The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's office has issued notices to over 33 lakh voters, including former deputy prime minister LK Advani, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and former vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar, over discrepancies in their electoral roll details. These notices are part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, primarily due to details not matching with the 2002 SIR. Despite concerns raised by some politicians, officials assure that no names will be deleted without due verification and an opportunity for voters to respond.
JD(U) president Nitish Kumar and his son Nishant Kumar made a joint appearance at a party orientation programme, sparking speculation about Nishant's political future and potential leadership roles within the party. The event, aimed at training parliamentarians and legislators, also saw Nishant urging attendees to uphold his father's principles of "zero tolerance for crime, corruption and communalism."
The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.
Xi brought in asymmetrical power play by stating that India should have 'strategic cognition' and 'strategic judgement made on the basis of the stage of development the two countries are at'. This is a very nuanced way of asserting China's coercive diplomatic posture and reflects Beijing's penchant to unleash border instability at will, restrict rare earth metal exports, exert pressure on India at global and regional orders, asserts China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.
China has strongly rejected a US bill that would impose tariffs on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian oil and gas. Beijing views the "Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026" as an act of "long-arm jurisdiction" and interference in its sovereign trade relations, asserting that its economic cooperation with other nations is based on equality and mutual benefit.
Five southern states are stepping up coordination on delimitation, tax devolution and language issues, reviving calls for a stronger collective South platform.
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.
Five rescued baby orangutans quarantined at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar underwent extensive health checks, including X-rays and blood sample collection, to assess their condition and facilitate DNA testing. The health check-up was prompted after one primate developed a fever. Officials are identifying a suitable laboratory for DNA analysis, which is crucial for determining their origin and aiding an ongoing international wildlife smuggling investigation.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar of Muzaffarnagar has publicly questioned the administrative recall of 97 serious criminal cases from his court. His remarks, made in an acquittal order, highlight concerns about judicial independence and the legality of withdrawing "part-heard" cases without proper procedure, especially after he had delivered 23 death sentences.
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.
Refusing to travel to India citing "sensitive bilateral situation", Pakistan on Wednesday asked the Asian Hockey Federation to shift its Asian Champions Trophy matches to a neutral venue.
New Delhi was told it had given something up; in reality it had stopped talking about it, notes Dr Abhishek Puri.
The BCCI's 95th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai will address several crucial matters, including the grant of associate membership to the Cricket Association of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the appointment of a BCCI representative to the ICC, and the induction of new members to the IPL Governing Council.
RBI Deputy Governor S C Murmu stated that the introduction of merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions is unlikely to cause a shift back to cash, despite some concerns, emphasising that MDR will help the payments ecosystem recover costs.
A Kottayam Vigilance Court has sentenced former Kerala DGP Tomin J Thachankary to four years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 30.84 lakh in a disproportionate assets case. This marks the first time a DGP-rank officer in Kerala has been convicted for such an offence, with the court finding him guilty of amassing wealth 135.80 per cent in excess of his known income between 2003 and 2007.
'Members of Indian family businesses have considered it their birthright to work there and responsibility to take care of it.'
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.
'UPI has been free since Covid, so why is the government charging us now?'
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.
A security delegation from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has arrived in Pakistan to review arrangements for England's upcoming ODI tri-nation series tour. The delegation will inspect venues and meet officials to ensure security plans are robust for the series, which also involves Sri Lanka and runs from October 18 to 31.
The Gauhati high court has questioned the legality of the demolition of 21 dwelling units on private agricultural land in Goalpara, saying the action appeared prima facie illegal and unauthorised and may have involved misuse of the Disaster Management Act.
India's wholesale price-based inflation (WPI) increased to 9.92 per cent in August, up from 9.78 per cent in July, primarily due to rising prices across food, manufactured items, and fuel and power sectors.
Ahead of Xi Jinping's visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive talks in Beijing on August 25 on the boundary issue and reached an eight-point consensus.
