David Lammy unveils reforms to reduce youth prison sentences in the UK and protect vulnerable children

UK Justice Secretary David Lammy announced his plans to ensure a 25 per cent reduction in the number of children in detention before the end of this parliamentary term. The Justice Ministry is also planning a consultation on lifetime criminal records for those under 18, new youth intervention courts and tougher parental accountability measures for children involved in crime. For Lammy, the reforms were linked to his personal experience as he grew up in Tottenham during the 1980s. Prison was always a threat for him as a child as were many black boys like him who found themselves in the criminal justice system due to truancy from schools and committing minor crimes.He said, “Growing up in Tottenham in the 1980s, my greatest fear was being jailed. It may seem irrational, but in reality it was the fate of many young black boys like me”, as quoted by the Guardian.“You saw it happen gradually at first. People missed school, got into minor trouble and started hanging out with the wrong crowd. No one stepped in to pull them back. For us, going to prison wasn’t shocking or far-fetched. It felt almost inevitable. I could have been one of them, but was lucky enough to get a scholarship to a state boarding school, which gave me an outlet that others never had,” he adds.According to Lammy, short-term detention makes children and adolescents more likely to commit crimes in the future. He said, “For the most serious crimes, custody will always be necessary to protect the public; that will never change.”“But for many children, even a small shock inside can cause lasting damage, disrupting the most formative years of their lives and sometimes exposing them to greater violence and criminal influence.”The Ministry of Justice intends to allocate £15 million of funding each year to special teams that will support children who are at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity. It is feared that introducing more community sentences and reducing custodial remands will reduce the youth prisoner population by 20 per cent.These measures would include criminalizing child exploitation against adults who incite children to commit crimes. These pilot youth interventions will be delivered through court judges and support workers, who will develop individual plans.Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza supported the proposals. “I have been consistently clear about the need to reform the youth justice system,” she said.“We must create an approach that keeps children safe, keeps them away from crime wherever possible and prioritizes meaningful behavior change.”

Mayawati (file photo/PTI)

New Delhi: Many Dalit leaders of Congress tried to meet Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati reached her Lucknow residence on Wednesday, following which the grand old party issued her a show cause notice seeking an explanation for her “unauthorized” act.The leaders were turned away from the gate as they had not sought time to meet the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, who belongs to the Dalit community.Congress Scheduled Caste department national president Rajendra Pal Gautam and the department’s Uttar Pradesh president and MP Tanuj Punia, who were among those who visited Mayawati’s residence, described the visit as a “sudden courtesy call” with “no political overtones”.Congress’ Uttar Pradesh in-charge Avinash Pandey told PTI that the party has taken note of the visit.“This was not an authorized party delegation. We have taken cognizance of the matter and issued a show cause notice. Although we respect him very much, those who attempted to meet him did so in their personal capacity,” Pandey said.Meanwhile, State Congress President Ajay Rai said that the party has not given permission for any such meeting.“Such programs are pre-planned and approved in advance by the top leadership,” Rai said.‘Not true’: Congress MP Punia refutes reports that Dalit leader wanted to send message to Rahul GandhiPunia denied reports which claimed that Dalit leaders had approached Mayawati to convey Rahul Gandhi’s message.Punia told PTI, “This is not right… A meeting of the party’s SC branch under the leadership of Rajendra Pal ji was held in Lucknow on Tuesday evening. Since our party office is close to the BSP chief’s residence, after the meeting, as we passed by Mayawati ji’s residence, we thought of paying a sudden courtesy call to her, as she also comes from our community and is a senior leader.BSP spokesperson Vishwanath Pal said that he had no information about the visit. “I don’t know who went to see Sister. I am not aware of any such visit,” he said, referring to Mayawati.Unfazed by the controversy, Gautam said the visit was “well-intentioned” and had no political implications, adding that its purpose was to check the health of the BSP leader.Gautam said, “It may be a juicy gossip for the media, but as far as I am concerned, I have known Mayawati’s relatives for a long time. Her brother I know well and we meet often. That is why, after our Lucknow meeting, when we passed by his residence, we decided to check if he was available for the meeting.”When asked whether a formal appointment should have been taken, he said that it was not considered necessary as he was familiar with their family.

