stage opponents for the upcoming International Hockey World Cup, with both teams being placed in Group D of their respective categories for the tournament co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium later this year.The Indian men’s team is grouped with Pakistan, England and Wales. The draw took place on Tuesday at the Wagner Arena in Amsterdam.The Indian women’s team will face China, England and South Africa in the group. The competition is scheduled to take place from August 15th to 30th.According to the International Hockey Federation, both Indian teams will play in the Netherlands. The full game schedule is expected to be released on Wednesday.Defending men’s football champions Germany, who beat Belgium in Bhubaneswar to win their third World Cup title in 2023, are drawn in Group B along with Belgium, France and Malaysia.“The draw was made by hockey legends Naomi Van As, Barbara Nylon and Tenn de Nouer, as well as DJ La Fuente, who was announced as Netherlands World Cup Ambassador during the ceremony,” the International Hockey Federation said in a press release.Swimming pool:Men:Group A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (playing in Netherlands)Group B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (playing in Belgium)Group C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (vs. Belgium)Group D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (vs. Netherlands)female:Group A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)Group B: Argentina, Germany, United States, Scotland (vs. Belgium)Group C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (playing in Belgium)Group D: China, England, India, South Africa (vs. Netherlands).
Benjamin Netanyahu: ‘Yes, Mike, I’m alive’: Netanyahu again mocks death rumors in new video with US envoy; says ‘cross out two names today’
Netanyahu again mocks death rumors in new video with US envoy
israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is once again mocking online rumors of his death, this time appearing in a new video alongside U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, as conspiracy theories about the Israeli leader continue to circulate on social media amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
New video shows Netanyahu joking about deaths
Netanyahu’s latest video, shared on X, shows Huckabee walking through his office with the Israeli prime minister and joking that US President Donald Trump sent him to check on Netanyahu.“Donald Trump wants me to make sure you’re okay,” Huckabee said with a laugh.Netanyahu responded: “Yes, Mike, I am alive.”Huckabee then added that Trump wanted to make sure “because you guys get along so well.”The Israeli prime minister continued the joke, taking aim at another viral claim online that his recent video was generated by artificial intelligence.“We shake hands with five fingers on each hand,” Netanyahu said, mocking social media posts that suggested he appeared to have too many fingers in an earlier video.These remarks directly refer to the so-called “six-finger” conspiracy theory that has been widely circulated online recently.
Netanyahu also mentioned new Israeli attacks
The video is not limited to humor.At one point, Netanyahu pulled out what he said was a card listing senior Iranian leaders targeted by Israel.“Today I erased two names from the punch card,” he said, referring to the overnight killings of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani and Basij commander Ghulamreza Soleimani.Netanyahu praised Washington’s role in the conflict, saying: “What the president and the U.S. military have done is incredible.”He added that Israel was “extremely proud to stand alongside the United States in operations against Iran” and accused Tehran’s leadership of seeking nuclear weapons and the means to attack “every American city” after “the elimination of Israel.”“They won’t do that,” Netanyahu said. “We’re killing them.”Sharing the video onHe added, “Great to meet Ambassador @GovMikeHuckabee. Always a pleasure.”The purpose of the post appeared to be an effort to bolster his public influence and forge a close strategic alliance with the Trump administration at a time when misinformation about his condition spreads online.
Rumors have been circulating for many days
It is the latest in a series of videos Netanyahu has released refuting false claims about his death.On Monday, the Israeli prime minister shared another video of himself outdoors, chatting leisurely while apparently buying coffee.In that video, Netanyahu quipped: “I’m craving coffee” when told that some channels claimed he was dead. A day earlier, he posted another video showing his palms and mocking rumors about his death and the “six fingers” theory.“What do they say about me?” Netanyahu captioned the previous video.
