Woman entitled to maternity leave even if child isn’t biological: SC | India News
TOI correspondent from London: Fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi appeared at the high court here on Tuesday in a bid to get the court to “reopen” its decision to dismiss his appeal against extradition to India, claiming he had compelling new evidence.Nirav’s barrister, Edward Fitzgerald, said the HC judgment in the case of defence middleman Sanjay Bhandari, in Feb 2025, which said he was at real risk of torture by the investigating agencies in India, and thus rejected his extradition on human rights grounds, was the “supervening event”. Nirav was also at risk of torture as he too would be interrogated by investigating agencies in India if extradited, Fitzgerald said. Extradition cases may only be reopened if significant new evidence emerges.Three CBI officers, who flew over for the hearing, watched the proceedings, as did Nirav, who appeared via video link from Pentonville prison.In the Bhandari case, the judges had ruled that the use of torture to obtain confessions in India was “commonplace and endemic”.Fitzgerald claimed the investigating agencies in India had a “predisposition to torture”.In a complete reverse of arguments used in the Vijay Mallya extradition case, when the CBI was referred to as a “caged parrot”, Fitzgerald, in this case, relying on evidence from Nirav’s former counsel in India, Ashul Agarwal, said, “The central govt cannot tell the CBI, ED and other independent agencies whether to interrogate or not — they are not parrots in cages like the Supreme Court said.”Fitzgerald also relied on evidence from Justice Verma, a retired Supreme Court judge, who said that Delhi “cannot provide enforceable assurances on behalf of these agencies”.Helen Malcolm KC, representing India, said New Delhi had provided a sovereign assurance that neither the CBI nor ED nor any other investigating agency would interrogate Nirav once extradited. She said the documentary evidence against him was good enough and this was another example of Nirav “manipulating the judicial process”, citing how he had once threatened to kill witnesses and destroyed evidence.Lord Justice Stuart-Smith said if the sovereign assurance was breached the “remedy would be a breakdown of trust between UK and India”, a recipe for diplomatic mayhem.“When it comes to interrogation and torture, India routinely disregards the rule of law,” Fitzgerald alleged. “The interior ministry cannot stop this endemic continuing as there is effective monitoring,” Fitzgerald added. “The prison officers at Arthur Road Jail dare not stand up to the CBI.”Judgment was reserved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again mocked online rumours about his death, this time appearing in a new video alongside US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, as conspiracy theories about the Israeli leader continue to circulate on social media amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
In the latest video shared by Netanyahu on X, Huckabee is seen walking with the Israeli prime minister through his office and joking that US President Donald Trump had sent him to check on Netanyahu.“Donald Trump wanted me to come and make sure you were ok,” Huckabee says with a laugh.Netanyahu responds: “Yes, Mike, I’m alive.”Huckabee then adds that Trump wanted to make sure “because you guys get along too well.”The Israeli premier continues the joke by taking aim at another viral online claim that recent videos of him were AI-generated.“We shake hands with five fingers in each hand,” Netanyahu says, mocking social media posts that alleged he appeared to have too many fingers in earlier footage.The remark was a direct reference to the so-called “six fingers” conspiracy theory that has been widely shared online in recent days.
The video was not limited to humour.At one point, Netanyahu pulls out what he describes as a card listing senior Iranian leaders being targeted by Israel.“Today I erased two names on the punch card,” he says, referring to the overnight killings of Iran’s secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani.Praising Washington’s role in the conflict, Netanyahu says: “What the president and US forces are doing is incredible.”He adds that Israel is “very proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder” with the United States in the campaign against Iran, accusing Tehran’s leadership of seeking nuclear weapons and the means to strike “every American city” after “wiping out Israel.”“They ain’t gonna do that,” Netanyahu says. “We’re wiping them out.”Sharing the clip on X, Netanyahu wrote: “Crossing names off the list is good – doing it shoulder to shoulder with our American friends is even better.”He added, “Good to see Ambassador @GovMikeHuckabee. Always a pleasure.”The post appeared aimed at both reinforcing his public presence and projecting close strategic alignment with the Trump administration at a time when misinformation about his condition has been spreading online.
