The Indian government, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has issued an advisory to Meta, urging the social media giant to prevent its recommendation systems from disproportionately exposing users to limited narratives and to enhance checks on content that could incite public disorder or unlawful activity. The advisory, dated October 10, also calls for Meta to provide adequate context for content related to ongoing public events and to review its content-ranking mechanisms to avoid amplifying misleading information.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was granted conditional bail and asked to sign a peace bond after being arrested for allegedly violating a previous peace bond during the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest in Delhi.
Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, recently dismissed from JNU over sexual harassment allegations, has been served a notice by Delhi Police to join the investigation. Akoijam, a former professor, was sacked on October 9 after an internal inquiry into complaints from at least 11 female students regarding alleged harassment and inappropriate remarks. He denies the charges.
Six US Democratic lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar, have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address alleged excessive force during student protests in India and concerns over voter purges during his upcoming visit. They also accused Indian diplomatic missions of surveillance of protesters in the US and called for investigations into human rights violations and potential arms sales implications.
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).
Elon Musk questioned if Mukesh Ambani is India's "real boss" amidst Starlink's licensing issues, drawing a cryptic response from Rahul Gandhi. The Indian government clarified that security assessments are pending for all satcom licensees, not just Starlink, and the delay is due to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary recently made a statement suggesting Lord Ram was 'asking for a home' while Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided houses to millions. He linked the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to PM Modi's efforts, highlighting the BJP's ideological commitment to the temple and other key issues like Article 370 abrogation. Choudhary also mentioned plans for a Sita temple in Bihar.
The Supreme Court has asked the government to consider designating an alternative venue to Jantar Mantar for peaceful protests in the national capital, emphasising the need for a site with basic amenities. This suggestion arose during a hearing concerning proposed restrictions on metro stations and train cancellations due to a protest.
'This is a never-before-seen phenomenon.' 'Instead of violence relating to extortion, contract killings, settlements etc for the first time ever, they seem to be wanting to kill for vanity and pride.'
The Civil Aviation Ministry has requested Adani Airports to postpone the partial relocation of international flights from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai airport, a move initially proposed due to renovation of Mumbai's Terminal 1 and opposed by airlines. Discussions are underway to formulate a revised transition plan.
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.
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.
The Union Home Ministry's High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes has requested states and Union Territories to provide detailed data on "visible changes" in religious demography over the last 15 years. This includes information on birth registrations, religious structures, vehicle registrations, property transfers in tribal areas, and educational institutions, aiming to assess demographic shifts and recommend policy measures.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly rebuked a Pakistani journalist at the UN headquarters who questioned India's alleged sponsorship of terrorism, calling Pakistan a "terrorist country."
Madurai-based content creator Veeramani faced an unprecedented ordeal, being forced to abandon his home after a simple online request for Deepavali sweets led to an overwhelming barrage of expensive cash-on-delivery pranks from mischievous followers.
Easing Gyanesh Kumar out would create a hazardous political precedent because forcing out a top official, due to public pressure, projects an image of reactive, defensive governing. Furthermore, making a high-level official like the CEC to hand in his papers would validate Opposition claims that Constitutional referees have been compromised, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
The Supreme Court has questioned the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on the lack of electronic surveillance to track stationary vehicles on highways, citing a recent fatal accident. The court is hearing a suo motu case related to road safety and has previously issued directions against unauthorised parking and commercial structures on highways.
The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre's cap on anti-cancer drug trade margins, questioning why similar controls aren't applied to other medicines. The court highlighted significant markups on common drugs and medical devices, urging the government to expand its price regulation efforts and present modalities by October 27.
Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American national, has been issued a notice by Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating immigration laws by participating in a political protest.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant has rejected the INDIA bloc leaders' request for a meeting to submit a representation over alleged electoral irregularities, stating that they should approach the court by filing a petition as the matter is already sub judice.