The prime minister’s office and the Israeli envoy earlier denied the claims
Israel’s prime minister’s office has dismissed the rumors as entirely false.Asked about social media posts claiming Netanyahu was killed in retaliation for recent Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran, the office told Anadolu News: “These are fake news; the prime minister is fine.”Refuting the viral claims while interacting with reporters in Delhi, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said: “Prime Minister Netanyahu is alive. I met him more than once when I was in Israel. The cafe video was not produced by artificial intelligence. A lot of false information is being spread. “According to the Times of India, Azar also accused Iran and its “accomplices” of spreading false information.
“Six-finger” theory fuels artificial intelligence speculation
The “Six Fingers” rumor appears to have gained traction after Netanyahu released a video of a press conference on Friday about the conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran.Some social media users claimed the video was generated by artificial intelligence, noting that the moment Netanyahu raised his hand, it appeared to them to have an extra finger.Users described it as a “classic AI finger glitch,” although the Israeli government flatly rejected this claim.The rumors spread during a period of heightened regional tensions that began on February 28, when Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes against Iranian targets, prompting a flood of misinformation, doctored images and unsubstantiated claims online.
Census 2027 offers historic opportunity to record disability data: Athawale
New Delhi: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday said the upcoming census 2027 provides a “historic opportunity” to obtain accurate data on all 21 recognized categories of persons with disabilities and formulate targeted policies for persons with disabilities.Speaking at the launch of the handbook titled “Beyond the Visible: Handbook on Disability Inclusion for Parliamentarians”, Asawale said the survey will be the first census conducted after the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
He stressed that improved statistical and disaggregated data would help governments design effective interventions and ensure better inclusion of persons with disabilities.“The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is a landmark reform that expands recognition of 21 types of disabilities, moves from a welfare-based approach to a rights-based approach and aligns India with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. For the first time, the law explicitly recognizes political barriers as a major obstacle faced by persons with disabilities,” said Atharwale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.
polling
Do you think the 2027 Census will significantly improve understanding of people with disabilities in India?
The minister also mentioned the key initiatives of the government such as the Accessible India Campaign, Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal, skill development program under PM-DAKSH and healthcare efforts under Ayushman Bharat aimed at mainstreaming persons with disabilities.Atharwal said the launch of the manual prepared by the National Center for Promotion of Employment of Persons with Disabilities (NCPEDP) and Bajaj Finserv and Tuesday’s roundtable discussion will further mainstream discussions on disability rights and inclusive policy making within and outside Parliament.Arman Ali, executive director of NCPEDP, said the manual is designed to help lawmakers translate legal provisions into actionable policies and address barriers faced by people with disabilities.“This book will help transform the RPwD Bill into real legislative action and make inclusivity a reality in Indian democracy,” he said.Citing a recent NCPEDP survey, Ali said more than 80 percent of people with disabilities lack health insurance due to high premiums, excluding disability-related treatment and denial of coverage, and stressed the need for more inclusive health policies.“In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for inclusive healthcare, schemes like Ayushman Bharat must explicitly cover people with disabilities and provide comprehensive life-long support, including assistive devices, rehabilitation and disability-specific care.“The government is committed to removing these barriers so that people with disabilities do not face catastrophic out-of-pocket costs,” Ali added.The event also held a panel discussion on inclusive health insurance and political participation, attended by parliamentarians and political leaders including Central Advisory Council on Disability MP ET Mohammed Basheer, Lok Sabha MP Eatala Rajender, Lok Sabha MP Fauzia Khan, BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan, BJP youth wing vice-president Neha Joshi and SP spokesperson Anish Gawande Gawande).
Trump reacts to Joe Kent’s resignation over Iran war: ‘I realize this is…’
President Donald Trump reacts to Trump’s resignation Joe KentThe director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center has different views from the Trump administration on the conflict with Iran.
Slamming outgoing officials as “very weak on security”, trump card It expressed strong dissatisfaction with Kent’s resignation and claimed that Kent’s resignation was justified due to the counter-terrorism chief’s stance on Iran. “When I read his statement, I realized it was a good thing that he was withdrawing because he said Iran is not a threat. Iran is a threat to every country,” the US president told the media.
Speaking of officials who do not believe attacking Iran is critical to U.S. national security, trump card Tell the media, “We don’t want those people.”