This is now the latest in a string of videos Netanyahu has posted to dismiss false claims about his death.The Israeli prime minister on Monday shared another clip of himself outdoors, chatting casually while apparently buying coffee.In that video, when told that some channels were claiming he was dead, Netanyahu quipped: “I am dying for coffee”. That came a day after he posted another video showing both his palms and mocking rumours about his death as well as the “six fingers” claim.“They say I’m what?” Netanyahu had captioned that earlier video.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has already rejected the rumours as entirely false.“These are fake news; the prime minister is fine,” the office told Anadolu News when asked about social media posts claiming Netanyahu had been killed in retaliation for recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran.Israeli ambassador to India Reuven Azar dismissed the viral claims during an interaction with reporters in Delhi, saying, “PM Netanyahu is alive. I saw him when I was in Israel more than once. The video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. A lot of disinformation is being spread.”Azar also accused Iran and its “accomplices” of spreading disinformation, reported TOI.
The “six fingers” rumour appears to have gained traction after Netanyahu posted a video of a press conference on Friday about the conflict involving Israel, the US and Iran.Some social media users claimed the footage was AI-generated, pointing to a moment when Netanyahu raised his hand and appeared, in their view, to have an extra finger.Users described it as a “classic AI finger glitch,” though the Israeli government has flatly rejected the claim.The rumours have spread during a period of heightened regional tension that began on February 28, when Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on targets in Iran, triggering a flood of misinformation, manipulated visuals and unverified claims online.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday asserted that America does not require support from its allies as it continues military operations against Iran, declaring that the country is “by far the most powerful country anywhere in the world and they do not need the help of anyone!”In a post on Truth Social, Trump said several Nato allies had declined to participate in the US-led military campaign. “The United States has been informed by most of our Nato ‘allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East, this, despite the fact that almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing, and that Iran cannot, in any way, shape, or form, be allowed to have a Nuclear Weapon,” he wrote.“I am not surprised by their action, however, because I always considered NATO, where we spend Hundreds of Billions of Dollars per year protecting these same Countries, to be a one way street — We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need,” he added.The US President also claimed significant military success against Iran. “Fortunately, we have decimated Iran’s military their navy is gone, their air force is gone, their anti-aircraft and radar is gone and perhaps, most importantly, their leaders at virtually every level, are gone never to threaten us, our Middle Eastern allies, or the world, again!” He said that given these developments, US reliance on allies was no longer necessary. “Because of the fact that we have had such military success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the Nato Countries’ assistance, we never did! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the world, we do not need the help of anyone!”Trump’s remarks come amid visible strain in Washington’s relations with its allies, after several countries responded cautiously or declined his call to deploy warships to escort merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
NEW DELHI: Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is uncertain due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The country’s football officials are now trying to move their matches out of the United States, citing safety concerns and political issues, even though the tournament is set to be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s football federation is in talks with FIFA to relocate their matches to Mexico. Federation chief Mehdi Taj made their stance clear, saying, “When (US President Donald) Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.” “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico,” he added.Iran is currently scheduled to play games in the United States, including matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. However, officials are worried about safety and logistical issues, including visa problems.
FIFA confirmed it is in contact with Iran but has not agreed to any changes yet. A spokesperson said, “FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026.” He added, “FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025.”Iran’s concerns grew after comments from Donald Trump, who said the team would be welcome but warned they should not travel “for their own life and safety”. Iran strongly pushed back, stating “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup”.With ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, the situation remains uncertain, and it is still unclear what will happen if Iran ultimately decides not to participate.
India on Monday strongly called out Pakistan at the United Nations for what it described as the habitual “fabrication” of Islamophobia narratives against neighbouring countries, while questioning Islamabad’s own record on the treatment of minorities and its actions against Afghanistan during Ramzan.At the UN General Assembly’s commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, delivered a sharp rebuttal aimed at Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), while also urging the UN to avoid frameworks that focus on only one faith rather than tackling all forms of religious discrimination.
Harish said, “India’s western neighbour is an excellent example of fabricating imaginative tales of Islamophobia in their neighbourhood.”In a pointed attack, he added: “One wonders what would brutal repression of Ahmadiyyas in this country be termed, or the large-scale refoulement of the helpless Afghans or air-bombing campaigns in this Holy Month of Ramadan?”
Poll
How important is it for the United Nations to address all forms of religious discrimination equally?
Harish was responding in the context of recurring attempts by Pakistan to raise allegations against India at multilateral forums under the banner of Islamophobia.He also said that the OIC, which “our western neighbour has systematically attempted to weaponise against India”, has repeatedly made “false and baseless allegations” against the country.
