CEC Gyanesh Kumars Chhattisgarh visit postponed
Mr Kumar who is facing criticism over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the fellow ECI officials were scheduled to travel from Delhi to Chhattisgarh for the visit spanning October 7 and 8
Merely Eyewash: Delhi Court Slams Police For Long Delay In MCOCA Case
Special Judge Gaurav Rao also sent a copy of the order dated October 5 to the Delhi police commissioner, saying the matter calls for a detailed inquiry and appropriate action against all the erring officials/investigating officers.
Karnataka Chief Minister leaves for Delhi ahead of GST Council meeting
Sources said the visit could also provide an opportunity for Mr. Shivakumar to meet senior Congress leaders and discuss pending issues
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Detained During Protest Demanding Election Chiefs Resignation
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were detained in New Delhi while protesting against Election Chief Gyanesh Kumars resignation. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Detained During Protest Demanding Election Chiefs Resignation
Opposition Parties to Hold March Against Election Commission in Delhi
Congress, AAP, and leftist parties plan a protest march to the CEO office in Delhi, opposing alleged irregularities in the voter list. Opposition Parties to Hold March Against Election Commission in Delhi
Opposition Parties to Protest Outside Delhi CEO Office on October 7
Opposition parties, led by AAP, will protest outside the Delhi CEO office on October 7, demanding transparency in voting processes. Opposition Parties to Protest Outside Delhi CEO Office on October 7
Traffic snarls at Delhis brand-new flyover persist week after opening
4.9-magnitude earthquake hits Uttarakhand, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
A 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck Uttarakhand on Tuesday night, with tremors felt across several parts of northern India, including Delhi-NCR, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.
SIR in Delhi: disposals of Form 7 nearly six times those of Form 6
According to the weekly constituency-wise forms disposal report, only 569 Form 6 applications were disposed of between August 31 and Oct. 4
Delhi court seeks report on custodial torture charges by protesters
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named next Chief of Air Staff
New Delhi, Oct 6 : Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, an accomplished fighter pilot with over 3,500 hours of flying experience on over 20 types of aircraft, will be the next Chief of Air Staff succeeding incumbent Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the defence ministry announced on Tuesday. Dixit, known for his strategic planning and who [] The post Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named next Chief of Air Staff appeared first on Northlines .
EQT, Emami, Balaji Wafers join a 5500 cr war
New Delhi | Mumbai: Swedish private equity firm EQT Partners, Emami Ltd and Balaji Wafers have joined the fray to acquire Crax snacks owner DFM Foods, competing alongside other strategic and private equity suitors such as ITC, ChrysCapital and TPG, according to people with direct knowledge of the development.Talks are in early stages and non-binding bids for the deal are expected by the end of October. Advent International, which started the process to sell its entire 96.63% holding in Noida-based DFM Foods in July, seven years after acquiring the stake, expects to close the sale process by December. The potential deal is likely at a valuation of 5,000-5,500 crore, said one of the persons, who did not wish to be identified.134749429The development comes at a time when hyper-local and online-only rivals are chipping away at the market share of large snack makers such as PepsiCo, Parle and ITC Foods.We are exploring the possibility of buying into DFM Foods, Balaji Wafers' founder and managing director Chandu Virani said, confirming the negotiations.If finalised, the deal will come months after US private equity firm General Atlantic acquired a 7% stake in Balaji Wafers for 2,500 crore in January at a valuation of 35,000 crore.Queries emailed to Emami, ITC, Advent International, TPG and ChrysCapital remained unanswered until press time. EQT's spokesperson declined to comment.Advent International-which acquired a majority stake in DFM Foods from WestBridge Capital in 2019 for $118.8 million and later delisted it in January 2023-has mandated Avendus Capital and EY for the deal.DFM Foods reported net sales of 916 crore for 2025-26, regulatory filings showed up from 705.8 crore in the previous year.Both Emami and ITC are present in packaged snacks. Their interest in DFM Foods stems from their aim of capturing the youth segment for snacking, as well as deepening penetration in regional markets, said an industry executive.Kolkata-headquartered Emami expanded into packaged snacks-stepping beyond its mainstay edible oils, staples and personal care businesses-for the first time in August under its group entity, Emami Agrotech Ltd, with the launch of its WeMe snacking brand. Meanwhile, ITC operates multiple snack brands, including Yoga Bar protein bars, Bingo chips and Right Shift multigrain snacks and breakfast mixes.DFM Foods, established in 1984, manufactures potato chips, namkeens and millet snacks under brands such as Crax, Curls, Fritts and Natkhat.India's consumer sector witnessed a decline in deal-making activity during the April-June quarter, with deal volume falling sharply amid a more selective investment environment, according to Grant Thornton Bharat's latest Consumer Dealtracker released in July. However, total deal value remained resilient at $981 million, underscoring continued investor confidence in long-term, consumption-led growth, according to the tracker. It added that investors remained selective, focusing on wellness, personal care, food processing and digital-first consumer brands.The consumer sector saw 97 deals worth $981 million in the June quarter, a decline of 34% quarter-on-quarter in terms of deal volume and 33% in deal value, as per the tracker.
Decisive leadership secured peace, confidence in J
Union Cabinet passes resolution, praises Modis 25-year leadership, cites surgical strikes, Balakot air strikes, Op Sindoor New Delhi, Oct 06: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday passed resolution, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years in public leadership in state and at centre highlighting the Centres development and security initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, including the [] The post Decisive leadership secured peace, confidence in J&K: Centre appeared first on Northlines .
Five Left groups back call for October 10 protest against CEC in Delhi
Earthquake Tremors In Delhi-NCR As 4.9-Magnitude Quake Hits Chamoli
Traffic restrictions will be implemented on key roads in Delhi from 5 am to 1 pm on Wednesday. The restrictions are due to a BJP programme marking Prime Minister Modi's 25 years in public life. Traffic will be regulated or diverted on several major routes, including Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and JLN Marg. Commuters are advised to avoid these roads wherever possible to minimize disruptions.
Volunteers getting notices from two police forces: CJP
Abhijeet Dipke has alleged that BJP is planning 'violence' during CJP protest in New Delhi on Oct 10.
