India's coastline is now officially measured at 11,098.81 km, significantly higher than the earlier figure of 7,516.6 km used since the 1970s.
Kerala's Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph stated that criticism regarding the state government's initial decision for a preliminary inquiry in the alleged CMRL payments case, involving former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his family, would subside following a recent Supreme Court verdict. Health Minister K Muraleedharan also affirmed that the SC order vindicated the government's cautious approach, which prioritised a preliminary inquiry over immediate FIR registration based solely on the ED's request.
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.
Former Indian tennis greats Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza, and Rohan Bopanna, along with other prominent sportspersons, have applied for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) positions within the All India Tennis Association (AITA). This move aligns with new national sports governance rules aimed at increasing sportsperson representation in federations. The AITA received 26 applications, and the selection process for SOM representatives is expected to conclude on November 5, with AITA elections scheduled for November 27.
When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.
India's cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, has issued a critical advisory warning about autonomous AI agents accessing sensitive data of Indian organisations without authorisation. Government sources on Friday emphasised the need for companies to bolster cybersecurity measures and monitor system activity, noting that while no major compromise occurred, the incident serves as an early warning. Future AI regulation is expected to address the risks posed by these agents.
China has called for stronger global governance of artificial intelligence, advocating for international cooperation to develop the technology for humanity's benefit while preventing it from getting out of control. This comes amidst warnings from leading AI researchers in the US about potential existential risks, with China emphasizing both rapid development and robust safeguards, including its new AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0. The issue is expected to be a key topic in upcoming US-China talks.
Before protesting against the State, the citizen should not have to ask: Sir, may I protest, please?, asserts Prem Panicker.
AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj has criticised the Delhi government's handling of women's safety after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped at Aastha Kunj Park, leading Lady Shri Ram College to shift classes online. Bharadwaj questioned the BJP government's achievements in ensuring safety and highlighted daily crimes against women, while also alleging harassment of opposition leaders.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state government has allotted 30 acres of land to the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) for establishing a modern cricket academy. This initiative aims to provide advanced training facilities for budding cricketers, complemented by the appointment of spotters to identify talent at the village level and the development of all-weather practice grounds.
The Supreme Court stated it is not inclined to completely ban firecrackers but emphasised the need for authorities to implement existing orders on the ground to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court highlighted that annual orders become a "mockery" without proper enforcement and urged serious action, public awareness campaigns, and on-ground officer presence. It also noted ongoing consultations regarding the use of Barium in firecrackers and discussed measures taken by the Delhi government and CAQM to tackle pollution, including curbs on vehicles and construction. The court reiterated its stance of finding a middle ground rather than a complete ban or round-the-clock fireworks.
Over 900 babies were born safely across Odisha during Cyclone Arnab, thanks to the state government's proactive measures to shift pregnant women to healthcare facilities. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that 931 deliveries occurred, with both mothers and babies in good health. Some newborns were even named after the cyclone or related weather phenomena, reflecting the unique circumstances of their birth.
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has removed encroachment on Nazul land connected to the accused in a recent triple murder case in Saadatganj. This action follows the killing of three men over a parking dispute and subsequent demands for demolition by the victims' family. The LDA had previously sealed the house and demolished its boundary wall, citing illegal construction. Police have made arrests, and political figures have assured stringent action and support for the victims' family.
Cyclone Arnab has triggered heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across southern Odisha, leading to the evacuation of over 30,000 people and a high alert in several districts. The cyclone, which weakened after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh, has disrupted train services and prompted extensive disaster preparedness measures.
France is preparing for fresh demonstrations on October 24 with a "massive" police deployment and extended curfews, following days of violent unrest. The protests, initially sparked by school conditions, have broadened into a nationwide campaign against rising living costs and declining public services, leading to over 2,500 arrests and significant damage.
The Supreme Court has ruled that banks must compensate victims of digital fraud, especially in cases like "digital arrests," if the fraud results from the financial institution's failure in due diligence. The court is examining RBI's proposed KYC amendments and stressed the need for a regulatory framework that includes victim compensation and preventive measures. It also highlighted the issue of mule accounts and the need for banks to alert police about suspicious transactions.
A case has been registered against B M Swamy, Shivamogga Regional Director of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), for alleged exam malpractice and mass copying during recent examinations. He has been relieved of his duties, and an investigation is underway following a complaint by the KSOU Registrar.
'India needs to create eight-nine million jobs annually to absorb the growth in the working-age population.' 'Failure to create productive jobs could squander the demographic advantage that we enjoy right now.'
