A Delhi court on Monday stayed the filing of an FIR against Abhijit Iyer Mitra, who has been accused of making derogatory and sexually abusive remarks against nine women journalists associated with online media outlet Newslaundry.

Purushottam Pathak, an Additional Sessions Judge, passed the interim order while hearing Mitra’s plea challenging a magistrate’s 23 April direction to register an FIR.

The court stayed the filing of the FIR till 28 May, the next date of hearing. A detailed order is awaited.

Allegations over posts targeting journalists

Mitra has been accused of posting derogatory tweets against Manisha Pande, editorial director of Newslaundry, along with eight other women journalists.

According to the complaint, a tweet dated 28 April 2025 containing the alleged remarks was submitted as evidence, along with another post dated 8 February 2025 in which Mitra allegedly made sexually abusive comments.

Earlier order flagged ‘sexually coloured remarks’

In its 23 April order, the magistrate court observed that the content of the posts qualified as sexually coloured remarks and appeared intended to insult the modesty of the complainants.

The court held that the allegations disclosed cognisable offences under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, specifically Sections 75 and 79.

“Police investigation is also necessary to trace and recover the computer/electronic device from which the said tweets were published. This court is also of the view that the action taken report filed in the case is not satisfactory,” the order said.

Interim relief, final decision pending

With the sessions court now granting interim relief, the matter will be taken up again on 28 May, when further arguments are expected.

The case centres on the legal threshold for initiating criminal proceedings in cases involving online speech and allegations of harassment targeting women journalists.

A crucial meeting of the trustees of Tata Trusts scheduled for 8 May is expected to have far-reaching implications for governance within the Tata Group, as well as the future of Tata Sons.

At the centre of the discussions is the proposed reappointment of Venu Srinivasan, chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor, and former defence secretary Vijay Singh. Their positions have gained significance given the ongoing differences among trustees over key strategic issues.

Tata Trusts holds a substantial influence over Tata Sons, with representation accounting for roughly one-third of the holding company’s board. Any change in trustee composition, particularly if Srinivasan were to step aside, could alter the balance of power and further complicate internal dynamics.

Legal experts note that recent regulatory developments have added another layer of complexity. Amendments to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950 now limit the proportion of lifetime trustees to 25 per cent of the total board strength. According to Amit A Tungare, Managing Partner at Asahi Legal, the developments point to a broader contest over control of Tata Trusts, with direct implications for the composition of the Tata Sons board.

The debate also ties into the long-standing question of whether Tata Sons should pursue a public listing. Both Srinivasan and Singh are understood to favour such a move, while Noel Tata is believed to be more cautious, potentially seeking to avoid internal divergence on the issue.

People familiar with the matter indicate that the recent amendment provides some clarity but also raises questions around the tenure and structure of trusteeship, particularly in relation to lifetime appointments.

Meanwhile, regulatory pressure on Tata Sons has increased. The Reserve Bank of India has introduced a framework that could categorise large non-banking financial entities as part of an upper regulatory tier, often described as “shadow banks”. Given its asset size — estimated at Rs 1.75 trillion — Tata Sons could fall within this category, which entails stricter oversight.

Under earlier guidelines, Tata Sons, classified as a core investment company, was required to list by 30 September 2025. Although that deadline has passed, recent regulatory changes may influence the path forward.

As the trustees convene later this week, their decisions are likely to shape not only the governance of Tata Trusts but also the strategic direction of the wider Tata Group.

With PTI inputs

India’s benchmark equity indices surrendered a portion of their early gains on Monday as investors turned cautious and booked profits following a strong start to the session.

The BSE Sensex surged nearly 1,000 points in early trade to touch 77,910.75, while the Nifty 50 climbed close to the 24,300 level, buoyed by supportive domestic cues. However, by mid-afternoon, both indices had eased from their highs. The Sensex was up 334.24 points, or 0.43 per cent, at 77,247.74, while the Nifty traded 113.40 points higher, or 0.47 per cent, at 24,110.95.