The Bombay High Court has orally questioned the Maharashtra government and police regarding Parth Pawar's 99% stake in Amadea Enterprises LLP, which acquired a 40-acre government land parcel in Pune's Mundhwa area at a significantly discounted price. The court highlighted that while a 1% shareholder was accused, the probe was silent on Parth Pawar, son of Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, despite his majority holding. The controversial deal, involving a Rs 300 crore transaction and alleged stamp duty exemption, has already seen a Pune civil court order the cancellation of the sale deed.
The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has appealed to Ganesh mandals in Mumbai to ensure that immersion processions on the final day of the festival are free from noise pollution and inconvenience, citing the Bombay High Court's strict stance on decibel limits.
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to resolve the contentious dispute between the rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress over its party name and crucial 'flowers and grass' election symbol within three months of the completion of pleadings.
If India's medal tally ultimately falls significantly short of Hangzhou, the conversation should not stop with the athletes or coaches. It should extend to a much more uncomfortable institutional question: After years of increased investment, programmes, infrastructure and policy attention, where exactly is the system failing to convert that investment into medals, champions and depth across sports? asks Jaydeep Ray.
Rahul Gandhi's trip abroad occurred amid protests in New Delhi concerning CEC Gyanesh Kumar and electoral rolls.
'UPI has been free since Covid, so why is the government charging us now?'
'Questions give you courage, and they also give you answers. Sometimes those answers are uncomfortable, and sometimes they are comfortable.' 'You must be able to accept both in the same stride.'
'If you look back at my interviews, I talk about love almost with a sense of disrespect and disbelief, like 'I don't believe in this concept', which was immature of me because I've been blessed with so much beautiful love.'
The Delhi High Court is set to deliver its order on October 23 regarding a plea filed by AISA president Neha Bora. Bora is challenging a police notice that requires her to execute a "peace" bond before a special executive magistrate, arguing it's an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent and violates her fundamental rights.
The Calcutta High Court has verbally directed the West Bengal government to allow Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan to contest the election properly, provided he secures bail in five criminal cases. Pradhan was recently arrested in connection with multiple long-pending cases, raising questions about his ability to campaign for the upcoming bypoll.
Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith is battling a neck injury, raising concerns about his ability to bat on the final day of the second Test against South Africa, as Australia fights to salvage a draw after being forced to follow on.
Court said state machinery prevented woman from challenging Foreigners Tribunal order; directs authorities to try to locate her in Bangladesh and bring her back to India.
The Delhi High Court engaged in a light-hearted exchange during a hearing, questioning the ages of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das (27) and Ashutosh Ranka (32) and remarking that they were not part of 'Generation Z'.
Following a stampede-like situation that resulted in 18 deaths and 25 injuries, several prominent Durga Puja organisers in Kolkata were instructed by authorities on Saturday evening to temporarily close their pandals to visitors. This decision affects major crowd-pulling pujas and extends to areas like Bidhannagar, with a review meeting scheduled for Sunday.
Some lessons about patience are taught not by monks or teachers, but by government offices, one slow afternoon at a time, reveals Binu Alex.
A 23-year-old delivery executive, Sameer Hussain, allegedly died by suicide after being assaulted over a torn Rs 10 note in East Delhi. He recorded a video expressing his humiliation before consuming poison. Two accused have been arrested, and police have added abetment of suicide charges to the case.
rediffGURU Ravi Mittal explains when your partner's past relationships may matter and why you should avoid judging someone solely by their romantic history.
A sharp political slugfest erupted on Thursday as Congress leaders and INDIA bloc allies rallied behind MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's son, Raihan Vadra, accusing the authorities and Centre of censoring artistic expression after Bikaner House requested the removal of several photographs from his exhibition.
MS Dhoni's reported bid for a stake in Chennai Super Kings has been denied by the franchise, which said the former captain never approached them about buying a share in the IPL team.
India has issued a fresh advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to take precautions due to heightened security concerns following drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The advisory includes instructions on what to do during an aerial attack and notes flight disruptions, with Indian carriers suspending services until late October.
