Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, Mamata Banerjee's party's candidate for the Rejinagar by-election, initially announced his withdrawal from the contest due to harassment of workers and symbol unfamiliarity, but retracted his statement within hours after intervention from the party's top leadership and Mamata Banerjee herself, confirming he will now contest the October 6 poll.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.
'...but should prepare for listing unless a court grants effective interim relief.'
The ruling BJP has increased its lead over the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections, winning 3,587 wards against Congress's 3,050. Independents also performed strongly, securing 2,024 wards. While BJP secured a clear majority in Udaipur, Congress won in Ajmer and Pali. Bharatpur, the Chief Minister's hometown, saw Independents leading. These elections are a crucial test for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was marked by a flurry of greetings from global leaders, including Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, all underscoring strengthening bilateral ties and India's increasing stature on the world stage.
IIT-Kanpur has developed an AI-powered "Family Score" system to identify households needing welfare support using existing government data. This system, demonstrated in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government, aims to provide a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional surveys for assessing socio-economic conditions and ensuring targeted welfare delivery.
India's Sports Ministry has announced the formation of a 20-member National Sports Election Panel (NSEP), including two former Chief Election Commissioners, to oversee fair elections in national sports bodies. This panel, mandated by the National Sports Governance Act 2025, aims to streamline electoral processes. Additionally, the deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal (NST), which will handle sports disputes, has been extended.
Pakistan is set to participate in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirming the union government's policy allows multi-lateral engagements despite bilateral tensions. The tournament, featuring six nations including India and Pakistan, will be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, with free entry for all matches.
Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal has surrendered before a Goa court to begin serving his 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence in a 2013 sexual assault case. This follows a Supreme Court directive and his conviction by the Bombay High Court, which overturned his earlier acquittal. Tejpal's appeal against his conviction is slated for a Supreme Court hearing in September 2026.
The father of a Nithari case victim has questioned the death of Surendra Koli, alleging he was murdered and did not die by suicide. Koli, who was acquitted in all Nithari cases, was found hanging in Haridwar. Police are investigating, while the victim's father claims Koli was about to reveal important information and points to Moninder Singh Pandher as the main culprit.
A live demonstration of Muay Thai was held in New Delhi to popularise the traditional Thai martial art in India. Thai officials highlighted Muay Thai's role as a national soft-power asset, aiming to foster closer ties between India and Thailand through cultural exchange and economic potential.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that opposing reservation is unconstitutional and that the policy would be given up if casteism is eliminated. He highlighted the historical context of reservations for SC/ST and OBCs, and the Modi government's EWS quota. Athawale also criticised the opposition, praised government achievements, and discussed various welfare schemes and infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced several new initiatives for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including Aadhaar-based devotee insurance for Rs 2 lakh, the establishment of an SV Museum by TCS Trust, and the introduction of electric buses donated by Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech. The plans also include global expansion of Srivari temples, improved Annadanam, integrated hospital services, and significant infrastructure development in Tirupati to make it a services and wedding destination with a Net Zero concept.
Kerala has formed a new Anti-Narcotics Investigation Team to intensify its anti-drug drive, Operation Toofan. This team will focus on high-value drug cases with interstate and international connections, operating from three units across the state. The announcement follows significant drug seizures and arrests, including a major MDMA haul and the apprehension of key network members involved in other serious crimes.
UEFA has announced that the Allianz Arena in Munich will host the Champions League final in 2028, and Camp Nou in Barcelona will host the final in 2029, marking significant returns for both iconic stadiums.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil work by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Industry is pushing for GST reforms that would let companies use unused tax credits from one state to pay GST liabilities in another, potentially freeing up working capital trapped across state registrations.
Quota activist Manoj Jarange has accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and cabinet colleague Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil of deceiving the Maratha community on the reservation issue, even as he accepted IV fluids on the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike due to deteriorating health.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government would grant Maratha reservation only within constitutional limits and without impacting the share of other communities, amidst activist Manoj Jarange's ongoing hunger strike for OBC status for Marathas.
