The Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a motion urging the central government to completely withdraw the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Chief Minister V D Satheesan and CPI MLA K Rajan highlighted concerns that the MDR would increase business costs, harm small businesses, and reduce the appeal of digital payments, while the BJP argued it would not affect general public or small merchants.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly has passed a resolution demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood, a move that saw protests and a walkout by BJP legislators. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the Centre's repeated assurances of restoration at an 'appropriate time'.
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 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood, a move that saw the opposition BJP stage a walkout. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved the resolution, which also referenced previous calls for greater autonomy and special status. The BJP vehemently opposed the resolution, calling it an insult to the Constitution.
The Karnataka Assembly has passed a resolution rejecting the K Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats conservation in its current form. The state government urged the Centre to address deficiencies, particularly concerning the inclusion of agricultural lands and human settlements in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) without proper physical surveys or livelihood support.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes as BJP members protested a resolution seeking the urgent restoration of statehood. The BJP opposed the resolution, calling it an insult to the Constitution, and moved a motion for the Speaker's removal, leading to disruptions and mock proceedings in the House.
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.
BJP legislators in Karnataka protested during a special legislative session by reciting the full version of Vande Mataram after the official recording played in the Assembly and Council ended after only two stanzas. The Congress government in the state has a standing order to play only the first two stanzas at its programmes, except for high-profile events.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has clarified that his recent jaw-touching gesture in the State Assembly was unintentional, not meant to mock DMK president MK Stalin. The gesture sparked social media debate and drew criticism from CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam, who linked it to Stalin's jaw fracture during the Emergency. Vijay made the gesture while criticising the DMK over alleged corruption.
The Tamil Nadu assembly descended into chaos, leading to the eviction of DMK MLAs, as they vehemently protested Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's statements.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha informed the Assembly that the post-mortem report indicated DGP Anurag Dhankar's death was suicidal. This statement came amidst demands for a high court judge-led probe from the opposition, who also questioned the disclosure of the report in the Assembly. An impartial inquiry is currently underway.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay departed from a long-standing Assembly tradition by sitting with ministers in the front row instead of his designated chair. This move, considered unprecedented for a chief minister, occurred during a session where the presence of department secretaries was also debated.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to grant a permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for government teachers appointed before August 23, 2010. This move aims to protect the job security and benefits of over 3.28 lakh experienced educators who face the risk of losing their positions due to the mandatory TET requirement.
DMK President M K Stalin has filed a petition in the Madras High Court challenging the election of TVK candidate V S Babu from the Kolathur Assembly constituency. Stalin alleges grave irregularities during the checking and verification of EVMs and VVPATs, which he claims were not adequately addressed by the District Election Officer. He seeks a declaration that Babu's election is void and a 100% counting of VVPAT slips.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Opposition parties, including Congress and AAP, stating that protests are futile and asserting that the NDA will form the next government in Punjab. He also spoke about Yamuna cleaning projects and accused previous Delhi governments of pollution.
Uttar Pradesh assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has found himself at the centre of a controversy after he was seen walking away while the national anthem was played at an event in Unnao, drawing flak from the opposition. Mahana, however, claimed that the anthem was not played where he was given the guard of honour.
The Allahabad High Court has stayed the conviction and sentence of Nandlal Rai, a BJP worker, in a 2017 murder case, allowing him to contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly election. The court cited his right to contest elections and referenced a Supreme Court precedent regarding public representatives.
An FIR has been registered against 300 unnamed individuals in Ranchi following a protest march to the Jharkhand assembly on August 10. The protest, by job aspirants over alleged recruitment examination irregularities, led to clashes where 14 police personnel were injured. Police used batons, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowd, which had violated prohibitory orders. Authorities are now using video footage to identify the miscreants.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic investigation into a controversial audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange. The clip purportedly claims Rs 500 crore was delivered to Jarange through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, sparking accusations from Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam that BJP insiders are plotting to 'finish' Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
The Election Commission of India has commenced preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in five states, with senior officers visiting Uttarakhand and scheduled to visit Manipur and Punjab soon.
India has strongly asserted that human rights should not be weaponised for political pressure or selective targeting of nations, pushing back against attempts to negatively characterise the world's largest democracy based on unverified allegations and incomplete statistics.
