India’s smallest state, big on history and coastline
The Bombay High Court's Goa bench has convicted Tarun Tejpal, the founder of Tehelka, of rape and sexual harassment, overturning a 2021 acquittal. He is sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined about Rs 1 million. Tejpal plans to appeal to the Supreme Court; surrender is set within four weeks.
Opposition and protest movements have intensified calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign amid allegations that the Special Intensive Revision has unfairly purged voters from rolls. Demonstrations have spread from Mumbai to Delhi and other cities as scientists, students and youth groups demand accountability and transparency in the revamp.
Renowned Indian actor Patekar has died at the age of 75 from a suspected cardiac arrest. His career spanned five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema, with national awards and a Padma Shri to his name. He was active in theatre and social causes, and is mourned by Prime Minister Modi and others in the industry.