Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in New Delhi, is facing de-notification by Delhi Police, raising concerns about its future as a space for public dissent. The site has been central to numerous significant movements, from Anna Hazare's anti-corruption fast and the Nirbhaya protests to recent agitations over NEET paper leaks and wrestlers' grievances. Its proximity to power centres made it a crucial platform for citizens to voice concerns and demand accountability, a role now threatened by its potential loss of status.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has mandated that service providers offer voice-and-SMS-only tariff plans, without bundled data, with a minimum validity of 30 days or less, aiming to provide more affordable and shorter-duration options for consumers who do not require data.
AI4Bharat at IIT Madras and Josh Talks AI have launched 'Voice of India', a multimodal AI evaluation platform designed to assess AI systems against Indian conditions, languages, accents, and dialects. This platform aims to provide scientifically rigorous, India-specific evaluations, covering areas like Voice AI, large language models, document processing, safety, cultural appropriateness, and Indian legal reasoning, to build trust and enable informed deployment decisions.
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.
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.
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.
China has voiced strong opposition to India's recent decision to standardise names for 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with students injured during recent protests and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to obstruct their voice. Gandhi assured the students of Congress's support and warned that action would be taken against all officials, from the Prime Minister to police constables, who acted against them. He emphasised the unity of the protesting students, transcending religion and caste.
Newly-appointed India women's cricket captain Smriti Mandhana has been named a celebrity advocate by UNICEF India to promote equal opportunities, health, and well-being for adolescent girls, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl.
Six US Democratic lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar, have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address alleged excessive force during student protests in India and concerns over voter purges during his upcoming visit. They also accused Indian diplomatic missions of surveillance of protesters in the US and called for investigations into human rights violations and potential arms sales implications.
India has strongly rejected a report by a UN human rights expert, Gina Romero, which claimed that young people in India face retaliation or stigmatisation for discussing mental health or gender justice. India's First Secretary Anuj Swarup labelled the report as "hearsay" based on "anonymous and unverified claims," asserting that it does a disservice to the expert's mandate. Swarup highlighted India's constitutional freedoms, independent judiciary, and government's proactive engagement with youth, citing examples like the amendment to the Public Examinations Act and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.
The scenes are same; placards, viral videos, riot, police but the grievances could hardly be more different, notes Abhay Jere, ex-Vice Chairman, AICTE.
A century on, India has adopted the Left's welfare ideas, but not the Left. Why do people borrow the promises, then vote for the temple? questions Binu Alex.
Artist and photographer Raihan Vadra, son of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had many of his photographs documenting recent Delhi protests removed from his solo exhibition "No Idea is Final" at Bikaner House. The management cited the "current context and political climate" for the removal, a move criticised by Raihan and his mother as censorship and muzzling of artistic voices.
'Attacks happen with an agenda or reason. I don't know what the reason here is.'
A sharp political slugfest erupted on Thursday as Congress leaders and INDIA bloc allies rallied behind MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's son, Raihan Vadra, accusing the authorities and Centre of censoring artistic expression after Bikaner House requested the removal of several photographs from his exhibition.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is entering an age of flux marked by conflicts and tariff volatility, requiring India to respond effectively to these challenges. He reiterated India's consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted India's efforts to engage with both sides. Jaishankar also emphasised India's role in championing the voice of the Global South and navigating complex strategic partnerships in a multi-aligned world.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that the INDIA bloc will stage a major protest in Delhi on Monday to protect voting rights, following meetings with the President and a planned meeting with the Chief Justice of India. He accused PM Modi and Amit Shah of attempting to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and criticised the Centre for denying an AIIMS facility to Keralam despite past assurances. Venugopal affirmed the bloc's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections and expressed hope for AIIMS if they come to power.
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy emphasised the critical importance of winning both powerplays (batting and bowling) to defeat India in the ongoing T20I series. He highlighted the team's struggle to contain India in the initial overs while bowling and stressed the need for improvement. Sammy also defended all-rounder Roston Chase, praising his discipline and tactical understanding amidst criticism of his selection.
India is developing a 'Gross Domestic Knowledge Product' (GDKP) to identify and define its knowledge assets, a move aimed at safeguarding them amidst global efforts to monetise and 'weaponise' knowledge, according to NITI Aayog member R Balasubramaniam.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has criticised India's bowling strategy in the second T20I against the West Indies, particularly the decision to give Kuldeep Yadav the crucial 17th over instead of pacers Mayank Yadav or Arshdeep Singh, a move he believes cost India the match.
