The Allahabad high court granted anticipatory bail to seer Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari in a case involving allegations of sexual exploitation of minors under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.The relief was granted on Wednesday by justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha, who also directed both the complainant and the accused to refrain from making any public statements about the case.The court allowed the anticipatory bail pleas while emphasising that the investigation must proceed without external influence. Alongside granting relief from arrest, the court imposed a gag order on both sides, restraining them from speaking to the media on the matter.The order comes weeks after the court had reserved its judgment following detailed hearings and had earlier extended interim protection from arrest to the accused.

Interim protection and court observations

On February 27, the High Court had stayed the arrest of Avimukteshwaranand, directing that he would not be taken into custody until the final order was pronounced. During the proceedings, the court had also instructed both the state government and the complainant to file their responses and asked the accused to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Allegations and FIR details

The case stems from an FIR registered at Jhunsi police station in Prayagraj, following directions from a POCSO court. The complaint alleges sexual exploitation of several ‘batuks’ (young disciples) associated with the ashram.The complainant, Ashutosh Pandey alias Ashutosh Brahmachari, has claimed that minors were subjected to abuse, expressing hope that “justice would be served after the evidence was submitted in court.”

Defence and prosecution arguments

The defence has strongly denied the allegations, calling them fabricated. It argued that the complainant has a criminal background and claimed that the alleged victims never resided at the seer’s ashram. The seer also questioned the authenticity of medical reports and accused the complainant of attempting to influence the case.In a notable submission, Avimukteshwaranand expressed willingness to undergo a narcoanalysis test to establish his innocence.The state, however, opposed the anticipatory bail plea on procedural grounds, arguing that the accused had approached the high court directly instead of first moving a sessions court.

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday strongly rejected Pakistan’s statement backing a banned terrorist organisation, asserting that Islamabad has “no locus standi” to comment on the country’s internal matters. He urged it to ‘introspect on the systematic human rights violations” it continues to perpetrate instead of “peddling lies and frivolous narratives.“Responding to media queries, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We categorically reject the statement issued by Pakistan in support of a banned terrorist organization and its members. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on matters internal to India or its judicial processes.”He added that such remarks were not surprising given Pakistan’s record. “However, one is not surprised that a country, which has long been sponsoring terrorism, has come up with such a statement condoning violence and killing of innocent people,” Jaiswal said.“Instead of peddling lies and frivolous narratives, Pakistan should introspect on the grave and systematic human rights violations it continues to perpetrate,” he added.The response comes after Pakistan issued a statement on judicial proceedings in India related to a banned terror outfit. Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi court sentenced Kashmiri separatist and Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case. Her two associates, Fehmeeda and Nasreen, were also sentenced to 30 years in prison in the same case.In its detailed 286-page order, the court held that Andrabi and her associates “hatched a conspiracy for the secession of Kashmir from India.”The court relied on videos and social media posts submitted by the National Investigation Agency, which showed the accused repeatedly claiming that Kashmir belonged to “Pakistan and was under Indian occupation.”“Kashmir should be freed from Indian occupation so that it can become part of Pakistan. The material on record is rife with such speeches as well as various posts by all the accused, especially of accused 1 (Andrabi),” the court order stated.The court observed that Andrabi, through speeches and interviews, openly sought Pakistan’s support and propagated that “Kashmir was never a part of India.”India has consistently maintained that matters related to its internal security and judicial actions are sovereign issues, and has repeatedly called on Pakistan to end support for terrorism and cross-border activities.Also read: ‘Hatched conspiracy to secede Kashmir from India’: Why J&K separatist Asiya Andrabi got life term in UAPA case