“They are not smart people, or they are not savvy people,” he said, asserting that “Iran is a huge threat.”
Kent’s resignation letter slams powerful US lobby groups
In his resignation letter to Trump, Kent said he “cannot support allowing the next generation to fight and die in a war that does nothing for the American people and is not worth the cost of American lives.”
Furthermore, he said Washington launched the war “due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
The National Counterterrorism Center was established during the George W. Bush administration to coordinate the efforts of law enforcement and intelligence agencies after they were unable to prevent the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Kent has been a director of the company since July last year, after serving as Gabbard’s senior adviser for several months.
He called on Trump to reconsider the option of continuing the war, saying he could choose to either chart a new path for the United States or plunge the country into deeper chaos.
“I pray that you will reflect on what we did in Iran and who we did it for,” he said in his resignation letter. “Now is the time to take bold action. You can change course and chart a new path for our country, or you can slide us further into decline and chaos. You are in the driver’s seat.”
Joe Kent resigns: ‘It’s a good thing he’s quitting’: Donald Trump calls Joe Kent ‘weak on security’ after counterterrorism chief resigns over Iran war
Trump calls Joe Kent ‘weak on security’ after counterterrorism chief resigns over Iran war
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday welcomed the resignation of National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) director Joe Kent, saying the top counterterrorism official was “very weak on security” and that his resignation after protests over the ongoing war with Iran was “a good thing.”
Trump fires Kent after Oval Office speech
Trump reacted violently to reporters at a news conference in the Oval Office after Kent resigned over the administration’s military action against Iran.“I’ve always thought he was weak on security, very weak on security,” Trump said, referring to Kent, who served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center.He added that after reading Kent’s resignation statement, “I realized it was a good thing that he was leaving.”Trump also told reporters, “I’ve always thought he was a good guy, but I also believed he was weak – very weak – on security… When I read his statement, I realized it was a good thing he was withdrawing because he said Iran is not a threat. Iran is a threat – and every country realizes that…”Trump further said that if there are people in his administration who don’t believe Iran poses a threat, “we don’t need those people.”Trump said: “They are not smart people, or they are not savvy people.” “Iran is a huge threat”…
Joe Kent resigns, says he can’t support Iran war
Kent announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying he could no longer support the Trump administration’s military action against Iran.Kent said he “cannot in good conscience support Iran’s ongoing war.”Kent further said in a statement posted on social media that “Iran poses no imminent threat to our country and it is clear that we are waging this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”The claim directly challenges the White House’s rationale for launching the attack and underscores growing unease among some in Trump’s political base about the conflict.
Resignation puts White House’s Iran case into focus
Kent’s departure is significant because he heads one of the U.S. government’s main counterterrorism agencies at a time of heightened domestic security concerns.The Senate confirmed Kent to the position last July in a 52-44 vote, according to the Associated Press. As NCTC director, he oversees an agency responsible for analyzing and detecting terrorist threats.His resignation reflects broader uneasiness about the war among parts of Trump’s support base and suggests that questions about the rationale for striking Iran have now surfaced from within the administration.According to the Associated Press, Kent’s letter of resignation stemmed from what he saw as a lack of evidence that Iran posed an imminent threat, something the Trump administration had repeatedly disputed.
Republicans defend strike, Democrats back Kent on this point
Trump’s allies were quick to push back on Kent’s claims.House Speaker Mike Johnson said Iran “clearly faces an imminent threat” and believed Tehran was close to nuclear enrichment capabilities and rapidly building missiles.Johnson added that if Trump waited, “we would have mass casualties of Americans, service members and others, and severe damage to our facilities.”Yet Democrats found rare common ground with Kent on the core issue of the war’s legitimacy.“I strongly disagree with many of the positions he has espoused over the years, especially those that have the potential to politicize our intelligence community,” said Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. “But on this, he is right: There is no credible evidence of an imminent threat from Iran that would justify the United States’ rush to engage in an alternative war in the Middle East.”“
Withdrawal comes as domestic terror fears grow
Kent’s resignation also comes at a sensitive time for U.S. national security.His exit from the administration follows a series of violent incidents in recent days, including attacks in New York City, Michigan and Virginia, that have heightened concerns about threats within the United States.The changes at the top of NCTC thus come as intelligence and law enforcement agencies face a re-examination of their homeland threat landscape.Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and FBI Director Kash Patel will testify before lawmakers later this week on threats to the United States, with hearings now likely to focus on the issue of the Iran war and the intelligence used to justify it.
