Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will skip the first-ever BIMSTEC home ministers' meeting in New Delhi, with a senior bureaucrat leading the delegation. This absence underscores strained India-Bangladesh ties, particularly following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 and Dhaka's request for her extradition from India.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.
The Supreme Court clarified that it was not taking cognisance of media reports suggesting government authorities tendered unconditional apologies in contempt proceedings related to restrictions during an October 10 protest. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta explained that apologies are procedural, and authorities have defended their actions, citing reasons like maintaining public order and intelligence inputs. The court emphasised that media coverage was not relevant to its proceedings.
'No point in looking for excuses': Coach Ashutosh Singh on India's Asiad tennis flop.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that the Congress would not withdraw its candidate Milan Pradhan from the Nandigram Assembly bypoll in West Bengal, despite his recent arrest. Pradhan was apprehended in connection with a 2007 anti-land acquisition movement case, shortly after the Trinamool Congress extended its support to him. Venugopal alleged political pressure and questioned the Election Commission's silence, vowing to elevate the issue to a national level.
The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has announced significant cash awards for its medallists at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, aiming to motivate fencers to achieve glory for the nation. Gold medallists will receive Rs 10 lakh, silver medallists Rs 7.5 lakh, and bronze medallists Rs 5 lakh.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met with new district secretaries to discuss the party's future strategy amid an ongoing internal rift. The meeting follows the removal of senior leaders and cross-voting during a recent confidence vote.
The Cabinet Secretariat declined to act on complaints from two Election Commissioners regarding a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner's conduct, citing that the communications were in an "individual capacity" and not an official stance from the Election Commission as a whole. This decision was based on concerns about potential interference in the constitutional body's functioning.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has extended an invitation to Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee to rejoin the Congress with her remaining legislators, offering her leadership in West Bengal amidst the TMC's significant internal turmoil and post-election challenges.
The Delhi police detained more than 500 protesters, including Aam Aadmi Party leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi and Sanjay Singh, as well as activists of some student outfits, during a protest against the CEC at Jantar Mantar on Friday.
The opposition has strongly criticised the government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15. They allege the move is a result of US pressure and will lead to increased commodity prices, calling it a "betrayal" of the common man. The government, however, clarifies that customers will not be charged, and the MDR applies only to merchants for larger transactions.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated a thorough inquiry into allegations of misconduct against IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, who is accused of using abusive language towards a female JKAS officer during a recent virtual review meeting, an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for strict action.
Delhi Police launched a massive crackdown, detaining Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and nearly 500 protesters who attempted to reach Jantar Mantar for a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Opposition, including AAP and Congress, denounced the situation as 'worse than the Emergency'.
Former Supreme Court judge Sanjay Kishan Kaul has criticised former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud's approach to judicial appointments, alleging that he was "too deferential to the government". Kaul, in his forthcoming memoir, details instances where Chandrachud sought government "pre-approval" for appointments, raising concerns about judicial independence and executive pressure.
European security agencies are on high alert following jihadist calls for suicide bombings and vehicle attacks against police and demonstrators during widespread economic protests across Europe. Messages linked to the Islamic State urged extremists to exploit crowded demonstrations in countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. India has also issued advisories for its nationals in affected European nations, urging vigilance.
CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya has strongly criticised the newly introduced Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions, labelling it a "UPI tax" and demanding its immediate rollback. He drew parallels with demonetisation, arguing that the new framework would negatively impact small shopkeepers, MSMEs, and ordinary citizens by increasing prices.
India's Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra has warned that the upcoming rabi (winter) crop season is likely to be challenging for rainfed areas due to the strengthening El Nio weather pattern, potentially affecting foodgrain production. This comes as Maharashtra declares drought in nearly 74 per cent of its talukas, highlighting the immediate impact of climate change.
Hockey India is set to hold an emergent Executive Board meeting on September 18 to address a deepening internal controversy involving President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, stemming from a jersey colour change. The meeting will also focus on restructuring the Hockey India League (HIL) to create an independent Governing Council with franchise involvement, and discuss upcoming elections and Asian Champions Trophy hosting.
The Congress party has criticised the government's new 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, terming it a "Modi tax". Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, allege that this move will ultimately burden consumers through price hikes and accuse the government of succumbing to American pressure to dilute India's zero-MDR policy. The government states the charge will support banks and fintechs.
Unless the Congress stops seeing a CIA and RSS in everyone who disagrees with it, many well-meaning people will find it difficult to rub shoulders with Rahul Gandhi, notes M R Narayan Swamy.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has rejected a petition by the Enforcement Directorate to add charges of receiving and concealing stolen property in the alleged Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association fund scam. While the court upheld the ED's right to file such an application, it found insufficient merit in the current material to invoke sections 411 and 424 of the Ranbir Penal Code, stating that the alleged acts were part of the principal transaction of conspiracy and breach of trust.
