Prashanth Rajan Babu, the alleged kingpin of an interstate counterfeit drug racket, has been arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after absconding in Azerbaijan. He is accused of leading a network that refilled cheap drugs and relabelled them as premium brands, with drugs worth Rs 5 crore seized earlier.
The Central government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for another six months in specified areas of Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, effective from October 1. This decision follows a review of the law and order situation in these northeastern states, maintaining the "disturbed area" declaration in various districts and police station jurisdictions.
Reports from the New York Post, citing Mohsen Heydari, reveal that Mojtaba Khamenei was "pulled from the rubble" of a Tehran hospital after alleged US and Israeli strikes. This occurred before his secret selection as Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, which was also reportedly targeted. Conflicting accounts from Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have further shrouded Khamenei's health in mystery, with some suggesting severe injuries while others claim he is "completely" healthy.
Shalu Manocha, daughter-in-law of murdered pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha, has been released by a Kanpur court after police filed a closure report, finding no evidence of her involvement. She was initially arrested based on an accused's statement but a detailed investigation cleared her, leading to the arrest of Vineet's son, Subrat Manocha, for plotting the murder.
The Congress party staged nationwide protests, demanding the immediate arrest and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused the Election Commission of an "unprecedented attack" on voter equality through an alleged 'Mark VIP' feature and called for an independent review of decisions made under Kumar, citing objections from other commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
A senior Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) technician was apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Beed for allegedly accepting a Rs 13,000 bribe. The technician demanded money to replace a faulty electricity meter and restore power supply to a complainant's residence.
Indian boxer Parveen Hooda has advanced to the gold medal bout in the 65kg category at the Asian Games, defeating China's Li Shu. This achievement marks a significant improvement from her previous Asian Games performance, where a bronze medal was revoked. Other Indian pugilists, including Ankush Panghal and Narender Berwal, are also set to compete for final spots, contributing to India's best-ever boxing medal haul at the event.
The Supreme Court strongly criticised the Uttar Pradesh police for their handling of a molestation case, particularly for registering an FIR against an "unknown person" despite the accused being apprehended on the spot. The court expressed dismay over alleged cover-ups and manipulation of case details, even suggesting disbanding the UP Police and handing investigations to the CBI. The bench has directed the SHO to appear and the UP Police to file a fresh affidavit explaining the discrepancies.
The central government has revamped the Khelo India Scheme's funding pattern, allocating a Rs 565 crore component for states to co-share the cost of future sports infrastructure development projects over a five-year plan. This new model, part of a Rs 29,054 crore outlay, aims to increase state ownership and participation in sports development, significantly expanding the scheme's reach and athlete base.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde highlighted ethanol's potential to protect India from volatile petroleum markets and geopolitical risks, advocating for its widespread production and use. He, along with other officials, emphasised ethanol's role in strengthening the rural economy, ensuring timely cane payments, and combating carbon emissions, while also discussing its historical context and current government support.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy congratulated archers Chikitha Taniparthi, Vennam Jyothi Surekha, and Prithika Pradeep for winning a gold medal in the women's compound archery team event at the Asian Games 2026. He also extended wishes to all Indian athletes and highlighted the inspiring nature of their achievements, which also included a mixed team gold and an Olympic quota for the 2028 Olympics.
The Bombay High Court has granted an ad-interim stay on a special court's order that had given bail to dismissed cop Sachin Waze in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) challenged the bail, arguing the special court erred. Waze remains in custody.
Prashanth Rajan Babu, the alleged kingpin of an interstate counterfeit drug racket, has been arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. He had been absconding and was reportedly hiding in Azerbaijan. The arrest follows a major raid in August where fake medicines worth Rs 5 crore were seized, and a Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the network.
The Election Commission of India has addressed reports of internal dissent among its commissioners and clarified that all Special Intensive Revision (SIR) orders and Form 6 updates for voter enrolment received unanimous consent and were upheld by the Supreme Court. The EC also announced measures to ease the process for voters issued notices, including doorstep document collection and extended deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while affirming its commitment to transparent decision-making and meticulous compliance with directives.
India's kurash campaign at the Asian Games concluded with Vipin Kumar's pre-quarterfinal defeat in the men's 66kg event. He lost to South Korea's Hyeonsu Yoon, marking the end of India's participation in the sport with one bronze medal won by Pincky Balhara.
Donald Trump expressed confidence in a swift victory over Iran, suggesting military strikes before midterm elections are possible, with the primary goal of denying Tehran nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi declared readiness for a "doomsday war" if hostilities resume, while also expressing openness to diplomacy if assets are unfrozen and oil sales allowed.
An 80-year-old Mumbai man's family has preserved his body for four years due to "deep emotional attachment," spending over Rs 50 lakh. The police, ruling out foul play, confirmed the man died naturally in 2022 and the family is now considering cryopreservation in the US or performing last rites.
This article presents the medals tally after Day 9 of the Asian Games, highlighting the leading countries and India's position. China maintains a significant lead, followed by Japan and South Korea.
