The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at nine premises in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged bogus Input Tax Credit (ITC) network. The searches were carried out by the agency's Lucknow Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, covering locations in Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Faridabad in Haryana. According to officials, the case involves an alleged fraudulent ITC scheme worth nearly ₹19.91 crore. 

What ED investigation found

The investigation stems from alleged fraudulent transactions involving an import-export company. According to the findings cited by the authorities, the entities involved allegedly generated and transferred bogus ITC using fabricated invoices and e-way bills without any actual movement of goods. The suspected network allegedly used multiple fictitious and non-existent entities to create the appearance of genuine commercial transactions. 

Officials said the alleged fraud involved the fraudulent availment of ₹9.63 crore in ITC, while another ₹10.28 crore was allegedly passed on through the network. The combined amount represents the alleged wrongful loss to government revenue under the transactions being investigated. The ED is treating the proceeds linked to the alleged activity as proceeds of crime under the PMLA. 

Money trail under scrutiny

Investigators are examining financial records, digital material and other documents recovered during the searches to establish the flow of funds and identify people or entities that may have benefited from the alleged transactions. The suspected modus operandi involved circular transactions and layering of funds through several entities, followed by withdrawals or transfers, according to officials. 

Bogus ITC cases generally involve invoices being issued or circulated without a corresponding supply of goods or services, allowing entities to claim or pass on tax credit that is not backed by genuine business activity. The ED has previously investigated similar networks involving fictitious entities created specifically for the generation and circulation of fraudulent ITC. 

Probe continues

The latest searches are part of the ED's investigation into the money-laundering aspects of the alleged tax fraud. The agency's broader enforcement activity under the PMLA includes cases involving fraudulent ITC utilisation and layering of funds through shell or non-existent entities. 

The investigation is continuing, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the searches and the subsequent tracing of the alleged money trail. At this stage, the allegations remain subject to investigation and any further proceedings that may follow under applicable law.

Heavy rainfall continued across several parts of north and central India over the past 24 hours, triggering waterlogging and flood-like conditions in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Several areas reported severe waterlogging, overflowing rivers and disruption to normal life as monsoon systems remained active over the region.

Bhopal Gets Over 7 Inches

Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal has been receiving continuous rainfall for the past two days. The city recorded more than 7 inches of rain in 24 hours, leading authorities to keep schools closed for two days.

Water reportedly accumulated to nearly 5 feet in some parts of the city, affecting more than 1,000 houses and disrupting movement in several neighbourhoods.

A low-pressure area is currently active over Madhya Pradesh, while the monsoon trough is passing through the Gwalior region. The weather system is drawing moisture into the state and is expected to trigger heavy rainfall in 11 districts.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious as water levels continue to rise in several locations.

Orange Alert in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has also witnessed intense rainfall, particularly across the Hadoti region.

The weather department has issued an orange alert for six districts and a yellow alert for 17 districts amid the possibility of further heavy rain.

Kota, Baran, Bundi and Jhalawar recorded up to 12 inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

The situation worsened after the gates of the Kalisindh and Chhapi dams were opened, resulting in flood-like conditions in several low-lying areas.

Cars Swept Away in Bundi

Heavy rainfall caused extensive waterlogging in Bundi, where vehicles parked along roads were reportedly swept away by rapidly moving floodwater.

The incident highlighted the dangers posed by sudden water accumulation and strong currents in urban areas following intense rainfall.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable locations and assessing the impact of the continuing downpour.

Flood Risk Rises in UP

Parts of Uttar Pradesh have also been affected by heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

In Saharanpur, a bridge built over the Gangrao River was damaged after a sudden rise in the river's flow.

The rising level of the Ganga has also increased concerns in low-lying areas. Reports said water entered around 25 houses, forcing residents to remain alert and prepare for possible evacuation.

Two Rescued in Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district, two young men were swept away by strong currents near Narhara Waterfall during heavy rainfall.

Local residents managed to rescue both men.

Authorities have repeatedly warned people against entering rivers, waterfalls and other water bodies during periods of heavy rain because water levels can rise rapidly without warning.

Families Move to Safer Areas

In Bihar's Khagaria district, residents of the Diyara region have started moving towards safer locations amid concerns over rising water levels.

Several families were seen relocating along with their livestock as a precaution.

The Diyara areas, which are situated close to river channels, are particularly vulnerable to flooding when rivers swell during the monsoon.

