Pakistan's higher education in shambles, crisis looms large over its future: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) About two decades ago, the then Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf initiated ground-breaking reforms in the country's higher education sector, with an objective to bring a complete turnaround in the functioning of colleges and universities and developing them as centres of excellence. Decades later, the big-ticket reforms seem to have not just derailed from its purpose but rather staring at utter failure. Despite unprecedented funding and ambitious reforms, Pakistan's higher education experiment, which once grabbed international attention, is non-starter. According to a Pakistani daily 'The Dawn', Pakistan has nearly 280 universities, millions of students and a rapidly expanding research output but they are struggling with mounting debts, poor educational outcomes and questionable scholarship, making their operations unviable and untenable. The report says that billions were poured into setting up new universities, including signing of landmark agreement with US to launch what was then considered the world's largest Fulbright scholarship programme but all that effort failed to live up to mark, decades later. Highlighting the story of universities boom to bailout, the report says that the massive university expansion is collapsing under its own weight. The issue played out in the national media, as almost all public universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced severe financial distress and also demanded about Rs 25 billion package to bail out the entire sector. The bold reforms of 2002 that were to transform Pakistan into a knowledge economy have instead mutated into a gargantuan Frankenstein's monster, which limps into its 25th year, too big to fail and too difficult to reform, the report said, which is actually an investigative series studying the myriad issues plaguing the Pakistan's education sector. The report also added that it might be surprising to learn for many that the original architects of higher education enterprise foresaw this collapse. They even spelt it out explicitly for us in the original Task Force report of 2002, the founding document of our higher education experiment, which resulted in the Higher Education Commission Ordinance and the creation of the Higher Education Commission, the report said.
'31 is the new 21': Sindhu celebrates Hylo Open success, credits Hanuman Ji
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu celebrated her second title of the season with a special message on social media after winning the Hylo Open Super 500 badminton tournament in Germany on Sunday, thanking the country for its support and crediting Hanuman Ji for guiding her through the highs and lows of her career. Sindhu used the German phrase Danke schn to start the tweet, which means thank you very much in English. Sindhu used it to express her gratitude after securing the title in Germany. She also made a light-hearted reference to her age, saying 31 is the new 21, as she celebrated another achievement at 31. The Indian shuttler credited Hanuman Ji for being with her through both successful and difficult phases. Danke schn, GERMANYYYYY!!!!!!!. They say 31 is the new 21. Im not going to argue. Through every high and every low, by Hanuman Jis grace. Still chasing. Always, Sindhu wrote on X. Sindhu defeated Denmarks Line Hojmark Kjrsfeldt 21-12, 21-14 in the womens singles final to win the USD 500,000 tournament in Saarbrucken. The second-seeded Indian wrapped up the contest in 39 minutes against the eighth-seeded Dane. The former world champion dominated the final with her sharp stroke-play, deceptive shots and effective net game. She made a confident start in the opening game and gradually took control of the rallies to secure it 21-12. Sindhu carried the momentum into the second game, opening up a 6-3 lead before extending her advantage to 17-11. She eventually sealed the title on her first championship point after Kjrsfeldt committed a net error. The victory marked Sindhus second title of the season after her Japan Open triumph in July. She had also finished runner-up at the French Open last week. With the Hylo Open title, Sindhu earned 9,200 ranking points, strengthening her bid to qualify for the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals.
Amit Shah Releases 'Sardar Patel: An Illustrated Biography' on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in Delhi
NBT-India and ICHR publish Sardar Patel: An Illustrated Biography, with an exhibition on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, highlighting Patel's nation-building legacy.
Like his father, Rahul Gandhi insulted 1984 riot victims today: HM Amit Shah
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 1 (IANS) Calling the INDIA blocs Sunday rally ill-timed, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that when thousands of Sikhs were murdered in the 1984 riots, Rajiv Gandhi had remarked, when a big tree falls, the earth shakes, and today his son Rahul Gandhi organised a rally in Delhi to add insult to the injuries of the riot victims. He said neither Punjab nor the rest of the country will ever forget Rahul Gandhis actions, as on this day in 1984 the Congress orchestrated the massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs in Delhi, leaving children orphaned and thousands of families devastated. Rahul Baba, by organising a rally on the day of the Sikh massacre, you have exposed that your Mohabbat Ki Dukaan is, in reality, a shop of hatred, said HM Shah at an event in Chandigarh. The Home Minister said the BJP had appealed through a press conference that no rallies should be organised on November 1, 2 and 3, as these are the days associated with mourning the deaths in anti-Sikh riots. However, Rahul Gandhi remained adamant about holding his rally on the very day thousands of Sikhs were massacred, said HM Shah. He said Delhis traders had requested Rahul Gandhi to hold the rally after Diwali, explaining that it would cause business losses, but he was determined to hold the rally on the very day the Sikh massacre took place, he said. Accusing Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the concerns of traders, the Home Minister said that this is the reason Delhis small traders ensured that the Congress failed to open its account in the last three elections. Remember my words: It will fail to open its account in the next three elections as well, he said. The Home Minister also accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading lies and anarchy and disrupting the functioning of Parliament. However, the people are now aware. Be prepared to sit in the Opposition even after the next Lok Sabha elections, he said. Rahul Ji, you disrupt the functioning of Parliament to prevent mothers and sisters from getting 33 per cent reservation. But remember, PM Modi will ensure that the women of India receive 33 per cent reservation. This is our resolve, said HM Shah. Talking about the 1984 riots, the Home Minister said that India had never witnessed a politically sponsored massacre of the kind perpetrated during the anti-Sikh riots, and it will never witness one again. HM Shah said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reopened cases against those involved in the 1984 riots, provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the victims and sent prominent Congress leaders involved in the riots to jail.
