The Centre has announced funding and mentorship for the 28 innovators who won the Tomato Grand Challenge, a hackathon aimed at finding solutions for stabilising the tomato supply chain. The funding will be provided by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and will help in implementing scalable solutions. This initiative comes as a step towards addressing the issue of fluctuating tomato prices and ensuring food security for all.
As Iran braces for a turbulent political future amid widespread protests and ongoing tensions with Israel, speculation is rising that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been secretly chosen as the nation's next Supreme Leader. Amid reports of Khamenei's failing health, a recent secret meeting of Iran's Assembly of Experts allegedly resulted in the unanimous selection of Mojtaba as his successor. However, this succession comes with its own set of challenges as the political landscape in Iran has polarized and other influential figures who could serve as kingmakers have died, leaving the future of Iran's leadership uncertain.
According to a report by Iran International, Iran's Assembly of Experts has secretly elected Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor while the 85-year-old leader battles a serious illness. The selection was made on September 26 in a highly secretive meeting called by Khamenei without prior notice, indicating a potential power shift in Iran. Mojtaba has been groomed for leadership and is seen as Khamenei's most trusted and influential confidant, with sources saying the transition could happen during his father's lifetime to ensure a smooth handover of power.
In a major development, the Supreme Court has deferred the hearing of pleas seeking to criminalize marital rape due to the impending retirement of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The bench, led by the Chief Justice himself, began hearing the matter but will not be able to complete it before his retirement on November 10, 2024. The matter will now have to be heard by another bench, causing further delay for the petitioners and sparking regret among those involved. The matter has been postponed due to the need for additional time and coordination from all parties involved in the case.
Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India, is known for his progressive judgements and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution. With a legacy inherited from his father, the longest-serving CJI, Justice Chandrachud has become one of the most influential and respected judges in the Supreme Court. Notably, his lead judgement in the historic right to privacy case and his stance against the criminalisation of same-sex relations under Section 377 have solidified his reputation as a champion of individual rights and liberties.
Supreme Court Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud shared his experiences working on the controversial Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute case, stating that it was a difficult case to adjudicate. He revealed that he even prayed to God to help find a solution. This statement was made during his address to a gathering in a village in Khed taluka. Soon after, the 5-judge bench, led by Justice Chandrachud, delivered the verdict in November 2019, allowing the construction of a Ram Temple on the disputed site. The judge also mentioned that regular prayers and faith can lead to finding a solution in challenging cases.
During his felicitation ceremony, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud revealed that he sought divine intervention during the proceedings of the Ayodhya dispute case. He sat before the deity and asked for a solution to the complicated matter, which was eventually resolved by the Supreme Court in November 2019. The CJI also stressed the importance of taking responsibility for the effects of climate change, which affects not only affluent societies but also the most marginalized communities.
In a major win for spiritual leader Sadhguru, the Supreme Court has dismissed a habeas corpus petition against his ashram, Isha Yoga Centre, made by a retired professor claiming that his two daughters were being held captive and brainwashed there. The court deemed the allegations "completely inappropriate" and cited the women's statements that they were living in the ashram voluntarily. The apex court criticized the malafide intent behind the petition, calling for more responsible use of the court's time. The court also stated that closure of the case would not affect any regulatory compliances, such as the requirement for an internal complaint committee in institutions with women and minors.
The Supreme Court will be hearing a petition today regarding the normalisation of marks, answer keys, and results for NEET PG 2024. Students have raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process, while the National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has cited the difficulty of generating new questions as the reason for not releasing answer keys. With experts warning of a potential 'tripledemic' this winter in the UK and India, the transparency of entrance exams becomes even more crucial in ensuring the selection of qualified candidates for medical courses.
Kabir Singhania, the rising star in the world of cricket, has become a household name among Indian fans. His unmatched analytic skills and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him the go-to person for all things cricket. Starting from humble beginnings, Kabir's rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable, solidifying his position as Asia's leading cricket analyst.