BELAGAVI l friday l july 03, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 14 l LATE CITY EDITION SC quashes verdict based on AI-generated ‘precedents’ Supreme Court set aside a verdict of the National Company Law Tribunal on Thursday, stating that courts must show zero tolerance to AI slop fabricated case name, faulty citations The matter arose from an insolvency dispute involving Pooja Singh and J&K Bank and Essel Infraprojects Ltd. The appellant challenged an NCLT Mumbai order that had admitted a Section 7 insolvency application. The Supreme Court found that several “precedents” cited by NCLT did not exist. These included fabricated case names and wrong attributions | P9 ■ Two ai is methyl isocyanate of law, says sc ■ The bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said, “The production of fake, non-existent, and hallucinated material as precedents is like release of methyl Isocyanate in law and justice...” The bench clarified that its judgment shall have no bearing on the rightful use of AI, but would only apply to fake AI-led case histories Tribunals, NCLT and NCLAT, relied on AI-generated fake citations CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI 1st def co-development project deal with Japan Agreement to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership J aya n t h J a c o b a nd P u s h p i ta D e y @ New Delhi India and Japan on Thursday elevated their global strategic partnership with a twin push on defence manufacturing and economic integration, signing their first-ever defence co-development project while agreeing to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as Prime Minister Narendra Modi described “unbreakable mutual trust” as the bedrock of bilateral ties. The two sides also unveiled a roadmap on economic security , supply chain resilience, clean energy and biotech following the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit between Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi. “Today, we have signed an agreement on the first co-development project between India and Japan in the defence sector. This project for a naval radio antenna will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership,” Modi said. The pact relates to the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) project, a next-generation naval communications system designed to provide secure and reliable communications for warships. The joint statement said both K’buragi riots: HC stays order to withdraw eight cases Express News Service @Bengaluru The Karnataka High Court on Thursday stayed the order issued by the state Home Department on May 27 to the Prosecution Department to withdraw eight criminal cases with serious charges booked by the Aland police in Kalaburagi district over the 2022 riots that occurred on a dargah premises. A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice KS Hemalekha passed the interim order staying the impugned order challenged by advocate Girish Bharadwaj. The petitioner alleged that the cabinet decided to withdraw the cases despite the prosecution department stating three times that there are sufficient materials to prove charges beyond doubts. It was alleged in the petition that the then Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly UT Khader requested the Home Department to withdraw the cases, in response to the representation submitted by the Managing Committee of Dhargha Hazrat MalikulMashaikh Makhdoom Ladle Ansari (Sunni).  P7 Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Japan counterpart Sanae Takaichi | PTI Widening trade deficit The CEPA review assumes significance as India’s trade deficit with Japan widened over the past decade — from $5.18 billion in 2015-16 to $15.4 billion in 2025-26. During the same period, imports rose to $21.43 billion, while India’s exports increased only modestly to $6 billion PMs welcomed the conclusion in principle of the remaining technical issues on UNICORN and agreed to explore additional defence equipment and technology collaborations. Modi welcomed Japan’s review of its principles governing the trans- fer of defence equipment and technology, which New Delhi sees as opening new avenues for industrial collaboration. Both leaders also agreed to modernise the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Ag reement (CEPA), which came into force in 2011 but has come under scrutiny over its limited benefits for Indian exporters. “Upgradation of the CEPA pact and review of its provisions were discussed....whether the agreement has become outdated in light of newer trade arrangements,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. Sources said India has sought a review of several non-tariff barriers, particularly Japan’s stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, which have constrained Indian exports despite preferential tariff access. “The global trade landscape has evolved considerably since 2011, and India has conveyed its interest in reviewing aspects of CEPA,” a senior government source said. The summit also produced a Joint Roadmap on Economic Security, under which the two countries will strengthen supply chain resilience in strategic sectors including semiconductors, quantum technologies and advanced materials. CM warns of strict legal action Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said the state government will initiate action in the boulder collapse case in which seven workers died, after receiving a report from its officials. Compensation will be given to the families of the victims based