Waterlogging in Haryana

Heavy rain also disrupted normal life in Haryana's Gohana, where Jind Road was waterlogged.

Accumulated rainwater affected traffic movement and created difficulties for commuters.

With monsoon systems remaining active across several states, authorities are keeping a close watch on rainfall, river levels and vulnerable low-lying areas.

The coming hours will be crucial for Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where further heavy rainfall could worsen waterlogging and flood conditions.

Sharmila's victory was one of the standout moments of India's most successful day at the Games so far. Alongside her triumph, fellow Indian Shilpa K. Shyla secured bronze in the same event after an official review upgraded her finishing position, giving India its first-ever double podium finish in Commonwealth Games para athletics.

Behind the historic achievement lies a remarkable story of resilience and determination.

Born in Chitrouli village of Haryana's Mahendragarh district, Sharmila contracted polio at the age of two, leaving one of her legs permanently affected. Her father was a marginal farmer while her mother is visually impaired. Financial hardship meant she never received advanced medical treatment, and she was married at a young age.

Her personal struggles continued after marriage. According to accounts shared by Sharmila, she was abandoned by her first husband at the age of 26 and returned to her parental home with her two daughters. A few years later, she married Ajit, who encouraged her to pursue para athletics after reading about para sport in a newspaper.

Sharmila entered competitive para athletics relatively late. At the age of 34, she began training in the seated Shot Put F57 category under coaches Tek Chand and Devendra in Rewari. However, pursuing professional sport came at a significant financial cost.

In 2023, her family reportedly sold their house to fund her training, forcing them to move into rented accommodation. Despite the sacrifices, Sharmila continued preparing for national and international competitions without interruption.

Before taking up para athletics, Sharmila had briefly worked as Haryana Roadways' first woman bus conductor during the employees' strike in 2018. The appointment lasted only for the duration of the strike, after which her job ended. The experience, however, strengthened her resolve to build a career through sport.

Her performances steadily improved over the following years. She represented India at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 before winning gold at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship earlier this year, establishing herself among India's leading para throwers.

The Commonwealth Games gold is the biggest achievement of her career so far.

Following her victory, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini congratulated the athlete, while tributes poured in across the country for her inspiring journey from adversity to international success.

Speaking after the event, Sharmila dedicated the medal to her mother and said she hoped to continue bringing honours to India at future international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Paralympics.

Her success has become one of the defining stories of India's Commonwealth Games campaign, demonstrating how perseverance, family support and determination helped transform years of hardship into a historic sporting milestone.

The resident of Bhadangi village in Haryana's Rewari district cleared her Class 10 examinations through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) with 79.6 percent, securing a first division. For Sushila Devi, the certificate itself was never really the point — she returned to studies specifically to become eligible to contest her village's panchayat elections and fulfil a long-held ambition of serving as sarpanch.

Her educational journey had been cut short decades earlier. Family circumstances forced her to leave school after Class 5, and she carried the "Class 5 pass" label through marriage, raising children and years of household responsibility that left little room for formal study. But her interest in learning never fully disappeared — she kept up with newspapers daily, staying informed even as classrooms became a distant memory.

The push to return to formal education came from her son, Vishnu, who filled out her NIOS application and supported her through months of preparation. Subjects like Mathematics, Science and English felt daunting at first, but with her husband, daughters and son all pitching in, she gradually built the confidence to tackle them. Balancing household duties with her studies, she carved out three to four hours a day for exam preparation, working alongside family members who helped her through difficult material.

When the April 2026 NIOS results were declared, Sushila Devi's effort paid off in full. Her achievement has since drawn widespread appreciation in her village and beyond, with many in her community describing her as proof that learning carries no age limit.

With her Class 10 certificate now secured, Sushila Devi has cleared the educational qualification needed to contest village panchayat elections — moving her firmly closer to the sarpanch role she's aspired to for decades, and offering a rare, direct example of how education requirements at the grassroots level are pushing some of India's aspiring local leaders back into the classroom, however late in life that return comes.

Security has been significantly tightened across Haryana and the National Capital Region (NCR) after farmer organizations launched a march toward Parliament while simultaneously organizing a nationwide Mahapanchayat against the proposed India–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Authorities have sealed key border crossings connecting Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, leading to traffic disruptions and heightened police deployment.

The Haryana government has imposed restrictions at major protest points, citing law and order concerns, while farmer groups have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.

