Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia on Thursday strongly defended the selection process for the upcoming Asian Para Games, insisting that all criteria prescribed by the PCI, Sports Ministry and SAI had been followed, while also leaving the door open for addressing concerns raised by protesting athletes.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the 29th Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who will superannuate on October 31. Dixit currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force.
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.
A Liberia-flagged oil tanker, Aframax Rio, carrying 23 Indian nationals, was attacked by drone boats off Russia's Black Sea coast near Sochi. All crew members were safely evacuated, though a significant fire is burning. The incident highlights escalating risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting India to express grave concern over attacks on international waterways.
Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.
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 Sports Ministry has approved the late inclusion of two Boccia athletes, Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi, into India's contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games, bringing the total athlete count to 168. The overall contingent, including 113 officials, now stands at 281. This year's team is smaller than the previous Games due to the absence of certain disciplines and strict quota restrictions, particularly in para athletics. India aims to build on its record-breaking 108-medal haul from the last edition.
Para-shooters have accused the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and its Shooting Technical Committee (STC) of financial corruption, extortion, and manipulation in the selection process for the upcoming Para Asian Games. They allege demands for a 20% commission from cash awards and manipulation of quota places, while the PCI denies all charges, asserting a merit-based selection.
The Indian government has ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from app stores in India, citing law-and-order concerns. The Bluetooth messaging app, which allows offline communication, was previously scrutinised during protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and has now been pulled from both Apple's App Store and the Play Store following the IT Ministry's directive.
China has voiced strong opposition to India's recent decision to standardise names for 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police to prevent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters from mobilising towards Jantar Mantar for a protest on Saturday, October 10. The MHA cited potential public peace disturbances and the CJP's history of non-compliance, noting that the protest request has been rejected.
The Indian government has strongly refuted Elon Musk's allegations that Starlink's satellite communication services are being blocked in the country, asserting that a fair and non-discriminatory regulatory framework is in place for all telecom providers. The government emphasised that compliance with security norms is mandatory for all licensees, including Starlink, Jio Satcom, and Eutelsat OneWeb, all of whom are currently undergoing security assessments.
Tata Power is positioning itself as a key partner in India's rapidly expanding data centre ecosystem, with a significant opportunity pipeline across renewable energy, transmission, and distribution. The company is broadening its offerings to include comprehensive solutions like powered land and grid connectivity, actively supporting hyperscalers and AI-ready digital infrastructure, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Two merchant vessels with 22 Indian crew members were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. One ship, MT Petro Dolphin, was hit by a drone, leaving two Indian seafarers missing. Another, MT Valthera, was struck by a projectile, but all 11 Indian crew are safe. India has strongly condemned the attacks, prioritising the safety of its seafarers and calling for de-escalation and upholding freedom of navigation.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar outlined the critical factors for the media and entertainment sector's next growth phase, including robust intellectual property, sustainable revenue models, and disciplined investments. Speaking at the CII Big Picture Summit, he emphasised the government's role in fostering an environment for creative enterprises and addressing challenges posed by digital platforms and AI. The CII White Paper also projected a USD 100 billion Indian M&E sector, advocating for stronger IP and regulatory reforms.
The Indian government has ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from app stores, citing law-and-order concerns due to its ability to bypass communication restrictions. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the takedown demand under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000. The government also addressed the issue of banning minors from social media, indicating a search for a better solution than outright bans.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to meet para-shooters protesting alleged corruption and manipulation in the selection process for the upcoming Para Asian Games. The athletes claim "illicit monetary extortion" and violations of Sports Ministry guidelines by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and its Shooting Technical Committee. The PCI denies the charges, stating selections were merit-based. Separately, para-cyclists also protested their omission from the contingent.
Three Keralites, Sivin Johny, Nova Sabu, and Anjali Sheela Joy, died in a residential building fire in Bochum, Germany. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan's office is coordinating with the Indian Embassy and Ministry of External Affairs to repatriate their mortal remains, with the state government bearing all expenses. Public representatives have also urged swift action to bring the bodies home.
India faces a challenging Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a significantly smaller contingent of 168 athletes, down from 303. While aiming to build on its record 111-medal haul from the last Games, selection disputes in para-shooting and para-cycling, coupled with reduced athlete numbers in key disciplines like para-athletics, pose hurdles. Despite these challenges, star athletes across para-athletics, archery, para-badminton, shooting, and table tennis are expected to lead India's medal charge.