on the report, he told reporters here. Strict legal action, including filing of FIRs, will be initiated if rules are violated by those operating the quarry. R a k s h i t h G o w d a @Bengaluru Seven workers were killed, five others were injured and four escaped unhurt when a massive boulder crashed on them while they were loading crushed stones onto a tractor at a stone crusher unit in Huluvenahalli village, Tavarekere, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, on Thursday morning. The police have arrested four persons, including the owners of the two adjoining quarry units. Five of the victims were from Madhya Pradesh, one from Yadgir in Karnataka and another from Chhattisgarh. Following the incident, social activists alleged that they US advance to last 16 The main co-hosts advanced after beating Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0. But Folarin Balogun, who scored along with Malik Tillman, picked up a red card after what looked like a stamp on the ankle of a covering defender Belgium to face co-hosts US Why contentious? The on-field ref had waved for play to continue after Youri Tielemans went down. But he was asked to consult the monitor by VAR. The on-field referee gave the penalty. However, it wasn’t a clear and obvious error | P13 Argentina start knockout journey Holders Argentina face Cape Verde in one of the last three games of the first knockout stage. The three-time champions are prohibitive favourites but Cape Verde have been resillient so far Today’s matches: Australia vs Egypt 11.30 PM, Argentina vs Cape Verde (3.30 AM)*, Colombia vs Ghana (7.00 AM)* (*IST Saturday) Can’t force Hindu prayer in school: HC E J A Z KAISE R @Raipur IN a major development concerning the secular character of public education, the Chhattisgarh High Court on Thursday made it clear that school children cannot be forced to recite Hindu prayers in governmentrun educational institutions. The ruling was delivered by Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad on a writ petition challenging the constitutional validity of a circular issued by the State School Education Department on June 12. A controversy erupted after the BJP-led Chhattisgarh government issued the fiat mandating daily recitation of Vedic mantras, including the Gayatri Mantra and Saraswati Vandana, in all government schools from the new academic session. The legal challenge was filed by former Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Salam Rizvi, alongside Mahendra Chhabda and social activist Narendra Modi, PM Earthmovers clear debris to retrieve the bodies of workers at the stone quarry in Huluvenahalli village on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Thursday | Vinod Kumar T 7 crushed in boulder fall at B’luru quarry Belgium complete comeback It seemed for all money that Senegal would be heading into the last 16. They were leading 2-0 but Belgium got one back and forced an equaliser before winning it via a contentious penalty in injury time to win the game 3-2 Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a mishap in stone quarry in Karnataka. I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured Shafique Ahmed. The state government informed the court that the actual implementation of the administrative circular had not yet begun in any school so far. Taking note of the government’s submission, Justice Prasad disposed of the petition. However, the court left the door open for future judicial intervention, granting petitioners liberty to approach it again if any child is found to have been compelled to participate in the religious recitations. had alerted the authorities about a month ago that quarries in the locality were operating without the mandatory No Objection Cer tificate (NOC). They said had the authorities acted on their complaints, the tragedy could have been averted. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Central Range) S Girish, who visited the spot, told reporters that the incident occurred around 7.30 am in Tavarekere police station limits. “There are two adjoining quarries at the site, an upper quarry and a lower quarry, owned by two individuals. Workers were carrying out routine activities at both locations. While workers at the upper quarry were reportedly breaking boulders using an excavator, it is suspected that vibrations and existing cracks in a massive boulder caused it to become dislodged and roll down, crushing the workers in the lower quarry he said. ,” A worker at the site said the massive boulder rolled down from a height of nearly 100 feet from the upper quarry before crashing into another boulder and plunging nearly 60 feet onto the workers and four tractor-mounted compressors in the lower quarry Seven work. ers were trapped beneath the boulder, while several others, including an earthmover operator working in the upper quarry sustained injuries after , Russia buying Indian gasoline? Not directly from OMCs: Minister R a k e s h K u m a r @ New Delhi PETROLEUM Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday denied reports that Indian refiners are exporting gasoline to Russia, saying none of India’s public or private refiners are currently shipping fuel to the country . T he minister, while speaking to the media, said that any Indianorigin fuel reaching Russia could have been traded through intermediaries rather than sold directly by Indian companies. The clarification came after media reports claimed Russia had imported seaborne gasoline from India to meet domestic demand after Ukrainian attacks disrupted its refining facilities. According to reports, at least 60,000 metric tonnes of gasoline have already been dis- patched from India, while another report said two tankers carrying 30,00040,000 tonnes each had been sent.