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has claimed in the Supreme Court that the framing of front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) regulations would take longer and sought more time, a look at several regulations framed by the authority in the last ten years shows that the average time taken to frame one or make amendments to existing ones has been about two years. In the case of the FOPL, the process has been dragging on for about a decade.After framing guidelines in 2014 which included front-of-pack labelling specifying how much fat, sugar or salt a packaged food contained, when the FSSAI put it in the public domain in 2015, it had stated that the guidelines would be “converted into regulation in due course after following the process of inviting suggestions and comments, suggestions etc. from various stakeholders”. FSSAI put out the draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2018 in public domain in April 2018. However, since then there have been half a dozen stakeholder consultations and more drafts put out, but no regulation in sight yet.In response to a public interest petition in the Supreme Court seeking directions to FSSAI to make FOPL regarding high fat, sugar and salt mandatory for packaged foods, the court has been monitoring the process even as the authority has been seeking repeated extensions. In its latest affidavit in court, the FSSAI laid out a long process before the Supreme Court.It told the court that it is “contemplating” a tabular or pictorial representation to reflect high fat sugar or salt on front of pack labelling. It stated that it is a complex matter “requiring further consultation and examination” and hence stakeholder consultation is proposed before deciding on the modalities of FOPL. The latest stakeholder consultation had over 60 food industry and industry association representatives and just two public health experts representing civil society or public health interest.There remain several steps:1. After stakeholder consultations a draft amendment will be prepared2. Draft amendment will be placed before scientific panel (consist of nine eminent food scientists from different government organizations/institutions). Scientific committee comprising of chairpersons of the 21 scientific panels and six independent members, FSSAI and Health ministry “for due consideration”3. To include amendment in the regulation a draft regulation including the proposed amendment/s is placed before the scientific panel concerned4.Recommendations of the scientific panel will be placed before the scientific committee5. On endorsement of the scientific committee it will be placed before FSSAI for approval and if there are substantial changes in the notified draft regulation, another draft regulation will have to be notified6. Once approved by FSSAI, the draft or final regulation is sent to health ministry7. After ministry approval, if it is a draft regulation, it has to be notified in the gazette for public comments giving 60 days’ time and the entire process spelt out above is repeated before it is finally notified.8. In case what the health ministry approves is the final regulation, it has to be sent to the legislative department of the law ministry for vetting followed by approval of the health ministry. The approved final regulation is published in the Gazette of India for implementation.In short, the FSSAI stated in court that the regulation is far from becoming a reality any time soon. However, the longest time FSSAI has taken for framing any of the existing regulations or amendments has been over three years. The only other regulation that the FSSAI has not framed even after seven years is the Food Safety and Standards (Genetically Modified and Engineered Foods) Regulations which have been in the works since 2019.Average time to bring in various regulations/amendments to regulations

An India-origin man in the US is facing 39 charges related to sex abuse, trafficking, molestation as more victims of the liquor store owner came forward during the ongoing investigation against 32-year-old Kulvir S Brar. Brar was arrested in March 13 after police said he was using Snapchat to solicit sex from minors, offering them illicit drugs, alcohol and access to his apartment’s rooftop pool. Brar was first arrested on December 4, 2025 for indecent communication with a minor and for possession of child sexual abuse material. Judge Christine Hayes increased Brar’s bail from $500,000 to $750,000, and called Brar a considerable threat to the community, noting the number of the complainants.

How did Brar come on police radar?

According to court records, the investigation started in July 4 after Oregon Department of Human Services alerted Vancouver Police in Washington that a 15-year-old girl in Portland reported a man named “Molly” forced her to perform oral sex in his vehicle in exchange for “weed pens.” Molly is the Snapchat username of Brar as his handle is ‘pnwmolly’, The Columbian reported. Brar sought out young girls on the app and complimented them on their looks before promising them substances like cocaine, ecstasy and LSD but in exchange for sex or photos and videos of sexual acts.He allegedly told victims he was the owner of Boondox Liquor Plus in Longview and lived at the Vancouver Waterfront with access to a rooftop pool.Investigators said Brar used to target vulnerable girls, like his 16-year-old victim whose family became homeless. Brar sexually assaulted her when she was heavily intoxicated. Another victim said Brar raped her on her birthday after supplying her with MDMA, cocaine, LSD and alcohol until she could barely keep her head up. Brar allegedly intimidated victims by claiming he wasn’t afraid of getting caught because he had money and “good lawyers,” and showed one victim his firearm.

Raid at Brar’s residence

Detectives found cocaine, MDMA, psilocybin mushrooms, hundreds of small plastic bags, a Sig Sauer pistol, sex toys, Plan B contraceptive and dozens of nicotine vaping devices in his residence. 14 disposable maskes with makeup smudges were found inside his vehicle. Those were the similar masks that juvenile females wore while entering his residence, as revealed by surveillance footage.