Rahul, Priyankas detention: MP Congress protests outside EC office in Bhopal
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 7 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh unit of the Congress on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Election Commissions office here against the detention of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during an opposition demonstration in New Delhi. State Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Umang Singhar led the protest, which was joined by MLAs, party office-bearers and a large number of workers. Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and several other senior Congress leaders later joined the sit-in at the Election Commissions office. Congress workers raised slogans against the Election Commission and burnt an effigy of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during the demonstration. Patwari said the protest was aimed at defending democratic rights, the impartiality of constitutional institutions and the right of people to vote. In a democracy, the voice of a public representative cannot be suppressed. Asking questions and demanding answers is a democratic right, Patwari said in a post on X. State LoP Umnag Singhar said the Congress had organised the demonstration against the detention of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by the Delhi Police. The Bhopal protest followed a demonstration by opposition MPs in New Delhi over the Congress' allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders had marched towards the Election Commission but were stopped by police near Akashvani Bhawan. The opposition leaders subsequently staged a sit-in at the spot. After several hours, Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other opposition leaders as the protest was cleared. Later, they were released. The Congress has been demanding action over its allegations concerning the electoral rolls and has sought greater transparency from the Election Commission. The confrontation has emerged as a major political issue between the Congress and the BJP, with the opposition party stepping up protests against the Election Commission and the BJP accusing it of making unsubstantiated allegations against an independent constitutional body.
Delhi protest: Cops caught on hop as Gandhis sit-in despite heavy presence
Amid a heavy security deployment, Congress leaders Gandhi, Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge led the march alongside Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, Abhishek Banerjee of the All India Trinamool Congress, and Supriya Sule of NCP-SP.
India and Norway Discuss Strengthening Green Strategic Partnership
India and Norway explore ways to enhance their Green Strategic Partnership and boost trade relations during a recent meeting in New Delhi. India and Norway Discuss Strengthening Green Strategic Partnership
Dipke Claims Police Pressure On CJP Activists
Speaking in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dipke claimed that the Chandrapur police had served notices to CJP activists, asking them not to participate in the October 10 agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and questioning them about the source of funds for their travel expenses.
TG Govt Identifies 320 Mandals As 'Drought-Hit'
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was expected to visit Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Reports
Shatabdi Express Wheel Skid: Why has Railway Board ordered a probe into wet-track braking
The Railway Board has asked RDSO to investigate a WAP-5 locomotive wheel skid on wet rails during emergency braking by a New Delhi-Chandigarh Shatabdi, and review track fencing after cattle incursion.
Tremors felt across Delhi-NCR as 4.9-magnitude quake hits Uttarakhands Chamoli
According to the National Centre for Seismology the epicentre was located at a depth of 13 km in Chamoli.
Uttarakhand shaken by 4.9-magnitude earthquake, Delhi-NCR feels tremors
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Tuesday night, sending tremors across several parts of the state and Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at around 10:24 p.m., with its epicentre located in Chamoli at a depth of around 13 km below the earth's surface. Tremors were reported from several districts across Uttarakhand, including Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Rudraprayag and Chamoli. People in Bhowali, Haldwani, Khatima, Rishikesh, Gopeshwar and Badrinath also reportedly felt the shaking. The tremors were strong enough to be noticed in parts of Delhi and the adjoining NCR. The NCS confirmed the earthquake at around 10:40 p.m. Before the official confirmation, several residents took to social media to ask whether others had experienced the tremors. A resident of Safdarjung in South Delhi reportedly said that they felt their couch move during the earthquake. The epicentre of an earthquake refers to the point on the earth's surface directly above the underground location where seismic energy is released due to movement within the earth's crust. The intensity of shaking generally decreases as seismic waves travel farther from the source, although the impact can vary depending on the depth of the earthquake, local geological conditions and the direction in which the seismic energy travels, officials said. It is also important to distinguish between magnitude and intensity. Magnitude measures the amount of energy released by an earthquake at its source, while intensity describes how strongly the earthquake is felt at a particular location. A magnitude 4.9 earthquake is generally considered moderate and may be felt over a relatively wide area, but the level of shaking and potential damage depends on several local factors, experts said. According to officials, the latest tremors once again highlight the seismic vulnerability of Uttarakhand and the wider Himalayan region, which lies in an earthquake-prone zone due to the ongoing movement of tectonic plates.
Tanker Attacked In Strait Of Hormuz With 17 Indians Aboard; New Delhi Sounds Alarm | WATCH
India has condemned an attack on a commercial tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after 11 Indian sailors were injured when a projectile struck the Panama-flagged MT On Peace off Oman. Twelve crew members were injured overall. Indias Ministry of External Affairs says 17 of the 19 people aboard were Indian nationals. The injured sailors were evacuated with assistance from Omani authorities and are receiving medical treatment in Khasab. New Delhi thanked Oman for its help while calling the continuing attacks on commercial shipping a matter of deep concern. India also called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial vessels and warned against seafarers and civilian infrastructure being caught in regional hostilities. The incident underscores Indias direct exposure to instability around the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway carries major global energy flows, while Indian seafarers form an important part of the workforce aboard commercial vessels navigating the increasingly dangerous maritime corridor.
