Gautam Gambhir visited Guwahati's Kamakhya temple before meeting selectors to discuss India's New Zealand tour squads, as the team prepared to seal the ODI series against West Indies.
AJUP chief and Naoda MLA Humayun Kabir has hinted at quitting electoral politics and his assembly membership after his arrest during the Rejinagar bypoll. Kabir, who claims the BJP will win Rejinagar due to a "looted mandate," expressed disillusionment with the democratic system and vowed not to attend the state assembly as long as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is in office. He also alleged betrayal by Adhikari regarding his son's bypoll prospects.
Nandan Nilekani, head of the task force on exam reforms, stated on Tuesday that technology and a systematic approach can solve the issue of question paper leaks. He suggested generating exam papers from a large question bank at the last minute to remove economic incentives for leaks and also proposed moving towards computer-based testing.
Japanese Olympic Committee chief Seiko Hashimoto acknowledged "many problems" at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, particularly regarding accommodation, but emphasized that criticism doesn't reflect the full experience. She highlighted innovative solutions like cruise ship lodging as potential models for future cost-effective international competitions and stressed the importance of learning from challenges, including weather disruptions. Hashimoto also celebrated Japan's record medal haul at the Games.
CPI(M) leader John Brittas was allegedly manhandled and injured by Delhi Police personnel during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Rajya Sabha MP was taken to RML Hospital for examination. Brittas has written to the President, Rajya Sabha chairman, and CJI seeking an independent investigation into the alleged assault, claiming he was dragged, assaulted, and abandoned. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the incident, and other political leaders like M A Baby and Manoj Jha visited Brittas, criticising the police action and alleging brutality against protesters. The protest was organised to demand Kumar's resignation over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
Fast bowler Akash Deep is expected to be recalled to India's Test squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour, following a successful return to domestic cricket after a seven-month injury layoff. The selection committee is also set to pick squads for T20Is, ODIs, and India A's shadow tour.
The Supreme Court has disposed of a long-pending case concerning legislative privileges and freedom of speech, deeming it infructuous due to the Tamil Nadu Assembly withdrawing its resolution against journalists. However, the seven-judge bench has kept the substantial legal questions regarding the interplay of fundamental rights and legislative privileges open for future adjudication.
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has commenced its three-day meeting, with a majority of economists and bankers anticipating a 25 basis point rate hike to counter escalating inflation risks, particularly from West Asia conflicts.
The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to submit a report on sand mining from riverbeds, highlighting its disastrous impact on river ecosystems. The court also ordered Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to file compliance affidavits regarding measures against illegal sand mining in and around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, following concerns over environmental damage and a forest ranger's death.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures on Thursday regarding alleged large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The petition seeks an independent audit of these deletions and modifications, and a direction to prevent further deletions without due process.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has deferred the implementation of a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on Person-to-Merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. Originally set for October 15, the new date will be announced after Diwali, providing relief to users and merchants, especially during the festive season. The decision came amidst opposition concerns about the levy burdening consumers.
A senior Pakistan Army general has confirmed the presence of Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia, operating in "multiple capabilities" and "domains" amidst escalating Houthi attacks. This deployment is linked to the Makkah defence pact, a trilateral agreement with Turkiye and Saudi Arabia for collective deterrence, though specific details remain classified. Both Pakistan and Turkiye emphasise the defensive nature of their involvement.
Former Bombay High Court judge Justice R C Chavan has resigned from the Maharashtra government's Uniform Civil Code panel, citing profound concerns.
'Without that one critical irrigation, the entire crop can be lost.'
Munich has been selected by the German Olympic Committee to be Germany's candidate city for hosting the Summer Olympic Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044. This marks Germany's latest effort to bring the multi-sport event back to the country since 1972, with Munich's bid leveraging its existing Olympic park and enjoying strong local support.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding a plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 12 other opposition leaders concerning alleged large-scale voter deletions and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) irregularities.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that its new Executive Council will be elected on December 5, with Sanjay Kumar Srivastava appointed as the returning officer. The electoral process, which includes elections for the Athletes' Commission on November 3 and selection of Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs), will adhere to national sports governance acts and the amended IOA Constitution. The new council will serve a four-year term (2026-2030), with current President PT Usha highlighting the importance of good governance as India eyes hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
The Sports Ministry has removed para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from India's Para Asian Games contingent following allegations of kickbacks and protests from athletes. The contingent of 166 athletes and 109 support staff is set to compete in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, starting October 18, with several prominent Paralympians included despite selection controversies.
'If the intention was simply to replicate what's already been done elsewhere, there was no need for a committee at all -- there's already an Act passed there (in Uttarakhand); just copy it, paste it, and you're done. Why waste everyone's time convening a panel for that?'
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has threatened to suspend the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) due to its failure to finalise a new constitution and hold elections as directed by the Delhi High Court. The international body cited breaches of good governance principles and has given EFI until September 28 to provide an explanation before its board considers suspension on October 13. The crisis stems from long-standing governance disputes and divisions within the ad-hoc committee appointed to oversee the federation.