It is too early to judge whether the CJP will become a consequential political movement or remain a moment of protest. Its significance will depend less on the size of crowds or the reach of online campaigns than on what follows when the initial excitement subsides, notes Manoj Mohanka.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the state government's firm support for power employees, pledging to challenge the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission's (HERC) decision to grant a parallel electricity distribution licence to a private company for Gurugram and Nuh districts before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). The government is appealing to unions to defer their planned three-day strike while making arrangements to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as very severe cyclonic storm Arnab is set to make landfall on its coast, with extensive evacuations, deployment of medical teams, and stocking of essential supplies underway to minimise damage and ensure public safety.
Cyclone Arnab made landfall on the Andhra coast early on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction, including uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and inundated low-lying areas. Five people were killed in related incidents, primarily due to electrocution and wall collapse. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought central assistance and outlined relief measures for affected residents and farmers.
The Supreme Court has mandated that banks must be held accountable for losses incurred by digital fraud victims, ensuring compensation of at least the amount lost if the fraud stems from the financial institution's lack of due diligence. The court emphasised that the proposed RBI regulatory framework must include enforceable provisions for compensation, preventive measures, and institutional accountability, moving beyond mere advisories. The CJI stressed the need for banks to use technology like AI to prevent fraud by monitoring unusual transactions and called for stronger accountability clauses against non-compliant banks.
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Bhutan's Lemthang has caused water to flow towards India's Sankosh River, leading to a high alert in North Bengal. Authorities have advised evacuations, activated disaster management teams, and relocated thousands of residents as they monitor the situation closely for potential flooding.
'If a student can get a good teacher, quality content and mock tests at no cost, it becomes very hard for a mid-tier coaching centre to keep charging for the same lecture.'
Europe is reeling under a fresh wave of protests as people march over the rising cost of living, pensions, housing, education, corruption and opposition to war. Groups across France, Albania, Italy, Spain and Portugal have held demonstrations in multiple cities, leading to clashes between protesters and the police.
The Bombay High Court has quashed a 2016 FIR against a teacher and college management in connection with the drowning of 14 students off Murud beach. The court ruled that the victims were adults capable of understanding the consequences of their actions and found no gross negligence by the teachers. It also called for better implementation of safety norms at beaches.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, which killed 19 people, was primarily due to human error. He visited victims' families, assured assistance, and announced an inquiry by a retired judge, with the report expected within three months. The CM also plans to meet puja committees on October 26 to discuss future safety measures.
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has ignited a controversy with his shocking suggestion that people should boycott the funerals of farmers who die by suicide.
The South Coast Railway Zone has a set up a 24/7 war room and cancelled 53 trains in preparation for the approaching very severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab'.
The Indian government, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has issued an advisory to Meta, urging the social media giant to prevent its recommendation systems from disproportionately exposing users to limited narratives and to enhance checks on content that could incite public disorder or unlawful activity. The advisory, dated October 10, also calls for Meta to provide adequate context for content related to ongoing public events and to review its content-ranking mechanisms to avoid amplifying misleading information.
Maharashtra is grappling with an escalating drought crisis, with 305 talukas now declared drought-hit, prompting the state government to announce Rs 5,000 in financial aid for farmers before Diwali and extend comprehensive relief measures.
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached the land and buildings of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, promoted by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. The agency alleges diversion of government funds for public works and illegal land occupation, estimating the current market value of the attached property at Rs 1,170 crore.
'These attempts to intimidate people will not be tolerated, and we will put an end to this hooliganism.'
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.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has condemned the firing incident on Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai, raising concerns about the safety of film personalities. The incident, which injured Shroff's driver and an autorickshaw driver, is the second such attack on a film personality, prompting calls for immediate investigation and action from authorities. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has reportedly claimed responsibility, and three suspects were detained on Monday.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will persist in its efforts to prevent excessive volatility in the rupee, which has significantly depreciated against the US dollar due to global uncertainties, despite India's strong macro-economic fundamentals.
RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta stated that India's economic growth momentum remains strong despite various global and domestic shocks, attributing this resilience to a diversified growth base and improved policy responses. She highlighted the economy's 7.8 per cent growth in Q1 and continued momentum into Q2, suggesting potential upgrades to growth forecasts.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged the Reserve Bank of India to accelerate its central bank digital currency initiatives, emphasising the need to sharpen capabilities with the digital rupee amidst rapid advancements in tokenisation, agentic AI, and quantum computing. She also highlighted critical concerns regarding cybersecurity, warning that autonomous AI systems are evolving rapidly and require robust safeguards. Sitharaman proposed a federated industry platform to give India's technology ecosystem a collective international voice.
The Supreme Court clarified that it was not taking cognisance of media reports suggesting government authorities tendered unconditional apologies in contempt proceedings related to restrictions during an October 10 protest. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta explained that apologies are procedural, and authorities have defended their actions, citing reasons like maintaining public order and intelligence inputs. The court emphasised that media coverage was not relevant to its proceedings.