CAQM orders industries in NCR to install PTZ cameras for real-time fuel monitoring
CPCB backs CAQMs Rs 61.9-crore fine on 6 thermal plants over biomass co-firing
PM Narendra Modi at 25 years in governance: What sets him apart
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) From Gandhinagar to New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's quarter-century in executive office is unusual not only for the uninterrupted time span, but also for his distinctive style of leadership. What makes him stand out as a leader is the combination of centralised decision-making, an emphasis on delivery-driven governance, and an ability to maintain a direct connection with voters across the spectrum, raising his political durability. As documented, the journey began in modest surroundings, where he helped at his family's tea stall during his childhood while pursuing his education. At 17, he left home and spent nearly two years travelling across India. He later joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Ahmedabad and decided to dedicate his life to the organisation. Over the following years, he rose through RSS ranks, with increasing responsibilities in Gujarat, where the years shaped his organisational abilities, discipline, and grassroots approach to politics. A part of his formative political life lay during the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi-imposed Emergency, when, according to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gujarat account, he worked underground, building resistance and evading government crackdowns. Since 1987, organisational success in the state BJP made him quickly emerge as one of its key strategists, bringing national attention within the party. In 1995, after the BJPs victory in Gujarat, Narendra Modi was moved to New Delhi as the party's National Secretary, where he was given responsibility for several northern states. In 1998, he was elevated to the post of National General Secretary (Organisation), among the BJP's most important positions. In October 2001, the party leadership chose him to replace Keshubhai Patel as Chief Minister of Gujarat. The decision came at a difficult time for the state, which was recovering from the devastating Bhuj earthquake and facing political and administrative challenges. He served as Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014 and Prime Minister since May 2014, where, in a democracy as diverse and competitive as India, sustaining popularity and public support over such a long period is rare. Another defining feature has been his focus on governance as measurable delivery, while PM Modi's political messaging has consistently emphasised implementation beyond policy announcement. Meanwhile, the country achieved broader economic and social changes where World Bank noted extreme poverty falling from 16.2 per cent in 2011-12 to 2.3 per cent in 2022-23, while it reported substantial progress in infrastructure and access to basic services. Technology may be considered another pillar of the Modi-model. Even critics acknowledge that digital governance has become central to public administration under his leadership. The expansion of Direct Benefit Transfer mechanisms and digital identity systems has transformed India's payment ecosystem, reducing leakage, increasing transparency, and improving efficiency in public service delivery. Another factor is his ability to blend welfare politics with economic growth narratives. His years in Gujarat were associated with infrastructure expansion, industrial investment, irrigation projects and administrative reforms, creating what supporters called the Gujarat model. After moving to New Delhi, he sought to scale aspects of that approach nationally through infrastructure spending, manufacturing initiatives, and reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). India's economic performance strengthened, with the International Monetary Fund projecting the country to remain the world's fastest-growing major economy, highlighting resilience and strong domestic demand amidst an uncertain global environment. Additionally, it is his communication skills, where through public rallies, social media engagement, radio broadcasts such as Mann Ki Baat, and highly personalised political campaigns, he speaks directly to the masses in their language, often bypassing conventional political intermediaries. In foreign policy, under PM Modis leadership, India has pursued a more visible international profile, expanded diplomatic engagement, and positioned itself as a key voice of the Global South while simultaneously strengthening ties with major world powers. Analysts frequently cite this more assertive international posture as one of the defining characteristics of the Modi era. While critics have argued, his supporters claim that strong leadership and decisive decision-making were necessary to execute long-pending reforms and large-scale development initiatives. Thus, while marking another milestone, the Prime Minister has undeniably shaped India's political and governance landscape in ways few leaders have done since Independence.
Singapore's former foreign minister George Yeo has highlighted India's diversity, geographical position and centuries of cultural exchanges as factors that make the country particularly familiar and comfortable for foreigners. Speaking with External Affairs Minister S...
4.9-magnitude earthquake hits Uttarakhands Chamoli, tremors felt in Delhi
The National Center for Seismology said the quake struck at 10:23 pm, with its epicentre located 13 km deep
MCD steps up measures to control winter pollution
Metro work triggers long queues around Chirag Dilli
SC asks Delhi govt to give details of hospitals bound by land clause to give free EWS treatment
No Checking, No Cops. Why Are Police Barricades Still On Delhi Roads?
Earthquake of magnitude 5.1 strikes State of Uttarakhand in India, EMSC says
Earthquake tremors were also felt in New Delhi
Unusual: Poll Body On Why It Rejected Congress' Meeting Proposal
The Commission said the Delhi Police later informed it that a delegation of MPs led by Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wished to meet the poll panel and submit a memorandum.
INDIA bloc stir: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi detained from Akashwani Bhavan after over 9 hours of sit-in
Rahul Gandhi was taken into custody by Delhi Police on Tuesday evening during the Opposition's demonstration targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Akashvani Bhawan premises. The detention came after nearly nine hours of a sit-in protest by the Congress leader
Gold of 99.9 percent purity fell by Rs 200 to Rs 1,49,600 per 10 grams, according to local traders. The yellow metal had closed at Rs 1,49,800 per 10 grams in the previous session.
Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
New Delhi , October 6 : Earthquake tremors were felt across the Delhi-NCR region on Tuesday, with the epicentre of the quake located in Uttarakhand, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The NCS said an earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Chamoli in Uttarakhand at 10:22 pm IST. Further details regarding any damage or casualties are awaited. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 struck Assams Nagaon district in the early hours of Tuesday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The earthquake occurred at 4:23:47 am IST at a depth of 33 kilometres, the NCS said in a post on X. The epicentre of the earthquake was located at latitude 26.428 North and longitude 93.060 East, according to the NCS. (ANI)
Case study of how not to plan & build
The recently opened Barapullah Phase 3 corridor in Delhi was anticipated to enhance travel efficiency, but it has rapidly turned into a traffic nightmare due to inadequate design in merging lanes. With a hefty cost of over Rs 1,635 crore, this project has struggled to effectively manage incoming traffic. Similar challenges have been noted in Mumbai and Bengaluru, highlighting an urgent need to address these infrastructural deficiencies for enhanced public transit.
City-wide low-emission zone for Delhi realistic near-term goal: CAQM official
ECI says Opposition MPs Parliament Annexe meet demand could not be accepted
Poll panel says protocol requires meetings with politicaldelegations to be held at its premises; offers to receive memorandum through senior-most officer on duty
Man arrested for throwing acid at 24-year-old woman in Delhis Jafrabad
Earthquake tremors were felt in Delhi and its adjoining areas on Tuesday night, with people taking to social media to share their experiences.
Earthquake Tremors Felt Across Parts of Delhi-NCR
SRINAGAR: Earthquake tremors were felt across parts of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday night after a 4.4-magnitude quake was reported in Uttarakhand, according to initial reports. The earthquake occurred at around 10.25 pm, with its epicentre reported to be approximately 22 km from Khadun Laga Gawali in Uttarakhand. Residents in several parts of the Delhi-NCR region reported []
Rahul Gandhi, Sister Priyanka Detained During Sit-In Against Gyanesh Kumar
Nearly nine hours after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi led a demonstration from Parliament to the Election Commission and began a sit-in near the poll body's office to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Delhi Police cracked down and detained him and other leaders around 8 pm on Tuesday. Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were among the MPs who were detained by the police and bundled into a bus. Visuals showed Rahul Gandhi being dragged away by police personnel as Congress workers tried to stop them. Congress sources said Gandhi and the other leaders were being taken to Kingsway Camp in north Delhi.
Earthquake Tremors Felt In Delhi, Adjoining Areas
People on social media reported feeling tremors.