Delhi Police arrest three for pro-Khalistan graffiti on Diljit Dosanjh
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UP will drive BJP away: Akhilesh at INDIA bloc rally
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed an INDIA bloc rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, likening the venue to the Haldighati of democracy due to the massive public turnout. He asserted that the BJP, which came to power through Uttar Pradesh, would also be ousted from there, criticising their claims of an unshakeable political stance. Yadav accused the BJP of manipulating electoral rolls and predicted their defeat in upcoming elections, starting from UP.
SC Delhi score three late goals to overturn Mumbai City FC 3-2 in ISL
The News Mill
Delhi minister questions Congress rally timing on 1984 anti-Sikh riots anniversary
The News Mill
Delhi: DDA, INTACH to organise heritage walk at Sanjay Van on Nov 14
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) With the aim of connecting people with Delhi's rich heritage, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), in association with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), will organise a guided heritage walk at Sanjay Van on November 14, an official said on Sunday. The participation fee is Rs 500 plus GST per person and the registration link is bit.ly/HeritageWalkSanjayVan. The walk will cover five locations: the Historic Well, the Large Fortification, the Small Fortification, the Bastion near the Small Fortification and the Lal Kot Wall, the DDA official said in a statement. This will be the second walk in the series and the guided tour, conceptualised by Lieutenant Governor and DDA Chairperson Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the statement said. The structure to be covered under the walk on November 14 preserve important evidence of Delhi's early medieval history and its earliest fortified capital. There were in a state of severe neglect before the DDA carried out the conservation and restoration works to protect and improve their accessibility. At the Historic Well, the masonry was repaired, accumulated debris was cleared from the shaft, and a traditional-style timber shelter was installed to protect the structure from the elements while retaining its historic character. At the Large Fortification, restoration works stabilised the existing structure and excavated specific areas, revealing several historical layers and enabling visitors to walk along the stabilised ramparts and explore the excavated sections. The Small Fortification has also been recently conserved by the DDA, and situated near the LG Rock Cafe which is frequented by visitors daily, the statement added. Under the guidance of the Lieutenant Governor, the DDA has signed a six-month memorandum of understanding (MoU) with INTACH (Delhi Chapter) to organise guided heritage and nature walks at DDA's heritage and green spaces for six months. The initiative follows the Lieutenant Governor Sandhu's Heritage Walk at Sanjay Van, where he also launched the e-book on the Delhi Ridge and directed DDA to focus on conserving the city's ecology, protecting its historic structures and making its heritage more accessible to the public. The first walk under the initiative commenced at Mehrauli Archaeological Park on October 24. The initiative also aligns with The Master Plan for Delhi 2047, which emphasises heritage conservation alongside planned and sustainable urban development and encourages heritage trails, cultural circuits and public activities, the statement said. As per the MoU, 12 guided walks will be organised over six months, with two walks each month across six locations: Sanjay Van, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Sultan Garhi, Tughlaqabad, Deer Park/Hauz Khas and the Northern Ridge. INTACH Delhi Chapter will curate the routes and themes, develop interpretative content and arrange heritage experts and guides in coordination with DDA, the statement added.
Digi Yatra International Trials Begin At 7 Airports
The trials are being conducted at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports.
3.3 km corridor from Delhi Gate to Kashmere Gate to get a makeover, says CM
'UP People Are Better At Giving Send-Offs': Akhilesh Yadav Warns BJP Of Defeat In 2027
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said a large number of people had gathered at the INDIA bloc rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. He said the crowd showed that people wanted a change in the government. He called the ground
Prime Minister to Inaugurate India Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 on November 2
Prime Minister Modi will open the India Renewable Energy Summit 2026, featuring over 130 countries, from November 2-5 in New Delhi. Prime Minister to Inaugurate India Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 on November 2
Woman's Decomposed Body Found In Locked Delhi House
The decomposed body of a 45-year-old woman, Sona, was discovered in her locked house in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji area on Sunday after neighbours reported a foul smell. Police found no signs of forced entry or foul play, and the body has been sent for post-mortem as efforts are made to contact her sister.