The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transfers above Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective October 15, ending nearly six years of free merchant payments. This move led to initial rallies in fintech stocks like Paytm and Mobikwik, though some later pared gains. Person-to-person transactions and small payments remain free for customers, with the fee being a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).
'Nitishji as CM never supported the UCC and publicly expressed his strong reservations over UCC.'
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has criticised the newly introduced fees on UPI payments, stating they will lead to increased inflation for the common man. He dismissed government claims that customers would not be burdened, arguing that merchants would pass on the costs. Hooda demanded the immediate withdrawal of these fees, highlighting that the government's move contradicts its 'Digital India' initiative.
A Delhi court has granted default bail to US national Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, who was arrested in a terror-conspiracy case being probed by the National Investigation Agency, amidst ongoing investigations into potential UAPA offences.
Following an all-vegetarian BRICS Summit dinner, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stirred discussion by stating that 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian and celebrating the diversity of Indian non-vegetarian cuisine.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra has formally complained to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were deliberately excluded from official events attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Moitra claims these officers were sidelined due to their religion, a pattern she describes as discriminatory and potentially damaging to minority confidence in security establishments.
The Supreme Court has asked the CBSE to consider deferring the implementation of its three-language policy for Class 6 students, which mandates two native Indian languages, until the academic session starting 2027. The CBSE stated it would consider the suggestion. The policy, aligned with NEP-2020, makes two native Indian languages compulsory for Class 6 and Class 9, with provisions for foreign languages as additional options and no board exams for the third language in Class 10.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested 19-year-old Maqsood Ali from Tamil Nadu for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to carry out "violent jihadist activities." Ali was reportedly part of WhatsApp groups sharing bomb-making videos and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) material, and was in contact with Pakistani hackers, developing a secure communication network for the group. This is the second arrest in the case, following Mohammad Nabeel's apprehension.
Seven former Australian cricket captains, including Greg Chappell and Steve Waugh, have urged Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to address the welfare of imprisoned former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Their appeal focuses on humanitarian treatment and due process, not the legal or political aspects of his case, citing concerns about his deteriorating health.
Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force has arrested Karamveer Singh, a close associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, at Delhi's IGI Airport after his deportation from Canada. Singh is accused of providing logistical support to Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence's younger brother, and has a history of serious crimes. This arrest is considered a significant step against transnational organised crime, following another recent extradition from Moldova.
Afghanistan's new T20I captain, Ibrahim Zadran, is focused on enjoying his new role, taking responsibility, and making sound decisions under pressure, especially with the upcoming series in India.
Sumit Nagal, India's top singles player, believes sheer desire will be crucial in the Davis Cup qualifier against Korea, especially on the slow Seoul courts.
In Rajasthan's recent urban local body elections, several candidates experienced unusual results. A BJP candidate and a Congress candidate each secured only one vote, while an RLP candidate received zero votes. These outcomes occurred across different municipalities in Didwana-Kuchaman, Nagaur, and Balotra districts, with one candidate alleging foul play in the vote count.
The BRICS New Delhi Declaration condemned the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for zero tolerance towards state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The declaration also addressed global terror, illegal financial flows, cyber fraud, and emphasised accountability for those involved in terror activities.
'The Chinese military cannot advance much in Ladakh, even if they want to.' 'Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, they can rename a village or two, intrude here or there, but cannot do much more realistically.'
Suspected militants gunned down two Kuki women and burnt farmhouses in Manipur's Tamenglong district, following other recent killings. A Kuki organisation, Kuki Inpi Manipur, has condemned the attacks and stated that the bodies will not be claimed until justice is served, questioning the silence of state and central governments amidst the ongoing ethnic conflict.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein paid rich tributes to engineers on National Engineers' Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sir M Visvesvaraya. They highlighted the crucial role of engineers in the state's development, infrastructure, and India's overall progress, acknowledging their contributions to nation-building and technological advancement.