Divisive figures inside and outside government
Kent has long been a prominent and controversial figure in Trump-aligned national security circles.He ran two unsuccessful congressional campaigns in Washington state before joining the administration and built a profile among Trump supporters through his military and intelligence background, the Associated Press reported.According to the Associated Press, Kent was a Green Beret who served in 11 combat tours before retiring from the Special Forces and joining the CIA. His wife, Navy cryptologist Shannon Kent, was killed in an Islamic State suicide bombing in Syria in 2019.Democrats, meanwhile, have fiercely opposed confirmation of his past ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories, even as Republicans have defended his counterterrorism credentials.Now, his resignation has created another internal flashpoint for Trump on the Iran war, with the president using Kent’s withdrawal not as a sign of dissent but as an opportunity to double down on his claim that the attack was necessary.
NCB celebrates 41st Raise Up Day with National Youth Program to promote drug-free India
The Drug Enforcement Administration celebrates its 41st anniversary on Tuesday, marking more than four decades of dedicated efforts to combat drug crime. drug trafficking and substance abuse issues across the country.To mark the occasion, a National Youth Mobilization Program was organized at nearly 40 locations including Delhi, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Raipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Agartala for a drug-free India.The programs feature anti-drug pledges, awareness-raising sessions, rallies and heritage walks with a focus on preventing substance abuse, promoting drug-free lifestyles, strengthening institutional partnerships and engaging directly with youth. The day-long event highlights the health, psychological, social and legal impacts of substance abuse, as well as prevention strategies, early warning signs, pathways to recovery and available support systems.Participants recognize the harmful effects of substance abuse, its social and legal implications, and the importance of making wise, healthy life choices. Students and educators are also encouraged to actively promote NCB’s MANAS Helpline (1933) for reporting information related to substance abuse and trafficking and seeking assistance.A large number of students took an oath against drug abuse during a program organized by Sri Venkateswara College in Delhi. Fitness influencer Ankit Bayanpuriya spoke on the occasion and emphasized the importance of health and fitness and motivated students to stay away from drugs.In Jodhpur, a heritage walk involving around 400 participants was organized at the iconic Ghanta Ghar under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ to create awareness about drug abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle. In Chandigarh, Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management organized a promotional event in which around 250 students participated.Kashmir University of Agriculture and Technology organized a meditation session in collaboration with Sri Ramchandra Mission. In Bengaluru, around 5,000 students participated in a walkathon and awareness program at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, which included a walkathon and a session on the ill effects of drug abuse.
Joe Kent resigns: MAGA furious over US counterterrorism chief’s ‘shameful’ exit during Iran war, ‘wish you the best of luck’
Joe KentThe director of the National Counterterrorism Center has resigned over the conflict with Iran, a surprising departure that illustrates President Donald Trump’s choice to target Tehran and is driving divisions among some of the most staunch members of his administration. However, his resignation caused an uproar among Trump supporters, who slammed Kent’s exit as “shameful.”
“I cannot in good conscience support the war that is going on Iran“It was not until June 2025 that you understood that war in the Middle East was a trap that claimed the lives of American patriots and drained our nation’s wealth and prosperity,” Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, said in a resignation letter shared Tuesday morning.
Joe Kent’s resignation letter
Trump appointed Kent to the position in February 2025. The Senate confirmed his appointment last July.
Kent himself and trump card During an unsuccessful congressional campaign in 2022, he claimed the 2020 election was fraudulent and called the Jan. 6 rioters “political prisoners.” He ran for office again in 2024, but was defeated by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), who won a second term.