Illegal betting: CBI extradites Mahadev app promoter from Oman
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has extradited Saurabh Chandrakar, promoter of the Mahadev app, in the illegal betting case from Oman, the agency said on Sunday, November 1. He has been escorted back and will now be produced before the CBI Special Court in Raipur on Monday. Chandrakar is wanted in two Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Moneywise Media challenges interim order in Indiabulls defamation case at Delhi HC
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Yogi Adityanath Criticizes Opposition Protests as Attempts to Spread Chaos
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath condemns opposition protests in Delhi, labeling them anti-farmer and anti-women. Yogi Adityanath Criticizes Opposition Protests as Attempts to Spread Chaos
Another Cyclone Threat To AP: CM Cancels Delhi Visit On Monday
Heavy rainfall, winds likely in South and Central Coastal districts on November 2; Directs officials to remain fully prepared
Delhis Economy Takes a Hit from India Alliance Rally, CTI Reports Losses of
The India Alliance rally in Delhi has reportedly caused an economic loss of 11,000 crore, with 80% of shops remaining closed. Delhis Economy Takes a Hit from India Alliance Rally, CTI Reports Losses of 11,000 Crore
1984 Sikh genocide: CM Rekha Gupta, Delhi BJP chief Harsh Malhotra join march
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and city BJP president Harsh Malhotra on Sunday joined a march organised at Hari Nagar to demand justice for the families affected by the 1984 Sikh genocide and to keep alive the memories of that horrific tragedy. Senior BJP leaders, public representatives and thousands of members of the Sikh community participated in the march, expressing solidarity with the families of the victims, said a party statement. Through the march, participants demanded accountability from the Congress for the tragedy and justice for families who have been waiting for decades, it said. On the occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the Sikh community was asking a pertinent question of those who today carry copies of the Constitution and speak about democracy: Was what happened in November 1984 not the murder of democracy? Thousands of Sikh families lost their loved ones during that horrific period. Even today, many mothers, sisters and families continue to live with the painful memories of that tragedy and await justice, she said. Targeting the Congress leadership, the Chief Minister said that neither the Congress nor the Gandhi family could escape responsibility for what happened to the Sikh community in 1984. She said that the country had witnessed violations of democratic values at different points in its history. Referring to the Emergency imposed in 1975 and the anti-Sikh violence of 1984, she said that those who speak about democracy today must first answer questions about their own past and the events that took place under their leadership. The Chief Minister said that the Hari Nagar march was an effort to give voice to the pain and demand for justice of thousands of families who lost their loved ones in 1984. Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra described the 1984 Sikh genocide as a well-planned conspiracy by the Congress, alleging that Congress leaders themselves stood on the streets, identified Sikh households and facilitated the massacre. He said that the roles of several Congress leaders, including H.K.L. Bhagat and Sajjan Kumar, had come to light in connection with the incident. He added that Sikhs were massacred continuously for 72 hours. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, Malhotra said that by deliberately organising a programme on the anniversary of the 1984 genocide, Rahul Gandhi was rubbing salt into the wounds of the victim families. He said that it was the SIT constituted under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that ensured punishment for those responsible for the 1984 genocide. Malhotra announced that a march would be organised on Monday near Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Participants would reach the memorial established at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in memory of the 1984 genocide and pay homage to the martyrs. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that Rahul Gandhi was following in his father's footsteps by indulging in politics over the 1984 Sikh genocide. BJP leader Arvinder Singh Lovely, Chairman of the Yamuna Development Board, said that on November 1, 1984, there was virtually no law and order left, not just in Delhi but across the country. Senior Advocate Sardar H.S. Phoolka, who has fought a long legal battle to secure justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, said that the brutal killings of retired soldiers and 51 serving soldiers in 1984 were extremely grave and unfortunate. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney said that several members of his own family had suffered the tragedy of being murdered during the violence. Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said that the kind of images displayed by Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders during their press conferences, along with the mindset that promotes arson and anarchy, was deeply concerning.
INDIA bloc rally ends peacefully amid heavy security deployment in Delhi: Police
The INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi concluded without any noticeable law and order issues. Over 4,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of participants throughout the event. Surveillance was enhanced through 200 CCTV cameras and the usage of drones to monitor the gathering. Police implemented traffic regulations and ensured ambulances could access local hospitals without interruption.
Traffic, Chaos At Delhi Borders As Anti-Pollution Curbs Kick In
Heavy congestion was seen at several entry points, particularly along the Delhi-Gurugram and Delhi-Noida borders, as traffic police and enforcement personnel conducted checks on vehicles entering the national capital.
Diljit Dosanjh Claims Attempts Were Made To Stop His Delhi Concert During Aura India Tour
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri likens 1984 killings to genocide
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Sunday that what happened in 1984 was not merely a riot but a genocide carried out by the Congress government of the time. At least 2,733 people were killed in Delhi and subjected to horrific brutality, he said, adding that according to official figures, approximately 3,325 people were killed across the country. Puri was addressing a gathering from the platform of the 1984 Sikh Genocide Protest March, organised by the BJP in association with Sikh organisations to mourn the victims of the riots. The Union Minister said that he remembered being posted in Geneva 42 years ago, while his parents lived in Delhis GDA Colony. When the violence began, some of his Hindu friends came forward and safely escorted his parents to a secure location in their car. Referring to the official figures on riot victims, Puri said that when people were going to the homes of Sikh families in Delhi, they were not identifying them merely through electoral rolls. A person named Harnam Singh could belong to Madhya Pradesh or Haryana and could be a Jat, a Rajput or any other individual wearing a turban. However, the attackers appeared to have been provided with the identities and details of their targets in advance. This clearly indicated that the violence was not the result of spontaneous anger but had been meticulously planned, said the Minister. Puri said that Manmohan Singh also lived in Delhi, and the attackers had reached his residence as well. His son-in-law, who was Hindu, stood outside the house and told the mob that it was his home. The mob responded that, according to their list, it belonged to a Sikh. His son-in-law clarified that no such person lived there and managed to protect everyone inside, recalled Puri. He said that the incident is often described using the word riot. However, these were not riots. Riots generally involve clashes between two groups, whereas in Delhi, 2,733 people were brutally killed in a one-sided wave of violence. The appropriate term for this was genocide. The Delhi High Court, as far as he recalled, had also used terms such as Crime Against Humanity to describe these incidents, said Puri. He said that the seriousness of this crime could be understood from its scale and nature. The Congress leaders should reflect seriously on this issue. Recalling how mothers would reprimand children for their mischief by telling them to go and buy some sense from the market, he questioned whether November 1 was the only possible date for organising a political programme when another date could easily have been chosen for the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan. Puri said that even today, he believed that neither the community nor the nation had fully come to terms with what it witnessed in 1984. Nor had the Congress appropriately apologised to the victims. Therefore, choosing November 1 for a political event was inappropriate, he said. Puri added that, irrespective of everything else, the tragedy of 42 years ago must continue to be remembered in the years ahead. It is the individual and collective responsibility of all of us to ensure that this incident is never forgotten, he said. He said that the most important thing was to ensure that such violence never occurs again, either in India or anywhere else in the world.
