Easing Gyanesh Kumar out would create a hazardous political precedent because forcing out a top official, due to public pressure, projects an image of reactive, defensive governing. Furthermore, making a high-level official like the CEC to hand in his papers would validate Opposition claims that Constitutional referees have been compromised, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
A junior Bangladeshi minister, Ishraque Hossain, conducted a raid on a suspected drug den in a Dhaka slum on Saturday, carrying a pistol and accompanied by plainclothes associates. He detained several individuals and handed them over to police, who stated they were not informed in advance. A video of the incident, uploaded by Hossain, sparked widespread debate on social media regarding the appropriateness of his actions.
Indian Railways has cancelled over 250 trains connecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations ahead of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, a move criticised by experts and passenger bodies as 'unprecedented' and 'anti-passenger'.
Opposition parties in Maharashtra have criticised the state government following a firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai. They allege a deterioration of law and order, citing this and other recent high-profile incidents, and demand a separate home minister.
Online video games are emerging that recreate scenes from the Jantar Mantar protests in Delhi. Games like 'Jantar Mantar Chalo', 'Bhaag Neha Bhaag', and 'Jantar Mantar to Jail' allow players to experience elements of the demonstrations, from gathering crowds and dodging police to collecting 'Accountability' and 'Democracy' coins. Creators, inspired by news and real-life events, developed these games rapidly using AI and coding, gaining significant traction online.
BrahMos Aerospace expects to develop the first prototype of its next-generation BrahMos-NG missile by 2027 or 2028, while a missile with a range of 1,500 km remains part of its future roadmap and is currently at the conceptual stage, the company's CEO and managing director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi said.
Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon met the family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, demanding a CBI investigation into his murder. Dhillon appealed to Punjab residents to protest the AAP government by wearing black, alleging its failure to curb the drug menace and protect activists. Jhota was shot dead on October 13, and his family refuses cremation until justice is served.
The Allahabad High Court has issued a strong warning against routinely converting distressed or failed marriages into criminal cases, stating that such a practice could fundamentally affect the institution of marriage. The court quashed an FIR alleging dowry harassment and assault in a case involving a brief period of cohabitation, emphasising that criminal proceedings should not be a substitute for matrimonial court adjudication.
BSP supremo Mayawati has announced a definitive decision regarding the involvement of her brother Anand Kumar's children in the party. She stated that only Ishan Anand would be given a role, while Akash Anand and Deepika Anand would be kept away. Mayawati cited Akash Anand's conduct and his father-in-law's influence as reasons for his exclusion, emphasising her commitment to the party's integrity and following the principles of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with approximately 250 others including 50 MPs, were detained by Delhi Police after an eight-hour sit-in protest at Akashvani Bhawan. They were attempting to march to the Election Commission's office to protest alleged "vote chori" and irregularities in electoral rolls.
A TMC office, former MLA and councillor residences, and a CPI(M) memorial were allegedly vandalised in Jadavpur, Kolkata. The Trinamool Congress and the Left Front have accused BJP workers of the attacks, while the BJP has denied involvement, attributing the incidents to internal TMC disputes.
Marchers would walk four or five abreast through one side of the main Mahatma Gandhi Road, holding red or white banners that stretched from one end to the other, shouting slogans, calling upon passers by, including employees watching from the offices that line the road, to join (Dekhta kya/Shaamil ho), recalls Jyoti Punwani.
A 56-year-old Uttar Pradesh Home Guard was arrested for allegedly strangling his wife and daughter to death in Lucknow. The accused, Ravindra Shankar, reportedly used a data cable while they were asleep. Preliminary investigations suggest a history of domestic disputes, including the wife leaving home with jewellery and the daughter having two failed marriages. In a separate incident, a painter was found dead after an alleged assault during a party in the same area.
The Delhi High Court is set to deliver its order on October 23 regarding a plea filed by AISA president Neha Bora. Bora is challenging a police notice that requires her to execute a "peace" bond before a special executive magistrate, arguing it's an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent and violates her fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to resolve the contentious dispute between the rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress over its party name and crucial 'flowers and grass' election symbol within three months of the completion of pleadings.
'If you ask Prime Minister Modi prove you are Indian, as per the Election Commission's criteria, he may not be able to prove that he is an Indian.'
American singer Mary Millben has become a prominent figure in Indian political discourse due to her outspoken support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, using social media to defend him against critics and appeal to young Indians, despite her musical career being less known in the country.
A state-wide bandh was observed across Punjab on Thursday following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Markets and educational institutions remained shut, and roads were blocked by protesters, disrupting traffic. Jhota was shot on Tuesday for questioning the illegal sale of addictive drugs. His family, supported by various political parties and farmer unions, has refused to perform his last rites until justice is delivered, demanding resignations of top officials and a CBI probe. The incident has intensified the political debate on drug menace and law and order in Punjab.
