President Donald Trump playfully considered dismissing his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. He stated that he would keep her despite receiving overwhelmingly negative press coverage. Trump believes the public does not trust the media. Leavitt has a history of confronting reporters
April 2026: 5 simple ways to attract positive energy and clarityThis is not a month to rush or force clarity. Instead, it is a time to slow down, stabilise your energy, and let things fall into place naturally. Published on: Apr 01, 2026 10:29 AM IST Edited by Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link
Overall conditions in Delhi are expected to remain variable, with a mix of brief cooling, rising temperatures and intermittent rainfall. No extreme weather is forecast yet. Today’s Weather: Delhi-NCR witnessed unseasonal rain on Tuesday, leading to a drop in daytime temperatures
‘We are deeply disturbed’: Raqesh Bapat’s family slams Vishal Kotian over personal remarks, clash on Bigg Boss Marathi 6Raqesh Bapat landed in a heated controversy on Bigg Boss Marathi 6 as his clash with Vishal Kotian escalated from a verbal spat to a physical altercation. Apr 1, 2026
Petrol & Diesel Price Hike: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have increased the prices of premium fuels in Delhi, even as volatility in global energy markets continues amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The price of IndianOil’s XP100 petrol, India’s first 100-octane premium fuel
A group of retired civil servants and former diplomats on Tuesday expressed concerns about a recent order issued by Assam’s special chief secretary for environment deploying about 1,600 personnel of the state’s forest protection force for duties related to the upcoming Assembly elections
Nita Ambani wows in minimal look for Mumbai Indians team dinner; her pink diamond earrings are anything but simpleNita Ambani hosted the Mumbai Indians team at the Ambani residence, Antilia. She wore a simple floral look for the occasion, styled with diamond jewels. Updated on: Apr 01
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Frustrated with slow tablets? These top 5 reliable tablets fix that, picks from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, moreThese tablets come with newer and faster processors and adequate storage
Deploying forest staff for poll duty in Assam violates legal, administrative norms: Ex-bureaucrats
A group of retired civil servants and former diplomats on Tuesday expressed concerns about a recent order issued by Assam’s special chief secretary for environment deploying about 1,600 personnel of the state’s forest protection force for duties related to the upcoming Assembly elections.
Citing a March 26 report by NorthEast Now about the deployment, the former bureaucrats said in an open letter to the state administration that the decision to depute Assam Forest Protection Force personnel for polling duty directly contravened legal and administrative norms.
The order was issued on March 19, according to the news portal.
Assam will hold the elections on April 9 and the votes will be counted on May 4. The state administration has been reporting to the Election Commission since the Model Code of Conduct took effect on March 15.
The guidelines of the Election Commission state that territorial forest forces and serving forest officials, including senior officers of the Indian Forest Service, are not to be requisitioned or deployed for duties relating to elections, said the Constitutional Conduct Group.
“These instructions [of the poll panel] are designed to ensure that critical ecological protection and forest governance functions are not put at risk during elections,” it said, adding that the group was “alarmed to find that the guidelines have been violated” by senior officials of the state government.
The deployment of the Assam Forest Protection Force personnel is “particularly alarming given the need to protect Assam’s globally significant wildlife, and its endangered species”.
Constant vigilance by trained forest protection forces is critical to prevent poaching and habitat encroachments in protected areas such as the Kaziranga National Park, the group added.
“Other important wildlife such as elephants and tigers will also be left unprotected, and at the mercy of poachers, if the forest field staff is deployed for election duties,” the former bureaucrats said. “Diverting such a large number of AFPF personnel at this time will inevitably weaken on-ground protection mechanisms and increase the vulnerability of precious wildlife to organised wildlife crime.”
They added that the Supreme Court had in 2024 recognised the specialised and essential character of forest-related work, and had “categorically exempted forest officials and forest department vehicles” from being deployed for election duties.
“Any administrative action inconsistent with this directive is a serious violation of the Supreme Court’s directions and exposes the state government to potential judicial scrutiny for non-compliance with binding orders,” the group said, adding that it sets a troubling precedent that “disregards both statutory safeguards and institutional integrity”.
The retired bureaucrats urged the state’s chief secretary to withdraw the order.