Chinas Fifth Plenum in global spotlight, concerns raised over 'purges'
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) The Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which concluded in Beijing on October 29, hogged global limelight as it came ahead of the 2027 leadership transition, as well as owing to the ecord low attendance of the Central Committee members and the alleged expulsion of 33 officials. Multiple reports suggested that out of 376, only 279 members attended the Central Committee meeting while 33 officials were expelled. A report in the Nile Post says that this has raised questions about accountability, political loyalty, and the concentration of power under President and General Secretary Xi Jinping, even as the Asian nation prepares for the 2027 leadership transition. Acknowledging that the Fifth Plenum accounted for a critical moment for the countrys political leadership, the report says that the scale of the reported investigations has intensified scrutiny of Chinas senior leadership. The report says that the campaign has become a central component of Xis broader approach to party building, which places considerable emphasis on ideological conformity, organisational discipline, and the selection of officials who implement central directives. As the party prepares for its 2027 Congress, investigations and disciplinary decisions could influence the composition of the next generation of leaders. The newspaper report further says that the challenge for Beijing is to maintain a disciplined party without undermining the institutional capacity needed to govern a complex economy and society. It also says that the longer-term question concerns accountability within Chinas political system. As the 2027 leadership transition approaches, the consequences will extend beyond the careers of individual officials. They will help shape the relationship between party discipline, political authority and administrative effectiveness in China, it said. Summing up the message of the Fifth Plenum, it says that its significance lies not in how many officials face disciplinary action, but in what the process reveals about the rules governing power within the Communist Party and the mechanisms available to hold its leadership accountable.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar will be jailed for 'treason': Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing an INDIA bloc rally in New Delhi on Sunday, launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission and the BJP government, alleging vote chori in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He asserted that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would be removed and jailed for reason, and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah would face legal action. Gandhi claimed 13.5 crore voters were removed from electoral rolls, making the 2024 elections illegal. The BJP, in response, accused Gandhi of creating anarchy and having a dual mentality regarding democratic outcomes.
Narola, Alva emerge champions as Indian Racing Festival concludes BIC leg
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Aryan Narola of Goa Aces JA Racing clinched a double victory in the F4 Indian Championship, while Ruhaan Alva of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru won the second Indian Racing League (IRL) race as the Indian Racing Festival concluded its two-day event at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida on Sunday. Narola dominated both F4 races on Sunday to emerge as the standout performer of the weekend, while Alva secured a crucial victory in a closely contested IRL race. The two-day racing event, held on October 31 and November 1, featured three races on the final day following an action-packed opening day. In the first F4 race on Sunday, Swarnav Das initially took the lead before Narola overtook him on the second lap to move to the front. South African racer Luviwe Sambudla of Goa Aces JA Racing also mounted a strong challenge, passing Das and putting Narola under pressure in the battle for the lead. However, Sambudla's race came to an end due to engine problems with a couple of laps remaining. Narola maintained his advantage to take the victory, while Aris Kyriakou finished second and South African Ntiyiso Mabunda of Speed Demons Delhi secured third place. Narola continued his impressive run in the second F4 race, leading from the start to register another victory. Arjun Chheda challenged him for the top position, while Mabunda also remained in contention. Narola held his nerve under pressure to complete a double, with Chheda finishing second and Mabunda taking third place. The second IRL race also witnessed an intense battle, with Alva eventually taking the top spot. Mohamed Ryan of Hyderabad Blackbirds finished second, while Malaysian driver Alister Yoong of Speed Demons Delhi secured third place. Shane Chanderia had initially moved ahead of Alva and led the race for several laps. However, car trouble forced him to retire from the contest, allowing Alva to capitalise on the situation and secure the victory. Earlier on Saturday, British driver Raoul Hyman of Goa Aces JA Racing won the opening IRL race, while Mabunda claimed victory in the first F4 contest. Hyman dominated the IRL race, clocking 27 minutes and 40.759 seconds to take the chequered flag. After initially trailing Emil Heyerdahl of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru, Hyman overtook him to take the lead and maintained his advantage until the finish. Sai Shiva Sankaran of Kolkata Royal Tigers finished second in 27:55.806, narrowly ahead of teammate Jemma Moore, who clocked 27:56.070 to secure third place. In the opening F4 race, Mabunda registered a victory in 32:46.842 after a closely fought contest with fellow South African Sambudla. Narola, who started third on the grid, initially moved into the lead before Mabunda fought back to reclaim the top position.
Delhi: At least 100 students stopped, detained on Minto Road during protest against SIR
On Sunday, Delhi Police detained approximately 100 students who were protesting against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The students were marching from Minto Road toward Connaught Place when police intervened. The protest, organised by student organisation DISHA, demanding the cancellation of the SIR exercise. Police personnel stopped the students and prevented them from moving further.