'If Gyanesh Kumar had some shame he would have resigned and would have taken agni pariksha.'
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called for the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation, citing alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the poll process. Kharge outlined five key demands for electoral transparency and pledged that the Congress party would protest both on the streets and in Parliament.
The fifth and final T20 International between India and the West Indies was abandoned due to persistent rain on Saturday, resulting in the series being drawn 2-2. India had scored 118 for five in 7.4 overs in the rain-shortened match before play was called off.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organised a protest in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, despite police denying permission. The protest stems from alleged objections by other Election Commissioners regarding electoral roll decisions, though the Election Commission clarified all decisions were unanimous. Security forces were heavily deployed around Shivaji Park to manage the situation.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging he has 'undermined' voter rights by excluding over 13 crore names from draft electoral rolls across 30 states and Union territories during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his Punjab visit, urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to transfer drug-related death investigations in Sangrur and Batala to the CBI, following Mann's decision to hand over anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's murder case to the central agency. Shah met families affected by drug-related incidents and pledged to make Punjab drug-free by December 31, 2029, calling for collective action against the menace.
'Tiger Shroff is someone who has absolutely no controversies associated with him.' 'He is someone who works out or dances. That is all I ever see him doing.' 'I cannot fathom how shots could be fired at him. I am even scared to speak about this on camera. What if someone comes after me?'
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has announced it will contest the upcoming elections to 102 nagar councils and nine municipal corporations on the party symbol. The decision was made at a meeting presided over by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. The party also addressed concerns about the anti-sacrilege law and the law and order situation in Punjab.
The Congress party staged nationwide protests, demanding the immediate arrest and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused the Election Commission of an "unprecedented attack" on voter equality through an alleged 'Mark VIP' feature and called for an independent review of decisions made under Kumar, citing objections from other commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Coal India Ltd (CIL) has refuted claims by NTPC Ltd regarding critically low coal stocks, stating it has met and exceeded its contractual supply commitments to the power producer. CIL reported supplying 97 million tonnes to NTPC and its joint ventures during April-September of FY27, a 5% increase year-on-year.
An excise constable in Bihar's Nalanda district, initially believed to have been shot dead by liquor smugglers, was actually killed by a bullet fired from a home guard jawan's rifle during a chase. An investigation revealed discrepancies and alleged attempts to conceal evidence, leading to the arrest of a sub-inspector and other personnel.
A network of volunteers, including doctors, lawyers, and social media influencers, has mobilised in Delhi to provide medical assistance, legal aid, and mental health support to thousands of protesters detained during the recent CJP agitation. The initiative includes transport for released detainees, first aid, and therapist connections.
Police in Agra have registered a case regarding a death threat allegedly received by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman via WhatsApp. An investigation is underway.
The subtext here is that nobody else really matters to America today; only China, because nobody else can truly hurt them, points out Mihir S Sharma.
Rahul Gandhi dramatically shifted the INDIA bloc's protest after their march to the Election Commission was stopped and leaders were detained. He entered Akashvani Bhavan, leading to a standoff and a continued sit-in joined by other opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, to protest against alleged threats to democracy.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan attended Dussehra celebrations in New Delhi on Tuesday. Effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath were burnt at various Ramleela grounds, with dignitaries delivering messages on truth, righteousness, and fighting social evils. One committee also burnt a cockroach effigy to symbolise filth, leading to a complaint from AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj.
A member of actor-turned-politician Vijay-led Tamilaka Vettri Kazhagam on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to invite his single largest political party to form the government in the state.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has publicly apologised for criticising the club's hierarchy following their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, after holding discussions with manager Michael Carrick and senior officials.
Security has been intensified at the Noida-Delhi borders ahead of a major protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi on Saturday, demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation. Police and BSF personnel are deployed, conducting checks, and placing barriers. Commuters from Noida and Greater Noida are concerned about potential traffic disruptions, though Noida Metro services are confirmed to run as usual. Some activists allege house arrest.
Pune Police raided a late-night party in Tulapur village, finding over 150 attendees, including underage individuals. They seized ganja, banned hookah flavours, and liquor worth approximately Rs 85 lakh, with legal action initiated against the organisers.
Navigating this geopolitical minefield requires a cold-blooded blend of immediate tactical pleading, structural domestic diversification, and aggressive collective resistance, suggests Ambassador Rajasekhar.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has summoned Rajendra Shinde, husband of former Thane mayor Meenaxi Shinde, for questioning in connection with the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar. Purnekar's son accused the couple of orchestrating the killing. Police have already arrested several alleged assailants in the case.
