NITI Aayog has called for a fundamental overhaul of urban governance in India, advocating for empowered city governments, directly elected mayors with five-year terms, and greater financial autonomy for urban local bodies to manage the country's rapidly growing urban population.
Actor Imran Khan, a US citizen, has challenged a Mumbai Police notice directing him to leave India by October 28 for allegedly attending a political protest. The Bombay High Court is set to hear his petition on Tuesday. Khan claims he had no association with the protest organisers and that the notice is "illegal, arbitrary, perverse and drastic." He also received a show-cause notice regarding his OCI status.
Bangladesh has launched a diplomatic inquiry, seeking comprehensive details from Saudi Arabia regarding the recent execution of two Bangladeshi citizens in Makkah.
AISA president Neha Bora appeared before a special executive magistrate after the Delhi High Court dismissed her challenge to a police notice requiring a Rs 10,000 "peace bond." Bora refuses to sign the bond, alleging it's used to curb democratic dissent, while the court has directed authorities to provide her with all material supporting the allegations by October 29.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied its over-50s team permission to participate in the International Masters Cricket World Cup in India next January, citing government refusal. This follows a similar decision by the Pakistan Hockey Federation, highlighting ongoing strained relations between the two nations.
An Army officer's wife has been booked in Jammu for alleged espionage, accused of using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to write analytical papers on sensitive national security issues for Chinese intelligence operatives. The well-qualified freelance researcher, who had an IT internship with the UN, is cooperating with investigators after being intercepted at Jammu Tawi railway station. The probe focuses on her alleged contacts with foreign nationals and the nature of the sensitive documents found on her mobile phone.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days by the Portuguese FA and fined 255 euros after leaving the national team camp following a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus over his playing role.
The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and the New Zealand Esports Federation (NZ Esports) have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and exchange knowledge in the esports sector. This initiative coincides with the 100 Years of Unity Through Sport celebrations, featuring Indian gamers competing in eFootball and Clash Royale in Auckland.
Suspended Boxing Federation of India (BFI) secretary general Pramod Kumar has requested World Boxing, IOA, and the Sports Ministry to send observers for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28. BFI president Ajay Singh has declared the SGM "illegal and unconstitutional," warning of disciplinary action against attendees. The meeting aims to pass a no-confidence motion against Singh, amidst a deepening power struggle where both officials have suspended each other.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 24 foreign nationals, who had entered India illegally, were apprehended from various homestays across the state. The arrests followed tip-offs, with the CM emphasising stringent action against illegal immigrants while assuring vigilance by Assam Police.
The Noise-Free Nations Index is created annually by an award-winning African tour company, Go2Africa by assessing countries using seven measures, covering population and visitor concentration, rural landscapes, protected areas, road traffic, airports and railways.
A tragic road accident in Assam's Biswanath district resulted in the death of three people, including two minor sisters and their maternal uncle, after a truck collided with their motorcycle on Monday night. The truck driver fled the scene, and police have launched an investigation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has characterised the strategic alignment between India and the United States as "extraordinary", emphasising that both nations have an opportunity to shape the course of the 21st century through partnership.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against seven foreign nationals, including a US citizen and six Ukrainians, for illegal entry and alleged terror conspiracy with ethnic armed groups, though the stringent UAPA anti-terror law was not invoked at this stage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday that Ukraine stands prepared to freeze the conflict along the current front line and transition towards diplomatic negotiations as part of initiatives to end the war with Russia.dukr
Unidentified assailants opened fire inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the early hours of Tuesday, killing one person and injuring others. Police and forest department personnel are investigating the incident, which occurred in the Chena beat of the Yeoor Range in Thane. The motive and identities are yet to be officially established as joint inquiries are underway.
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.
The three-day Army Commanders' Conference commenced in New Delhi, featuring the release of the 'Land Warfare Doctrine' by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This vision document aims to equip the Indian Army for future conflicts and evolving warfare challenges. The conference brings together senior leadership to discuss operational preparedness, capability development, and future transformation initiatives, with addresses from top defence officials and recognition for peacekeepers and environmental efforts.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh undertook a flying sortie with NCC cadet Jakkula Tejasvi Reddy on October 20 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. This special flight, part of Singh's final sorties before superannuation, aimed to familiarise the cadet with aviation and encourage defence careers, aligning with the 'Viksit Bharat -2047' vision.
Businessman Robert Vadra expressed support for his son Raihan Vadra after Raihan's photo exhibition faced controversy over images of "vote chori" protests. Vadra stated that his son faces headwinds but will emerge stronger, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the suppression of expression.
The Union home ministry has extended the deployment of 273 Central Armed Police Forces companies in Delhi until October 31, anticipating potential "flash protests" from political and other groups across the national capital.