Reigning world champion Lando Norris has expressed a strong desire to race in India, acknowledging the country's massive Formula 1 fan base. This comes as the Indian government and Adani Group are exploring options to bring F1 back to the Buddh Circuit, despite significant financial and logistical hurdles. Norris, who has a close friend in Indian driver Jehan Daruvala, believes racing in India would be great for the sport.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly supported India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He stated that any reform of the UNSC should not grant additional seats to Western countries like Germany and Japan, citing their "militarism and revanchism." Instead, Russia advocates for increased representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, specifically backing India and Brazil, while also emphasizing the need to address African interests.
American singer Mary Millben has ignited a political debate by calling on 'young patriots' in India to protest the Cockroach Janata Party..
Infinix has introduced the Smart 20 HD, an affordable smartphone featuring a 120 Hz display, dual speakers with up to 300 per cent volume.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran affirmed India's robust economic position amidst global uncertainty, emphasising that energy security, advanced manufacturing jobs, and investment in human capital are 'critical' for sustaining the nation's long-term growth.
'Ma would fiddle with the radio's knob until the static gave way to music; then, the voice would come on. I would be half-asleep still, understanding little of the Sanskrit words I heard but the words in chants, interspersed with songs, cast a spell. I still remember the goosebumps I felt as the epic tale of Goddess Durga's birth and battles unfolded,' says Radha Roy Biswas.
Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American citizen holding an OCI card, has been issued a 'Leave India' notice by Mumbai Police for participating in a protest, sparking debate over OCI cardholder rights and political expression.
US President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), citing the necessity to move energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints following attacks in West Asia. He made these remarks during a multilateral meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council at the UN General Assembly, emphasising the corridor's role in overcoming regional challenges.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde highlighted ethanol's potential to protect India from volatile petroleum markets and geopolitical risks, advocating for its widespread production and use. He, along with other officials, emphasised ethanol's role in strengthening the rural economy, ensuring timely cane payments, and combating carbon emissions, while also discussing its historical context and current government support.
A 57-year-old woman in Kozhikode allegedly lost Rs 1.35 crore to cyber fraudsters who posed as Mumbai Crime Branch officers. They threatened her with criminal cases and coerced her into transferring money for "verification" to the Reserve Bank of India, promising a return with interest. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot is set to embark on a five-day visit to Punjab starting October 16, where he will meet families of gang violence victims across 11 districts. This visit aims to amplify their voices and is seen as a strategic move by the Congress to make law and order a central issue against the AAP government in the upcoming elections. Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh also criticised the AAP government over deteriorating security and extortion threats faced by traders.
Xi's bilateral meeting with Modi was substantial and readouts from both sides gave indications of rapprochement, if not a reset of bilateral relations between India and China, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.
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.
Bestselling author Jeffrey Archer has passed away at the age of 86. Known for his prolific career spanning 59 books, including "Kane and Abel" and "Clifton Chronicles," Archer's final novel, "Adam and Eve," was published posthumously. He was celebrated for his storytelling and had a deep connection with India.
The second Film Federation of India and People for Animals CineKind awards were held on October 4 in Mumbai.
Andhra Pradesh police have revealed that female Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) are actively targeting Indian defence personnel through social media, honey traps, and financial inducements to extract sensitive information. Under "Operation Firewall-2026," two individuals, including a naval staffer, were arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, with 13 naval personnel among 18 suspects involved in the espionage conspiracy.
A new global survey by HP reveals that a majority of Indian students are concerned that while AI helps them work faster, it prevents them from learning material as deeply. Despite these worries, students remain optimistic about AI's role in future job markets and feel confident in using AI tools responsibly. The report calls for policymakers to focus on durable skills and core education.
The Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI) has warned that the IRDAI's proposed overhaul of insurance distribution practices could lead to a 70 per cent fall in revenues for intermediaries and result in 10 lakh job losses, citing concerns over the tight feedback deadline and the global uniqueness of the proposed architecture.
Veteran cricketer R Ashwin has expressed his disappointment over Yashasvi Jaiswal's exclusion from India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series, suggesting that the lack of international game time could negatively impact the young opener's confidence and form.