The Delhi High Court has ruled that criminal cases involving sexual offences against children, particularly under the POCSO Act, cannot be settled by the survivor or their family. Justice Sachin Datta emphasised that such heinous offences have a serious societal impact and quashing proceedings based on a compromise would undermine the statute's objectives and justice.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Chennai conducted simultaneous searches at five premises as part of an expanded probe into a corruption case against former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The searches, which followed an FIR registered on September 16, 2026, led to the seizure of a laptop and 44 documents related to alleged financial irregularities.
The incident follows similar harassment cases reported recently in Jamui and Samastipur, raising concerns about women's safety in the state.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Chennai conducted simultaneous searches at five premises as part of an expanded probe into a corruption case against former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The searches, which followed an FIR registered on September 16, 2026, led to the seizure of a laptop and 44 documents related to alleged financial irregularities.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced a resolution in the assembly demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood for the union territory. The resolution, which referenced previous autonomy resolutions, led to intense protests and "ugly scenes" from opposition BJP members, resulting in the adjournment of the House. Abdullah highlighted the unfulfilled promise by the Government of India regarding statehood after delimitation and elections.
Indian shooters Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet secured a gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Asian Games in Japan, earning congratulations from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for their dominant performance.
India's Deepu Mallesh has advanced to the quarterfinals of the men's speed climbing event at the Asian Games, clocking a best time of 5.09 seconds. This marks his debut at the Games. Meanwhile, Joga Purty, who also qualified for the women's quarterfinals, was eliminated due to a false start. Sport climbing is a relatively new event at both the Asian Games and the Olympics.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Chennai conducted simultaneous searches at five premises as part of an expanded probe into a corruption case against former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The searches, which followed an FIR registered on September 16, 2026, led to the seizure of a laptop and 44 documents related to alleged financial irregularities.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) next week that seeks the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and challenges the alleged unilateral decision-making within the Election Commission without the approval of two other Election Commissioners.
The Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) has arrested a Nigerian national in Gurugram for possessing 15.04 grams of MDMA (ecstasy). The accused, Udeh Frank, was intercepted near Sai Temple, Sector 53, and a case has been registered under the NDPS Act. This arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown on synthetic drugs by the HSNCB Gurugram Unit.
India's women's doubles sepaktakraw team, comprising Menenu Tsukru and Leirentonbi Devi Elangbam, failed to qualify for the semifinals at the Asian Games after finishing last in their group, losing to Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) has announced a nationwide 'No UPI Day' protest on October 2 against the proposed 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Retailers argue that this charge will burden small businesses and impact their already thin profit margins, urging policymakers to withdraw the proposal.
AAP workers in Mohali protested against Enforcement Directorate search operations at the GMADA office, alleging misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led Centre. The protests involved clashes with police and damage to property, while the ED's investigation targeted GMADA officials, an IAS officer, a realty company, and residences linked to political figures.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 4.9 kg of cocaine, valued at Rs 24.5 crore, from an Indian passenger at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The drugs were concealed within chocolate tubes in the passenger's cabin baggage. The passenger, arriving from Qatar, has been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985, and further investigation is underway.
A train attendant was arrested at Thane railway station for allegedly possessing 61 bottles of Goa-manufactured Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 71,560. The seizure was made by the state excise department based on a tip-off, and the attendant has been charged under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.
Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has progressed to the men's singles quarterfinals at the Asian Games after defeating Sergey Fomin. However, fellow Indian Dhakshineswar Suresh was eliminated in the third round. In men's doubles, the pair of N Sriram Balaji and Anirudh Chandrasekar lost their quarterfinal match, while another Indian duo is yet to play.
The Bombay High Court has stayed the bail granted to dismissed cop Sachin Waze in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) appealed the special court's decision, arguing that Waze intended to create terror and is accused of murder, and criticised the special court's observations regarding the Ambani family.
Indian javelin thrower Rohit Yadav secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games with a throw of 84.35m, marking his first major international medal. This achievement has relieved him of years of pressure from family and friends, allowing him to compete with a freer mind. Despite not achieving his personal best, Yadav is optimistic about future competitions, aiming for 88m-90m throws next year and dedicating his medal to his father.
US President Donald Trump has shared a map on Truth Social showing the Strait of Hormuz labelled as "Trump Strait".
Apple has officially launched its Apple Pay service in India, initially partnering with Axis Bank for Visa and Mastercard credit card users. The service allows secure, cashless transactions via iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch using NFC technology, without requiring PINs or OTPs. This move is set to intensify competition in India's digital payments market, currently dominated by UPI and local players, with Apple planning to onboard more banks and expand merchant networks.
The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested two middlemen and detained a Central GST superintendent for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 25 lakh bribe to settle tax evasion matters and activate a firm's account.
Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer has allowed voter documents via WhatsApp for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, with Block Level Officers (BLOs) conducting home verifications. This development comes amidst controversy surrounding the Election Commission and its Chief, Gyanesh Kumar, over alleged unilateral decisions regarding the SIR, which opposition parties claim dilute the powers of Electoral Registration Officers. The deadline for claims and objections has been extended to October 12.