Shambhu and Khanauri Borders Sealed

Farmers from Punjab reached the Shambhu border (Patiala-Ambala) and Khanauri border (Sangrur-Jind) on Tuesday morning with plans to proceed towards Kisan Ghat in Delhi.

In response, Haryana Police sealed both crossings using multilayer barricades and deployed a heavy police force to prevent protesters from entering the state. Authorities also stationed JCB machines at both locations to remove temporary structures if protesters attempted to set up camps.

Following the blockade, farmers staged sit-in protests at both borders under the leadership of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), indicating preparations for a prolonged agitation.

Section 163 Imposed, NH-44 Traffic Diverted

As crowds gathered near the Shambhu border, Ambala Police imposed Section 163 to prohibit unlawful assembly near the barricaded areas. Protesters were warned not to approach within 100 metres of the security barricades.

The closure of the Shambhu crossing severely disrupted movement on the Jalandhar-Delhi National Highway (NH-44), forcing authorities to divert traffic through alternate routes. Police also advised commuters to contact emergency services through Dial 112 if required.

Security Intensified Across Haryana

The security operation extended beyond the border points, affecting nearly 10 districts, including Ambala, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, and Jhajjar.

Police conducted preventive detentions of several farmer leaders and reportedly placed supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) under house arrest to prevent large gatherings.

At multiple checkpoints in Karnal and Kurukshetra, police stopped buses and private vehicles carrying protesters. In some locations, brief confrontations were reported after groups of farmers attempted to continue their journey toward Delhi on foot after being stopped.

Traffic Snarls at Singhu Border

The heightened security also affected traffic at the Kundli-Singhu border in Sonipat, where long queues of vehicles stretched nearly three kilometres.

Anti-riot vehicles, including Vajra units, were deployed near the Kundli police station, while security personnel conducted thorough inspections of vehicles entering Delhi. The intensified checking led to significant delays for commuters traveling between Haryana and the national capital.

Farmers Protest India-US Trade Deal

Farmer organizations have linked the protest to concerns over the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement, arguing that the deal could adversely affect Indian agriculture and farmers' livelihoods.

Alongside the Parliament march, several farmer unions organized a nationwide Mahapanchayat to mobilize support against the proposed agreement and press the government on pending agricultural demands.

Talks May Offer Way Forward

Government sources indicated that farmer representatives may meet Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan later in the day in an effort to resolve the impasse.

Officials also suggested that protesters detained during preventive action could be released following the discussions if the situation remains peaceful.

Meanwhile, Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana and Ambala Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar are expected to visit the Shambhu border to engage with farmer representatives and explore possibilities for easing tensions.

With negotiations expected and protesters maintaining their sit-ins, authorities remain on high alert as both sides attempt to avoid further escalation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train at Jind during his visit to Haryana, describing the project as a significant step towards cleaner and environmentally sustainable public transport. The hydrogen-powered train has been designed and developed using indigenous technology as part of the government's push to reduce carbon emissions and expand green mobility solutions across the railway network.

Unlike conventional diesel-powered trains, the new train generates electricity onboard through hydrogen fuel cells. The system combines hydrogen with oxygen to produce electrical energy, with water vapour and heat emerging as the only by-products of the process. The technology eliminates direct carbon emissions during operation and is considered a cleaner alternative for rail transport on non-electrified or partially electrified routes.

The train will operate on the 89-kilometre Jind-Sonipat route under Northern Railway. It has been introduced as a pilot project to evaluate the performance of hydrogen-powered rail transport under Indian operating conditions. Officials believe the experience gained from this service will help determine the future expansion of hydrogen-based railway technology in the country.

The train consists of two hydrogen-powered driving cars and eight passenger coaches. Together, the propulsion system generates around 2,400 kW of power, making it one of the world's most powerful hydrogen-powered passenger trainsets in its category. Indian Railways has also established a dedicated hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facility at Jind to support regular operations.

Multiple safety mechanisms have been incorporated into the train, including hydrogen leak detection, fire and smoke sensors, heat monitoring systems and automated safety controls. Railway officials have stated that the train underwent extensive testing before receiving approval for passenger operations.

The hydrogen train forms part of Indian Railways' broader strategy to adopt cleaner technologies while improving energy efficiency. With Indian Railways already having electrified most of its broad-gauge network, hydrogen-powered trains are expected to serve routes where conventional electrification may not be practical or economically viable.