Kent said in the letter that Iran “does not pose an imminent threat to the United States.” He claimed that the U.S. media, senior Israeli officials and powerful Israeli lobbyists “deployed a disinformation campaign” and “spread pro-war sentiment to encourage war with Iran.”
“This echo chamber is being used to deceive you into believing that Iran poses an imminent threat to the United States and that if you attack now, there is a clear path to quick victory,” Kent said. “This is a lie, the same tactic the Israelis used to drag us into the disastrous war in Iraq that cost our country the lives of thousands of its best men and women.”
There is no legal evidence to substantiate the claim that Israel convinced U.S. intelligence officials before the 2003 U.S. invasion that Iraq was pursuing a weapons of mass destruction program.
Joe Kent faces backlash
Some lawmakers accused Kent of promoting anti-Semitic sentiments.
“Great job,” Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a moderate Republican hawk, shot back at Kent in his own social media message.
“Joe Kent is a deranged egomaniac who is often at the center of national security leaks but rarely (never?) does any real work,” political consultant and former White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich wrote on X .
“He spent all his time upending the chain of command and weakening the position of the President of the United States. This was not some principled resignation – he just wanted to cause a stir before he was fired. What a loser,” he added.
Calling Kent’s resignation letter “shameful,” one
“Well. President Trump sometimes makes mistakes when choosing appointees, as is the case here. Thank you for resigning. Counterterrorism. This position requires someone who is committed to America’s long-term best interests and not give in to pressure from the anti-Semitic lobby,” another responded.
Joe Kent praised
However, others praised Kent, saying, “Joe Kent is an American hero. A true patriot. You won’t understand. America first.”
Another netizen wrote: “Joe Kent lost his wife while fighting ISIS in Syria. Joe Kent has been fighting for 20 years himself. So he knows the destruction that war brings. Trump is the one who robs Americans of their money. Choose your heroes wisely. Thank you, Kent is a true American hero.”
Kent’s resignation puts Tulsi Gabbard in the spotlight
Kent’s resignation also raised concerns about Gabbard’s role in the administration as director of national intelligence. Last year, Kent served as chief of staff while awaiting confirmation to lead NCTC.
As a Democratic representative, Gabbard has publicly opposed U.S. military intervention in the Middle East. She has been excluded from military strategy on Iran and has remained largely silent on the ongoing conflict since the Trump administration launched attacks last summer targeting three Iranian nuclear sites.
Supplying weapons, assisting drone operations: Inside U.S. Citizen Matthew Van Dyke’s Burmese conspiracy
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday approved the 11-day police detention of six Ukrainians and a US citizen who were arrested for illegally entering Myanmar through India and for having links with ethnic war groups.Earlier, the national investigation agency arrested three Ukrainians from Delhi, three Ukrainians from Lucknow and a US citizen from Kolkata.According to the investigative agency, the defendants – Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim and Kaminskyi Viktor – had direct contact with and were instigated by terrorists armed with AK-47 rifles.
polling
Do you think foreigners who enter conflict zones illegally should be punished more severely?