Market participants attributed the pullback primarily to profit booking after the initial rally, which had been driven by encouraging April auto sales figures, softer crude oil prices earlier in the day and broadly favourable political signals.

Investor sentiment also remained under pressure due to continued selling by foreign institutional investors. Recent data showed sustained outflows, which have weighed on market momentum and limited the upside.

Political developments, including ongoing vote counting in several states, had a limited and short-lived influence on market direction.

According to V.K. Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Investments, market reactions to election trends are likely to remain temporary, with investors focusing more on global developments, particularly tensions in West Asia.

Currency movements added to the cautious mood. The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar, reflecting pressure from rising crude oil prices and continued foreign capital outflows. Oil-importing economies such as India remain sensitive to fluctuations in global energy prices.

Brent crude prices edged higher during the session, reversing earlier losses and adding to inflationary concerns. The uptick in oil prices, alongside geopolitical uncertainties, contributed to the subdued sentiment in equities.

From a technical perspective, analysts noted signs of resilience despite the volatility. Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, said recent price patterns suggest that bulls are attempting to regain control, although elevated volatility levels may persist in the near term. He indicated that the Nifty could move towards the 25,000–25,600 range, with the immediate trading band seen between 24,050 and 24,350.

Overall, while domestic fundamentals provided early support, global uncertainties and cautious investor behaviour kept gains in check.

With IANS inputs

India’s air traffic witnessed a slowdown in April, with both domestic and international passenger volumes declining compared to March, according to figures released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Domestic carriers handled around 14.08 million passengers during the month, marking a 4 per cent drop both year-on-year and on a monthly basis. The decline was more pronounced in international travel, where passenger numbers fell by 20 per cent month-on-month to approximately 2.83 million.

The dip has been attributed largely to disruptions in the West Asia, where ongoing tensions affected flight schedules and reduced connectivity across key transit routes.

However, there are signs of gradual recovery. The UAE’s aviation authorities recently confirmed the full restoration of normal air navigation services, following the withdrawal of precautionary restrictions. In response, both Indian and UAE airlines have begun scaling up services between the two countries.

Flight operations across other parts of the West Asia are also improving. Services from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India continue as scheduled, while airspace in Qatar remains partially accessible, with select airlines operating routes between the two countries.

Air traffic from Kuwait and Bahrain has normalised, with multiple carriers running regular services to India. Meanwhile, limited operations have resumed in Iraq and Israel, enabling onward travel to Indian destinations.

Iran’s airspace is still only partially open, primarily for cargo and chartered flights. Authorities have advised Indian nationals to avoid travel to the country and have encouraged those currently there to exit via land routes with assistance from the Indian Embassy. To date, over 2,500 Indian citizens have been helped to leave Iran through these arrangements.

While the situation remains fluid, aviation authorities indicate that connectivity between India and the West Asia is steadily stabilising.

With IANS inputs

Opposition parties in Odisha on Monday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to maintain law and order after a man was chased and brutally attacked in broad daylight in Puri district, triggering political outrage.

The incident occurred in Kanas area of Puri district on Saturday, where a group of assailants allegedly chased a man through a crowded marketplace, attacked him with a sharp weapon and ran over him with a motorcycle, according to police and local sources.

The victim, identified as 35-year-old Mrutyunjaya Bharimal of Dokanda village, was critically injured and initially taken to a local hospital before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. His condition remains critical, police said.

Police cite past enmity, form teams to nab accused

Prateek Singh, the Puri Superintendent of Police, said preliminary findings suggest past enmity between rival groups may have led to the attack.

“The injured man has a criminal record. The Puri police have formed three special teams to nab the accused persons,” the SP said.

Sources indicated the assault took place barely half a kilometre from a police station, raising further concerns over security.