Experts believe the project could open new opportunities for the adoption of alternative fuels in the transport sector. If the pilot proves successful, similar hydrogen-powered trains may be introduced on additional routes in the coming years as India continues to pursue its long-term sustainability and net-zero objectives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a one-day visit to Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab on July 17, during which he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth nearly ₹26,800 crore, covering railways, highways, healthcare, education and urban infrastructure.

A major highlight of the visit will be the launch of India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. Designed, engineered and integrated in India, the hydrogen fuel cell train is expected to mark a significant milestone in the country's clean transportation journey. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the train will produce zero carbon emissions, with water vapour as its only by-product. Featuring 10 coaches and a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system, it is among the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen-powered passenger trains.

Haryana to Receive Major Infrastructure Boost

In Jind, the Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth around ₹14,700 crore, including national highway, railway, healthcare and cultural infrastructure.

Among the key road projects is the inauguration of Packages 1 to 5 of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, developed at a cost of nearly ₹9,680 crore. The expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra from around 14 hours to about six hours, while cutting the Delhi-Amritsar journey to nearly four hours.

He will also inaugurate the Ambala-Kala Amb four-lane highway, the Jind-Gohana Greenfield Highway, and lay the foundation stone for the Hansi-Barwala Highway project. The visit will include the inauguration of the Kurukshetra elevated railway track, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving road safety.

The Prime Minister will dedicate new medical institutions, including Pandit Neki Ram Sharma Government Medical College in Bhiwani and Maharshi Chyawan Medical College and Rao Tula Ram Hospital in Narnaul, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and medical education in the state.

In Kurukshetra, he will also lay the foundation stone for a Sikh Museum dedicated to the legacy of Sikh Gurus and the contribution of the Sikh community to India's history and culture.

Chandigarh to Get Health and Education Projects

During his visit to Chandigarh, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate and launch projects worth over ₹6,600 crore.

He will inaugurate the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at PGIMER, enhancing tertiary healthcare services for women, children and patients requiring specialised neurological treatment.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a 150-bed Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

In the education sector, hostel facilities for students and research scholars at Punjab Engineering College and Government College, Sector-46, will be expanded. Road infrastructure projects, including the IT City-Kurali Greenfield Highway, the Zirakpur Greenfield Bypass, and the Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Highway (NH-205A PR-7 corridor), will also be launched.

Rail and Road Projects in Punjab

In Jalandhar, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for rail and highway projects worth over ₹5,470 crore.

He will inaugurate 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including Jalandhar Cantonment Railway Station. Developed at a cost of around ₹1,570 crore, the stations have been modernised with improved passenger amenities while incorporating regional architecture and cultural elements.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli railway line, developed at a cost of nearly ₹830 crore, improving rail connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. New train services between Kartoli and Ambala, and Amritsar (Chheharta) and Varanasi, will also be flagged off.

Additionally, he will dedicate Package 6 of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and lay the foundation stone for the Southern Ludhiana Greenfield Bypass, aimed at improving freight movement and reducing travel time across the region.

The projects announced during the visit are expected to strengthen transport connectivity, healthcare services, higher education infrastructure and regional economic development across Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab.

The Haryana power sector could be on the verge of a significant transformation after an Adani Group power distribution company formally applied for a licence to supply electricity in Gurugram. If approved, it would mark the first major private-sector entry into electricity distribution in the city, introducing competition alongside the existing state-run utility.

The application has been submitted before the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) under Section 15 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which lays down the procedure for granting electricity distribution licences. Following a public hearing, the Commission has reserved its order, with a final decision awaited.

Parallel Distribution Model Proposed

The proposal is based on provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, which permit more than one electricity distribution licensee to operate within the same geographical area.

If the licence is granted, consumers in Gurugram would have the option to choose their electricity supplier while the existing state-owned Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) would continue its operations. The move is not aimed at privatising the state utility but at introducing a parallel electricity distribution network.

Under the proposal, the new licensee would be required to establish and operate its own independent power distribution infrastructure instead of using DHBVN's existing network.

Adani and Another Firm in the Race

Apart from the Adani Group, Eleven Power Private Limited has also sought a distribution licence for Gurugram and neighbouring Nuh district.

The company submitted its application on May 12, which was admitted by HERC on May 26. During the hearing, it proposed an investment of ₹4,716.73 crore to develop electricity infrastructure in the two districts.

The investment plan includes:

• ₹1,415.02 crore through equity.

