The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the conviction of Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav in seven cheque bounce cases, refusing to grant him the benefit of probation due to his conduct throughout the legal proceedings. The court affirmed the trial court’s order and dismissed the revision petitions filed by the actor. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma upheld the conviction under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act and confirmed the punishment awarded by the trial court. The court directed that the ₹2.25 crore already deposited by Yadav and released to the complainant should be adjusted against the total amount payable.
The High Court ordered Yadav to undergo three months of imprisonment in each of the seven cases, with all sentences to run simultaneously. It also upheld the fine imposed by the trial court, stating that failure to pay the penalty would result in an additional six months of imprisonment. The actor has been given two months to either comply with the order or seek further legal remedies.
The court specifically rejected Yadav’s request for probation, citing his conduct during the prolonged litigation. It noted that the actor had repeatedly failed to honour assurances and undertakings provided before the court, which influenced the decision to deny him leniency. The judgment was reserved on April 2 after multiple attempts by the High Court to encourage a settlement between Yadav and the complainant company, Murli Projects Pvt. Ltd., did not succeed.
During the hearings, the court expressed concern over inconsistencies in Yadav’s position regarding repayment of the outstanding dues. Justice Sharma questioned the changes in his submissions, observing that the commitments made earlier did not match the arguments presented later. The court also cautioned the parties about the seriousness of the proceedings and the amount of judicial time spent on the matter.
Representing Murli Projects Pvt. Ltd., advocate Avnish Sikka argued that Yadav had accepted the original conviction and could not avoid his financial responsibility. He pointed out that the revision petitions were filed after a delay of 1,894 days and lacked adequate justification for the delay. Sikka further argued that even after the completion of the sentence, the financial liability arising from dishonoured cheques would continue. He stated that repeated assurances and payment commitments made by Yadav had not resulted in clearance of the outstanding dues, forcing the complainant to continue legal action under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
During the proceedings, the High Court made several efforts to help both sides reach a settlement. The complainant had agreed to accept ₹6 crore as a final settlement, while the court also explored a possible payment arrangement involving an initial payment of ₹3 crore within a fixed period. However, Yadav did not accept the proposals, stating that he had already faced major financial difficulties, sold property, and made significant payments towards the liability.
Following the verdict, advocate Avnish Sikka told ANI that the High Court had completely upheld the trial court’s decision. He said all revision petitions filed by Yadav were dismissed and that the actor would have to serve the sentence while paying the amount ordered by the court. Sikka added that the High Court considered Yadav’s repeated violations of undertakings while deciding against granting probation. He also stated that the court had allowed the actor two months to comply with the order or approach a higher legal forum.
The High Court had extended Yadav’s interim bail after considering partial payments made towards the outstanding amount. The dispute originated from multiple cheque dishonour complaints in which the actor was convicted by the trial court. Yadav’s lawyer, advocate Bhaskar Upadhyay, had argued that the actor should not be penalised for mistakes allegedly made by his previous legal counsel and highlighted the impact of the criminal proceedings on his professional career.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday held discussions with Army Commander General Rudolf Haykal over the country’s security environment, with special attention given to developments in southern Lebanon amid continued Israeli military operations. According to a statement shared by the Lebanese Presidency on X, the meeting focused on the broader security situation across Lebanon, particularly in the southern regions affected by ongoing Israeli attacks on several towns and villages.
“President General Joseph Aoun discussed with Army Commander General Rudolf the security situation in the country in general and in the South in particular, in light of the ongoing Israeli attacks on a number of southern villages and towns,” the presidency said. The talks also covered preparations for the Lebanese Army’s deployment plans, operational requirements, and the responsibilities being carried out by military personnel across the country.
The two officials reviewed steps to implement the agreed framework in designated trial areas, where Lebanese forces are expected to move in alongside an Israeli withdrawal. Discussions also included the condition of the military institution and the requirements of army personnel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had discovered and destroyed weapons facilities allegedly linked to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon’s security zone. The Israeli military claimed the sites contained launchers, machine guns, explosives, missiles, and other weapons that were intended for use against Israeli troops and civilians.
The IDF stated that its forces dismantled the facilities and removed the weapons found at the locations. The developments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces would remain deployed in Lebanon for as long as necessary. He also issued a warning to Iran amid rising regional tensions following the collapse of a US-Iran ceasefire arrangement.
Speaking at an Israeli Air Force graduation ceremony at Hatzerim Air Base, Netanyahu said Israel’s air superiority remains a key element of its national security strategy. He asserted that Iran had suffered significant setbacks but warned that new challenges were emerging. Netanyahu said Israel’s policy remains focused on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adding that the conflict was not yet over and that his government was preparing for possible future scenarios. His remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire had ended and criticised further diplomatic discussions with Tehran following military exchanges between the two countries.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@LBpresidency.
The Assam government on Friday unveiled its ₹2,85,084 crore Budget for the financial year 2026-27, announcing a series of measures aimed at promoting economic growth, supporting small tea growers, reducing energy costs, and improving fiscal management. Presenting his first Budget as Assam’s Finance Minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah said the government would continue major welfare and development schemes introduced over the past five years while focusing on maintaining financial discipline. He set a target of reducing the state’s Budget deficit to ₹419 crore by the end of the fiscal year.