List of 39 new charges Brar is facing now

Two counts of first-degree traffickingThree counts of second-degree traffickingOne count of third-degree rape of a childOne count of second-degree rapeOne count of third-degree rapeOne count of third-degree child molestationThree counts of commercial sex abuse of a minorOne count of sexual exploitation of a minorTwo counts of first-degree possessing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conductThree counts of second-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conductFive counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposesFive counts of distributing a controlled substance to a minorThree counts of possessing a controlled substance with the intent to sell to a minorOne count of assault four with sexual motivationThree counts of supplying liquor to a minorFour counts of selling or giving tobacco or vapor products to a minor

The much-anticipated 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to kick off on March 28, bringing with it a wave of excitement among cricket fans across the globe. As the countdown begins, discussions around team combinations, key players, and potential match-winners have taken center stage. Among the franchises drawing significant attention is Punjab Kings (PBKS), a side that showed tremendous promise last season. With a balanced squad and strong leadership, PBKS are once again in focus as experts and former players weigh in on their ideal playing combinations.

Irfan Pathan picks his playing XI of PBKS

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his preferred playing XI for Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2026, offering a mix of youth, experience, and all-round strength. His lineup reflects both stability at the top and depth in the middle and lower order.

Pathan’s chosen XI includes Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh as openers, followed by Mitchell Owen at number three. The middle order is anchored by skipper Shreyas Iyer, alongside promising talents Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. The presence of experienced all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis adds firepower and flexibility to the lineup.

In the bowling department, Pathan has opted for a potent mix of pace and spin. Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, and Lockie Ferguson (or Ben Dwarshuis) form the pace attack, while Harpreet Brar provides a spin option. Notably, veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been named as the Impact Player, giving the team an additional edge in crucial moments.

Irfan Pathan’s PBKS XI: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Mitchell Owen, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson / Ben Dwarshuis

Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal

Also READ: Irfan Pathan highlights ‘concerning factor’ for KKR ahead of IPL 2026

High expectations from Shreyas Iyer-led side

PBKS head into IPL 2026 with high expectations, especially after their impressive run in the previous season under the leadership of Iyer. The franchise made it to the final last year, showcasing consistency, resilience, and match-winning performances throughout the tournament. Although they fell short of lifting the trophy, their journey has significantly raised hopes among fans and experts alike.

With a well-rounded squad and greater experience, PBKS are now seen as strong contenders to go one step further this season. The leadership of Iyer, combined with the explosive batting lineup and a versatile bowling unit, puts them in a solid position to challenge for their maiden IPL title.

Also READ: MS Dhoni omitted! Irfan Pathan picks his ideal Chennai Super Kings lineup for IPL 2026

QS 2026: Indian Universities Show Strong Gains Across Engineering, Computer Science, and Business

If you are an Indian student wondering whether the universities you are applying to are gaining or losing ground on the world stage, this year’s QS World University Rankings by Subject has a fairly clear answer. A total of 99 Indian institutions now feature in the 2026 edition — up from 79 five years ago — appearing 599 times across 55 disciplines. What stands out is not just the numbers: 265 of those 599 entries climbed the table, while only 80 fell. No comparable large system comes close to that ratio. Among countries with at least 10 ranked institutions, India has the highest share of rising entries, at 44 per cent. The 16th annual edition of the rankings, published on March 25, 2026 by QS Quacquarelli Symonds — the global higher education intelligence firm — benchmarks more than 21,000 academic programmes across 1,900 universities in over 100 countries. India also recorded 120 new entries this year, placing it fourth globally for fresh appearances, behind only the US (287), China (181), and the UK (159). The country now holds the fourth-largest presence in these rankings by institution count, after the US, China, and the UK.Top 10 Systems by Institution Count — QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