Mohun Bagan super giants have headlined the worrying list of seven clubs whose applications for AIFF Premier 1 licenses for the 2026-27 season have been rejected, casting fresh uncertainty over the future of several Indian Super League sides. The decision, taken by the AIFF’s Club Licensing Committee – First Instance Body (CLC-FIB), will now temporarily make several top-flight clubs ineligible to participate in national and AFC competitions until the situation is quickly resolved.

While some clubs managed to secure licenses with restrictions, many major ISL names failed to get approval from the AIFF.

The clubs that were granted licenses with approval were:

• Northeast United FC
• East Bengal FC
• Jamshedpur FC
• Mumbai City FC
• bengaluru fc
• FC Goa
• punjab fc

Meanwhile, the clubs whose licenses were rejected are:

• Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• Kerala Blasters FC
• Odisha FC
• Chennaiyin FC
• Mohammedan Sporting Club
• Antar Kashi
• Sporting Club Delhi

Many ISL clubs are already grappling with widespread uncertainty over the league’s commercial future, ownership concerns, sponsorship pressures and operational plans for next season. Now the licensing setback adds another administrative headache right in the middle of that chaos.

But unless those issues are resolved quickly, Indian football may soon face another off-field mess just months before the new season begins.

What does AIFF club license rejection mean?

AIFF’s Indian club licensing system is not just paperwork.

It is essentially the league’s quality-control system designed to ensure that clubs meet mandatory standards involving finance, infrastructure, youth development, administration and sporting operations before they can participate in professional competitions.

Every season, clubs must secure licenses to participate in the ISL, I-League and AFC tournaments.

So when a license is rejected, it effectively means that the club has failed to meet one or several mandatory criteria set out by AIFF and AFC rules.

Technically, this currently makes these clubs ineligible to participate in ISL and continental competitions for the 2026–27 season.

But the important thing is that it is not an immediate removal.

Clubs still have ways to avoid complete disaster.

What’s next for Mohun Bagan and other clubs?

Despite the rejection, it is still not the end of the road for the seven clubs. The AIFF rules still leave some loopholes open before the 2026-27 season officially begins.

What can rejected clubs do now:

• File an appeal against the decision of the Club Licensing Committee
• Submit additional documentation or clarification to address compliance deficiencies
• Request special discounts to participate in national competitions
• Try to resolve infrastructure, financial or administrative issues within the permitted timeframe
• Will be temporarily ineligible for ISL and AFC competitions until approval is received

For Mohun Bagan in particular, the rejection has even greater significance given the club’s recent AFC troubles after refusing to travel to Iran for an ACL 2 match last year, which had already resulted in a heavy fine and a two-season continental ban.

And for clubs like Kerala Blasters, Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC, this announcement will further heighten supporters’ concerns about where Indian club football is currently headed.

– ends

Gurgaon: A 14-year-old schoolboy, allegedly involved in a gangster conspiracy that smuggled money from Punjab to handlers based abroad, was asked to carry part of the advance money given to two hired shooters who opened fire outside the Gurgaon house of singer Fazilpuria’s former manager on May 2.Crime branch teams arrested Gursher Singh alias Shera (23) and Jaspal alias Babbal (28) from Tarn Taran, Punjab for the firing outside Saurabh Yadav’s house in Sector 45. Two days later, on 11 May, Gursher died while allegedly trying to escape from police custody.According to the police, fugitive gangster Satta Nowshera – who is a close associate of Lakhbir Singh Landa – had promised the two men Rs 20 lakh to kill Yadav. He reportedly received Rs 1.4 lakh in advance in two installments, including Rs 1 lakh delivered through a schoolboy near the Amritsar bus stand. The remaining amount was to be paid after the murder.Apart from the money, the shooters were also provided with three Glock pistols, which reportedly reached them about two months ago after being smuggled from Pakistan by drone through cross-border networks. Police said the shooters never met the courier who left the weapons for them at a designated location in Amritsar.Officials said the attack was planned for about a month. “They were in regular touch with the powers that be and had planned the attack for a month before carrying it out. Gursher had earlier carried out firing in Punjab on the instructions of the powers that be and was named in an attempt to murder case,” an officer said.Police said that these people had come to Gurgaon to target Yadav and opened fire outside his house to spread panic. Constable Kulbir, who was posted there following complaints of extortion, suffered injuries on his hands and legs. Babbal was allegedly riding the motorcycle during the attack while Gursher, who was sitting pillion, opened fire.The investigation is also probing the role of music producer-turned-gangster Deepak Nandal in masterminding the attack, which is believed to have stemmed from a monetary dispute. According to the police, after Nandal came in contact with Satta, he was assured of help in eliminating Yadav. “There is a possibility that Nandal may be providing financial support to the Satta Nowshera gang, which is mainly involved in cross-border arms smuggling into India through Punjab,” an officer said.Both Satta and Nandal have taken responsibility for the firing. Police are now trying to find out how the two came in contact.Landa was declared a terrorist by the Union Home Ministry in December 2023. Satta, who carries a reward of Rs 5 lakh, is accused of supplying arms across the border to gang members in Punjab and neighboring states with the help of associates in Pakistan.An FIR has been registered under charges of attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, extortion, causing hurt to a public servant and provisions of the Arms Act.