A couple has been arrested in Delhi's Jasola village for allegedly murdering the husband's brother during a dispute over ancestral property. The incident occurred on October 21, and the accused were apprehended while attempting to flee. The victim's wife and mother were also injured in the altercation.
The body of a 30-year-old woman, Geeta Devi, who was allegedly abducted on Tuesday, was recovered from a paddy field in Palamu district, Jharkhand, on Wednesday. Police have initiated an investigation, and a post-mortem will determine if she was sexually assaulted. Villagers protested the incident by blocking a highway.
From addressing Scout OP and Love Gill's vulgar massage act to praising Yung DSA, Gullu and Kanika Mann, Rohit Shetty's no-nonsense Weekend Ka Vaar was just what we needed, applauds Divya Nair.
Aditya has become the first Indian male boxer to secure a medal at the World Boxing U-19 Championships by reaching the semifinals in the men's 55kg category. He defeated Italy's Tommaso Orlando and will now face Nihat Gasimov of Azerbaijan. Two Indian women boxers, Megha Sheokand and Prachi Tokas, have also reached the semifinals.
The Assam Rifles has announced the sixth edition of its Half-Marathon event, scheduled for November 22 in Shillong. The event, which includes 5km, 10km, and 21km categories, expects over 4000 participants and offers a total prize money of Rs 25 lakh. It aims to promote unity, health, and community spirit in the Northeast.
Stephen Fleming, the new head coach of England's Test team, has expressed his desire for future national teams to be led by English coaches, committing to developing home-grown talent during his tenure.
Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh has called for the establishment of a Himalayan authority involving all Himalayan nations, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal, to protect the fragile mountain range from destruction. He also criticised the four-laning of highways in Uttarakhand's Char Dham region, deeming it "reprehensible" due to its environmental impact. His appeal comes as Nepal grapples with devastating flash floods, highlighting the region's vulnerability.
Two individuals have been arrested following the death of a 60-year-old man during an illegal hunting expedition within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Thane. The victim, Vijay Sapte, was accidentally shot by an accomplice who mistook his mobile flashlight for an animal's eyes. The group attempted to conceal the crime by hastily cremating the body and involving a private practitioner for a fraudulent death certificate.
India has issued a new advisory for its citizens in Saudi Arabia, urging them to follow local instructions, stay indoors during aerial attacks, and be aware of ongoing flight disruptions. The advisory follows an October 10 attack on Riyadh airport that injured several Indians, with some still hospitalised. Major Indian airlines have cancelled flights to Saudi cities until late October, impacting travellers and Umrah pilgrims.
Former Pakistan captain Shan Masood is racing against time to recover from a calf muscle injury ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. His place in the playing XI is uncertain, especially with selectors and coach Mike Hesson looking to introduce younger players into the Test squad for the next World Test Championship cycle. Masood, who had an unsuccessful run as Test captain, fears his injury might be used as a reason to sideline him.
India has rescued three more nationals, including a child, from Nepal's flood-hit Trishuli Bazaar, bringing the total evacuees to 169, while 275 Indians remain missing. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 1,907 Indians safely crossed into Nepal from China and India continues to provide extensive relief materials and expert teams to assist Nepal in its recovery efforts following the devastating flash floods.
Ahmedabad, India, has been selected to host the senior Weightlifting World Championships in 2029, marking the first time India will host this prestigious event. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced the decision after its executive board meeting, also awarding the 2030 championships to Moscow and youth events to Kosovo and Venezuela.
Over 2,000 pulmonologists and healthcare professionals from India and abroad will gather in Jaipur for NAPCON 2026 to discuss the increasing burden of pulmonary diseases and the critical impact of air pollution on lung health. The conference, organised by the National College of Chest Physicians, India, and the Indian Chest Society, will feature discussions on diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions like COPD and asthma, alongside advances in interventional pulmonology.
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.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said there is a possibility that an attack on Iran could happen soon. The remarks were made after Trump cast his ballot in the midterm elections early on Saturday in Florida.
A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Arnab, expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27. It is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on the morning of October 28, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and take precautions.
In this new series on busting common health concerns, senior diabetologist Dr Rajiv Kovil tells Rediff's Divya Nair why sugar-free substitutes are not entirely safe or healthy for diabetics.
Delhi Police have arrested two individuals, Sonu Khan and Arjun Chaudhary, for their alleged involvement in a Rs 2.10-crore digital arrest fraud. The duo operated a mule bank account used to channel illicit funds, with police recovering multiple mobile phones, debit cards, and chequebooks during the arrests.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that regime-change agitations do not resolve fundamental problems and can become instruments of political interests, fuelling divisions rather than delivering solutions. He also called for discernment in consuming information, especially from OTT platforms, and stressed the importance of national unity based on emotional bonds.