Opposition alleges breakdown of law and order

Former CM Naveen Patnaik said the incident showed that lawlessness in the state had “crossed all limits”.

“In what direction is the BJP government taking Odisha? The sight of miscreants banding together in broad daylight during the afternoon to brutally and mercilessly carry out a fatal attack on a young man has left the entire populace of Odisha shaken and terrified,” Patnaik said.

He questioned the state’s governance, asking, “Is there rule of law in Odisha, then? Due to the BJP government's inertia and incompetence, criminals are roaming about completely fearless. Ordinary citizens have been gripped by fear and terror.”

The Leader of Opposition further alleged that public trust in governance was eroding.

“People's trust in Odisha's governance system is on the verge of shattering. How much more disastrous does lawlessness have to become before the government wakes up from its slumber?” he asked.

Congress raises alarm over delayed action

Former state minister Bhakta Charan Das also criticised the state government, calling the incident a serious indicator of deteriorating law and order.

“The incident of brutal violence at Pipili Kanas Golabazar continues to raise serious concerns over the prevailing law & order situation in the state. Even after 24 hours, the absence of prompt and decisive action is deeply concerning. People of Odisha deserve a secure environment. BJP Govt must act firmly without delay to uphold law and order,” Das said.

The attack, captured in a widely circulated video, has intensified political sparring in the state, with opposition parties using the incident to question the BJP government’s handling of public safety.

Police said investigations are underway and efforts are on to identify and arrest those involved in the assault.

Political tensions have escalated in Bihar after a portion of the Vikramshila Bridge in Bhagalpur collapsed, triggering sharp exchanges between the Opposition and the ruling NDA government, along with fresh allegations of corruption.

Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticised the government on social media platform X, alleging large-scale corruption in the construction and maintenance of the bridge. Sharing images of the damaged structure, he claimed that repeated warnings about its condition had been ignored. He further said the collapse into the Ganges River was a direct consequence of negligence and graft, adding that concerns he raised last month went unaddressed.

Yadav also alleged that more than 100 bridges and culverts have collapsed across the state over the past two years, attributing the trend to systemic corruption. He noted that although several vehicles were on the bridge at the time, a major tragedy was narrowly averted as no vehicle was directly on the section that gave way.

The state government has since initiated action. The Road Construction Department has suspended an Executive Engineer for alleged negligence. Chief minister Samrat Choudhary has held discussions with Union defence minister Rajnath Singh regarding urgent repair measures, with sources indicating that assistance from the Indian Army may be sought to expedite restoration.

The incident occurred around 12:50 am on Monday, when an approximately 33-metre stretch of the 4.7-kilometre-long bridge collapsed into the river. Swift administrative action in halting traffic helped prevent any loss of life.

However, the collapse has severely disrupted connectivity across nearly 16 districts, including the Seemanchal region and parts of Jharkhand, affecting the daily commute of around one lakh people. The bridge, a key infrastructure link, has undergone repairs three times over the past decade, raising fresh concerns over construction quality, maintenance standards and infrastructure oversight in the state.

With agency inputs

Japan witnessed its largest wave of protests in support of its pacifist Constitution in recent years as prime minister Sanae Takaichi renewed her push for revising the country’s post-war charter, triggering a sharp political and public backlash.

Speaking during a visit to Vietnam, Takaichi called for “advanced discussions” on constitutional reform, arguing that the document — drafted under US occupation after World War II — should be updated to “reflect the demands of the times”.

Article 9 at centre of political battle

At the heart of the debate is Article 9, the so-called pacifist clause, which renounces war and prohibits Japan from maintaining traditional military forces.

Takaichi and conservative leaders within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have long argued that the provision limits Japan’s ability to respond to rising security challenges from China and North Korea.

While legislative changes in recent years have allowed limited collective self-defence, the prime minister has made formal constitutional revision a central agenda of her administration.

Any amendment would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Japan’s parliament and approval in a national referendum.