After Maharashtra's crackdown on analogue paneer, here's what dietitians say about its nutritional value, health concerns and how to choose fresh paneer.
The BCCI's member units have authorised office-bearers to make a decision regarding the extension of chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract, which is set to expire early next month, and to fill vacancies in the junior selection committee.
'Members of Indian family businesses have considered it their birthright to work there and responsibility to take care of it.'
The Sports Ministry has established a 20-member National Sports Election Panel, including former Chief Election Commissioners, to oversee fair elections in national sports bodies as mandated by the National Sports Governance Act. Concurrently, the deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal, which will handle sports disputes, has been extended.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.
Specialised range taking shape in Andhra Pradesh, while West Bengal clears way for DRDO's new testing facility.
The Sports Ministry has formed a five-member committee to address the financial viability and sustainability of the Hockey India League (HIL). Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Hockey India officials and franchise representatives, directing them to develop a comprehensive plan for the league's revival, which has faced challenges since its return last year.
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has formed a five-member committee to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the financial viability and sustainability of the cash-strapped Hockey India League (HIL). This initiative follows concerns about the league's long-term future, which was revived last year after a seven-year hiatus. The committee will include representatives from Hockey India, franchises, and the Sports Ministry, tasked with presenting a report on governance, financial models, and league structure.
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, despite strong objections from the Punjab government. The Mann government claimed the appointment bypassed constitutional norms and procedures, leading to a political tussle with the Centre, which defended the process.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded its Annual Meetings, establishing a new Governance Review Committee headed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
Germany coach Juergen Klopp has urged citizens to reclaim expressions of national pride from 'the wrong people,' in a clear rebuke to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) following their recent election victory.
BRICS leaders, in their New Delhi Declaration 2026, have called for wider access to Artificial Intelligence resources and stronger international cooperation to ensure the technology is safe, secure, inclusive, and reliable. The declaration outlines a broad technology agenda covering AI, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, telecom, quantum technologies, and advanced manufacturing, committing to implement the grouping's statement on 'Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence'.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.
TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti has called for robust safeguards, human oversight, and intervention capabilities as Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into telecom networks. While acknowledging AI's potential to transform network management and threat detection, Lahoti stressed the need for responsible AI deployment, risk assessments, and clear accountability to ensure consumer trust and prevent misuse, especially in combating online fraud.
Tax experts clarify that merchants will pay 18% GST on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. However, registered merchants can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), mitigating the tax burden. This move is expected to generate significant GST revenue for the exchequer while funding payment infrastructure.
The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Pune administration's decision to ban alcohol sales for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, questioning why Pune was singled out for such restrictions while other regions were not. The court deemed the blanket ban arbitrary and stigmatising for Pune residents, urging the administration to withdraw the order or face judicial intervention.
The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has announced its candidates, K Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama, for the upcoming October 6 bypolls in Maduranthakam and Dharapuram Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. This marks the first electoral challenge for the TVK government since its formation, setting the stage for a direct contest with DMK and anticipated participation from AIADMK.
The Supreme Court has intervened to allow international water sports coach Bilquis Mir to join the Indian National Kayaking and Canoeing Team for the Asian Games in Japan. Overruling a Jammu and Kashmir administration order that denied her permission due to pending inquiries, the apex court emphasised the time-sensitive nature of sports administration and directed the issuance of a No Objection Certificate by September 15, 2026.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) flagged the proposed screening of an uncertified documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, citing violations of the Cinematograph Act. IIIT-Hyderabad subsequently distanced itself from the event, stating no recognised student bodies had organised it. The screening, titled "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present," was reportedly cancelled by students, following a similar postponement at NLSIU Bengaluru due to opposition.
The UK has announced a comprehensive sanctions regime against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, banning the import of goods and targeting entities involved in settlement expansion. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband condemned the "ethnic cleansing of Palestinians" and highlighted international support for the UK's stance, while Israel reacted strongly with counter-measures.
A new IDC report reveals that artificial intelligence is prompting organisations worldwide to retrieve and utilise previously archived, "cold-tier" data for AI training, significantly increasing its perceived value and leading to longer data retention periods and a burgeoning market for datasets.