Nirma University has formed a three-member committee to investigate an incident where a professor allegedly grabbed a student's collar during a stand-up comedy show. The incident, captured in a viral video, led to apologies from both parties and protests from student organisations, prompting the university to launch a formal inquiry.
The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi High Court to reconsider a plea by 11 members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club challenging the Centre's decision to take over 27.3 acres of land leased to the club and subsequent eviction proceedings. The members argue that the government-nominated management cannot effectively challenge the Centre's actions, which they deem a "colourable exercise" of power and a violation of fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court has questioned the Centre's decision to cap trade margins on anti-cancer drugs at 30 per cent, asking why similar restrictions could not be extended to other medicines and medical consumables, citing glaring disparities between procurement costs and maximum retail prices (MRPs).
Top US lawmakers, leaders, and civil society members have strongly condemned an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested for attempting a mass shooting at the Aurora temple, which failed when his rifle jammed. Indian-American Congressmen and other officials have called for efforts to combat rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in America, highlighting the need to protect minority houses of worship.
Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Datta has strongly criticised the 2023 law for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners, arguing that the executive's dominant role in the selection committee creates a 'shadow of doubt' over the Election Commission's independence, even if appointments are meritorious.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has invited India, Germany, Qatar, and Turkiye, among others, to present their bids for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games to its Future Host Commission next month. Ahmedabad is India's preferred city for the mega-event, with negotiations led by the Indian Olympic Association in collaboration with the Gujarat government and Union Sports Ministry. The host will be announced in mid-2029, following a streamlined selection process focusing on venue master-plan, funding, public support, and athlete experience.
'Hydro-seismicity is a phenomenon that typically shows up during and just after the monsoon.' 'Heavy rain causes water to percolate deep into the rock, and where there are fractures, that water fills the pores and builds up what we call pore water pressure.' 'That pressure can widen existing cracks, and eventually the rock gives way -- which surfaces as tremors.'
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a series of changes to its Playing Conditions, effective from October 1, 2024, aimed at improving game pace, standardising ball specifications, and clarifying fielding rules. These updates include penalties for time-wasting batters, tighter ball tolerances for women's cricket, and a trial for pink balls in daytime Test matches.
The BJP's women's wing announced a protest march against the Congress, alleging that Rahul Gandhi is protecting Inner Manipur MP Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who was dismissed from JNU over sexual harassment allegations involving 11 students. The BJP Mahila Morcha will organise a 'Nari Shakti Hunkar Andolan' on Monday, demanding Akoijam's expulsion and resignation.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, despite being written off in 2022, is set to make a national comeback in 2026, showcasing his enduring swing bowling prowess and strong work ethic, particularly after stellar performances in the IPL.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced declines in early trade, ending a two-day rally, driven by a spike in Brent crude oil prices above USD 101 per barrel and investor caution ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy decision. Track Sensex, Nifty on October 7.
Former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Pargat Singh has been appointed the new president of the Punjab Congress, replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. A three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, Singh's elevation comes amidst internal party wrangling and is seen as a strategic move to unite factions ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. His journey spans from a decorated sports career to a prominent political figure, having previously served as a minister and consistently winning his assembly seat.
Nine people have been killed in fresh clashes between two communities in Manipur's hill districts of Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh has appealed for peace and restraint, and additional security forces have been deployed. The violence began on Friday night with the killing of a woman, leading to further attacks and exchanges of fire. This comes after earlier ethnic violence in the state that killed over 300 people.
Ganesh mandals in Mumbai have requested the Maharashtra government to clarify the implementation of a recent Bombay High Court order on noise pollution during immersion processions. The order mandates a Rs 1 lakh security deposit and legal action for violations, causing confusion among organisers as the festival concludes.
The Indian government has decided to cap trade margins on all non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30 per cent of their maximum retail price. This move aims to improve affordability and ensure continued availability of these life-saving medicines, potentially saving cancer patients an estimated Rs 2,500 crore annually. The decision, expected to be implemented later this month, will affect 110 anti-cancer drugs, including 35 patented ones.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Navi Mumbai has arrested an inspector and a security guard from the Grocery Markets and Shops Board for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 43,000 to issue a Mathadi worker registration receipt. The arrest followed a complaint from an autorickshaw driver seeking a worker appointment.
The BJP has announced eight candidates, including minister Dharam Pal Singh, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. These elections, scheduled for October 16, will fill 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, one from Uttarakhand, and a bypoll in West Bengal, with several prominent members retiring.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, stated that Starlink's services in India must be affordable for widespread adoption and that competition would benefit consumers, despite potentially reducing Reliance Jio's profits. He criticised Reliance Jio as a 'de facto monopoly' in India, alleging that certain business conglomerates were blocking Starlink's entry.
US Olympic sprinter Kenny Bednarek has expressed strong support for India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Citing his personal connection through his Indian girlfriend, golfer Sharmila Nicollet, and his admiration for the country's diverse culture, Bednarek believes India would be an ideal host, offering a unique experience for athletes and visitors. India is among seven nations vying for the 2036 Games, also planning bids for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2038 Asian Games.
The process agreed on Tuesday will require MIAL to first build stakeholder agreement on the transition before taking the plan through the regulatory approval process.