India has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming BWF World Junior Championships in Cairo, Egypt. The team, featuring Asian U-17 champion Tanvi Patri and other promising talents, was selected after trials in Guwahati. India, a bronze medallist in the previous edition, aims for a strong performance, with the tournament introducing new scoring systems for the Suhandinata Cup and individual events.
US President Donald Trump is set to engage in a series of high-profile meetings during the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, including discussions with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Madhya Pradesh has achieved the top rank in India for drug destruction, eliminating over 2.74 lakh kilograms of narcotics in two years. The state is implementing a comprehensive strategy, including forming anti-drug committees in educational institutions, launching a three-year campaign to dismantle drug networks, strengthening intelligence, and expanding de-addiction centres. Authorities have also seized significant quantities of drugs, attached properties, and conducted extensive public awareness programmes.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on simultaneous elections had scheduled an "informal interaction" with Supreme Court judges, which was later cancelled by the apex court. The Supreme Court deemed the meeting inappropriate as the proposed constitutional amendment could become subject to judicial review. JPC Chairman PP Chaudhary defended the panel's initial decision, citing precedents, while DMK MP P Wilson, who mooted the idea, expressed disappointment and argued against the notion that such interactions violate separation of powers.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. India raised its concerns regarding the recently signed "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which authorises tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Both leaders also discussed bilateral relations, regional priorities, and the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine.
A group of 124 former IAS, IFS, IPS, and allied services officers have issued an open letter defending the Election Commission (EC) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. They argue that the electoral system cannot be deemed rigged only when a party loses, citing instances where the ruling BJP lost elections under the same EC. The officers highlight the legitimacy and necessity of the SIR for cleaning voter rolls and underscore the robust safeguards within India's electoral system.
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.
The Kerala child rights panel has directed the state government to include rugby in the upcoming annual state school sports meet, following a High Court directive. The panel also ordered the General Education Department to make arrangements for competitions and ensure children can participate in national events, and to amend the state school sports meet manual to include rugby in the 2026-27 National School Games.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has confirmed Pakistan's participation in the upcoming Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India. The event, scheduled from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, will feature six nations, with India hosting its arch-rivals under the central government's policy allowing multi-lateral sports engagements.
The NCP (SP) has demanded a complete rollback of the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. The party termed the move a "direct assault" on small traders and shopkeepers, accusing the Modi government of "double standards" by burdening small merchants while large industrialists benefit from loan write-offs.
Opposition INDIA bloc leaders staged a sit-in at Rajghat, alleging a 'criminal conspiracy of vote chori' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding Kumar's resignation and seeking a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.
Nationalist Congress Party national working president Praful Patel has dismissed claims of a rift within the party, specifically addressing a legal challenge to Sunetra Pawar's election as party president. A national secretary, Sachchidanand Singh, alleged the election was unconstitutional, but Patel stated the letter carries no weight and senior leaders support Sunetra Pawar. The dispute highlights internal dynamics following the demise of Ajit Pawar.
Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc met President Droupadi Murmu, alleging 'vote chori' and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with the repeal of assembly polls from the last two years. Rahul Gandhi expressed shock that the President did not deny the 'election theft' charge but sought proof.
The Sports Ministry has revised its Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF), significantly increasing financial support for organising international events in India, with up to Rs 50 crore available. The new guidelines also maintain funding for National Championships, introduce assistance for National Games, and outline plans for Olympic Training Centres, aligning with India's 2036 Olympic bid and 2030 Commonwealth Games aspirations.
The NSUI's performance in the DUSU elections has highlighted significant internal issues regarding ticket distribution, with rebel candidates outperforming official nominees. This trend, observed across various university elections, points to growing dissent within the Congress's student wing under Kanhaiya Kumar's tenure, despite some recent successes.
India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India desires positive, constructive, and forward-looking ties with Bangladesh and is ready to discuss all bilateral issues. This comes amidst queries regarding the state of relations following a change in Bangladesh's government and upcoming international engagements.
From the 'group of 23' leaders, who had written letter to Gandhi seeking Congress' overhaul, Azad and Sharma continue to be regular members of the CWC,
Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in London to discuss enhancing sports infrastructure, athlete development, and the state's progress. The dialogue focused on policy improvements, upcoming sports facilities like a Sports City near Navi Mumbai, and empowering youth through sports initiatives. Kohli also shared his passion for cricket and commitment to guiding young athletes.
Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in London to discuss enhancing sports infrastructure, athlete development, and state progress. The meeting focused on policy improvements for sports facilities in Maharashtra and nurturing young talent, with Kohli expressing interest in supporting such initiatives.