Frugal spending and high efficiency, new mantra of China's PLA: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) 'Living a tight life' seems to be the key focus of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) as it begins multi-pronged campaign to cut down costs, enhance efficiency and streamline operations. The purported shift in PLA's approach and policy comes as the force embarks on a mission to shed excess flab and become lean and mean without compromising on essentials. The policy shift is part of Chinese military's broader plans to cut costs, as part of the 15th five-year plan, from 2026 to 2030. According to a report in South China Morning Post, the PLA is distributing second-hand briefcases, salvaging screws and steel bars, and reusing holiday decorations to keep costs down as part of a thrift campaign emphasising growth through frugality. The PLA has been called upon to build the armed forces through diligence and thrift and pursuing a path of high efficiency, low cost and sustainability, it said. The PLA is also learnt to have reworked and recalibrated its procurement system to reduce costs of training, management and equipment support. The report says that the military mouthpiece PLA Daily also released a series of articles showing on how the policy was being promoted through practical measures at the unit level. According to it, a Chinese Air Force unit under the Eastern Theatre Command reused old decorative flags instead of buying new ones for holiday displays and the unit started promoting double-sided printing, parts recycling and ride-sharing for similar destinations. The money saved was instead spent on gym equipment for the unit, the article said. According to another PLA Daily article published, the PLA troops are using usable components from damaged equipment to manufacture training devices and cut procurement expenses. The unit began using a digital vehicle management system to monitor fuel consumption and driving conditions, while reviewing fuel-use data monthly and recognising the most economical drivers every quarter, according to the report. The PLA is also understood to have upgraded its maintenance facilities with 35 sets of equipment, enabling personnel to repair common vehicle issues themselves instead of relying on outside services, it added.
Addressing an INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, Abdullah accused the BJP-RSS of repeatedly questioning the loyalty of Muslims by calling them Pakistanis and said they too had sacrificed their lives for the country
NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Hanoi, to hold talks with Vietnamese leadership
Digital Desk | Hanoi, Nov 1 (IANS) National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval arrived in Hanoi on Sunday on an official visit during which he will meet the Vietnamese leadership in line with the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. India and Vietnam elevated bilateral relations to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam's State visit to India in May. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam stated, Welcome to Vietnam! National Security Advisor (NSA) of India Shri Ajit Doval, KC landed in Hanoi on an official visit. NSA, during the visit, will interact with the Vietnamese leadership in line with the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. On October 27, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a meeting with Vietnamese MP Mai Dung Thai Quynh and members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, where the two sides discussed enhancing parliamentary engagement, fostering institutional collaboration, and exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade, industry, information technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Birla expressed confidence that these exchanges will further enrich parliamentary partnership and add new vigour to the enduring friendship between India and Vietnam. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and BJP MP Dilip Saikia were also present during the meeting. We exchanged views on enhancing parliamentary engagement, fostering institutional collaboration and exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade, industry, information technology and AI, with a focus on ensuring that technological advancements serve humanity and promote public welfare. I am confident that these exchanges will further enrich our parliamentary partnership and add new vigour to the enduring friendship between our two nations, Birla said on X. In September, India and Vietnam held discussions on strengthening the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence industrial cooperation. The discussions were held during a meeting between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lt Gen Nguyen Truong Thang on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Sidda sting phone changed hands at HDK residence: Cops
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh revealed that the mobile phone allegedly used in a sting operation targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was purchased in New Delhi and handed over at Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy's official residence. The statement came from arrested accused Ritesh Pandey, who, along with Vinod Sharma, bought the phone and gave it to Prajwal Prasad. Police are investigating financial transactions and have issued notices to Sharma and Prasad, who are currently absconding.
Super Flop Rally: Sambit Patra Mocks INDIA Bloc, Asks Where Are The 10 Lakh People?
The BJP has mocked the INDIA blocs rally at Delhis Ramlila Maidan, calling it a super flop show. BJP MP Sambit Patra claimed that around 40% of the venue was empty and questioned the Oppositions earlier projection of a 10-lakh turnout. Where are the 10 lakh people? Patra asked while targeting Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders. The Opposition had organised the rally over alleged voter deletions, vote chori and its demand for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Rahul Gandhi can become PM only in 'Mock Parliament': HM Amit Shah
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 1 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that if Rahul Gandhi wants to become the country's Prime Minister, he should spend his entire life in a 'Mock Parliament' only, in the real one, your number will never come. The Home Minister made the remark about Rahul Gandhi's unfulfilled Prime Ministerial aspiration with reference to Congress party's mock impeachment proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar a day before. The Union Minister said Rahul Gandhi has been tasting defeat in elections for 15 years and his mother Sonia Gandhi's dream of seeing her son occupying the PM's chair has remained unfulfilled. He added that the only way Rahul Gandhi can become Prime Minister is in a Mock Parliament as it is near impossible for the Congress leader to make it to Parliament as Prime Minister in his lifetime. Speaking at an event here, Home Minister Shah condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for rubbing salt into the wounds of families of the anti-Sikh riot victims by organising a rally in Delhi on days of the community's four-day mourning. On November 1, 1984, the Congress orchestrated the massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs in Delhi, and today, on the same day, Rahul Gandhi held a rally in Delhi, rubbing salt into the wounds of those victim families, the Union Minister said at an event. I condemn the Congress for this rally on the day of the massacre. And I want to tell him (Rahul Gandhi) that due to his insensitivity, his 'Mohabat ki Dukan' will not be able to give people anything other than hatred, Home Minister Amit Shah added. He said the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reopened cases against the guilty Congress leaders and sent them to jail, apart from paying compensation to the victims' families and offering jobs. He added that Rahul Gandhi took instructions from abroad for organising the rally on Sunday despite requests from Sikh groups and our party not to do so. Delhi's traders pleaded that the rally be held after Diwali, otherwise there would be heavy losses in business, but Rahul Baba just had to hold the rally on the very day the Sikh massacre took place, Home Minister Shah said. In another development, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri led a march in West Delhi against the 1984 riots organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party to Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy and show solidarity with anti-Sikh riot victims. In a message on social media platform X, Puri said, The time of that tragedy in 1984, my parents were in Delhi, and some of my Hindu friends had sheltered them in their homes, setting an example of humanity and brotherhood. This massacre was not merely a tragedy of one community, but a wound inflicted on the history of the entire nation, one that can never be forgotten. Protecting humanity, delivering justice to the victims, and fostering national unity -- these are the greatest lessons to be drawn from that painful history, he recalled.