Delhi-NCR Shaken by Earthquake, Tremors Also Felt in Uttarakhand
Earthquake tremors were felt across several parts of Delhi-NCR on Monday night. Tremors were also reported in parts of Uttarakhand. The magnitude, epicentre and depth of the earthquake are not known yet. Further details are awaited from the authorities.
Delhi AQI hits 179: Dwarka records Very Poor at 305, 11 stations in Poor category
4.9-magnitude earthquake hits Uttarakhand's Chamoli, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
Home Ministry moves out 3 of 5 officers from division hit by bribery allegations
Action comes days after two government officials were apprehended by the Delhi Police for allegedly seeking bribes to process registrations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
Earthquake Today: Tremors Felt In Delhi, Adjoining Areas
Earthquake tremors were felt in Delhi and its adjoining areas on Tuesday night with people taking to social media to share their experiences.
Delhi CM, L-G launch initiatives to strengthen health care
Earthquake of magnitude 4.4 jolts Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand, tremors felt across several cities
An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Tuesday night, with tremors felt across parts of Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut and Moradabad. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake...
The protest that wouldnt end: Inside Rahul Gandhis daylong siege of Akashvani Bhawan
After police appeared to have broken up the Oppositions march against the Election Commission of India, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi improvised by turning the All India Radio campus in the national capital into the unlikely centre of an all-day sit-in that lasted well past sunset
Former Gujarat CM Shankersinh Vaghela Questions Election Commissions Impartiality Amid Protests
Shankersinh Vaghela criticizes the Election Commission as opposition protests against the voter list revision escalate in New Delhi. Former Gujarat CM Shankersinh Vaghela Questions Election Commissions Impartiality Amid Protests
ECI Clarifies No Appointment Sought Before 4 PM, Rejects 240-MP Meeting
The Election Commission of India on Tuesday clarified that no political party had sought an appointment to meet the Commission before 4 pm, even as a march by certain parties toward its offices generated media reports of a planned interaction. The statement came after Delhi Police informed the Commission around 4 pm that a delegation [] The post ECI Clarifies No Appointment Sought Before 4 PM, Rejects 240-MP Meeting appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Democratisation of tech essential to ensure no section of society left behind: PM Modi
New Delhi, Oct 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed that democratisation of technology is essential to ensure that no section of the society is left behind and that technology and digital services should be made affordable and accessible, particularly for the Global South. Interacting with the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) board members here, Modi also emphasised that technology must become a tool for inclusive and sustainable development. The prime minister stressed that democratisation of technology is essential to ensure that no section of the society is left behind, according to a statement issued by the PMO. Modi underlined the need to make technology and digital services affordable and accessible, particularly for the Global South, and highlighted the importance of taking technology to the last mile to prevent a widening digital divide. In my interaction with the GSMA Board, stressed the following: Technology for the last mile. Affordable access for the Global South. DPI as a force multiplier. Technology-led solutions to cyber fraud. Global standards for emerging tech. Clear identification of AI-generated and deepfake content. Our digital future must expand opportunity while strengthening trust, he said in a post on X. The interaction took place ahead of the India Mobile Congress. The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem, representing mobile operators and organisations across the ecosystem and adjacent industries. The prime minister highlighted the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a transformative force, particularly for developing countries. He noted that discussions on DPI with several world leaders have demonstrated its growing global relevance and added that such platforms can serve as a springboard for countries of the Global South. Addressing the growing challenge of digital and cyber fraud, Modi said the problem requires technology-driven solutions. He suggested sustained awareness messages for users to warn people about potential fraud calls. Modi also highlighted the need for global standards and common rules for emerging technologies. On the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated content, he suggested exploring mechanisms to allow users to immediately identify its origin. The GSMA board members highlighted India's emergence as a global leader in digital and mobile connectivity. They noted the rapid expansion of 4G and 5G, the scale of digital public infrastructure and the growth of the telecom and mobile manufacturing ecosystem. They appreciated India's investment-friendly policy framework and emphasised the role of secure, resilient and trusted digital infrastructure in supporting continued digital growth, the statement said. The board members also highlighted growing opportunities for international cooperation with India in areas including 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital inclusion and satellite connectivity.
Over 260 individuals, including 10 Members of Parliament and top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, were detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday following a high-voltage protest march organized by the INDIA bloc toward the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters. The opposition alliance was protesting against the functioning of the Election Commission [] The post ECI March High-Drama: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Among 260 Detained in Delhi Protests After 8-Hour Akashvani Bhawan Sit-In appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Tuesday reacted strongly to the detention of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by Delhi Police, saying the Congress would lead the fight for the country and the INDIA bloc would emerge victorious. No era will pass without being held accountableThe Congress will lead this fight for the country, and the INDIA bloc will emerge victorious, Satheesan, who is in New Delhi, said in a Facebook post. He shared a video of Gandhi being forcibly removed by the Delhi Police from the protest venue, where he was seeking the removal
Delhi: 263-crore drain approved to tackle waterlogging in four constituencies
Mandhana to lead as BCCI announces squads for Zimbabwe series
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced Indias squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe, with Smriti Mandhana set to lead the womens team as full-time captain for the first time. Mandhanas appointment as captain was announced by the BCCI earlier on Tuesday after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role across formats. Mandhana, who has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, will now begin her full-time tenure with the Zimbabwe series. Opener Shafali Verma has been named vice-captain for the three-match T20I series, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma will serve as Mandhanas deputy in the ODI format. Harmanpreet remains part of both squads. The T20I squad includes maiden call-ups for Niki Prasad and Jintimani Kalita, while Anushka Sharma, Minnu Mani and Prema Rawat have returned to the setup after missing out in the recent assignments. Niki has been part of Indias A setup and impressed in domestic cricket, while Jintimani has also featured for India A. Both were part of the India A group that faced England A earlier this year. Prema, a leg-spinner, has also represented India at the international level and was brought into the T20 World Cup squad earlier this year after Shreyanka Patil was ruled out with injury. However, she didn't get many chances after the tournament. Prema had previously impressed for India A, including an eight-wicket haul in five matches during Indias victorious Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign. The series will be Indias first assignment after their womens cricket team retained the Asian Games gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. India had entered the Games as defending champions, having won the womens cricket gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Compared to the T20I squad that was part of Indias gold-medal-winning campaign, there are five changes. Niki, Anushka, Jintimani, Prema and Minnu have come into the squad, replacing Bharti Fulmali, Pratika Rawal, Renuka Thakur, Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil. For the ODI series, Tejal Hasabnis and Sayali Satghare have been recalled. The duo was part of India. A side that toured England earlier this year, with Hasabnis scoring an unbeaten 57 in a one-day match against England A. Mandhanas appointment also marks the beginning of a new leadership phase for Indian womens cricket. The left-handed opener has been part of the national team since 2013 and has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Womens Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. India will play the three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28. Squads: Indias T20I Squad: Smriti Mandhana [C], Shafali Verma [VC], Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh [WK], G Kamalini [WK], Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, Minnu Mani India's ODI Squad: Smriti Mandhana [C], Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma [VC], Richa Ghosh [WK], Yastika Bhatia [WK], Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Renuka Thakur.