Delhi Police have arrested 11 individuals involved in multiple "digital-arrest" scams, recovering over Rs 12 crore. The scams, linked to handlers in Southeast Asia, have affected 78 complainants nationwide, totaling Rs 73 crore. A retired scientist was defrauded of Rs 1.25 crore, with the entire amount frozen. The investigation uncovered a network arranging mule bank accounts and using cryptocurrency for commissions.
The Indian education ministry has undergone a significant reshuffle of top officials, including the removal of higher education secretary Vineet Joshi, amidst widespread controversies surrounding NEET-UG paper leaks and CBSE digital evaluation glitches, with the opposition demanding the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Delhi Police have designated three new venues for protests - Burari Ground, CBD Ground, and Ramlila Ground - after denotifying Jantar Mantar. These sites vary in size and location, with concerns raised about the impact of protests on commercial and residential areas near CBD Ground, while Burari Ground is the largest. Ramlila Maidan has a rich political history.
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.
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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to interact with the Indian contingent from the recently-concluded Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Thursday. The event, taking place at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, will see the PM address the athletes, coaches, and sports officials. India secured 85 medals, finishing fourth, a lower tally than the 2023 Hangzhou edition's 106 medals.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad, emphasising the role of traditional sports in reflecting cultural identity and fostering international cooperation. The one-day event, hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, brought together delegations from BRICS and partner countries to showcase indigenous sporting practices like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu from India, alongside Wushu from China and Sambo from Russia. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also highlighted India's rich sporting heritage and proposed initiatives for global promotion and preservation of traditional sports.
Jammu and Kashmir has begun the deportation process for Bangladeshi nationals allegedly staying illegally in the region, with 150 individuals already shifted to West Bengal. This action follows a survey identifying around 600 illegal immigrants and coincides with the Union Home Ministry's High-Level Committee on Demographic Change (HLCDC) investigating illegal immigration across India.
India's anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has registered a case to investigate a mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, inside the cockpit of an Israel-bound flydubai flight, citing an "apparent attempt to hijack or cause it to crash."
India has strongly condemned the recent Houthi militant attacks on two Saudi Arabian airports, asserting that the targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable.
India has expressed deep concern over reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois, US. A teenager was arrested on October 11 in connection with the plot, which reportedly involved white supremacist ideology and threats against people of Indian origin. India has urged US authorities to investigate thoroughly and take measures to prevent such hate-motivated violence.
India's wholesale price-based inflation surged to 11.39 per cent in September, up from 9.92 per cent in August, primarily driven by increasing prices of food, manufactured items, and fuel and power.
Which parts of urban India have the highest proportion of households owning gold jewellery or bullion?
Apple has removed the offline messaging app Bitchat from its India App Store following a demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Developed by Jack Dorsey, Bitchat faced scrutiny under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000, due to concerns about its potential misuse by anti-national elements and for evading lawful surveillance, especially during public disorder. This marks the second time the app has faced government action in India.
Meta's global team met with top Indian IT Ministry officials following government summons regarding the temporary restriction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post and ongoing concerns about child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its platforms.
Delhi Police has officially denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, instead naming Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in east Delhi as the new venues for demonstrations. This decision, issued via a standing order by Commissioner Anurag Kumar on October 11, aims to address the significant logistical and security challenges posed by protests in the sensitive New Delhi district.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Indian government will release a draft consultation paper on Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations within the next 30 days, focusing on safety, a human-first approach, skilling, inclusivity, and harm restriction.
Para-shooters protesting alleged corruption in the selection process for the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. They accused the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) of relaxing norms to include unqualified shooters and sought an inquiry into financial irregularities. The Minister is deliberating a resolution.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi announced that the Centre and the Sports Ministry are fully supporting Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar's urgent surgery in London. Sreeshankar, who won a silver at the Asian Games, sustained an injury and will undergo ligament reconstruction on October 13, with the Centre covering all costs for his treatment and rehabilitation.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi announced that the Centre and Union Sports Ministry are fully supporting Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar's urgent surgery in London. Sreeshankar, who won a silver at the Asian Games but sustained an injury, will undergo ligament reconstruction on October 13, with the Centre covering all costs to ensure his return to competition and preparation for the Olympics. The athlete had previously expressed disappointment over the lack of support from the Kerala state government.
India has requested an update from Russian authorities regarding 69 Indian nationals reportedly serving in the Russian Army. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated that 139 Indians have been discharged so far, but 51 have died. India continues to warn its citizens against joining the Russian military due to significant dangers.