Harish stressed that the UN must take note of the “rising trend and dangers of weaponising religious identity and instrumentalising it to serve narrow political ends by state and non-state actors alike.”According to news agency PTI, he cautioned that the politicisation of religion does not solve grievances and instead risks legitimising “selective, polarising narratives” that deepen divisions.“The United Nations was conceived as an institution that transcends religion, culture, and politics. Its credibility rests on universality and impartiality,” he said.He further urged “caution against frameworks that exclusively focus on one faith, without addressing the broader phenomenon of religiophobia in all its manifestations.”India also underlined that the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief remains a balanced and enduring instrument because it protects followers of all faiths without privileging any one religion.
Emphasising India’s plural character, Harish said India is home to more than 200 million Muslims, one of the largest Muslim populations in the world.He said Muslims in India, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, elect their own representatives to speak for them.“The only ‘phobia’ evident here appears to be directed against the multicultural and peaceful coexistence that all communities in India enjoy, including Muslim communities,” he said.He added that such narratives run contrary to India’s “fundamental ethos” and instead reflect “the sectarianism and terrorist mentality that this country has perpetuated since its inception.”
Harish’s mention of “air-bombing campaigns in this holy month of Ramadan” came amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Afghanistan has alleged that around 400 people were killed and about 250 injured in an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on Monday night, with Taliban spokespersons blaming Pakistan. However, Pakistani media outlet Samaa, citing security sources, rejected the allegation and termed the claim that a drug treatment hospital was struck as “ridiculous”.Pakistani authorities have maintained that the strikes targeted Taliban-linked military infrastructure in Kabul and Nangarhar and were carried out with “no collateral damage”.
The controversy surrounding ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ from the upcoming film ‘KD: The Devil’, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, has escalated further as the Government has reportedly stepped in amid allegations that the track contains vulgar and sexually suggestive lyrics and visuals. Ever since the song was released, it has been facing backlash across social media for its obscene lyrics and visuals. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice regarding the matter post which, the Hindi version of the song was removed from Youtube. Meanwhile, now, as per the latest update, the Government of India has also told the censor board to remove the song from all platforms. According to sources quoted by India Today, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has instructed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take strict action if the claims are verified. The ministry has reportedly asked the board to ensure that the song is removed from all media platforms should the allegations prove to be true. Officials have also indicated that authorities may intensify monitoring of obscene or objectionable material in films and music videos. If necessary, changes to film certification rules could be considered to curb the circulation of content that is seen as indecent or harmful to public morality.The track, which which Sanjay Dutt alongside Nora Fatehi, has drawn criticism from several quarters. Critics argue that the song’s lyrics, visuals and dance moves promote vulgarity and objectify women, sparking concerns about the possible influence such content may have on younger audiences.Lyricist Raqueeb Alam who has been credited for the Hindi version of the song has now denied writing these controversial lines. He told HT City, “Yeh lyrics maine nahi likhe hain, they were written by the film’s director Prem in Kannada. When I was asked to write all this, I refused, saying such songs won’t work, and will be censored too. They told me to only literally translate the Kannada version and give it to them, they will set it to the song’s meter. Words like ‘Choosega’, ‘chaatega’ are all there in the original version only.”
European Union has imposed sanctions against two China-based and one Iranian company for cyberattacks against EU member states. The European Union has announced sanctions on China-based Integrity Technology Group and Anxun Information Technology, also known as i-Soon. Other than these two technology companies, EU has also banned Iranian company Emennet Pasargad on the same charges. European Union has also banned the two Chinese companies co-founders Chen Cheng and Wu Haibo from entering Europe.As per a report in Plitico, Integrity Technology Group facilitated the activities of a Chinese state hacking group dubbed Flax Typhoon, which security officials say has targeted organizations in Taiwan for espionage purposes. Flax Typhoon reportedly used Integrity’s products and technology to hack into more than 65,000 devices in six EU member countries, the Council of the EU said on Monday. The U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned Integrity in January 2025.
The Council adopted today (March 16) restrictive measures against three entities and two individuals responsible for cyber-attacks carried out against EU member states and EU partners.The Council has listed Integrity Technology Group, a China-based company, that has routinely provided products used to compromise and access devices in EU members states, across Europe and worldwide. Between 2022 and 2023, through their technical and material support, more than 65,000 devices were hacked across six member states.Similarly, Anxun Information Technology, a China-based company, has provided hacking services aimed at the critical infrastructure and critical functions of member states and third countries. The two Chinese individuals also listed today by the Council, are co-founders of the company and were responsible for and involved in cyber-attacks affecting EU member states.Lastly, the Iranian company Emennet Pasargad has unlawfully gained access to a French subscriber database and advertised its contents for sale on the dark web. They also compromised advertising billboards to spread disinformation during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Additionally, the company compromised a Swedish SMS service, impacting a large number of EU citizens.Those listed today under both regimes are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Natural persons also face a travel ban that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories.With today’s listings the EU horizontal cyber sanctions regime now applies to 19 individuals and 7 entities.Today’s decision confirms EU’s and its member states’ willingness to provide a strong and sustained response to persistent malicious cyber activities targeting the EU, its member states and partners. The EU and its member states will continue to cooperate with our international partners to promote an open, free, stable and secure cyberspace.