Amid persistent use of unapproved fuels by industries, CAQM directs expansion of cameras
'No Party Sought Meeting Till 4 PM': EC Responds To INDIA Bloc Protest Against CEC
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday said that no political party had formally sought a meeting with the poll panel before 4 pm, even as Opposition MPs led by Rahul Gandhi protested in New Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner
Andhra Pradesh Police arrest two, including Naval employee, for spying for Pakistan
Digital Desk | Vijayawada, Oct 6 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell has arrested two persons, including a Naval employee, for allegedly sharing sensitive information about Naval and defence establishments with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives. Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver engaged for Naval officers, was arrested in Visakhapatnam, while Pradeep Mukherjee, a Naval employee at the Visakhapatnam Naval base, was arrested in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The AP Counter Intelligence Cell made the arrests after launching a coordinated operation on October 1 against an alleged espionage module involving 18 suspects, including 13 Naval personnel. Code-named Operation Firewall2026, the operation involved 12 Counter Intelligence teams deployed across 10 states and union territory -- Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Bihar. The Counter Intelligence Cell said in a statement on Tuesday that it received credible information that certain people in India were allegedly in direct contact with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) and their suspected involvement in an espionage conspiracy prejudicial to national security. The suspects were allegedly collecting and sharing the sensitive/classified information relating to defence establishments and strategic locations in Visakhapatnam and other parts of the country was collected and shared through encrypted communication channels. The Counter Intelligence Police Station in Vijayawada registered a case on September 2 under Sections 61(2), 147 and 148 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Sections 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Counter Intelligence teams worked in coordination with the concerned state Anti-Terrorism Squads, Naval officials and local police. They examined the alleged involvement of the 18 suspects and seized electronic gadgets following legal procedures. Two of the suspects were arrested after their role was established prima facie in this case, while investigation into the remaining suspects is continuing. Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver engaged for Naval officers, was arrested for his involvement in sharing sensitive/classified information relating to Naval/Defence establishments with a Pakistan-based intelligence operative and received money in connection with it. He was sent to judicial remand until October 14 and is currently lodged in District Jail, Visakhapatnam. Pradeep Mukherjee, a Naval employee at the Visakhapatnam Naval base, allegedly shared an OTP to activate a WhatsApp account used by a PIO, communicated with PIOs and shared sensitive information relating to Naval and defence establishments. After obtaining a transit warrant from a local court in Coimbatore, the Counter Intelligence Cell produced Mukherjee before the jurisdictional court in Vijayawada. He was sent to judicial custody until October 14 and is currently lodged in District Jail, Vijayawada. The Counter Intelligence Cell said the investigation into the remaining suspects was continuing and that further details would be disclosed at an appropriate time, keeping in view the requirements of the investigation and national security.
No political party formally sought appointment through authorised representatives till 4 pm, says EC
Soon after Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders were detained by Delhi Police, the Election Commission on Tuesday issued a statement and said no political party sought an appointment through its authorised representatives for a meeting with it till 4 pm. The EC said the Delhi Police later informed it that a delegation of MPs led by Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wished to meet the poll panel and submit a memorandum.
CEC protests | Delhi Police manhandle Congress leader K. C. Venugopal
Delhi HC stays FSSAI order against PepsiCo, Monster; allows sale of existing
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday stayed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) order against PepsiCo and Monster Beverages over the use of the
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Detained After 8-Hour Sit-In Over SIR, CEC Resignation Demand
New Delhi, October 6 (Udaipur Kiran): Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday after sitting in protest for more than eight hours at the Akashvani Bhavan complex. Around 250 people detained along with them were being taken to the Kingsway Camp Police Station. The protest was held ... Read more Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Detained After 8-Hour Sit-In Over SIR, CEC Resignation Demand
Rahul, Priyanka among around 250 detained after 8-hour sit-in at Akashvani Bhawan
New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the around 250 people detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday night following an over eight-hour sit-in protest inside the Akashvani Bhawan premises, after they were stopped from marching towards the Election Commissions office here. Around 50 MPs were among detainees, according to police sources. The detainees were being taken to New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp. Police forcibly removed Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress MPs and leaders including K C Venugopal, Pawan Khera, K Suresh, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Imran Pratapgarhi, as the Akashvani
Manash Ghosh | Can India-Bangladesh Ties Survive the BRICS Snub?
Dhakas refusal to engage Delhi raises concerns over strained ties and minority security
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as India
New Delhi, October 6 (Udaipur Kiran): The Central Government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff. Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit will take charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of ... Read more Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as Indias 29th Chief of Air Staff
Relief for Monster Energy, PepsiCo in FSSAI energy drink case
Delhi High Court has granted a stay on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of Indias orders related to energy drinks. The court found that FSSAI's orders lacked proper procedures including the issuance of show-cause notices. Both Monster Energy India and PepsiCo India Holdings argued that not following due process would lead to significant financial losses.
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Criticizes Rahul Gandhis Protests in Delhi
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticizes Rahul Gandhi for protests in Delhi, accusing Congress of undermining constitutional institutions. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Criticizes Rahul Gandhis Protests in Delhi
Delhi airport plans a 3,500 crore driverless transit system by 2030 to connect T1, T2, T3, Aerocity and the cargo terminal.
