Here are nine lessons, one for each night of the Navratri festival, that can help any household think about protection clearly.
A special court in Latur, Maharashtra, has sentenced Chumbalya alias Ritesh Rajnand Kasbe to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl last year. The verdict was delivered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with the court also imposing a Rs 5,000 fine.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded its first physical protection advisory mission to Pakistan, stating that the country has established a "robust nuclear security regime" for its nuclear material and facilities. The mission, conducted from September 28 to October 9, reviewed Pakistan's legislative framework and assessed measures at a nuclear facility, noting continuous improvements and contributions to nuclear security expertise.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that survivors of sexual assault under the POCSO Act cannot be denied compensation solely because their medical report does not record physical injuries. The court directed authorities to pay Rs 3 lakh to a minor under the Uttar Pradesh Rani Lakshmi Bai Mahila Samman Kosh scheme, emphasising that absence of injury marks does not negate sexual assault allegations and that the scheme's provisions must be interpreted liberally.
The Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) will hold a sitting on October 29 to hear affected persons and record evidence regarding alleged violence, including pellet gun use and harassment of female protesters, during the July Jantar Mantar protests. The five-member panel, chaired by Justice R Subhash Reddy, was formed after petitions alleged police excesses and counter-allegations of violence against police. An online portal is also available for submissions.
Police in Latur, Maharashtra, have arrested one of four accused involved in assaulting and stripping a minor boy four months ago. The incident came to light after a video surfaced on social media on Sunday. A case has been registered under various charges, including the POCSO Act, and a search is on for the remaining suspects.
The Kerala child rights panel has initiated a case into the suicide of a minor boy in Thrissur, following his father's allegations that police harassment led to the extreme step. The father accused Kodungallur police of falsely implicating his son and subjecting him to physical and mental harassment.
A 37-year-old engineer from Tamil Nadu, Sarath Subramanian, has been arrested in Kerala for allegedly sending fake bomb threat emails to various government offices, including the Secretariat and court complexes. He confessed to 34 of 36 registered cases, stating his motive was revenge against a Tamil Nadu political party. The emails were sent via the dark web, and investigations are ongoing.
Golf star Rory McIlroy has voiced strong support for the DP World Tour's recent decisions concerning players involved with LIV Golf. He backed the Tour's move to restrict LIV players from its 2027 season and its right to protect business interests, while also highlighting the Tour's opportunity to showcase international golf during less crowded periods in the PGA Tour schedule. McIlroy, a DP World global ambassador, expressed his commitment to the Tour and shared his thoughts on returning to the Delhi Golf Club.
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.
National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar urged protection officers to prioritise "first response" in domestic violence cases, emphasising sensitive handling and immediate intervention to prevent tragedies. She highlighted that the success of protection officers lies in timely protection for women, not just file processing. Rahatkar stressed the importance of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and called for a comprehensive "One Woman, One Support System" approach involving various services, continuous training, and prevention through awareness and empowerment.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat graced the Vijayadashami festival celebrations in Nagpur, performing 'shastra pujan' and taking a pledge alongside Bal and Shishu Swayamsevaks.
An Odisha-native woman has been taken into custody in Kochi for allegedly murdering her husband, Ajeeta Naik, and dumping his body near a railway track. The woman claims she attacked Naik after he allegedly attempted to sexually harass her 16-year-old daughter. Police are investigating the incident, including potential charges under the POCSO Act.
The controversy surrounding actor Imran Khan's participation in a Mumbai protest, and BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's demand for his deportation, raises critical questions about the legal rights of Overseas Citizen of India cardholders to engage in political dissent and the grounds for their expulsion from India.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report detailing the alleged sexual abuse of two young girls by their father in Latur, Maharashtra. The NCW has urged the Maharashtra DGP for a time-bound investigation, strict action under POCSO and BNS, and protection for the victims and their mother.
The NCERT has released a 20-hour introductory module on computational thinking (CT) and artificial intelligence (AI) for students in classes 9 to 12. Developed with IIT Madras and IIT Jodhpur, the module aims to educate students on AI's workings, limitations, ethical use, and data privacy through activity-based learning.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the lack of arrests of BJP leaders associated with the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee following a stampede that killed 19 people. He alleged that police are instead targeting citizens who question the government, while Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warned against "fake narratives" and police made an arrest for spreading misinformation. Banerjee accused the police administration of being exploited for political gain and protecting BJP leaders.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the alleged censorship of her son Raihan Vadra's photography exhibition at Bikaner House. Raihan Vadra stated that the administration removed his pictures documenting recent Delhi protests, citing the current political climate, leading to a row over artistic freedom.
Thane Crime Branch arrested two individuals with 2.72 kilograms of ambergris, also known as whale vomit, valued at Rs 2.72 crore in the international market. The protected marine substance, used in luxury perfumes, was seized during a trap operation, and a case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act.
A Zilla Parishad school teacher in Georai tehsil, Beed, was booked under the POCSO Act on Thursday for allegedly sexually harassing four girl students between October 12 and October 14. The incidents came to light when parents were informed, leading to the teacher's arrest.