Tens of thousands rally in defence of pacifism

On Constitutional Memorial Day, an estimated 50,000 people gathered in Tokyo, with similar demonstrations reported across multiple cities, reflecting growing public mobilisation against proposed changes.

Protesters argued that the Constitution has preserved peace and prevented Japan from being drawn into overseas conflicts.

“Under Takaichi, Japan is following America like a dog follows its owner,” said Hiroko Maekawa, a Tokyo ward councillor.

“The LDP wants to turn the self-defence forces into a traditional military, because they know the constitution, as it is, prevents them from doing that.”

Another councillor, Megumi Koike, described the Constitution as “a national treasure and a treasure to the world”, opposing any fundamental changes.

Public opinion remains divided

Recent opinion polls indicate a split among Japanese citizens over constitutional reform.

A survey by the conservative Yomiuri Shimbun showed 57 per cent support for revision, while a poll by the liberal Asahi Shimbun found support at 47 per cent, underscoring a deeply polarised public debate.

Many protesters emphasised the Constitution’s role in maintaining stability since its enactment in 1947, with some older participants recalling its significance in rebuilding a war-ravaged nation.

“I want to cherish the constitution like I do my own child, and pass it on to the next generation,” said 87-year-old protester Haruka Watanabe in Osaka.

Security tensions shaping the debate

The constraints of Article 9 were recently highlighted when Takaichi reportedly declined a request from Donald Trump to deploy Japan’s maritime self-defence forces to the Strait of Hormuz, citing constitutional limitations.

Despite mounting pressure from allies and regional security concerns, critics argue that revising the Constitution risks eroding Japan’s long-standing pacifist identity.

Debate enters decisive phase

Takaichi signalled that prolonged deliberation was no longer viable, saying policymakers must move towards a decision.

“We mustn’t have discussion just for discussion’s sake,” she said, stressing the need for political consensus.

With protests intensifying and public opinion divided, the push to revise Japan’s Constitution is shaping up as one of the most consequential political battles in the country in decades.

Bangladesh is witnessing mounting concern over press freedom, with journalists’ groups and legal experts alleging widespread intimidation, arrests and punitive action during the 18-month tenure of the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

According to local reports, critics have called for an end to the ongoing “deadlock” and demanded the immediate release of journalists allegedly jailed in “false cases”.

Data cited by Bangladeshi daily Bangla Tribune, based on findings of the Anti-Repression Journalist Front, paints a troubling picture: more than 500 cases have been filed against journalists nationwide since 5 August 2024. Nearly 50 journalists have been arrested, 13 have been killed, and around 1,200 have reportedly lost their jobs. In addition, 168 press accreditation cards have been revoked.

The clampdown appears to extend beyond arrests. Reports indicate that memberships of over 700 journalists across various press clubs — including the National Press Club — have been suspended or cancelled. Allegations have also surfaced that more than 50 journalists have had their bank accounts frozen and have been barred from leaving the country.

As concerns deepen, the situation has also drawn comparisons with regional trends. In India, press freedom has remained a subject of debate, with the country ranked 159th out of 180 nations in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. Recent data further shows India ranked 157th in 2026, placing it below Bangladesh, which stands at 152nd. While the rankings reflect challenges such as legal pressures, ownership patterns and safety concerns for journalists, the Indian government has contested the methodology, maintaining that the media landscape remains diverse and vibrant.

Sheikh Jamal, member secretary of the Anti-Repression Journalist Front, raised serious concerns about the condition of detained journalists. “There is no proper food and medical treatment for them in prison. They are given food mixed with chemicals. Those who are coming out of prison are experiencing problems with their blood, urine, kidneys, and liver,” he told the Bangla Tribune. “Those who go to prison come back sick,” he added, citing his own experience.

Jamal further named several journalists — including Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Haque Babu and Farzana Rupa — who he claimed are in poor health and require urgent advanced medical care.