How India-UK economic ties can expand at regional level
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The visit of a business delegation from the north of England to India offers an opportunity to shift the focus of bilateral economic engagement between the two nations from London to regional industries, universities and emerging centres of innovation, according to a media report. The delegation, operating under the Great North banner, brings together representatives from Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire, the North East, Cheshire and Warrington, according to the report on the Khalsa Vox news website. Indias economic relationship with Britain need not be limited to attracting investment from London-based corporations or securing access to the British consumer market. Its companies can also benefit from establishing direct relationships with regional industrial clusters, universities and local administrations, it observed. For the United Kingdom, the initiative also addresses a longstanding domestic challenge: ensuring that the benefits of international trade extend beyond London and the South East. Northern England possesses substantial strengths in advanced manufacturing, engineering, technology, higher education, clean energy, and creative industries. Yet international perceptions of Britains economy often remain disproportionately associated with its capital. The India mission offers an opportunity to challenge that imbalance by positioning northern cities and industrial clusters as destinations for Indian investment and collaboration. This approach is particularly relevant for Indian states seeking to strengthen exports, attract technology partnerships and diversify international investment. Punjab and Haryana provide an instructive example. Earlier Northern Powerhouse initiatives included engagement with Punjab, Karnataka, and Delhi. British diplomatic representatives in Chandigarh subsequently highlighted progress in education, skills development and exchanges involving students and businesses. A stakeholder consultation organised by Indias Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Chandigarh in June highlighted opportunities arising from Indias expanding network of free trade agreements. Among the sectors identified as having export potential for Punjab and Haryana were textiles, apparel, engineering goods, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Several of these industries align with the capabilities and commercial interests of northern England. For example, Punjabs manufacturing enterprises could explore partnerships involving specialised engineering, industrial technology and advanced production systems. Textile businesses could examine opportunities for technology transfer, product development and access to new distribution networks. Universities and technical institutions could collaborate on vocational education, research and industry-oriented skills programmes. Clean energy and sustainable industrial development offer another promising area of cooperation, particularly as businesses in both countries respond to changing environmental requirements and the transition towards lower-carbon production, the article added.
Humiliation, torn clothes and badges: Delhi women cops allege assault at protest sites
'Result of BJP's frustration': Arvind Kejriwal after CBI raids Punjab CM's camp office
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided the Punjab Chief Minister's camp office in Chandigarh for evidence in a graft case linked to the CMs Officer on Special Duty (OSD), calling it the esult of BJP's frustration. The CBI took over the investigation into alleged corruption involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman and other associates and conducted searches at eight locations in Chandigarh, Mohali, Jalandhar and other cities. It also registered an FIR against Punjab CM Mann's OSD and five others. In a post on the social media platform X, Kejriwal said: The CBI raid on the Punjab Chief Minister's office two months before the elections is the result of the BJP's frustration. Ever since the BJP government came to power at the Centre, it has always pushed 'Punjabis' aroundbe it the farmers' movement, the issue of Punjab's water, or the Punjab University issue. And now, it's even pushing around their elected Chief Minister, he added. The AAP chief remarked that because the BJP can't win elections by contesting in Punjab, so it wants to fight the elections with the help of ED-CBI. However, he expressed confidence in the AAP's victory in the upcoming Assembly polls in the state, saying: But Punjabis have made up their minds, and they will respond to the BJP's CBI raid in the upcoming elections by electing Bhagwant Mann with 100+ seats and making him Chief Minister again. During the searches, the CBI collected incriminating evidence such as laptops, mobile phones and documents and sent them to a forensic lab for extracting data linked to the alleged bribery and impropriety, a CBI official said in a statement. The probe agency said it registered an FIR in the matter following orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and receipt of a report from the Enforcement Directorate. The CBI has booked six persons, including two public servants, middlemen and associates, namely Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, Punjab, Nitin Gohal, Jitin Gohal alias Raja, Romi Raja Mahajan, Bir Devinder, R.S. Nagra and unknown public servant(s) and private person(s).
Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi Police organise cyber safety programme
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The Cyber Club of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in association with Delhi Police, organised a cyber safety and awareness programme to address existing and emerging concerns related to digital arrests and deepfakes, an official said on Tuesday. The programme, titled Beyond the Screen: Cyber Fraud, Digital Harassment and Deepfakes in the AI Era, was organised on October 1 under the aegis of the Office of the Dean Students' Welfare, JMI Chief Public Relations Officer Saima Saeed said in a statement. Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range), Vijay Kumar, was the Chief Guest at the occasion, and the keynote address was delivered by Assidstant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Manoj Kumar, who also serves as an external member of the JMI Cyber Club, the statement said. The programme was also attended by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Licensing Aishwarya Sharma and JMI Registrar Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi. The proceedings were presided over by Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif. Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif, in his presidential address, said that individuals who engage in financial crimes within the cyber realm exploit the greed of their victims and that it is important to remain guarded and educated. He stressed that the presence of high-ranking officials among the university community was inspirational in itself and sent a strong message of awareness and education. He exhorted the students to be careful in their use of technologies such as mobile phones and not let these technologies control them. Neelofer Afzal, JMI Dean Students' Welfare and Advisor of the Cyber Club, hailed knowledge as the greatest source of empowerment but also drew the attention of the audience to the darkness of deception, which could be countered through responsible use of technology and AI. Her three-step rule while interacting with the cyber world pause before you click, verify before you believe and speak up if something goes wrong -- set the tone for the event. DCP Aishwarya Sharma discussed three important ways in which the digital trust of users is exploited by fraudsters, namely cyber fraud, digital harassment, and deepfakes. She cautioned the audience to be careful about leaving digital footprints, as once created, they are difficult to remove. Her colleague elaborated on some important aspects that need to be taken care of in order to remain cyber-safe. She emphasised the importance of guarding against being overwhelmed by feelings of fear and anxiety. She also elaborated on some of the common ways used by scammers to dupe innocent civilians, such as digital arrest, financial cyber fraud, deepfakes, password hacking, cyberbullying, and identity theft. ACP Manoj Kumar talked about common AI-enabled threats brought about by increasing digital penetration. In particular, he talked about digital slavery as a cause for urgent concern. He offered some useful and practical preventive measures to stay safe, such as keeping mobile software updated, preserving evidence in case of fraud and calling '1930' for immediate reporting and intervention. He warned the attendees to remain alert and aware and to educate themselves, as claiming innocence cannot grant immunity from the law. He told the attendees about important initiatives for promoting cyber well-being, such as Sanchar Saathi, M-Kavach 2, and Digi Kavach, explaining the dangerous repercussions of visiting dubious websites and downloading malware, such as APK files.