A UK utility company mistakenly declared a 78-year-old great-grandmother dead after failing to pay a £60 bill/Image: X, Metro UK

A 78-year-old great-grandmother in Britain was sent a debt collection letter addressed to the executor of her estate after she was mistakenly declared dead by a utility company.Ginette Bye later discovered the letter had been sent by debt collection agency Phillips & Cohen Associates on behalf of Southern Water over an alleged unpaid bill of £60.87, the Metro reports.The letter reportedly expressed condolences on her “death” before requesting payment linked to her water account, despite monthly payments continuing to be made from her bank account.This account was previously registered jointly with her late husband Paul Bye, who died in 2020, causing this error.Bye said Southern Water was notified of her husband’s death several years in advance and criticized the company for failing to contact her directly before referring the matter to debt collectors.“They have taken direct debits from my bank account every month for the last five years,” Bye told Metro.“If Southern Water had spoken to me and said, ‘Mrs Bye, you owe me £60, fine, I’ll pay it’. That’s what I’m angry about.”He also said the letter could have been very distressing for elderly people living alone without family support.The debt collection notice said Southern Water had been informed that he had “sadly passed away” and claimed the unpaid amount could become a liability of his estate.His son Mark Bye said the family is deeply troubled by the situation.“At first they thought it was a scam,” he said.“She’s almost 80. Something like this could seriously affect anyone.”Daughter Paula McVicar also questioned why payments were still being accepted when the company believed the account holder to be dead.“How can you talk to the bill payer when, according to you, she is dead?” He said.The account has since been completely transferred to Bye’s name and the disputed balance has been removed as a goodwill gesture.A spokesperson for Southern Water apologized for the incident and confirmed that an investigation had been launched.“We regret this error, which has caused unnecessary distress to Mrs. Bye,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Metro.“We are now reviewing our processes to understand exactly what went wrong and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari

Within days of assuming power, the BJP government in West Bengal has initiated a series of high-impact administrative, welfare and governance decisions aimed at signaling a policy shift from the previous Trinamool Congress regime. These measures include welfare restructuring, recruitment reforms, changes in reservation policy, scrutiny of caste certificates, educational instructions and anti-corruption action. The government has attempted to strengthen nationalist symbolism in institutions while tightening administrative oversight of welfare delivery and reservation systems. Several steps hold both political and legal significance, especially those related to OBC reservations, caste certificate verification and investigation into alleged corruption under his predecessor.

‘Chicken Neck’ corridor transferred to Centre.

The West Bengal government approved the transfer of seven major national highways in the Siliguri Corridor, known as ‘Chicken Neck’, to central agencies with an aim to strengthen connectivity through the strategically sensitive stretch connecting the Northeast with mainland India and facilitate faster movement of armed forces.