India added 20 institutions to its tally, raising the count from 79 to 99. Its 44 per cent improvement rate is the highest in the top-10, nearly double that of the Republic of Korea (16 per cent) and well ahead of the US (29 per cent) and China (24 per cent). The UK, with a 40 per cent improvement rate, is the only comparable system, though it already fields 114 institutions against India’s 99. India also recorded no top-10 entries — a gap that QS data suggest is narrowing, but one that still separates it from the US (265 top-10 entries) and UK (172). Most-Ranked Institutions in India (QS Subject Rankings 2026)

IIT Bombay leads in volume with 30 appearances, followed by IIT Kharagpur (29), and the University of Delhi and IIT Madras (28 each). Eight institutions feature more than 20 times. IIT Delhi, despite fewer total entries (23), delivers the edition’s most complete single-institution performance: six top-50 entries, including its first-ever top-50 appearance in Chemical Engineering (48th) and its best-ever result in Computer Science (45th). Jawaharlal Nehru University holds 26th globally in Development Studies — one of India’s most stable top-50 positions across any discipline. BITS Pilani, a private institution, enters the global top 50 in Pharmacy & Pharmacology for the first time, climbing from 84th to 45th. Beyond the IIT network, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) makes a notable move, rising from 110th to 86th in Computer Science, and Lovely Professional University (LPU) climbs from the 251–300 band to the 151–200 range in Pharmacy & Pharmacology. These performances suggest that the competitive base in Indian higher education is broadening beyond the traditional elite.Most Represented Subject Areas (QS Subject Rankings 2026)Entry counts and top-100 positions, QS Subject Rankings 2026. New entrants counted against 2025 edition.

Computer Science & Information Systems has the highest Indian presence with 44 entries — double the 23 recorded in 2021 — and six institutions now rank in the global top 100, up from two in 2025. IIT Bombay (44th) and IIT Delhi (45th) both enter the top 50 in the subject for the first time. While the US, UK, Germany, and France all saw fewer computer science entries in 2026, India’s expanded. Business & Management Studies has seven top-100 entries, up from four, with IIM Ahmedabad rising to 21st and IIM Calcutta entering the top 50 at 47th. Mathematics saw seven new entrants, the most of any subject.Engineering disciplines account for a sizeable share of the table. Chemical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering each have six Indian institutions in the global top 100. Four institutions feature in the top 50 for Mineral & Mining Engineering, with Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad (IIT ISM) holding 21st position. Medicine has 23 entries overall, with AIIMS reaching 105th — India’s highest-ever position in the subject, up sharply from 145th in 2025.Notable debuts and first-ever rankingsThis edition also marks several subject firsts for India. IIM Ahmedabad enters Marketing at 21st — the first time any Indian institution has appeared in that discipline’s global ranking. Banaras Hindu University makes India’s debut in Library & Information Management (51–100). Panjab University, Chandigarh, enters Hospitality & Leisure Management (151–175). IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi both appear in Social Policy & Administration (101–150). The Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, marks India’s first appearance in Veterinary Science (51–100 band). O.P. Jindal Global University climbs from 78th to 35th in Law — entering the global top 50 — and rises to 90th in Politics & International Studies. IIT Kharagpur makes its debut in Petroleum Engineering and immediately ranks 28th, the best debut performance by any Indian institution in that subject in recent years.The one weak spotThe picture is not uniformly positive. Arts & Humanities remains the thinnest area of India’s subject footprint — five entries in total, with four declining. The University of Delhi leads at 231st in that broad area. India’s top institutions also remain outside the global elite in disciplines such as Medicine and the social sciences, where research output volumes and international faculty ratios have historically lagged. That said, the AIIMS jump of 40 places in Medicine, and JNU’s holding firm at 26th in Development Studies, indicate selective pockets of strength even in areas that are otherwise slower to improve.What the rankings measure QS uses five key metrics to compile the subject rankings, with weightings that vary by discipline to reflect differing publication cultures. Research performance, drawn from the Scopus/Elsevier bibliometric database, carries greater weight in evidence-intensive fields such as Medicine than in vocational disciplines such as Performing Arts. The full rankings are available at topuniversities.com/subject-rankings.