• ₹3,301.71 crore through debt financing.

• An energy mix comprising 80% renewable power and 20% thermal energy.

• Smart metering and digital billing systems.

• Transparent tariff mechanisms.

• A time-bound consumer grievance redressal system.

The company also assured the Commission that it would provide electricity to all categories of consumers, including domestic, industrial, commercial, agricultural and economically weaker sections, in line with the universal service obligations under the Electricity Act.

Public Hearing Sees Mixed Response

During the public hearing conducted by HERC, a significant number of participants reportedly supported the entry of private electricity distributors.

According to submissions made during the proceedings, nearly 70% of participants favoured allowing private companies to supply electricity, arguing that increased competition could improve service quality and operational efficiency.

However, the proposal also drew opposition from employee associations and political leaders.

Opposition Voices Concerns

Former Haryana Finance Minister and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Sampat Singh criticised the proposed private-sector entry, alleging that the government was attempting to privatise the state's power distribution system. He said his party would oppose the move.

The Haryana Engineering Officers Association also expressed reservations, stating that it opposed the introduction of private electricity distributors into the state's power sector and would continue raising its concerns before the Commission.

Potential Impact on Consumers

If approved, the parallel distribution model could introduce competition in electricity services, potentially encouraging improvements in customer service, billing transparency and network efficiency.

Consumers would continue receiving electricity from the state utility if they choose, while those preferring a private distributor could opt for the new service once operational. Since every licensee would maintain its own distribution infrastructure, existing government networks would remain unaffected.

The model is similar to the multi-licensee electricity distribution system currently operating in Mumbai and has also received judicial backing in certain cases relating to parallel electricity networks.

Awaiting Regulatory Decision

The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission has reserved its decision after completing the public hearing. The final order will determine whether Gurugram becomes the first city in Haryana to adopt a competitive electricity distribution framework involving both public and private suppliers.

Chuhad Singh from Kaithal had previously jumped from 15,000 feet in Punjab. His grandson Ankit brought him to Australia for a two-month tour.

At 80, most people are content with a quiet life. Not Chuhad Singh. The farmer from Batta village in Haryana's Kaithal district has just set a unique record — skydiving from 18,000 feet in Australia, with the tricolour in hand.

The video of his dive has gone viral. In it, he can be seen wearing a white kurta, cheering mid-air as the trainer encourages him. The old man's spirit is unmistakable.

"We are Haryanvis, we are not afraid of anyone. If we were afraid, we wouldn't have come abroad," he says in the video, as the wind howls around him.

This wasn't his first jump. Chuhad Singh had previously skydived from 15,000 feet at Patiala Airfield in Punjab. That experience, his grandson Ankit said, made him want to go higher.

 The Dive: 60 Seconds of Freedom

According to Ankit, the jump cost around ₹50,000. But the price tag didn't matter. The pair are in Australia for a two-month tour that began on June 1.

"Fitness is checked by doctors before diving. You can only jump after providing a fitness certificate," Ankit told Bhaskar.

During the jump, Chuhad Singh descended at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour and remained in the air for about 60 seconds. He took selfies with a stick and unfurled the tricolour flag mid-air.

Initially, he was told not to take the flag along. But during the dive, he was requested to carry it — and the trainers eventually agreed.

For 80-year-old Singh, this is a long way from the farm. He spent his entire life farming on his 5 acres of land. His diet has always been traditional — milk, curd, roti, khichdi. Nothing fancy.

But his grandson Ankit, a social media influencer, decided to take him places. "I came to Australia for my grandfather's happiness. Now they are touring abroad just to give him some peace," he said.

Before this, Ankit had taken his grandfather to the UAE and Thailand. There are plans to visit more countries.

Ankit, who is studying BA First Year after completing 12th grade, said the experience was more about the old man's spirit than anything else.

"There was no nervousness on his face. He was completely stress-free during the jump," he said.

Chuhad Singh's dive is being celebrated across social media, with many praising his courage and the grandson's gesture. At an age when many slow down, this Haryana farmer chose to fly.

Vinesh Phogat gets doping notice over missed test

The International Testing Agency has issued a notice to wrestler and Haryana MLA Vinesh Phogat for missing an out-of-competition doping test in Bengaluru on December 18, 2025, putting her on warning under the whereabouts rule. Phogat has been asked to respond by May 7, and officials said this was her first whereabouts violation in the past year.