According to the Budget estimates, Assam’s consolidated fund is expected to receive ₹1,51,843.23 crore during 2026-27. Including projected receipts of ₹1,34,466.22 crore under the public account and ₹2,000 crore from the contingency fund, the state’s total estimated receipts stand at ₹2,88,309.45 crore. On the expenditure side, the government has estimated spending of ₹1,56,714.88 crore from the consolidated fund. After including public account expenditure of ₹1,26,369.57 crore and ₹2,000 crore under the contingency fund, the overall expenditure projection for the year is ₹2,85,084.45 crore.
The Finance Minister said the opening deficit of ₹3,644.26 crore, combined with the year’s financial projections, would result in a closing Budget deficit of ₹419.26 crore for 2026-27. The state has also targeted a fiscal deficit of 3 per cent of its projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). In a major relief measure for small tea growers, the government proposed increasing the agricultural income tax exemption limit from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. The move is expected to benefit thousands of small tea producers across Assam.
The Budget also announced a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on piped natural gas (PNG) from 14.5 per cent to 5 per cent. Baruah said the decision was aimed at lowering household energy expenses, encouraging the use of cleaner fuel, and expanding city gas distribution networks.
Highlighting Assam’s economic progress, the Finance Minister noted that the state’s per capita income has grown significantly, rising from ₹60,817 in 2015-16 to ₹1,85,429 in 2025-26. He said the figures indicate that Assam’s economic development is becoming more inclusive and reaching a wider section of the population. The 2026-27 Budget places emphasis on continued welfare initiatives, infrastructure development, energy reforms, and measures to strengthen the state’s financial position while supporting long-term growth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Nearly 50 leaders and workers associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) joined the Congress party on Thursday as part of an organisational expansion campaign initiated by the District Congress Committee (DCC), Shimla Rural. The joining ceremony was conducted under the leadership of Shimla Rural DCC President Hari Krishna Himral. Among those who entered the Congress fold were retired HRTC General Manager KC Chauhan from Rohru, former Block Development Committee (BDC) member Laxmi Dass from Shimla Rural, and ward members Jai Lal Negi and Karishma Sharma. Several other grassroots workers from different political parties also joined the party during the event.
The programme was attended by several senior Congress leaders, including Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) General Secretary (Organisation) Vinod Jinta, HPCC Vice-President Amit Nanda, Sonia Chauhan, Jitendra Thakur, Pawan Kumar, Kuldeep Thakur, and other party functionaries.
Welcoming the new members, Shimla Rural DCC President Hari Krishna Himral said the increasing support for Congress reflected public confidence in the state government’s policies and development agenda. Himral said that the induction of nearly 50 people, including prominent local figures and workers from the BJP, AAP, and BSP, would strengthen the party’s organisation at the grassroots level. He welcomed the new members and said their association with Congress would further enhance the party’s outreach among people.
The latest development comes amid internal developments within the Congress party, following the resignation of Ashok Singh on July 9. Singh submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing disappointment over a show-cause notice issued against him by the Uttar Pradesh Congress Disciplinary Committee for alleged anti-party activities.
The notice, issued on July 4, accused Singh of breaching party discipline after he attended a BJP programme organised to welcome BJP National President Nitin Nabin. In his resignation letter, Singh pointed to his 35-year association with the Congress and mentioned the various organisational roles he had held, including his involvement with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), his tenure as a Youth Congress leader, and his long-standing role as a spokesperson for the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
A new UN Women report has warned that more than one million women have lost access to critical assistance since January 2025 due to ongoing conflicts and cuts in humanitarian funding. The report, “Beyond the Breaking Point,” surveyed 855 women-led and women’s rights organisations across 52 crisis-hit countries. It found that 84% of organisations are facing increased demand for services, while nearly 90% are unable to meet current needs. Around 40% fear they may shut down within the next year due to financial shortages. The decline in official development assistance has severely affected women’s support programmes, with major donors including the US, Germany, the UK, France, and Japan contributing to the drop. UN Women warned that reduced funding is leaving survivors of violence, displaced women, and vulnerable communities without essential protection and care. The report also highlighted a rise in gender-based violence, with many organisations reporting increased cases and fewer safe spaces for survivors. UN officials urged stronger global commitment to ensure women and girls in conflict zones continue receiving vital support.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
British politics is once again making headlines with an unexpected electoral contest. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is preparing to defend his political standing in a by-election that could see him face just one challenger: the satirical candidate Count Binface. The unusual matchup has attracted widespread attention, highlighting both the serious political issues surrounding the vote and the growing role of political satire in modern democracy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The guardian.
Following his recognition as Singapore's Sportsman of the Year at the Singapore Sports Awards, world champion pool player Aloysius Yapp joined Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman to reflect on the remarkable season that led to the country's highest individual sporting honour. During the conversation, Yapp shared insights into the achievements, challenges, and milestones that shaped his career-defining year.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s journey from activist to Mexico’s president has drawn global attention. Once known for championing progressive causes, she now faces the challenge of governing a complex nation. As her presidency unfolds, observers continue to debate whether her decisions and policies remain consistent with the ideals and values that first defined her career.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
The political landscape in 2026 has taken several unexpected turns. The Labor government moved ahead with reforms to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount despite earlier indications that such changes were not on the agenda. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party underwent another leadership change, while One Nation has gained noticeable momentum, with recent opinion polls showing increased voter support. In this discussion, political editor Tom McIlroy is joined by Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at *The Conversation*, and Melissa Clarke, political correspondent for ABC Radio National. Together, they assess the major political developments of the year so far, evaluate how the key parties have performed, and highlight the issues and political battles likely to shape the remainder of 2026.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
