Pioneer in short
Kanpur crash accused walks free
Shivam Mishra, son of tobacco baron K K Mishra, was granted bail on Thursday, hours after his arrest in connection with the Lamborghini crash on VIP Road that injured several people. The 35-year-old was produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate around 10 am, with police seeking 14 days’ custody for further interrogation. The court rejected the remand plea, citing discrepancies in the police application, and ordered Mishra’s release on a INR 20,000 personal bond. Senior defence counsel argued the arrest violated Supreme Court guidelines and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, noting the offences carry a maximum punishment of under seven years. Shivam appeared unwell during the hearing, supported by police and relatives, and assured the court he would cooperate with the investigation, not tamper with evidence, and avoid threatening witnesses. The crash on Sunday, allegedly caused by a speeding Lamborghini driven by Mishra, has drawn nationwide scrutiny. Police confirmed evidence pointed to him as the driver, while the family maintains he suffered a medical episode and a hired driver was behind the wheel.
Nearly 50% posts vacant in DGCA
The Government informed Parliament on Thursday that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has 787 vacant posts out of 1,630 sanctioned positions. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has 230 vacancies among its 598 sanctioned posts. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said 441 posts-including 426 technical and 15 non-technical-were created between 2022 and 2024 as part of DGCA’s restructuring to support the growth of civil aviation. In the past four months, 15 officers, nine Flight Operations Inspectors (FoIs), and 168 other technical personnel have joined, with recruitment underway for 94 more posts. An additional 84 posts were added to BCAS in 2024
AIMPLB opposes Vande Mataram Mandate
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Thursday described the Centre’s mandate to sing all six stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram as “unconstitutional” and said it would move court if the Government does not withdraw the order. The Union Home Ministry had directed on January 28 that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, be sung whenever the national song and anthem Jan Gan Man are played together at official functions, including presidential arrivals, flag hoisting, and governors’ speeches. The full rendition lasts 3 minutes 10 seconds. AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi said the order violates religious freedom and secular principles, as the song references the worship of Durga and other deities.