“None of the Indian refiners, including private refiners, are exporting gasoline to Russia. It may be some intermediary… Crude oil and refined products are often traded multiple times through intermediaries before reaching the final destination. Therefore, the original source of a shipment may differ from the immediate seller,” Puri said. The minister, while speaking on exports of petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), said India is one of the world’s largest refining and petroleum-exporting hubs, supplying refined products to more than 140 countries. Fuel prices On possibility of a cut in domestic fuel prices, Petroleum Minister Puri said petrol and diesel prices could be reduced if international crude prices remain at current levels for the next few months Cola-veri as new entrant shakes up duopoly in soft drinks market D IPAK M O N D A L @ New Delhi Kolkata-based ITC has opened a new front in India’s famed cola wars, traditionally waged by Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. The Indian company’s latest coconut-based carbonated drink has reignited interest in the country’s soft drinks market, currently dominated by the two US giants that control nearly 90% of the market. Reliance Industries-owned desi brand Campa Cola, a dis- tant third player, has been unable to make inroads into this highly entrenched market. ITC’s entry will add another layer of competition but may not disrupt the market. According to sources, ITC’s B Natural Coconut Cola lacks the conventional ‘fizz’ needed to make significant headway in the fiercely contested cola segment. Interestingly, ITC is not trying to compete with established cola brands; instead, it wants to create an entirely new Direct competition unlikely: Analysts According to market analysts, ITC’s foray into soft drinks may not intensify competition in the cola market. A broking analyst said ITC itself is unlikely to take on the established players directly, given Reliance’s limited success so far in challenging the two US beverage giants category by blending coconut water with cola flavour. The drink is positioned as a healthier alternative, with lower calo- ries and no added sugar. Industry executives point out that ITC has stayed away from the aggressive price wars. B Natural Coconut Cola is priced at `60 for a 250 ml can, compared with `38 for a 300 ml can of Coca-Cola. “It is being marketed as a premium product,” said the spokesperson for a quick-commerce platform. The product is available only on select quickcommerce platforms. A brokerage analyst tracking ITC said the launch is part of the company’s strategy to introduce innovative beverages, including Breakfast Smooth- ie with Oats, Mango Smoothie with Chunks and Berry Smoothie with Chia Seeds. Reliance recently said that Campa Cola, the iconic brand revived by Reliance Consumer Products Ltd, has become one of India’s top four carbonated beverage brands in less than two years of its relaunch. According to RCPL, Campa recorded annual revenue of `4,700 crore in FY26, making it India’s fourth-largest carbonated drinks brand. being struck by flying rocks. Fire and Emergency Services Department personnel retrieved the seven bodies from the debris using two earthmovers in a rescue operation that lasted nearly two hours. The officer said 16 workers were present in the lower quarry at the time of the incident. Of them, seven died, five were injured and four escaped unhurt. “Unfortunately, the incident occurred because the workers were close to the boundary between the two quarries. We will verify all documents, permits and licences with the Department of Mines and Geology, and take further action,” Girish said. CONTINUED ON: P5 CM tells mins to tour all dists, review drought Express News Service @ Bengaluru The State cabinet on Thursday discussed the impending drought situation in the state due to scanty rain. After the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he has instructed his 13 ministers to visit all 31 districts and conduct review meetings. “I, too, will tour all four administrative divisions and review the situation on the ground,” he said, briefing the media.” The PM has already issued a strong warning. There is a possibility of a severe shortage of both water and electricity across the country due to the prevailing weather conditions. At present, reservoirs such as Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Almatti, Narayanpur and Vanivilas Sagar are recording zero inflow,” he remarked. “Even in the Cauvery basin, inflow has reduced drastically . Last year, Hemavathi had 88tmcft of water, but today it has come down to 40tmcft. KRS had 100tmcft last year, whereas today it is at 22tmcft; Kabini had 79tmcft but it is now at 26tmcft. Overall, reservoir inflows have fallen to just 20 per cent,” he elaborated.  P4 E x p r e s s Re a d Child abuse: Capgemini shuts B’luru daycare Bengaluru: Capgemini has temporarily closed its on-campus daycare facility in Bengaluru after police registered a case against five caregivers over allegations of abuse involving toddlers. The case came to light after videos allegedly showing children being mistreated at the facility circulated on social media, and the matter was reported to the authorities. An investigation is under way, and no arrests had been reported | P6