Gold prices in Delhi fell Rs 3,200 to a 10-month low of Rs 1.42 lakh per 10 grams, while silver declined Rs 4,200 per kg, tracking a sharp global sell-off amid inflation and interest rate concerns. Gold of 99.9% purity was quoted at Rs 1,42,000 per 10 grams in Delhi, compared with the previous close, while silver declined to Rs 1,86,000 per kg.
NCB order to freeze 25 properties worth Rs 20.10 crore upheld in pharma drug diversion case
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured confirmation of its order freezing 25 immovable properties with an aggregate invested value of Rs 20.10 crore in an inter-state pharmaceutical drug diversion case, an official said on Sunday. The Competent Authority under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 and NDPS Acts, New Delhi, by order dated October 30 under Section 68F(2) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, confirmed the freezing order issued by the NCB on October 2 during the investigation of the inter-state pharma diversion case, the NCB official said in a statement. Investigation in this case has so far resulted in the seizure of approximately 34 lakh psychotropic tablets, 10.57 lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, 50,000 Tramadol ampoules, 5,000 Midazolam vials and approximately 2,200 kg of psychotropic powder, including raw material and formulations, said the statement. Seventeen persons have been arrested, and the network has been found to extend across seven States, namely Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, the NCB said. The case originated with the seizure of 5,000 Tramadol tablets at Amritsar on February 7, 2025. Their packaging identified J.R. Pharmaceuticals, Haridwar, as the manufacturer and Tiwari Medical Agencies, Dehradun, as the marketer. Enquiries established that the marketing firm did not exist, the NCB said. A Special Investigation Team constituted by NCB pursued the supply chain, leading to the detection of an inter-state network of pharmaceutical firms in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh diverting medicines to non-existent entities for illicit distribution, it said. Financial investigation revealed that the sale proceeds of diverted drugs were routed and layered through the bank accounts of the firms under investigation. The accused failed to establish lawful sources of income for acquiring the properties held in their own names and those of their family members, said the NCB. The 25 properties comprise industrial plots, commercial units, shop-cum-office units and residential apartments, including properties in Gillco Industrial Park, Mohali City Centre-3, Mohali City Centre Walk, Janta Industrial Estate, Galaxy Heights-2 and Queenstown. The confirmed freezing restricts their transfer or other dealings without prior permission, preserving the assets for proceedings under Chapter VA of the NDPS Act, said the statement. Substantial quantities of psychotropic drugs and raw material were seized from Digital Vision and Vellinton Healthcare, Kala-Amb, Himachal Pradesh. Konic Goyal, Manic Goyal and their father Parshotam Lal Goyal, residents of Ambala Cantt, Haryana, remain absconding despite repeated summons and non-bailable warrants, the NCB said. Their applications for anticipatory bail have been dismissed by the Supreme Court. The confirmed freezing covers properties held in their names and those of their family members, the NCB said.
Delhi wont host India-SL ODI, sand-based outfield to be ready for IPL
Phone in Siddaramaiah 'Sting' Changed Hands at Kumaraswamy's Delhi Home: Police
The handover took place on the instructions of one Prajwal Prasad, who was present at the Union Minister's residence, police said, citing the statement of arrested accused Ritesh Pandey
If you want to become PM, stay in mock parliament: Amit Shah on Rahul Gandhi
Chandigarh, Nov 1: In a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the country will never forget that the Congress leader held a 'jalsa' on the anniversary of the Sikh genocide of 1984, and that if he wanted to become the prime minister, he should stay in a mock parliament his entire life. Speaking at an event in Chandigarh, he also slammed opposition parties, saying that telling lies, spreading anarchy and negativity, and not letting Parliament function was their true nature. He was addressing a gathering here after the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony of various development projects worth Rs 258 crore. The opposition INDIA bloc on Sunday held the 'Chalo Dilli' protest at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital as part of its campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. On Saturday, the opposition alliance carried out a symbolic public impeachment of CEC Kumar, accusing him of deleting votes to steal elections and demanding that he be tried in court for treason and jailed. The meeting was held in a setting resembling Parliament proceedings at the lawns of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The BJP has described it as a mockery of Parliament. Referring to the INDIA bloc rally, Union minister Shah on Sunday said, If you desire to hold a 'jalsa' for the Congress party on such a dark day of genocide, then Rahul ji, no one will be able to take away anything except hatred from your 'mohabbat ki dukaan'. Shah said the Congress has been losing elections for 15 years, and its leader Sonia Gandhi's dream of her son becoming the prime minister remains unfulfilled. So, they have found a new way: conducting a mock parliament. I want to tell Rahul ji, if you want to become the prime minister, stay in the mock parliament your entire life. Your turn (as PM of India) is never going to come, he said. He lashed out at the INDIA bloc leaders for not listening to Delhi traders' request to defer their rally until after Diwali. The traders of Delhi pleaded with them, saying, 'We have just one day, one week in the entire year when our business thrives. If we stock up on sweets and they don't sell, what will happen? It will lead to losses. If we buy firecrackers and they don't sell, what will happen? It will lead to losses', said Shah. A trade worth Rs 25,000 crore takes place in these 3-4 days. The whole of north India comes to Delhi's wholesale market to buy Diwali goods, he said. But no, on the very day the Sikh riots happened, the Sikh genocide happened, on that very day, on that same dark day, they had to hold a rally, he said. Now remember my words: for the next three elections, your account is not going to open there, he added. On the anti-Sikh riots, he said, On November 1, 1984, thousands of Sikhs were brutally murdered in Delhi during riots incited by the Congress party. Thousands of Sikhs were burnt alive. Many Sikhs had to leave their homes, many children were orphaned, many sisters were widowed, and homes of many were burnt, Shah said. He recalled remarks by former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi that when a big tree falls, the earth shakes. I saw that statement on television, and I can never forget it in my lifetime, Shah said of Rajiv Gandhi's remarks in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984. To describe the brutal killing of thousands of Sikhs in such a way is something that only Congress leaders could