According to the notice issued on May 4, the test was scheduled as part of routine anti-doping checks conducted outside competition hours. Such tests are meant to ensure athletes are available at the location they have declared in advance under the anti-doping whereabouts system.

The ITA’s communication says Phogat was not available when testers reached the designated place. For now, she has only received a warning, but a series of three missed tests or filing failures within a 12-month period can lead to a suspension of up to two years.

Phogat has said she was travelling from Bengaluru to Chandigarh on December 18 to attend the winter session of the Haryana Assembly. She also cited new family responsibilities and the recent birth of her child, saying she could not update her location in time because of a busy schedule.

She submitted her reply on January 19, 2026, according to the details available.

The whereabouts rule requires athletes in the testing pool to keep anti-doping agencies informed about where they will be, so they can be contacted for random testing. If an athlete is not found at the declared location, it is treated as a violation even if no banned substance is found.

For wrestlers and other elite athletes, out-of-competition testing is a regular part of the anti-doping framework and can happen at any time.

Phogat’s latest notice comes against the backdrop of a difficult two years in her wrestling career. She last competed at the Paris Olympics in 2024, where she wrestled three bouts in the 505050 kg category on August 6 before being disqualified ahead of the final after weighing 100100100 grams over the limit.

She announced her retirement from wrestling on August 8, 2024, but later reversed that decision on December 12, 2025, saying she wanted to target the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

The development also follows Phogat’s latest remarks against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. In a video posted on May 3, she said a Senior Open Ranking Wrestling Tournament is scheduled in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, from May 10 to 12, and expressed concern about competing in a place linked to the allegations she has made.

Phogat said her testimony in court is still underway and suggested it would be difficult for her to compete there with full focus. She added that if anything went wrong with any member of her team, the responsibility would lie with the Government of India.

The immediate focus now is on Phogat’s response to the ITA notice by May 7. While the first violation has brought only a warning, the matter could become more serious if additional whereabouts failures are recorded over the year. For now, the case sits at the intersection of sport, anti-doping compliance and Phogat’s active public and political profile.

Supreme Court Revisits Aravalli Hills Definition, Stays Its Own Order

The long‑standing dispute over the Aravalli Hills took a fresh turn as the Supreme Court of India on December 29, 2025, halted the implementation of its earlier order that had redefined the range’s boundaries.

The apex court decided to take suo motu cognizance of potential consequences arising from its November 20, 2025 ruling, which had fixed specific parameters for identifying the Aravalli range.

A new bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, and Justice A.G. Masih reviewed the matter, emphasizing the ecological sensitivity of the region spread across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi NCR.

Court Questions Previous Parameters and Raises Environmental Concerns

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the government. The bench questioned whether the previous definition—classifying only hills above 100 meters in height and within 500 meters of each other as part of the Aravallis—could lead to exclusion of critical ecosystems from protection.

The Chief Justice asked whether such a narrow interpretation could allow areas vulnerable to illegal mining to fall outside the conservation corridor. “If the distance between two ridges is 700 meters but both are vital to the landscape, can we simply say they are not part of Aravalli?” questioned the bench.

Expert Committee to Be Formed

Acknowledging these ecological and legal complexities, the Supreme Court announced the formation of an expert committee comprising specialists from environmental science, geology, and policy fields. This body will reassess the contours and criteria that define the Aravalli range.

The bench clarified that until the committee submits its report, the November 2025 definition will remain stayed, and no new guidelines will be implemented. The next hearing is scheduled for January 21, 2026, where fresh recommendations will be discussed before framing a uniform interpretation.

Mining and Environmental Impact Under Scrutiny

Recent reports highlight the persistent issue of illegal mining across Aravalli regions. Between 2018 and 2025, over 71,000 illegal mining cases were registered in Rajasthan alone, with more than 4,000 FIRs from Aravalli districts. These figures underline ongoing challenges despite existing restrictions.

The court’s latest intervention rekindles the debate over balancing development and conservation in one of India’s oldest mountain ranges. The government has also stated that while new mining leases remain suspended, all active ones must strictly adhere to environmental norms until further direction from the court.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court’s decision brings momentary relief for environmental advocates while setting a precedent for nuanced judicial review. The upcoming hearing in January 2026 will likely shape the future of mining regulations and eco‑protection measures across Aravalli states.

As the matter stands, the Aravalli Hills remain at the center of India’s sustainability conversation—reflecting the delicate balance between industrial progress and natural preservation.