The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that lowering the age of consent from 18 is not feasible, emphasizing its role in safeguarding minors from sexual abuse, often within trusted environments. While advocating for strict enforcement to uphold child protection laws, the Centre acknowledged judicial discretion in adolescent romantic relationships. Data indicates most offenses are by known individuals, making consent a problematic defense.
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Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera, 19, tragically died after a fall during the Tour of the Aoste Valley-Mont Blanc. The accident occurred on Wednesday's first stage, with the cause still under investigation. Privitera, riding for Hagens Berman Jayco, was promptly assisted and taken to a hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.
In Himachal Pradesh's Bharmour, students face peril daily. They must cross a raging rivulet to attend school. Villagers plead for a bridge or culvert. Their requests remain unanswered. Pilgrims visiting Banni Mata temple also suffer. The Chamba deputy commissioner promised a culvert before the next monsoon. This will channel water under the road. It will ensure safer passage for all.
Cambodia urged an immediate ceasefire with Thailand following two days of intense cross-border conflict. The clashes occurred near the Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom temples. Both nations exchanged rockets and artillery fire. The United Nations Security Council addressed the situation. Casualties included soldiers and civilians on both sides.
Rajasthan Royals discovered Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a batting prodigy, at just 11 years old. Kumar Sangakkara, impressed by his talent during trials facing international bowlers, highlighted his exceptional technique and powerful bat swing. Suryavanshi later became the youngest IPL player, showcasing his explosive batting with a remarkable 35-ball century.
Gita Gopinath, the IMF's First Deputy Managing Director, will depart at the end of August to return to Harvard University. Her exit, surprising to many, opens an opportunity for the U.S. Treasury to propose a successor amidst global trade dynamic shifts. Gopinath, the first female chief economist, joined the IMF in 2019 and was promoted in 2022.
Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu met to improve India-Maldives relations after a period of strain caused by the "India Out" campaign and diplomatic disputes. Discussions covered trade, defence, and infrastructure, with India handing over vehicles to the Maldives.
In a joint operation, Patna Police and West Bengal STF apprehended five individuals in New Town, near Kolkata, concerning the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra. Mishra, a convicted murderer from Buxar, Bihar, was shot dead inside a Patna private hospital on Thursday while out on parole.
The Indian Embassy in Thailand has advised its citizens to avoid areas near the Thailand-Cambodia border due to ongoing deadly clashes. Fighting has escalated, involving heavy weaponry and resulting in casualties and mass displacement. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has identified specific restricted zones across seven provinces.
Enforcement Directorate in Hyderabad summons several Telugu film celebrities. Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Prakash Raj are among those called. They are accused of promoting illegal online betting apps. The celebrities allegedly misled youth with deceptive advertisements. The ED has intensified its investigation. This case has created a stir in Tollywood. New guidelines to regulate betting apps are expected.
The death of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera in Gettysburg, while on tour with the infamous Annabelle doll, has sparked unease. Although authorities confirmed Annabelle was not present in his hotel room, the timing of his death has rattled believers.