do, he said. Today, his son Rahul Gandhi organised a 'bada jalsa' in Delhi to rub salt into the wounds of the victims of the 1984 riots and their families. The BJP held a press conference and had asked the INDIA bloc not to hold its rally on November 1, 2 and 3, as on these days, the anti-Sikh riots took place, Shah said. This deeply hurt our Sikh brothers, mothers, sisters, and children. Yet they insisted. From abroad, an order was issued to their party for holding the 'jalsa' on the very same day when thousands of Sikhs were set ablaze, he said. Shah said he strongly condemns and criticises their malicious attempt. India and Punjab will never forget this. Shah said when the Modi government came to power, it reopened all the cases related to the anti-Sikh riots. We provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the riot victims and ensured that prominent Congress leaders involved in the riots were sent behind bars, he said. India had never witnessed politically instigated riots of this nature before, and I hope it never has to witness such riots again, he asserted. Shah said the Narendra Modi government is taking the country forward by leaps and bounds. Article 370 was abolished, Naxalism was ended, Triple Talaq was abolished, he said. Now remember my words: on December 31, 2029, we will make the entire country, including Punjab, drug-free, he asserted. The largest cricket stadium, the highest overbridge, the longest bridge, all of these are being built in India, worth Rs 11 lakh crore. Electricity has reached every poor person's home, the minister added. Shah alleged that Rahul Gandhi does not let Parliament run because he does not want women to get 33 per cent reservation. Rahul Baba, I want to tell you that this very Narendra Modi ji will give 33 per cent reservation to 'nari shakti' of India. This is our resolve, said Shah. The people of the country are watching all these things very closely, he said. Who is making the country safe? Who is making the country developed? Who brought innovation to the country? Who brought the new education policy? Who is making the country economically prosperous? The public of the country is seeing all these things, and all of this will be accounted for in the 2029 elections. Rahul ji, remember my words, said the Union minister. Shah said that in the coming days, the central government will make Chandigarh the number one administrative unit of the country. He also exuded confidence that an NDA government will be formed in the border state after the next assembly elections.
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train would be a game changer for rail connectivity between the two major cities, benefiting Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Sharing Railway Ministry's post on the flagging off of the train on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said the new service marked another step towards improving rail connectivity, particularly from Bengaluru, a city known for its technology and innovation ecosystem. Another step towards better rail connectivity and that too from Bengaluru, the city of technology and innovation! he added. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be a game changer for connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai, the Prime Minister noted. PM Modi said the train would particularly benefit youngsters, IT professionals and students, while strengthening connectivity across the three states. Earlier, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that he, along with other dignitaries, flagged off the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The new service is expected to provide passengers with an additional rail travel option between Bengaluru and Mumbai. Earlier on Sunday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) here on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava. Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya, P.C. Mohan and C.N. Manjunath, and BJP Rajya Sabha members Lahar Singh Siroya and Jaggesh were present at the inaugural event. Ashwini Vaishnaw cheered and waved to people gathered at the railway station. The dignitaries also toured the newly introduced train, inspected its facilities and interacted with passengers. Speaking to the media, Vaishnaw congratulated the people of Karnataka and Bengaluru on the launch of the service on Kannada Rajyotsava. On the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava, the Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai is being launched. This is a very good train and will connect the technological capital Bengaluru with the financial capital Mumbai. This will be the third Vande Bharat service, he said.
Rahul Gandhi's rally in Delhi will only rub salt in wounds of anti-Sikh riot victims: Shah
He was addressing a gathering in Chandigarh after the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony of various development projects worth 258 crore
The SP chief said those who once boasted about making India a Vishwaguru are now busy manipulating the electoral rolls
Amit Shah Slams Congress Rally On 1984 Riots Anniversary, Says It Rubs Salt Into Victims Wounds
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has slammed the Congress for holding its INDIA bloc rally in Delhi on the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Shah accused the party of rubbing salt into the wounds of riot victims and their families. The BJP says the timing of the rally shows disrespect towards the Sikh community, while the Congress and the INDIA bloc have maintained that the protest is focused on alleged electoral irregularities and voter-roll deletions. The rival marches have intensified the political battle over the Election Commission, democracy and the legacy of the 1984 violence.
New Delhi: The BJP sought to downplay the INDIA blocs rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, November 1, claiming that the public response was underwhelming and that very few people actually showed up despite the Oppositions tall claims of huge turnout. Addressing the media, party spokesperson Sambit Patra said, We have been observing this rally Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
BJP MP Sambit Patra criticized the INDIA bloc's rally claims at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, stating a significant attendance discrepancy. He alleged that thousands of chairs remained empty, questioning the promised turnout of 10 lakh people. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh echoed similar sentiments, highlighting empty spaces despite claims of a massive gathering. Prominent opposition leaders gathered to protest against electoral irregularities and other issues.
Rahul Gandhi's 'Protest, Then Shop' Appeal Hits 'Closed' Wall At Connaught Place On Delhi Rally Day
We told everyone that when you come here for the march and the mega rally, do some shopping. But while coming to Connaught Place, we found out that the BJP has forcibly shut down every single shop, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said in a video.
Over 100 Students Detained At Delhi's Minto Road Over Anti-SIR Protests
The students were marching from Minto Road towards Connaught Place when police personnel intercepted them and prevented them from proceeding further.