BJP manipulates the system through Election Commission: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the BJP, alleging that the poll panel was not functioning impartially and accusing the ruling party of defending the Commission because it manipulates the system through them. Yadav's remarks came after he participated in the INDIA bloc's march towards the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi earlier in the day. The Opposition MPs were stopped by barricades from entering Nirvachan Sadan, following which several leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, staged a sit-in at the nearby Akashvani Bhavan, around 100 metres from the poll panel's office. Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, The Election Commission ought to function impartially. Its duty is to facilitate voter registration and maintain an infrastructure that ensures the general public faces...
SME Growth Fund is a big boost for MSME sector: PM Modi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the Cabinets approval for the Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund is a big boost for the MSME sector and represents a major step towards creating the next generation of Indian business leaders. The fund offers the platform for SMEs to scale up, adopt advanced technologies, expand manufacturing, enter global markets and integrate with global value chains, PM Modi said in a post on X. Most of the allocation from the fund will be made towards small and medium manufacturing-focused enterprises. The fund will also consider SMEs operating in industrial clusters in Tier II and Tier III cities. By providing long-term capital, the initiative will enable Indian SMEs to scale operations, invest in technology and manufacturing capacity, expand into international markets, integrate into global value chains, and undertake strategic investments. The government expects the Fund to accelerate the emergence of a strong pipeline of Indian companies with the scale, innovation capability, and competitiveness required to become champions in their respective sectors, according to an official statement. SMEs constitute the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, exports, manufacturing output, and innovation. While various initiatives have enhanced access to credit for SMEs, a gap remains in the availability of long-term risk capital required by enterprises seeking to scale, innovate, expand internationally, adopt advanced technologies, undertake acquisitions, and transform into industry leaders. The SME Growth Fund is designed to address this critical financing gap by providing patient growth equity capital to high-potential SMEs with demonstrated business viability and scalability, the statement explained. Under the initiative, the Government of India will provide an aggregate commitment of Rs10,000 crore to the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established under the SME Growth Fund framework. By enabling manufacturing enterprises to expand capacity, adopt advanced technologies and achieve greater scale, the SGF is expected to improve scale, productivity, and strengthen export competitiveness. Investments across industrial clusters, including those in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, will support balanced regional industrial development, reinforce local supply chains and generate high-quality employment opportunities.
Keralam BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday hit out at Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over the INDIA bloc's protest march to the Election Commission, questioning why the Congress leader was keen to create chaos and anarchy. Speaking to reporters, Chandrasekhar said disputes concerning the Chief Election Commissioner should be resolved through established legal and judicial mechanisms and not through street protests. Chandrasekhar's remarks came as INDIA bloc MPs staged a sit-in at Akashvani Bhavan in New Delhi after being stopped by barricades while marching towards Nirvachan Sadan, the headquarters of the Election Commission of India, to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. There is a standard toolkit now in the Congress party which is blindly followed by parties which have no other options like the CPM, which is to try and create a narrative and use that narrative to bring mobs and crowds onto the Jantar Mantar...
Congress, AAP, Left to march to Delhi CEO's office tomorrow
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Left parties are scheduled to stage a protest march to the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office tomorrow at 1 p.m., according to party sources. AAP and the Left-wing parties will join the Congress in the ongoing street protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with the joint march planned to proceed toward the CEO's office at Kashmere Gate, NDTV reported. Earlier on Tuesday, the INDIA bloc MPs launched a protest march towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of the CEC. However, the opposition leaders were stopped by security personnel midway. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi climbed police barricades and waved the tricolour as the security personnel stopped the INDIA bloc MPs from marching towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters. LoP Gandhi, along with his sister and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were briefly detained by the police, TV channels reported. Speaking to reporters, Rahul Gandhi said around 300 MPs from both Houses of Parliament were stopped from meeting the Election Commission. He alleged that the MPs wanted to meet CEC Gyanesh Kumar and his two colleagues but were prevented from proceeding towards the Election Commission's office. The INDIA bloc leaders, including the Gandhis, then staged a sit-in at the Akashvani Bhavan, from where they were removed by police and detained on Tuesday night. The AAP and the DMK had stayed away from the INDIA bloc's protest on Tuesday. Last week, the Aam Aadmi Party and several left-wing student organisations, including SFI and AISA, staged a protest against the CEC at Jantar Mantar, with several being detained by the police. Meanwhile, the BJP has hit out at the Opposition's protest, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju referring to it as drama. He urged the Congress and other opposition parties to stop their drama and selflessly serve the people if they wished to receive a mandate.
Arunachal: Rupa To Get 500-Bed Medical City With Medical, Nursing Colleges
A detailed survey of proposed sites for the Medical City at Rupa in West Kameng district was conducted on Tuesday. Kalaktang MLA Tseten Chombay, along with a visiting team from Delhi, Deputy Commissioner Bomdila, NHM team Itanagar, ADC Rupa, ZPM Rupa, representatives of Tukpen Village Council and the executing agency, undertook the site survey. The... The post Arunachal: Rupa To Get 500-Bed Medical City With Medical, Nursing Colleges first appeared on Northeast Today .
High-level meeting on textiles industry stresses on integrated value chain to spur growth
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The Development Council for Textile Industry (DCTI), at its first meeting held here, on Tuesday, underlined the need for a coordinated, whole-of-value-chain approach towards production, innovation, and global market access for Indias textile sector. Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao, as the Chairperson of the meeting, highlighted that the textiles and apparel sector continues to be among the largest employment generators and export earners for the country. The deliberations at the meeting focused on capacity addition, modernisation, scale, and cost competitiveness across the fibre, yarn, fabric, processing, and apparel segments, with emphasis on addressing gaps across the value chain in the textiles industry. Strengthening industryresearch linkages, fostering innovation in new-age fibres and technical textiles, and facilitating faster commercialisation of R&D through Research associations and institutions was also taken up for discussion. Besides, the meeting emphasised diversification of products and markets, leveraging trade agreements, and addressing quality, compliance and logistics-related constraints faced by exporters. Ensuring stable and competitive availability of cotton, man-made fibres, yarn, dyes and chemicals, supported by effective market intelligence and promoting ease of doing business, strengthening support for MSMEs, workforce skilling, and adoption of sustainable and circular practices were other areas that were taken up for discussion. Members shared sector-specific suggestions on these themes and welcomed the institutionalised industry-government interface provided by the Council. The Council agreed to constitute working groups on priority themes and to meet at regular intervals to review progress. Its recommendations will inform the Ministrys policy and programme interventions and are aimed at higher domestic production, improved productivity and a more integrated, scale-oriented value chain. It agreed on promoting faster translation of research into industry practice, including in the areas of technical textiles and new-age fibres; sustained growth in textile and apparel exports through wider market and product diversification; and greater investment, employment generation and a stronger and more sustainable domestic ecosystem. The Council, constituted as the apex consultative platform of Government, industry and stakeholders, convened to deliberate upon its mandate of advising the government on the orderly growth and development of the textile industry. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Ministry, representatives of industry associations, export promotion councils, research associations, state governments, and sector experts. The Chair thanked the members for their valuable inputs and reiterated the governments commitment towards a collaborative and industry-facing approach for the sustained growth of the sector.