Ayushman Bharat will be implemented

The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal announced the implementation of the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme during its first cabinet meeting on May 11. Under Ayushman Bharat, eligible families get annual health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for secondary and tertiary health care treatment in empaneled hospitals.West Bengal had previously stayed out of the centrally sponsored scheme under the Trinamool Congress government, which operated the Swasthya Sathi program instead. The decision marks a significant policy shift by linking the state with one of the central government’s flagship welfare schemes. Along with Ayushman Bharat, the Cabinet also discussed the implementation of other central schemes and administrative measures, including transfer of land related to border fencing to BSF and recruitment reforms.

Annapurna scheme Lakshmir replaces Bhandar

The West Bengal government on Wednesday notified the Annapurna scheme, replacing the flagship Laxmi Bhandar scheme launched under the previous TMC government. Under the new programme, eligible women aged 25 to 60 will get a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 through direct benefit transfer to Aadhaar linked bank accounts. Permanent government employees, pensioners and income tax payers are not included in this scheme. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be automatically transferred to the new scheme, however names that are dead, transferred, duplicated or deleted will be removed during the voter verification exercise. The government has also linked the scheme to electoral verification processes, making it politically significant. An online portal for fresh applications is scheduled to open from June 1, with district magistrates and Kolkata civic authorities designated as approving bodies for applicants.

Vande Mataram made mandatory in schools

The School Education Department, through a communication issued on May 13, directed all state-run and state-aided schools to sing Vande Mataram compulsorily during the morning assembly and implemented the same from May 18. School authorities were directed to ensure participation of all students and maintain video documentation as proof of compliance.The move adds the national song to existing assembly practices where schools traditionally sing only the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and in recent years, the state song Banglar Mati Banglar Jol. The decision holds strong symbolic and ideological significance as the BJP government has framed it as an effort to strengthen patriotism and respect for national symbols. However, the move has also generated debate among teachers and sections of civil society over concerns about the implementation arrangements and constraints in educational institutions.

Land transfer for fencing the India-Bangladesh border

The West Bengal government on May 11 began the process of transferring land to the Union Home Ministry for the Border Security Force to erect fencing on the unfenced stretches of the India-Bangladesh border, the CM had announced earlier this month.Announcing the decision after the first cabinet meeting of the new government, CM Suvendu Adhikari said that the required land will be handed over within 45 days. The move comes amid a prolonged judicial inquiry over delays in border fencing projects in the state. According to the data placed before the Supreme Court by the Central government, about 435 km stretch of the border remains unfenced, while more than 286 km stretch is pending mainly due to land acquisition issues. The Calcutta High Court had also earlier this year directed the state to immediately transfer the acquired land to the BSF.

OBC reservation revised for 66 communities

The government notified 66 communities under the Other Backward Class category, restoring the 7 per cent reservation framework following the Calcutta High Court order, which had earlier quashed TMC-era OBC notifications. The decision, formally notified on May 19 and publicly implemented on May 20, affects government jobs and educational admissions. The revised list includes communities like Kurmi, Kapali, Teli, Yadav and several Muslim groups including Hajjam (Muslim), Paharia Muslim and Jola (Ansari-Momin). The move is significant as it rolls back the previous 17 per cent reservation structure and aligns the state policy with the High Court’s direction that benefits already received by affected groups should continue without any disruption.

free bus travel for women

The state Cabinet on Monday approved free bus travel for women in state-run transport services. The move is being projected as a major women-centric welfare measure aimed at reducing the cost of daily commuting and increasing workforce participation. The scheme is expected to include government-run buses on urban and rural routes. It was announced as part of the government’s first major welfare package after assuming power.

Maximum age limit increased for government jobs

On May 18, the Finance Department formally raised the upper age limit for recruitment to state government posts by five years, fulfilling one of the BJP’s key promises to job aspirants. Under the revised rules, now the upper age limit is 41 years for Group A posts, 44 years for Group B posts and 45 years for Group C and D posts. The age limit for recruitment through statutory bodies, government companies and local authorities is uniformly fixed at 45 years. The existing relaxation for SC, ST, OBC and Divyang candidates will continue. The first recruitment process that is expected to benefit from this decision is the ongoing Assistant Professor recruitment in government-aided colleges, for which the application deadline will also be extended. The move is aimed at expanding employment opportunities for candidates who had earlier crossed the age limit amid years of delayed recruitment and stalled examinations in the state.