Amid the ongoing protests in the national capital, the Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM), Delhi Pradesh, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, appealing for political demonstrations in the capital to be postponed until January 31, 2027, citing the festival and wedding season.
A 22-year-old man, Faiyaz Ali, was arrested in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly creating fake Instagram accounts to circulate child sexual abuse material and explicit chats. The arrest followed a tip-off from the Union home ministry's Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), which flagged an Instagram account with objectionable content. Police traced the account to Ali and apprehended him while he was attempting to flee.
Cathy Li, Head of the Centre for AI Excellence at the World Economic Forum, advocates for integrating AI literacy into India's education curriculum and incentivising AI companies to prioritise child safety. She stresses the need for localised solutions that account for India's linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as varying levels of connectivity and digital literacy, to ensure AI systems are safe and beneficial for children.
A priest from St Vincent Ferrer Church in Mangaluru, Father Cyprian Pinto, has been arrested on charges of sexually abusing minor boys. The arrest followed intervention by Mysuru-based NGO Odanadi, after initial complaints to the diocese and child protection authorities reportedly did not lead to immediate action. Police inquiries suggest at least five children were victims.
A self-proclaimed healer has been arrested in Kanker, Chhattisgarh, for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old tribal girl. The incident came to light when the girl, an inmate of a tribal girls' hostel, was found to be five months pregnant during a medical examination. The accused, Ramesh Kumar Pisda, allegedly exploited the girl under the pretext of curing her ailment, administering intoxicating substances to facilitate the abuse.
Ayesha Shroff -- whose father Air Vice Marshal Ranjan Dutt was awarded a Vir Chakra for gallantry in the 1948 War -- met with Chauhan's friends and family in the ICU, sharing her phone number and asking to be kept updated regarding his medical needs.
The Delhi Police's Financial Monitoring Cell prevented potential losses of Rs 1.53 crore in "digital arrest" scams across five states. Their Proactive Victim Identification and Protection Team intervened to save multiple victims, including senior citizens, from transferring additional money to fraudsters who impersonated officials and threatened arrest for fabricated crimes.
The Delhi High Court has permitted the termination of a 31-week pregnancy for a 16-year-old sexual assault victim, citing that it would not be appropriate to burden the minor with childbirth and raising a child. The court recognised the termination as a human right affecting the victim's dignified existence and directed the state to cover medical expenses, ensuring foetal tissue preservation for DNA testing and offering adoption if the child is born alive.
Police in Latur, Maharashtra, have appealed to minor girl students who may have been sexually harassed by the founder of Adarsh International School, Bashir Usman Shaikh, to come forward. Shaikh was arrested on Wednesday under the POCSO Act, and authorities assure protection and confidentiality for victims.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused an urgent hearing to a female journalist seeking protection from coercive action in a case filed by a Delhi Police officer. The officer, ACP Vivek Bhagat, accused the journalist of making casteist remarks and public humiliation during a protest. This case follows a sexual assault complaint the journalist previously filed against Bhagat, which is currently under investigation.
The real victory in New Zealand is not about winning every match but returning from it knowing exactly what kind of team India should have for the future, points out K R Nayar.
Designed for demanding work environments, the Dell Pro Rugged 13 Extreme combines a compact 13.3-inch touchscreen with powerful Intel processing, AI capabilities and flexible battery options.
PETA has urged Crystal Palace to retire bald eagle mascot Phoenix, citing animal welfare concerns, stadium-related stress and safety risks, while calling for an end to live animal mascots.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered immediate action against those who allegedly attacked a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi district, stating that any insult to the state's culture will not be tolerated. Following his directive, 13 people have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and AASU president Utpal Sarma also condemned the incident, emphasising the importance of Bihu to Assamese identity.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a woman IPS officer has been formed in Latur, Maharashtra, to probe the alleged sexual assault of minor schoolgirls by Bashir Usman Shaikh, founder of Adarsh International School. Shaikh was arrested earlier this week under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act. The SIT is investigating further potential victims and urging students to report abuse without fear.
Opposition parties in Punjab have strongly criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government following the murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa. They allege a breakdown of law and order and "jungle raj," demanding accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and a CBI probe into the killing. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of those fighting the drug menace in the state.
Infinix has introduced the Smart 20 HD, an affordable smartphone featuring a 120 Hz display, dual speakers with up to 300 per cent volume.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Thiruvananthapuram Division has seized 943 kg of narcotic substances valued at Rs 54.98 crore in 108 cases between January and September this year. These efforts are part of Operation NARCOS, a nationwide initiative to prevent the railway network from being used for drug trafficking. The RPF also detected cases involving banned tobacco products and IMFL during the same period.
OpenAI discovered a sophisticated recording device in its office, using its AI models to identify an employee, Abdulrahman Alfozan, who had planted it. The FBI has since arrested the Saudi national, and OpenAI has terminated his employment, stating there's no indication of data exfiltration.
The Supreme Court on Sunday issued a notice to the Centre and passed several directions regarding metro and train services, internet access, and peaceful assembly in Delhi, following a plea for contempt proceedings over alleged violations during the CJP protest. The court emphasised the protection of fundamental rights and the need for lawful conduct during protests.