Legal experts have also questioned the process. Manzil Morshed, senior Supreme Court advocate and president of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), said the continued detention of journalists reflects systemic issues. “Jailed journalists are not being released due to legal obstacles, the current system, and professional failures,” he said.

Expressing broader concern, Morshed added, “We still don’t have media freedom. Some journalists are working with specific motives to please someone. This is not good for independent media.” He also cast doubt on the severity of charges brought against many reporters, noting that allegations — including serious ones like murder — may not stand up to judicial scrutiny. “Two hundred million people in this country know that these allegations are nothing,” he asserted.

As concerns deepen, the situation has sparked renewed debate over the state of democracy, rule of law and press freedom in Bangladesh.

With IANS inputs

The spectre of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh came back to haunt the sport again with Olympian Vinesh Phogat identifying herself as one of the six female wrestlers who were sexually harassed by the official.

The admission made by the wrestler in a video statement on Sunday, 3 May was part of a tirade in which Vinesh said Brij Bhushan was trying to scuttle her comeback bid in the Asian Games later this year. She alleged that the WFI’s decision to hold ranking tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh — a personal stronghold for Brij Bhushan — is not going to provide her a level playing field under any circumstances.

‘’He (Brij Bhushan) has his own private college and this competition is being organised there. That every hardworking athlete will get their due there — this is something very unlikely and almost impossible,’’ said Vinesh, who missed out on a medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 after being ‘overweight’ by 100 grams in the weigh-in. A tearful Vinesh then bid adieu to the sport and took a plunge into politics before announcing her comeback from retirement.

Vinesh further alleged that despite Brij Bhushan's official removal, the federation remains under his de facto control through current chief Sanjay Singh. ‘’Who will referee whose match, how many points a referee will give... all of this will be controlled by Brij Bhushan and his people. And the government and our sports ministry are watching this as silent spectators.

‘’You can imagine — going to his place, to his own college where every person would be connected to him... going there and competing in such a situation is extremely difficult. Even after that, whether I will be able to go there and give my 100 per cent — I do not think so."

The cases against Singh first made global headlines in 2023 when three top wrestlers — Vinesh and Olympic medallists Sakshi Mallik and Bajrang Punia — led months of sit-in protests at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, which took a dramatic turn when police detained them during a march to India’s new Parliament building. Footage of the Olympic medallists being dragged through the streets sparked international condemnation, including a rare rebuke from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

Brij Bhushan, a former BJP MP, was cleared in a separate sexual harassment case filed by an underage female wrestler. A Delhi court accepted a police report recommending the cancellation of that specific case after the complainant reportedly withdrew her statement last year.

However, Brij Bhushan — who has consistently denied all allegations — still faces serious charges of sexual harassment and stalking in the ongoing case involving Vinesh and five other adult female wrestlers. ‘’The Supreme Court guidelines say that the identity of any victim should not be revealed because it concerns their dignity and honour,’’ Vinesh said, before adding: ‘’But today, due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you all something. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending... But I want to say that I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing.’’

In the broken neighbourhoods of Khan Younis and Deir el-Balah, silence is a stranger. The buzz of Israeli drones and the thunder of controlled demolitions ripple through the air, a stark reminder that even under a so-called ceasefire, the war has never truly loosened its grip on the Gaza Strip, the Al Jazeera reported.

Since the truce was declared in October, grief has continued to seep through the rubble. Local medical sources report that at least 828 Palestinians have been killed in the intervening months — each number a life interrupted, each statistic a story buried beneath debris. Now, as Israeli officials signal the possibility of renewed hostilities, families brace once more for the storm.

In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly cancelled a scheduled security cabinet meeting, opting instead for closed-door consultations. Within military circles, the rhetoric has sharpened. A senior General Staff official, speaking to Channel 15, warned that another round of fighting was “almost inevitable,” citing Hamas’s refusal to disarm and the perceived failure of international mechanisms meant to uphold the ceasefire.