Chabahar-Zahedan railway part of broader vision for developing regional connectivity: Iranian envoy
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Tuesday said that the Chabahar-Zahedan railway was part of a broader vision for developing regional connectivity and could give India access to Afghanistan, Central Asia and wider trade routes in the region, with the line expected to become operational in the near future. The Chabahar-Zahedan railway is not merely a transport project for Iran and India. It is part of a broader vision for developing regional connectivity. As has been announced, rail-laying on this line is complete and the final stages of making it operational are under way. Provided the necessary conditions are in place, we expect the route to become operational in the near future, Fathali told IANS in an exclusive interview. The envoy said the line's value lay in connecting Chabahar beyond Zahedan. The railway's significance goes beyond connecting Chabahar to Zahedan. It can link Chabahar to Iran's rail network and, through it, to Afghanistan, Central Asia and wider trade routes, facilitating India's access to these markets, he said. For this reason, we regard the project as one of the important infrastructure initiatives for economic and transit cooperation between India, Iran and the region, and for strengthening regional connectivity corridors. If this capacity is fully activated, it can play an important role in creating a reliable, sustainable and transformative trade route among India, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia, the Ambassador added. Asked about progress on matters of mutual cooperation after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit last month, Fathali said the Iranian President had acted on it immediately. From the very first days after these discussions, President Pezeshkian issued the necessary instructions to the relevant ministries and authorities, and the matters agreed during the meeting are being pursued seriously by the relevant institutions. Various issues are on the agenda in Iran-India relations. Implementing the agreements properly and turning them into practical results requires time and sustained follow-up, he said. The envoy expressed hope that the process would soon produce results that benefit people in both countries. We hope that, by continuing this process and through close cooperation between the relevant institutions of the two countries, we will soon see tangible results from these discussions and agreements, and that the people of both countries will benefit, Fathali said. Iran is committed to further developing and deepening relations with India across various fields. We believe the existing capacities between the two countries provide a basis for broader and more productive cooperation, he added.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 6 (IANS) Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday defended the filing of FIRs against those allegedly submitting Form 7 applications seeking deletion of voters' names from electoral rolls, saying legal action would be initiated if false information was provided in the forms. If they are giving information in Form 7 that I am dead, should I not take up the case? Who is filing these objections? Why are only BJP workers submitting Form-7 applications for deletion of names? Kharge told reporters here. He said several people in Vijayapura had come forward claiming that they were alive despite their names allegedly being sought for deletion on the ground that they were dead. If the public comes forward and gives a complaint, should we not take those complaints? he said. Kharge criticised the BJP for questioning the registration of cases against those allegedly misusing Form 7. According to the BJP, if there is a violation of law, we are required to felicitate them. They should be given awards, he said sarcastically. Reacting to opposition leaders' warning that they would enter police stations over the FIRs, Kharge said such tactics would not work in Karnataka. It won't work here. The language of beating and lynching will only happen in Uttar Pradesh. This is Karnataka. Only things will work as per the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar, he said. Kharge also launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of misusing his position and alleging that such conduct amounted to treason. This is nothing but treason. If you are going to misuse your position to manipulate mandates, it is nothing but treason. Gyanesh Kumar will have to pay the price, today or tomorrow, he said. He challenged BJP leaders to explain why Form 7 applications were allegedly being submitted in the names of party leaders, block presidents and on party letterheads. Let them go to the Governor's House and the Chief Electoral Officer's office and explain why they are giving Form 7s in the name of their block Presidents and BJP leaders, on their letterheads. In Chikkamagaluru, it has happened; in Ballari, it has happened involving a corporator; and in Belagavi, it is happening, Kharge alleged. Kharge also questioned the opposition's argument that anyone was legally entitled to submit Form 7 applications. He said that while submitting a Form-7 was a legal right, citizens whose names were being targeted for deletion also had the constitutional right to defend their votes. If giving Form-7s is your constitutional right, isn't it my constitutional right to defend my vote? Isn't it my constitutional right to complain that I am alive but these people are saying I am dead? Isn't it my constitutional right to say that they are claiming I don't have permanent residency here, but I am here? he asked. Kharge urged BJP leader R. Ashoka and JD-S leader H.D. Kumaraswamy to perform their constitutional duties towards citizens. Responding to allegations that the Congress government was exerting pressure on the Election Commission through protests, Kharge said the BJP-led government at the Centre was responsible for exerting pressure on the poll panel. The ones who are forcing their power on the Election Commission are (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi Ji and (Home Minister Amit) Shah Ji, not us. We are saving the Constitution, using every little ounce of energy we have to safeguard the Constitution, while the BJP is using every toolkit they have to destroy the Constitution, he alleged. Kharge also criticised the Election Commission, saying protests against it would not have occurred if it was perceived as a neutral institution. This is unprecedented. If the Election Commission was neutral, this would not have happened. Why are protests happening at Jantar Mantar? Why is Delhi Police picking up everyone at Jantar Mantar? he asked. Recalling former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan, Kharge said the Election Commission had earlier commanded respect because it strictly followed the Constitution. He alleged that Gyanesh Kumar had compromised the credibility of the Election Commission and questioned the silence of the other Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
Delhi protests: Video message highlights 'misbehaviour, assaults' faced by female cops
The remarks come amid ongoing protests in the New Delhi district, including demonstrations involving the Cockroach Janta Party, student organisations and Congress-led opposition parties near Parliament. Delhi Police has deployed personnel in large numbers to manage the gatherings and prevent any escalation.
