The Kerala child rights panel has directed the state government to include rugby in the upcoming annual state school sports meet, following a High Court directive. The panel also ordered the General Education Department to make arrangements for competitions and ensure children can participate in national events, and to amend the state school sports meet manual to include rugby in the 2026-27 National School Games.
BRICS leaders, in their New Delhi Declaration 2026, have called for wider access to Artificial Intelligence resources and stronger international cooperation to ensure the technology is safe, secure, inclusive, and reliable. The declaration outlines a broad technology agenda covering AI, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, telecom, quantum technologies, and advanced manufacturing, committing to implement the grouping's statement on 'Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence'.
India's national soft tennis federation is pushing for the sport's inclusion in the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, following a historic Asian Games medal. Special Advisor Harshang Khodadhara highlighted India's strong global ranking and its position as the leading Commonwealth nation in soft tennis, expressing confidence in winning gold medals if included.
Fintech giant PhonePe has launched 'PhonePe UPI 123Pay', a new service enabling UPI transactions for feature phone users without requiring an internet connection. This initiative aims to bring digital payment capabilities to over 200 million feature phone users, promoting financial inclusion across India.
The Supreme Court will hear a plea on October 28 regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Delhi's electoral roll. Petitioners seek transparency from the Election Commission on voter deletion reasons and a simplified re-inclusion process for those omitted, especially concerning Form 6. The court had previously raised concerns about "mechanical" notice issuance during the SIR, which led to 47 lakh voter deletions in Delhi.
Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, has urged for the expanded adoption of the Account Aggregator (AA) framework to facilitate formal credit access for self-employed individuals and gig workers. He highlighted its potential to enable cash-flow-based lending by leveraging diverse data streams, moving beyond traditional asset-based lending, and fostering a more inclusive digital financial infrastructure in India.
The Supreme Court clarified on Monday that it had not adjudicated on the new Form 6, used for inclusion in electoral rolls, during its hearing on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. This clarification comes after the Election Commission's press release suggested the apex court had upheld the Form 6 declaration.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has released 'anti-discrimination guidelines' advising students, faculty, and staff against inquiring about birth, admission category, or entrance exam ranks to prevent bias. This move follows the suicide of student Sahil Wakode, whose parents alleged caste discrimination. The guidelines also prohibit hateful messages and aim to foster inclusivity on campus.
The Sports Ministry has approved the late inclusion of two Boccia athletes, Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi, into India's contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games, bringing the total athlete count to 168. The overall contingent, including 113 officials, now stands at 281. This year's team is smaller than the previous Games due to the absence of certain disciplines and strict quota restrictions, particularly in para athletics. India aims to build on its record-breaking 108-medal haul from the last edition.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively pursuing a strategy to expand cricket in China, leveraging the sport's recent inclusion in the Olympics. Plans include establishing a Centre of Excellence, supporting a Tier 2 event, and promoting women's cricket, with significant investment and collaboration with the Chinese Cricket Association to embed the sport deeper into the country's sporting system.
The Commonwealth Games medals for Glasgow 2026 will feature braille and tactile elements, making them accessible to visually impaired athletes for the first time.
Gold prices in India have fallen for the third consecutive day, shedding Rs 1,800 to Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 grams, primarily due to a strengthening rupee and weak global cues. Silver also saw a significant decline, tumbling Rs 5,000 to Rs 2.21 lakh per 10 grams.
A report by IIT Bombay suggests that the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions needs rationalisation before implementation to safeguard public trust in the digital payments system, highlighting that UPI's long-term economic benefits outweigh potential incremental income from merchant fees.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad, emphasising the role of traditional sports in reflecting cultural identity and fostering international cooperation. The one-day event, hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, brought together delegations from BRICS and partner countries to showcase indigenous sporting practices like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu from India, alongside Wushu from China and Sambo from Russia. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also highlighted India's rich sporting heritage and proposed initiatives for global promotion and preservation of traditional sports.
Young table tennis players Syndrela Das and Payas Jain have been inducted into the Sports Ministry's TOPS Development group, while Manika Batra's international event funding request has also been approved, aiming to strengthen India's table tennis presence on the global stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the democratisation of technology to ensure no section of society is left behind, advocating for affordable and accessible digital services, especially for the Global South. He highlighted the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and called for solutions to cyber fraud, global standards for emerging tech, and mechanisms to identify AI-generated content during his interaction with GSMA board members.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures on Thursday regarding alleged large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The petition seeks an independent audit of these deletions and modifications, and a direction to prevent further deletions without due process.
The Election Commission of India has introduced new restrictions on the number of Form 7 applications an individual can submit, both online and offline. This move aims to prevent bulk or malicious attempts to remove legitimate voters from electoral rolls and streamline the objection process, especially after reports from states like Karnataka and Odisha.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Indian government will release a draft consultation paper on Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations within the next 30 days, focusing on safety, a human-first approach, skilling, inclusivity, and harm restriction.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer wants Mohammed Shami back in India's ODI team, backing a Bumrah-Shami-Siraj pace attack ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding a plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 12 other opposition leaders concerning alleged large-scale voter deletions and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) irregularities.