On the ground, facts are shifting as steadily as the front lines. Reports from Israel’s Army Radio suggest that Israeli forces have been quietly expanding their footprint, nudging the ceasefire’s “Yellow Line” westward and extending control over nearly 59 per cent of the enclave. Reinforcements, redirected from the Lebanese front, now flow into Gaza and the occupied West Bank, tightening an already suffocating grip.

Meanwhile, in Cairo, diplomacy unfolds with mounting urgency. Mediators are pressing Palestinian factions to accept a new roadmap championed by Nikolay Mladenov, tied to a broader vision backed by Donald Trump. The proposal demands the phased disarmament of Hamas within 281 days — linking humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and the reopening of crossings to the surrender of weapons.

Palestinian factions, however, have drawn a firm line. Leaders from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine have collectively rejected the terms, insisting instead on the full implementation of the ceasefire’s initial phase — particularly the unimpeded entry of 600 aid trucks daily, a provision they say Israel has repeatedly blocked.

For analysts like Wissam Afifa, the impasse is about more than weapons. “The resistance insists that disarmament is tied to the ambition of establishing a Palestinian state and a complete end to the occupation,” he told Al Jazeera, warning that separating security from political rights risks turning humanitarian relief into leverage.

Others see a deeper strategy at play. Mamoun Abu Amer, an expert on Israeli affairs, described the escalating rhetoric as a “smoke screen” — a calculated move to bolster Netanyahu’s domestic standing ahead of looming elections, even as Israel grapples with mounting pressure across multiple fronts, including the unresolved tensions in southern Lebanon.

Yet for those living amid the ruins, strategy and speculation offer little solace. The toll of war continues to climb, with at least 72,608 Palestinians reported killed since the conflict began. Even as ceasefire lines are drawn and redrawn on maps, the reality on the ground remains unchanged: a people suspended between fragile calm and the ever-present shadow of another devastating war.

The tremors of geopolitical unrest in West Asia — set in motion in February — have rippled across the skies, casting a shadow over one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors. At the heart of this turbulence, Dubai International Airport witnessed a dramatic ebb in passenger traffic, with March volumes reportedly plunging by a staggering 66 per cent amid disruptions linked to the conflict in Iran.

The sharp contraction weighed heavily on quarterly performance, pulling first-quarter footfall down to nearly 25 lakh passengers — a decline of 21 per cent compared to the same period last year. The airport, long celebrated as a global crossroads of connectivity, found its rhythm disrupted by a series of operational setbacks, including precautionary shutdowns triggered by drone-related incidents in nearby areas. These episodes sent shockwaves through regional airspace, grounding flights and dampening travel demand across West Asia.

Yet, beneath the cloud of uncertainty, there remains a quiet resilience. Authorities have signalled that the underlying appetite for travel endures, waiting to rebound as stability returns. Chief executive officer Paul Griffiths expressed confidence in recovery, noting that the airport stands ready to accommodate a resurgence in traffic as capacity is gradually restored — reaffirming its stature as a vital artery of global aviation.

India continued to anchor the airport’s traffic base, emerging as the largest source market with 25 lakh passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Among destinations, London led the charts with 7.52 lakh passengers, trailed by Mumbai and Jeddah.

The fragility of the moment was underscored in March, when flights were briefly suspended after a drone struck a fuel tank in the vicinity of the airport. In a swift response prioritising safety, operations were halted, with passengers advised to remain in close contact with their airlines for updates.

Amid the flux, airlines have begun cautiously stitching back their networks. Air India Express resumed services to Qatar and Bahrain, while maintaining operations to key Gulf destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Muscat, Riyadh, Dammam, and Doha. Services to Kuwait, too, remain woven into its Gulf network.

For now, the skies over West Asia carry both the weight of conflict and the promise of recovery — an aviation landscape poised between disruption and renewal.

With IANS inputs