The US has informed allies it will avoid new military strikes on Iran, instead focusing on economic sanctions and maritime enforcement, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic shift aims to intensify pressure on Tehran's economy and oil exports while keeping the military option open if Iran initiates aggression. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst persistent regional tensions and maritime incidents.
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.
An Australian public servant of Indian origin, Suyash Sinha, has been arrested and denied bail in Canberra for allegedly stalking a woman and threatening to use government databases to obtain information about her and her family. Sinha, who became an Australian citizen last week, is accused of continuing to harass the woman after she rejected his advances, even claiming he could access her family's details through government systems. The case has been adjourned to November 4.
Murugan's resignation comes amid speculation over an impending ministerial reshuffle.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has initiated legal proceedings, including seeking a court injunction and filing a police complaint, against a video circulating on social media that he claims falsely links him to a sting operation. He and his son, Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, assert the video is a fabricated attempt at character assassination and disinformation.
The Indian Cabinet has approved Fairfax Financial Holdings' Rs 52,878 crore bid to acquire a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank, marking the country's largest foreign direct investment in the financial sector.
Union Minister of State L Murugan resigned from the Modi government and his Rajya Sabha membership on Tuesday, stating his intention to return to Tamil Nadu to strengthen the BJP ahead of the 2029 parliamentary elections. His resignation fuels speculation about an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.
A five-year-old girl was kidnapped and found murdered in a Hyderabad gated community. Police suspect a recently dismissed security guard, Vikram, who allegedly demanded a Rs 20 lakh ransom from the girl's family. The girl's body was discovered in a clubhouse cellar with her hands and legs tied. Police are actively searching for the absconding suspect.
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the cell broadcast alert system, developed indigenously, to warn citizens about emergencies and natural disasters in their area. The system is now operational across all states and union territories.
Modi's greater weakness is his inability since July when he directed the exit of Dharmendra Pradhan, to come up with a political counter strategy. Security measures and executive orders as seen in recent days will only likely further weaken him and make him as lame duck a premier as many prior to him, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh included, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw warned of increased global turbulence from tech disruptions, AI, and financial risks in the coming years. He stated that India is strengthening its economic and technological resilience to protect its growth from external shocks. India is focusing on domestic manufacturing and design in critical tech areas while maintaining global integration, with trust becoming as crucial as cost in supply chains.
Reports from the New York Post, citing Mohsen Heydari, reveal that Mojtaba Khamenei was "pulled from the rubble" of a Tehran hospital after alleged US and Israeli strikes. This occurred before his secret selection as Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, which was also reportedly targeted. Conflicting accounts from Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have further shrouded Khamenei's health in mystery, with some suggesting severe injuries while others claim he is "completely" healthy.
Bangladesh's Sports Minister says a decision on lifting the ban on broadcasting IPL 2026 will be made after Information Minister Zahiruddin Swapan returns from abroad.
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.
US President Donald Trump has expressed interest to his advisers in setting up a meeting with Iranian officials present in New York for the UN General Assembly's 81st session, "if the conditions are right."
The Union Cabinet has approved a significant increase in the mandatory EPFO wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month, a move expected to bring over 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory social security coverage.
A US Air Force colonel, identified by his call sign 'Bravo', survived nearly 50 hours behind Iranian lines after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down near Isfahan. Despite severe injuries, he evaded Iranian forces and was eventually rescued in a complex operation involving US military and intelligence personnel, highlighting a daring mission to leave no man behind.
A central government committee has upheld the ban on the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film Satluj, citing concerns over India's sovereignty and integrity, sparking political debate in Punjab.
The move comes days after the Delhi police said false information linked to the recent students' protest was being circulated through fake social media posts.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a show-cause notice to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their advertisement for Vimal Elaichi, claiming it prima facie amounts to "indirect or surrogate" promotion of prohibited pan masala and tobacco-related products.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a three-member review committee to investigate the removal of the film "Satluj" from the ZEE5 OTT platform. The film, which depicts the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during Punjab's turbulent 1990s, was briefly available before being taken down, sparking criticism from political parties and Sikh bodies.
Can AI transform grassroots 'If technology can help develop players a little quicker and make coaching more informed, then it has done its job.'
'In this situation, until further notice, it is requested by order to stop the broadcasting/telecasting of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL).'
The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.
Several prominent BJP leaders, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, RSS veteran Ram Madhav, and former chief ministers Biplab Kumar Deb and Tirath Singh Rawat, have been reinstated into significant roles within the party's national team. This reshuffle marks a political recovery for many who had previously seen their influence wane or lost electoral battles, positioning them for key organisational responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections.
The Indian government is considering amending the IT Rules 2021 to introduce compulsory certification for films released on OTT platforms, following a controversy involving the film 'Satluj' which was released without clearances and later taken down due to national security concerns.
'Propaganda films that the BJP makes, whether it's The Kerala Story or others, are shown wherever elections occur as part of their propaganda. But real-time human rights violations... If such things don't come on a public platform, how will correction occur?'
Vande Mataram, the national song that has stirred passions and political controversies for more than a century, received legal protection on Thursday with Parliament passing a bill making any insult to it a punishable offence, rekindling the long-running debate over its place in India's history and identity.
The United States military and Kuwaiti air defence forces successfully intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, with Iran's state broadcaster claiming American military installations in Kuwait were deliberately targeted.
'...Or will we take a positive approach and learn from those mistakes so that it is not repeated in future?'
China on Monday successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, drawing sharp reactions from Japan and Australia.
The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi high court that the Telegram messaging app was being exploited for illegal activities ranging from cybercrime and financial frauds to terrorism and circulation of leaked examination papers.
Kannada actor Darshan's wife, Vijayalakshmi, visited him at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, where he is lodged in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. She was accompanied by their son, Vinish. The Karnataka High Court has also directed ministries to examine broadcasts related to the case.
The Delhi High Court has quashed cases registered by the Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate against news portal NewsClick and its editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha, citing that the continuation of the FIR was 'a gross abuse of the process of law' and the investment was an economic decision that 'did not spell out any criminal offence'.
Bangladesh summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner to convey "deep disappointment" after Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to the Prime Minister, was stopped and questioned by immigration authorities at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident led to Rahman's decision to return home despite being cleared to proceed.
The Central Information Commission has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not qualify as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information Act, effectively placing it outside the scope of RTI disclosures.
A special court in Mumbai has denied bail to a 24-year-old man accused of sexually harassing and defaming a woman and her minor daughter on a live-streaming platform, citing concerns that he may intimidate the victims if released.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the Centre's advisory against the release of ZEE5's docu-series, directing the makers to remove references to "Lawrence" and "Punjab" from the title.
'We are considering this to ensure swift action on content for which the respective ministries have domain experts and can better determine the illegality of the content or the web site that needs to be taken down.'
Police in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against a man accused of creating and posting an obscene video of a 19-year-old college student on social media after she rejected his marriage proposal.