Will approach SC to seek stay on Council polls as MLAs face prospect of disqualification: Raut
Mumbai, Jun 20: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said his party will approach the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council polls as the MLAs of the ruling parties who will vote in the election face the prospect of disqualification.
He said that observations were made by the Supreme Court while hearing the disqualification plea that MLAs of ruling Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP could be disqualified.
"In such circumstances when MLAs could be disqualified and the case is being heard in the Supreme Court, it is unconstitutional that these lawmakers elect MLCs. They do not have any right to vote," he said.
"We will mention to the Supreme Court that this election is unconstitutional and illegal and the polls must be stayed," Raut said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar's decision to not disqualify its rebel MLAs.
On Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said no poll should be held for 11 seats of the Legislative Council, where MLAs will be voting, till the Supreme Court rules on disqualification pleas related to some members of the lower house.
Polls for 11 seats of the Legislative Council are slated for July 12. The MLCs will be elected by the MLAs in the state assembly.
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Karnataka launches state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): In a significant boost to India’s rapidly expanding space economy, the Karnataka government on Friday launched the country’s first state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology here, officials said.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities to translate space innovation into scalable commercial outcomes, they said.
The Centre, established by the Government of Karnataka through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society in collaboration with SIA (Satcom Industry Association India) -India, was inaugurated by Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, in the presence of senior officials and industry leaders, officials said.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Kharge said that Karnataka has consistently been at the forefront of India's technology and innovation journey. With the launch of this Centre of Excellence for Space Technology, we are extending that leadership into one of the most strategic sectors of the future.
"Our focus is not just on advancing research, but on creating an ecosystem where innovation can translate into real-world applications, economic growth, and high-quality jobs. This Centre will play a critical role in positioning Karnataka as a key driver of India's space economy," he said.
According to an official statement, the CoE SpaceTech Foundation has been established under a Memorandum of Agreement between KITS and SIA-India to drive research and innovation in space technologies, industry-aligned training, startup incubation and cross-sector applications, it said.
The Centre has also formalised strategic MoUs with multiple industry and academic partners to support research in space biotech and microgravity, enable collaboration, build talent pipelines, and provide startups with training and market access, it added.
