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Govt tells SC: Cabinet in Karnataka, could not comply with order to finalise Cauvery scheme

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8 years ago

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Govt tells SC: Cabinet in Karnataka, could not comply with order to finalise Cauvery scheme

The government on Tuesday, May 8, told the Supreme Court that the Union Cabinet has been unable to approve the Cauvery management scheme on river water sharing between four southern riparian states as the leaders, including the Prime Minister, were busy campaigning for Karnataka polls.

This expectedly drew the apex court’s ire and it warned the Centre that it was in “sheer contempt” of its February 16 verdict.

It asked the secretary of the Union Water Resources Ministry to appear before it on May 14 with the draft scheme.

The Union Cabinet had last met on May 2.

The SC verdict had directed the Centre to frame the Cauvery management scheme, which also includes creating the Cauvery Managament Board, within six weeks for smooth release of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry with a caveat that the deadline cannot be extended.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud told the Centre that once the judgment has been delivered on the issue, it has to be implemented.

Attorney General KK Venugopal claimed the draft scheme was ready but was not approved by the cabinet since the ministers were busy due to elections in Karnataka. He also urged the court to hear the matter after Karnataka elections are over.

The Tamil Nadu Government alleged that the non-framing of the policy was the blatant violation of the crucial judgement in the Cauvery case.

“You (Centre) are in sheer contempt,” the SC bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra told the Centre.

“We do not want to come back to square one. Once the judgment has been delivered, it has to be implemented,” the bench said.

The bench directed the Secretary of the Union Water Resources Ministry to personally appear before it on May 14 with the draft of the Cauvery management scheme to implement its verdict on water sharing between four riparian states.

At outset, senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Tamil Nadu government, said that the state, facing acute water shortage, was not getting its due share. “We are being taken for a ride by the central government … Are we waiting for the votes to be cast on May 12 (in Karnataka polls),” the lawyer asked.

He vehmently opposed Venugopal’s plea that the case be adjourned till May 14 as the Union Cabinet could not meet to approve the draft Cauvery scheme due to campaigning in Karnataka.

“This is the fit case for contempt. Somebody has to be sent to jail,” Naphade said.

Venugopal referred to the sensitive nature of the Cauvery water dispute and said that Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have witnessed violent protests over it in the past. He referred to previous orders including the one which was passed on May 3 and said “the Cabinet was not available on that day and this is why we are seeking six to eight days time till May 14”.

Referring to the violence and deaths that followed the Supreme Court order in the SC/ST case, Venugopal said the presentation of a scheme before the elections can create a law and order problem in Karnataka just before the polls.

Taking exception to the submissions, the counsel for Tamil Nadu said, “Now, the cat is out of the bag.. we will not be getting the water”.

The bench intervened by saying, “We must understand the purpose behind framing the (Cauvery management) scheme. It is for implementation of the order”.

The CJI said court was not keen to let the matter linger and that the Centre cannot abdicate its duty to frame the scheme.

“By now the authority should have framed the scheme. It can’t go on like this. What you have done is sheer contempt.”

“As per the judgment it’s the duty of the authority to implement the decree. The executive authority has to deal with it. How much water problem is being faced by which state, only the authority can decide it. You are under obligation to implement the judgment,” CJI told the Centre

Venugopal assured the court that once the scheme is ready, water shall be released as per the SC judgment and the authority shall ensure the same.

The apex court had on February 16 asked the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance of its judgement on the decades-old Cauvery dispute. It had modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of 2007 and made it clear that it will not be extending time for this on any ground.

The top court had then raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu’s share, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin, saying the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a “higher pedestal”.

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Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

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1 day ago

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June 13, 2026

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The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

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IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

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1 day ago

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June 13, 2026

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

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Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

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2 days ago

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June 13, 2026

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Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

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