The Election Commission of India has revised instructions for the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, allowing voters served notices for "No Mapping" or "Logical Discrepancy" categories to avoid physical appearance. Booth Level Officers will collect documents at residences, and submissions can also be made via WhatsApp or during special camps, ensuring a more accessible process for electors.
The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has been included in the World Athletics Global Calendar, making it an internationally recognised event where performances can contribute to World Athletics Rankings. This milestone highlights the marathon's growth and adherence to global standards, further boosting Ahmedabad's sporting profile ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
MPSC aspirants in Maharashtra have ended their 10-day protest after the state government formed a committee, led by ex-judge Dilip Bhosale and senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, to investigate alleged irregularities, including paper leaks, within the recruitment body. Following this, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar announced he has proceeded on leave until the inquiry is completed.
Nic Maddinson has been added to Australia's Test squad for the series against South Africa, marking a significant comeback over a year after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. He joins reserve wicketkeeper Sam Harper, as Josh Inglis is out with a fractured finger and Cameron Green is being monitored for an abdominal strain. Maddinson, who last played a Test in 2016, has shown strong form recently, including a century in the One-Day Cup.
Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, and his son Neville Tata have filed caveats in Mumbai courts, ensuring they are heard before any orders are passed in a dispute involving Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh concerning alleged governance lapses and irregularities at some Tata Trusts.
Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a strategic move by Olympic leaders to tap into India's massive fan base and commercial power, aiming to attract billions of new viewers and strengthen the Games' appeal in key markets.
Pat Cummins hailed Australia's grit and ruthlessness in their 214-run win over South Africa, praising Matt Renshaw's rescue act, Josh Hazlewood's six-wicket haul and the selectors' decisions.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Indian Oil Corporation have signed an MoU for Rs 40 crore over two years to bolster boxing in India. This partnership, leveraging CSR funds and SAI's expertise, aims to enhance talent identification, athlete development, coaching, and international exposure for boxers, aligning with the revamped Khelo India Scheme.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the withdrawal of all cases against the Kurmi community filed by the previous TMC government. He also pledged to include Kurmali and Rajbanshi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and reactivate the Kurmi Development Board, allocating Rs 50 crore for community development.
Uttarakhand's final electoral roll, released after the Special Intensive Revision, shows a significant reduction of approximately 8 lakh voters compared to the start of the process, with the total now standing at 71.58 lakh. The opposition Congress, however, claims the decline is much steeper, citing a 14 lakh reduction from an earlier figure. The Chief Electoral Officer's office detailed the revision process, including additions and removals, and outlined ongoing efforts to ensure all eligible citizens are included.
Indian wushu player Roshibina Devi Naorem has advanced to the gold medal match in the women's 60kg category at the Asian Games after defeating Indonesia's Thania Kusumaningtyas in the semifinals. She will now face China's Xiaoyu Zhang in the final, aiming for her first Asian Games gold.
Indian para-shooters staged a protest during the send-off ceremony for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games contingent, alleging widespread corruption, manipulation, and financial extortion in the selection process.
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.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that its new Executive Council will be elected on December 5, with Sanjay Kumar Srivastava appointed as the returning officer. The electoral process, which includes elections for the Athletes' Commission on November 3 and selection of Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs), will adhere to national sports governance acts and the amended IOA Constitution. The new council will serve a four-year term (2026-2030), with current President PT Usha highlighting the importance of good governance as India eyes hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
RJ Mitte, the beloved Breaking Bad actor has passed away at 34, with his representative confirming the death by suicide.
A new EY India report highlights how young professionals, women wealth creators, entrepreneurs, ESOP beneficiaries, and digitally active consumers from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are fundamentally changing India's wealth ecosystem. This shift is evidenced by increased participation of young and women investors, a rise in disciplined investing via SIPs, and the crucial role of Digital Public Infrastructure in democratizing access to long-term wealth creation. The report predicts over 100 million new investors by 2035.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games, emphasising India's commitment to placing sport at the core of nation-building through significant investment in infrastructure and grassroots development. He highlighted India's indigenous sports like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu, and discussed the country's ambition to host major international events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
India's team management is considering pairing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with Abhishek Sharma for the second T20I against West Indies due to Sanju Samson's poor form. While the middle-order has performed well, Samson's consistent low scores are a concern. The article also discusses potential changes in the pace bowling combination and the West Indies' need for a higher total.
Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with their supporters, for allegedly forcibly entering Akashvani Bhawan during an opposition march against the Chief Election Commissioner on October 6. The incident occurred after an INDIA bloc protest towards the Election Commission office was halted, leading to detentions.