The agency also said the defendants had ties to ethnic armed groups and supported certain banned Indian insurgent groups by providing weapons, terror hardware and training.How did they get to Myanmar?According to AFP, the gang first entered Mizoram illegally without official permission. The seven men then allegedly entered neighboring Myanmar from Mizoram.They are also said to have shipped a large number of drones from Europe via India. However, the type of drone or its country of origin is unclear.Myanmar has descended into civil war after a military junta seized power in a 2021 coup, with pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic armed groups fighting for control of much of the country.New Delhi has been suspicious of certain Myanmar factions who share the same ethnic group as the population on the Indian side of the border, fearing the spread of violence and unrest.Who is Matthew Aaron Van Dyke?Matthew Aaron Van Dyke is no stranger to controversy. The American adventurer-turned-filmmaker has gained attention for his work deep in conflict zones and working closely with rebel movements.Van Dijk first came into the spotlight during the 2011 Libyan uprising, when he fought alongside anti-Gaddafi rebels, The Guardian reported.Van Dijk was captured during the Libyan conflict and held for six months in Tripoli’s Abu Salim prison before escaping after the regime fell.Van Dyke describes himself as a “freedom fighter” and documentary filmmaker. He later appeared in Syria during the Aleppo uprising, where he said he was filming a documentary about the rebel movement.However, he also acknowledged that advising militants on weapons based on his own experience in Libya blurred the lines between observer and participant.His activities and self-presentation have drawn criticism from some observers, who accuse him of being a reckless thrill-seeker rather than a neutral storyteller.Critics argued that his involvement in combat situations compromised journalistic integrity and put others at risk.Van Dijk actively uses social media and crowdfunding platforms to promote his projects, aiming to create viral content that attracts global attention to conflicts such as Syria and provides support to rebel groups. Despite setbacks — such as the suspension of his Kickstarter campaign — he continues to work in a high-stakes environment.He insists that his efforts are based on the belief that conflicts like Syria are underreported and that impactful storytelling can influence public opinion and local support, although he acknowledges that there are significant personal risks involved.What did the court say?The court noted that the FIR contained serious allegations against the accused of traveling to restricted areas in Mizoram, illegally crossing the border into Myanmar and establishing links with ethnic armed groups and banned insurgent outfits. It also noted allegations that the defendants were involved in supplying weapons, providing training and assisting in drone-related operations.The court held that these aspects “certainly affect India’s national security and interests” and therefore held that the matter cannot be considered routine in nature.Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma of Patiala House Court passed the order on March 16 in a case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).After reviewing the case diary, the court found that the investigation was still in its early stages but had shown progress in recent days. While reiterating that detention orders should not be passed mechanically, the court held that there was sufficient material to justify further police detention in this case.The court agreed with the NIA’s plea that the custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover the larger conspiracy, identify co-conspirators, trace the source of funds and analyze digital evidence including mobile phones and social media accounts. It also noted that revelations during preliminary interrogations pointed to a wider conspiracy involving cross-border activities and links to rebel groups.In an important observation, the court noted, “There is no reason to cast doubt on the manner in which the FIR was registered or the manner in which the investigation was conducted.”The court concluded that, given the seriousness of the charges, particularly those involving national security and cross-border links, it was reasonable to continue the custodial interrogation at this stage, while rejecting all objections raised by the defence.
Who is Joe Kent? Trump’s counterterrorism chief resigns amid US-Iraq war
A top U.S. counterterrorism official has resigned in protest at the Trump administration’s handling of the war with Iran, becoming the highest-ranking official to resign amid rising tensions in the Middle East.Joseph “Joe” Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), announced his resignation from his post on Tuesday, saying he could no longer support a conflict that he believed was neither justified nor necessary. Kent was appointed to this position by U.S. President Donald Trump in July 2025. In his resignation letter posted on his social media account, he said Iran “posed no imminent threat to our country.”
He added that the United States entered the war under pressure from “Israel and its powerful American lobby.”The National Counterterrorism Center is the U.S. government’s central hub for analyzing and integrating intelligence related to terrorist threats. As its director, Kent coordinates data and assessments designed to inform national security decision-making. His departure therefore raises questions about internal divisions and the importance given to intelligence assessments in decisions to engage militarily with Iran.Kent is a former U.S. Army Warrant Officer and Green Beret who served for 20 years, including 11 combat deployments. After retiring from the Army, he served as a paramilitary officer in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He later entered politics and ran unsuccessfully for Washington State Congress in 2022 and 2024 again.The war between the United States and Iran broke out on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched large-scale air strikes on Iran, hitting military sites and killing senior Iranian leaders, and Iran responded to the United States with missiles and drones and allied forces in the region.Republicans and the MAGA base claim that Iran’s actions threaten U.S. assets and allies in the Middle East, while most Democrats believe there is no clear evidence that Iran’s actions pose an immediate attack on U.S. interests.Kent said in the statement that he could not “in good conscience support Iran’s ongoing war” and reiterated his view that the conflict lacked a solid basis for a verified threat assessment.
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