The 40 signatories to the letter include Punjab’s former Director General of Police Julio Ribeiro, Delhi’s former Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, former Indian ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhaya, and former Indian Administrative Service officer and activist Harsh Mander.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Oregon leaders say Trump is deploying 200 National Guard troops within state Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from deploying troops in Portland India says no discussions on deploying warships to Strait of Hormuz Forcing women to continue pregnancy violates bodily integrity Judicial direction to reduce GST on air purifiers violates separation of powers An anti black friday sale by Assam’s Woolah will grow a forest Government to carry out another round of eviction drive in Assam's Rengma Reserve Forest 50 years ago, how an American woman’s coma shaped the legal debate on end-of-life care Ranbir Kapoor In Legal Trouble SEBI Simplifies Process Of Transferring Securities From Nominees To Legal Heir
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed their decision on Fakhar Zaman on Tuesday following the ball tampering incident in Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings fixture held on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Fakhar Zaman has received a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
3 minutes ago
Does your house have a concrete roof or a thatched one? What is your main cereal? Do you have internet access - or just a basic mobile phone? And how many married couples live under your roof? These are among the 33 questions that more than a billion Indians will be asked as the country launches
3 minutes ago
Divorced couples in Japan are now allowed to share custody of their children, after a landmark revision to Japan's Civil Code took effect on Wednesday. Before the amendment was approved by parliament in 2024, Japan was the only G7 country that did not recognise the legal concept of joint custody
3 minutes ago
Dubai, Apr 1 (AP) US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that the responsibility for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open should belong with countries that rely on it, rather than the US. He said there’s “no reason for us to do this." Trump expressed frustration earlier Tuesday with
3 minutes ago
The buzz around the rebranded Lucknow Super Giants team is high ahead of the new Indian Premier League season. The Shaheed Path highway here, which leads into the city from the airport, is dotted with flags and cutouts of the host side’s players on the eve of their campaign opener against Delhi
3 minutes ago
Miss India Nikita Porwal brings celestial beauty to fashion awards, fans call her a goddess: 'Miss World right there'Miss India Nikita Porwal shines on the red carpet in a stunning gown adorned with shimmering pearls and crystals that caught the light with every movement. Published on: Apr 01
3 minutes ago
April Full Moon 2026: Tarot guidance and rituals for each zodiac signPink Moon 2026: Even if you do not believe in tarot or moon rituals, taking a few quiet moments for yourself can still feel calming and helpful. Updated on: Apr 01, 2026 9:30 AM IST By Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link The Full
3 minutes ago
In a first for the country, the Ministry of Mines informed on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that thirty mineral blocks have been made operational in a single financial year, that is, FY 2025-26. Essential to note, most of the blocks that have been made operational are that of limestone
3 minutes ago
Having risen steadily over time, the share of Indian households who use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as their primary source of fuel for cooking is now at 60% as of 2024. Another 33% of households still used firewood. This data comes from India's Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys
3 minutes ago
Reliance Jio is known for its innovative offerings, whether it’s free internet or budget-friendly recharge plans. Now, the company is venturing into the electric bike market with an upcoming e-bike that promises to feature remarkable specifications
3 minutes ago
Italy shattered as distraught players left in tears after missing World Cup for third straight time - See Photos Updated on: Apr 01, 2026 10:35 AM IST Written by Aditya Maheshwari Share via Copy link Italy's Marco Palestra, left, and Leonardo Spinazzola console each other after losing a penalty
3 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Struggling with calls on the go? These 5 premium earphones feature crystal clear callingWireless earphones designed for clear calling focus on strong microphones
3 minutes ago
KEAM Admit Card 2026 releasing today at cee.kerala.gov.in, here's how to download Published on: Apr 01, 2026 9:06 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala
3 minutes ago
The new financial year FY 2025-2026 has kicked in from today. Check key financial and regulatory changes. New Delhi: India will see a slew of financial and regulatory changes with the beginning of the new fiscal year on April 1, 2026, affecting taxes, fuel, banking and rail travel
3 minutes ago
Your IPL plans are officially sorted! From electric rooftop screenings to laid-back dine-ins, here’s where you should be catching every six, wicket, and last-over thriller with your gang. For all the craft beer lovers, this one’s a no-brainer. Expect great brews, live match energy
3 minutes ago
Malayalam filmmaker and screenwriter Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested after a sexual assault complaint filed by a young female actor. Ernakulam: Prominent Malayalam director-producer Ranjith was arrested following an alleged sexual assault complaint filed against him by a young actress
3 minutes ago
Observing that the legality, validity and propriety of transfer orders issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) have not caused any public injury, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the transfer of administrative and
3 minutes ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage prodigy's explosive knock helped RR chase down CSK’s modest total with ease on Sunday, securing an eight-wicket victory and etching his name among the fastest fifty-makers in IPL history. In a sensational start to the IPL 2026 season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
3 minutes ago
Unlike the F-35 Lightning II, the AMCA is designed for full operational control and allows the country to integrate its own sensors, AI and weapons without outside approval. New Delhi: The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has introduced a new level of capability for the Indian Air Force (IAF)
3 minutes ago
Actor Vicky Kaushal has finally reacted to Dhurandhar: The Revenge, praising director Aditya Dhar and the team behind the film. Taking to Instagram, Vicky wrote, “I’m so shook, so proud and in absolute awe of the craft, hard work and sincerety with which you have made this film
3 minutes ago
Celebrate April Fool’s Day 2026 with over 50 easy, simple, and funny pranks for friends, family, home, school, and office. Discover harmless ideas that guarantee laughs and fun for everyone! April Fool’s Day is just around the corner! On April 1, 2026
3 minutes ago
'Ranbir Kapoor reminded of Arun Govil': Fan praises actor's Lord Rama turn in Ramayana, gifts Ram Mandir-inspired vestThe first look of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana was unveiled to a select audience in Los Angeles a few days ago. Apr 1, 2026
3 minutes ago
Vande Bharat passenger claims food gave her allergy, IRCTC says ‘lunch was satisfactory’A Vande Bharat passenger claimed that eating the food served on the train gave her a severe allergic reaction, while her two-year-old son developed diarrhoea Updated on: Apr 01
3 minutes ago
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) Aviation stocks were in high demand in morning trade on Wednesday, with InterGlobe Aviation climbing over 9 per cent, despite jet fuel price hike. InterGlobe Aviation, the parent firm of IndiGo, after starting the trade on a positive note further jumped 9.41 per cent to Rs 4
3 minutes ago
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined ₹12 lakh. His team maintained a slow over-rate during their IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans. This was Punjab Kings' first offence this season. On the field, Punjab Kings secured a hard-fought win over Gujarat Titans
3 minutes ago
The pricing of LPG is determined based on fluctuations in international crude oil prices and the exchange rate of the Indian rupee against the US dollar. Chennai: A sharp increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices has come into effect in Chennai from April 1
3 minutes ago
Prevention of Blindness Week is a time to raise awareness about the leading causes of blindness and how we can prevent vision loss. Blindness is a global health issue, and millions of people suffer from visual impairments that can drastically affect their quality of life
3 minutes ago