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday said that the energy crisis in India still remains a matter of concern amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, it assured consumers not to panic over LPG supplies.During an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, advised judicious consumption of LPG and also advised using alternate sources for cooking.“On the issue of LPG, I would like to reiterate that the situation still remains a matter of concern. However, no LPG distributor is facing a dry-out situation at present. In addition, LPG supplies and cylinder deliveries for all domestic consumers are continuing as usual. With regard to online booking, I would like to inform you that there has been significant improvement, and as of today, nearly 94% of cylinder bookings are being made online. There has also been improvement in the delivery authentication code system, which has now reached 76%. As far as commercial LPG supplies are concerned, these were initially completely halted but were later partially restored,” Sharma said.“Cylinders that were placed at the disposal of various state governments and Union Territories are also being distributed. Several governments, including those of Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, have already issued allocation orders for non-domestic LPG,” she added.“Petrol and diesel are available in sufficient quantity. Regarding natural gas, as I told you, the Government of India is making efforts, and it would be beneficial if all commercial LPG consumers shifted to PNG,” Sharma said.Sharma also warned against hoarding and black marketing, saying that adequate measures are in place to ensure smooth distribution across the country.“Regarding enforcement action, so far, about twelve thousand raids have been conducted in the last few days. About fifteen thousand cylinders have been seized… Yesterday in Delhi, about six hundred cylinders were seized. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, about four hundred and fifty inspections and raids have been conducted in the last few days. Ten people have also been arrested. In Jammu and Kashmir, five hundred and sixty-four raids have been conducted, FIRs have been filed, and arrests have also been made. In Kerala, about a thousand raids and inspections have been conducted, and domestic and commercial cylinders have been seized. In Madhya Pradesh, too, about twelve hundred raids have been conducted, and about eighteen hundred cylinders have been seized,” she said.“Apart from this, the inspection teams of our oil marketing companies have also been activated, and surprise inspections have been conducted at about two and a half thousand retail outlets and LPG distributorships,” she added.State governments are undertaking enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and black marketing of petrol, diesel and LPG. Raids are being carried out in several states to check hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been activated for certain sectors, including hospitality and restaurants, to ease pressure on LPG supplies.The shortage of LPG has emerged amid global energy supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
NEW DELHI: A fresh controversy has erupted in the cricketing world after Pakistan-born England cricketer Azeem Rafiq strongly criticised batting great Sunil Gavaskar for his remarks on Indian-owned franchises signing Pakistan players in overseas leagues.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The debate was triggered after Abrar Ahmed was picked by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 in The Hundred auction, making him the first Pakistan cricketer to join an Indian-owned team in the competition. The move sparked backlash among Indian fans, prompting Gavaskar to weigh in with a strong opinion.
Writing in his Mid-day column, Gavaskar said Indian-owned franchises should refrain from signing Pakistan players, arguing that such financial transactions could indirectly contribute to harm against India. “The furore… is hardly surprising,” he wrote, adding that payments made to players eventually go to their government through taxes, which could be used for military purposes. “If the owner is Indian then he or she is contributing to the Indian casualties. It’s as simple as that,” he stated, also warning of possible fan protests and boycotts.Rafiq, however, did not hold back in his response. Sharing Gavaskar’s comments on social media, he wrote: “This is absolutely ridiculous & should be condemned… How are these comments acceptable? I don’t care how many runs you have scored. Vile stuff from Gavaskar.” His sharp reaction quickly gained traction, adding another layer to the already heated debate.

After the Hundred auction, Sunrisers Leeds head coach Daniel Vettori defended the signing, insisting it was purely based on cricketing needs. He revealed that the franchise turned to Abrar after missing out on England leg-spinner Adil Rashid, highlighting the Pakistan spinner’s variations and effectiveness, especially in powerplays.Meanwhile, Rajeev Shukla clarified that the BCCI has no jurisdiction over franchise decisions in foreign leagues, leaving the matter entirely to the team management.The episode has once again spotlighted the complex intersection of sport, politics and public sentiment, with Rafiq’s blunt criticism ensuring that Gavaskar’s remarks remain firmly in the spotlight.