The Election Commission has announced a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union territories, including those facing assembly polls next year. This initiative aims to enrol new voters, correct existing entries, and enhance the accuracy of voter lists, with January 1, 2027, set as the qualifying date.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance for MLAs to address public grievances and monitor government projects in their constituencies. This initiative aims to reduce financial burden, improve transparency, and ensure grassroots service delivery.
Despite recent electoral losses to the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in both the April Assembly election and October 6 by-polls, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has demonstrated a robust and independent vote bank. Electoral data indicates that the DMK maintained significant voter support, securing its position as the principal opposition party and potentially a key challenger to the TVK in future elections, including the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
The first phase of Panchayati Raj elections in Rajasthan concluded on Thursday with a 63 per cent voter turnout across 16 districts. Despite long queues, some villages boycotted the polls over local administrative issues. These elections are seen as a crucial test for the ruling BJP and opposition Congress ahead of the 2028 assembly elections.
The AIADMK suffered a significant blow in the recent Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-polls, seeing a sharp decline in its traditional vote base. The party came in a distant third in both seats, which were previously its strongholds, raising concerns about its leadership, strategy, and future in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, especially with the rise of the TVK.
Indian precision engineering firm Aequs has signed long-term supply agreements with French aerospace major Safran. These contracts will support Safran's supply chain and expand Aequs' role in manufacturing critical aerospace components, including fully assembled A320 family aircraft wheels and landing gear components for various Airbus and Boeing programmes, with significant in-country value addition in India.
A criminal case has been registered against five individuals in Mumbra, Thane, for allegedly murdering a 54-year-old man. The victim was reportedly attacked with sticks, pipes, and belts on Tuesday evening following a dispute over a mobile phone. Police have filed charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, but no arrests have been made yet as investigations continue.
India has strongly rejected a report by a UN human rights expert, Gina Romero, which claimed that young people in India face retaliation or stigmatisation for discussing mental health or gender justice. India's First Secretary Anuj Swarup labelled the report as "hearsay" based on "anonymous and unverified claims," asserting that it does a disservice to the expert's mandate. Swarup highlighted India's constitutional freedoms, independent judiciary, and government's proactive engagement with youth, citing examples like the amendment to the Public Examinations Act and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.
The BJP in Keralam has demanded a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) during the previous LDF regime. Senior BJP leader P K Krishnadas accused the current UDF government of attempting to sabotage corruption cases and expressed a lack of faith in state-level investigations. The demand follows an expert panel report highlighting financial irregularities in KIIFB.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has released an audio clip purportedly claiming a Rs 500 crore payment was delivered to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, alleging a conspiracy to silence him. This comes a day after Deputy CM Eknath Shinde challenged him to prove similar allegations. Ruling party leaders have hit back, questioning the clip's veracity and demanding a forensic probe, while Jarange insists on a thorough investigation by top state and central leaders.
The Supreme Court on Thursday sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police regarding an October 11 order that de-notified Jantar Mantar as a protest site and designated three alternative venues. The court will examine the rationale behind the relocation, especially concerning the efficacy of Jantar Mantar and the impact on the fundamental right to protest.
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.
A Delhi court has extended the permission for US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals to remain outside India until February 24 next year in a Myanmar arms training case. The NIA sought more time for investigation, while VanDyke, who appeared in person, questioned the case's continuation and cited financial difficulties.
Delhi Police has advised the public to avoid the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march scheduled for Friday at Connaught Place, citing prohibitory orders and security concerns. While offering to facilitate a symbolic flag-waving event elsewhere, police have stepped up security and warned of legal action against those defying orders, as the proposed venue, Central Park, will be closed.
Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai has alleged that Nepalese nationals were added to the state's electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and that voters were illegally shifted between constituencies. He has demanded an impartial investigation into these alleged irregularities, calling for deletion of illegal entries and action against those responsible.
Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, strengthening its minority government. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured emphatic victories in West Bengal's Nandigram and Muslim-majority Rejinagar, consolidating its post-TMC rule position. The BJP also established a significant lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, and its ally AINRC retained Thattanchavady in Puducherry.
By-elections across several Indian states, including Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal, concluded peacefully with high voter turnouts. The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam recorded 76% polling, while Tamil Nadu's Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly Constituencies saw 83.86% and 78.53% respectively. Puducherry's Thattanchavady registered 78.83%, and West Bengal's Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies had nearly 79% turnout.
India firmly dismissed the concerns raised by the United Nations human rights body on Sunday regarding the security measures implemented ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party demonstration in Delhi, branding the remarks as "unwarranted" and an "unacceptable interference" in domestic matters.