Ram Navami is among the most-awaited and auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated across India. The day celebrates the birth of Lord Ram, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is observed every year on the ninth day (Navami) of Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar. It is a symbol of victory over evil and the importance of truth, virtue, and dharma. In 2026, Ram Navami will be celebrated on 26/27 March with great devotion across the country, with devotees fasting, visiting temples and chanting bhajans.Ram Navami is also a time to connect with loved ones by sharing heartfelt wishes, messages, and quotes that reflect the spirit of the festival. Whether you are sending greetings on WhatsApp, posting on social media, or writing a personal note, here are the top 50 Ram Navami wishes, messages, and quotes to help you spread joy, positivity, and blessings.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and blessed Ram Navami 2026. May Lord Ram fill your life with happiness and prosperity.May this Ram Navami bring peace, harmony, and success into your life.Jai Shri Ram! May your heart be filled with devotion and your home with happiness.On this auspicious day, may Lord Ram bless you with strength and courage.Happy Ram Navami! May your life be guided by truth and righteousness.May the divine grace of Lord Ram always protect you and your loved ones.Wishing you a Ram Navami filled with love, light, and spiritual growth.May this festival inspire you to follow the path of dharma.Sending warm wishes on Ram Navami—may your life be as pure as Lord Ram’s ideals.May Lord Ram shower you with blessings and remove all obstacles from your life.

Ram Navami Messages

Let us celebrate the birth of Lord Ram by embracing truth, kindness, and compassion in our lives. Happy Ram Navami!On this sacred day, may your soul be uplifted and your mind be at peace.Ram Navami reminds us that good always triumphs over evil—may you always walk the path of goodness.Celebrate this divine day with devotion and positivity.May the teachings of Lord Ram guide you in every step of your journey.Let us welcome this day with faith and gratitude.Wishing you a life full of values and virtues inspired by Lord Ram.May your home be filled with happiness, your heart with devotion, and your life with success.Ram Navami is a reminder of the power of patience, humility, and righteousness.May this festival bring new hope and endless joy to your life.Short Ram Navami Greetings (Perfect for WhatsApp & SMS)Jai Shri Ram! Happy Ram Navami!Wishing you divine blessings on Ram Navami.May Lord Ram bless you always.Happy Ram Navami to you and your family!Celebrate the spirit of Ram Navami with joy and devotion.Jai Shri Ram! Stay blessed.May peace and happiness surround you this Ram Navami.Ram Navami ki hardik shubhkamnayein!May your life shine with Lord Ram’s blessings.Sending you love and blessings on this holy day.

Inspirational Ram Navami Quotes

“The life of Lord Ram teaches us that truth and righteousness always prevail.”“Follow the path of dharma, just as Lord Ram did.”“In every challenge, remember the courage of Lord Ram.”“Ram Navami is not just a celebration, but a reminder of ideal living.”“Let your actions reflect the values of Lord Ram—honesty, humility, and compassion.”“The story of Ram is a guide to a life of virtue and strength.”“May Lord Ram inspire you to conquer negativity with positivity.”“True devotion lies in living by the principles of Lord Ram.”“Let Ram Navami inspire a new beginning filled with goodness.”“Where there is faith, there is Lord Ram.”Ram Navami Wishes for Family & FriendsDear family, may Lord Ram bless our home with love, unity, and happiness. Happy Ram Navami!To my dear friend, may your life be filled with success and divine blessings this Ram Navami.Wishing my loved ones a festival full of devotion and joy.May our bond grow stronger with the blessings of Lord Ram.Sending warm Ram Navami wishes to you and your family.May Lord Ram protect your family and bring prosperity to your home.To those I cherish, may this day bring you peace and positivity.Celebrating Ram Navami with gratitude for having such wonderful people in my life.May your days be filled with happiness and your nights with peace. Jai Shri Ram!

Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Ram Navami 2026!

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It is important to understand that Ram Navami is more than just a Hindu festival. It is a celebration of legacy and values that define a meaningful life. Lord Ram’s journey teaches us about duty, sacrifice, loyalty, and the power of righteousness. In today’s fast-paced world, these teachings remain deeply relevant, reminding us to stay grounded and compassionate.As you celebrate Ram Navami 2026, take a moment to reflect on these timeless ideals and share positivity with those around you. A simple message or heartfelt wish can brighten someone’s day and strengthen your bond with them.