free bus travel for women

The West Bengal Cabinet on Monday approved free bus travel for women in state-run transport services as a part of the initial welfare measures announced after the new government took charge. The scheme will be applicable to government-run buses on urban and rural routes in the state. According to officials, the initiative aims to reduce travel costs for women who depend on public transport for work, education and daily travel. The decision is expected to impact a large section of regular commuters, especially in Kolkata and district cities where state transport services form a major part of public mobility. The announcement coincided with the implementation of Annapurna Yojana and other welfare measures. Detailed operational guidelines and implementation modalities for the transport scheme are expected to be issued separately by the Transport Department.

Approval for prosecution against Sandeep Ghosh

The West Bengal government on May 19 approved the prosecution of Sandeep Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with alleged financial irregularities related to procurement and administrative practices during his tenure. The sanction was granted under the provisions of the Indian Justice Code, Prevention of Corruption Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act after scrutiny of the FIR and investigation records. The case gained national prominence in 2024 after the rape and murder of a doctor at the hospital, prompting a widespread investigation into alleged corruption within the institution. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate are investigating the case after an investigation was ordered by the Calcutta High Court.

Re-verification of caste certificates issued since 2011

The West Bengal government ordered statewide re-verification of all caste certificates issued since 2011, with the Backward Classes Welfare Department issuing instructions to district magistrates on May 15. The exercise involves around 1.69 crore SC, ST and OBC certificates, including those distributed through government camps during the previous TMC regime. The government has been accused of massive irregularities and fraudulent issuance of certificates over the past 15 years, with ministers claiming that fake beneficiaries have illegally availed reservation and welfare benefits. Officials have been directed to scrutinize the certificates and cancel those issued through incorrect information or procedural violations.

Ending religion-based aid schemes

The new government had also announced that several religion-specific welfare and grant schemes launched during the TMC rule would be discontinued. Although details are still emerging, BJP leaders said the move was aimed at ending “appeasement politics” and moving towards religion-neutral welfare delivery. The decision is politically significant as it directly targets one of the central campaign themes of the BJP in Bengal.

Manchu Manoj is all set to entertain the audience once again with a fun commercial entertainer titled ‘Vaddi Kasula Vaada’. The makers officially announced the project by releasing an interesting title concept video online on the actor’s birthday. The flick immediately caught attention due to its light-hearted tone and relatable middle-class setting. Fans were especially happy to see Manoj A return to a comedy space that suits him perfectly. The film also marks his reunion with the team behind Bindass, one of the most memorable entertainers of his career.

Concept video highlights middle class struggles with humor

The title teaser of ‘Vaddi Kasula Vaada’ features Manchu Manoj in a realistic portrayal of fun, emotions and money problems. The theme is well thought out and revolves around the rising EMI and installment problems of many middle class families. In the glimpse, Manoj is seen emotionally talking to God as he struggles to deal with his money problems. The actor’s impeccable comedy timing and energetic screen presence reminded fans of his previous successful entertainer roles. The catchy title has already created curiosity among the audience and is being widely discussed on social media platforms.

Manoj balances the role of a hero and a powerful villain

Apart from leading films like ‘Vaddi Kasula Vaada’, Manchu Manoj has also been playing strong supporting and villain roles in recent years. He has previously been seen in negative roles in films like ‘Bhairavam’ and ‘Mirai’. Now a report from 123 Telugu reveals that Manoj will also play an important role in it. Nandamuri Balakrishna And Gopichand MalineniUpcoming project of. A discussion has started among the fans whether Manoj will be seen as a powerful villain opposite Balakrishna in the big budget entertainer.

Manoj’s busy lineup creates excitement among fans

The team behind Nandamuri Balakrishna’s upcoming film recently welcomed Manchu Manoj through an official announcement. Director Gopichand Malineni also hinted that Manoj’s character in the film will be very powerful. Meanwhile, ‘Vaddi Kasula Vaada’ is written and directed by Tej Uppalapathy and promises to be a refreshingly entertaining film full of comedy and emotions. With a number of interesting projects, Manchu Manoj is currently enjoying one of the busiest and most exciting phases of his second innings in Telugu cinema.