253

#Rahul Gandhi's Plea Before Supreme Court Seeking Stay On Conviction

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi moved the Supreme Court challenging the Surat court order refusing to stay his conviction in a defamation case over an alleged remark about the "Modi" surname. The Gandhi scion has also sought an ad-interim ex-parte stay of the Gujarat High Court's order and an ad-interim stay of his conviction while the plea is pending. 

Earlier, the Gujarat High Court had dismissed Rahul Gandhi's plea seeking a stay on his conviction. A criminal defamation case was filed against Gandhi by BJP Gujarat MLA Purnesh Modi, following his remarks made during a 2019 Karnataka election rally regarding the surname. 

231

#PM Modi Emplanes For UAE After Concluding Two-Day France Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emplaned for UAE after concluding his two-day visit to France. PM Modi called his visit to France "memorable" and termed it more special as he participated in the Bastille Day celebrations. He also expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron and the people of France for their warmth and hospitality.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi stated, "This France visit was a memorable one. It was made even more special because I got the opportunity to take part in the Bastille Day celebrations. Seeing the Indian contingent get a pride of place in the parade was wonderful. I am grateful to President @EmmanuelMacron and the French people for the exceptional warmth and hospitality. May friendship continue to soar!"

211

#Chandrayaan-3 Launch: Countdown On For ISRO’s 3rd Moon Mission; Scientists Pray For 'Historic' Soft Landing

ISRO’s long-awaited Chandrayaan-3 mission will commence its journey at 2.35 pm from Sriharikota’s spaceport. 

This mission serves as a successor to Chandrayaan-2, which encountered a crash-landing incident in September 2019 due to a software glitch. 

Chandrayaan-3 aims to showcase India’s ability to safely land on and explore lunar surface. The destination is South Pole of moon, where it will operate for approximately one lunar day, equivalent to 14 Earth days. The trajectory will resemble that of Chandrayaan-2, with propulsion module circling Earth multiple times before going toward moon.

171

#Delhi CM Appeals to People in Flood-prone Areas, 'Please Evacuate'

As the water level of River Yamuna breached the mark of the 208-meter on Wednesday at 10 pm, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal chaired an emergency meeting with cabinet ministers and requested people residing in the flood-prone areas to move to a safer place as their “lives are most important”.

Addressing the media after the meeting, he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI, “The water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi has reached 207.71 metres, which is the highest ever. Delhi has not received rainfall in the last 2-3 days. Water is entering Delhi from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Regarding this, I have also written a letter to Union HM Amit Shah requesting him to reduce the flow of water entering Delhi, only then we can stop the Yamuna River from overflowing. I request everyone to vacate their homes in the low-lying areas. There are several places affected by the rise in the level of water in Yamuna River.”

170

#PM Modi To Embark On 2-Day France Visit From July 13 To Attend Bastille Day Celebrations

Prime Minister Modi will embark on his two-day France visit on July 13. PM Mosi will be in Paris from July 13 to 14. At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi will attend the Bastille Day Parade on July 14 as the Guest of Honour.

Notably, a tri-services Indian armed forces contingent will also participate in the Bastille Day celebrations. During his France visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Macron. Several defence deals are likely to be announced during the Prime Minister's visit to France.