Heavy Demand for Festival Special Trains from Unas Amb Andaura Station to UP, Bihar, and Delhi
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Vice President CP Radhakrishnan inaugurates National Organ Transplant Games 2026
AMN/ WEB DESK Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan today inaugurated the National Organ Transplant Games 2026 at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. Addressing the event, the Vice President described the Games as a celebration of courage, determination, compassion and the precious gift of life. Mr. Radhakrishnan also described organ donation as a Mahadaan, through which []
Modi Hatao, Democracy Bachao: Kharge Leads INDIA Bloc Attack On BJP Over Vote Chori Claims Today
Modi hatao, democracy bachao Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges rallying cry at the INDIA blocs mega protest in Delhi. Kharge accused the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh of being governments of vote chori. He alleged that the votes of youth, women and Dalits were being deleted and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over their support for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Kharge said the Opposition would continue its fight until Gyanesh Kumar was removed, and declared: We will fight together, remove Modi, protect the Constitution and strengthen democracy.
Gyanesh Kumar Is Modis Puppet: Tejashwi Yadavs Mahabharata Attack At Anti-SIR Rally
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav turned the INDIA blocs anti-SIR rally at Delhis Ramlila Maidan into a Mahabharata analogy. Calling the venue a new Kurukshetra, he invoked Shakunis dice game to allege political manipulation in the voter-roll revision process. Tejashwi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of being a puppet of Modi and demanded that a treason case be registered against him. He alleged that democracy and the Constitution were being undermined, and said the political battle had begun in Bihar but had now reached the national stage.
Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Gujarat will look for a form reversal against Kerala in familiar environs
The host will be eager for a victory after conceding the first-innings lead against Delhi and Maharashtra away from home; the visitor is hurting from a 287-run loss to Bengal, and needs to set things right soon
New Delhi, Nov 1: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday questioned the claim that many voters deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were infiltrators, asking whether Hindu voters allegedly removed from the rolls in Uttar Pradesh were also Pakistanis. Addressing an INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan here, Abdullah accused the BJP-RSS of repeatedly questioning the loyalty of Muslims by calling them Pakistanis and said they too had sacrificed their lives for the country. They are pointing fingers at Muslims all the time, calling them Pakistanis. I want to tell the BJP-RSS, we have given our blood for the country. We have to live in this country and strengthen it, he said. At the rally, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti warned that the Constitution was being hollowed out. In an apparent reference to the claims about removing infiltrators through the SIR, Abdullah questioned the Election Commission over the reported deletion of over one crore Hindu voters in Uttar Pradesh. Over one crore Hindus have been removed in UP. Are they also Pakistanis? How long will you give this excuse? he asked, accusing the poll body of vote chori. He said people belonging to any religion were Indians and would live and die as Indians, invoking the Constitution to underline their equal rights. This is Ambedkar's Constitution. We are all equal and every citizen has equal voting right. We have to ensure no Indian is denied the right to vote, he said. Urging people not to be afraid, Abdullah said the power rested with citizens and called for unity to save the country. He also asserted that Jammu and Kashmir was, and would remain, part of India, before ending his address with Jai Hind. Addressing the rally, PDP president Mehbooba warned that the Constitution was being hollowed out and alleged that the Centre was transferring the country's assets to a corporate friend while neglecting the poor. Seeing you people, it feels you understand the problem and can change the situation in the country. If you don't change it now, it will be too late, she said. Mehbooba also alleged that land was being handed over to corporates at throwaway prices and that the government's employment promises had not been fulfilled. They promised jobs, but even those who proudly joined the Army have been made daily wagers, she said. Questioning the BJP's claims of championing Hindutva, she referred to the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. They have stolen donations from the Ram temple. What can be a bigger shame? she said. She said the Constitution gave people the right to elect their representatives and change governments and alleged that the government wanted to take away that right. Referring to the 2019 developments in Jammu and Kashmir when Article 370 was abrogated and the state was divided into two Union territories, the former chief minister said the people of the region had experienced the consequences of the Constitution being hollowed out. We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have been destroyed. They hollowed out the Constitution in 2019. But you should ensure they don't make the whole country Jammu and Kashmir. We are with you, she said. Calling Jammu and Kashmir the soul of India, she ended her address saying, Sare jahan se achchha Hindustan hamara.
Shiv Sena Spokesperson Criticizes Opposition Rally as Obstruction in Mumbai
Shiv Senas Anand Dubey condemns the opposition rally in Delhi, calling it an obstruction and questioning its motives ahead of Diwali celebrations. Shiv Sena Spokesperson Criticizes Opposition Rally as Obstruction in Mumbai
Ranji Trophy: Delhi, Services desperate for outright win on fresh pitch
Stay in mock Parliament, your turn will never come: Shah hits out at Rahul Gandhi over Delhi rally
PM Modi to Inaugurate Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026 on Nov 2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate the landmark Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 on November 2 at approximately 4:30 PM at the iconic Bharat Mandapam complex in New Delhi. The Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address to a distinguished global audience comprising world leaders, ministers, policymakers, and international investors. Press Release: [] The post PM Modi to Inaugurate Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026 on Nov 2 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
BJPs Sambit Patra Questions Congress Claims at Delhi Rally
Sambit Patra criticizes Congress for exaggerating rally attendance, challenging Rahul Gandhis statements on the electoral process. BJPs Sambit Patra Questions Congress Claims at Delhi Rally
BJP chief Nitin Nabin criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly acting under foreign influence to create disorder. He emphasized that the Constitution should govern the country rather than the 'Gandhi family's law.' Nabin accused the Congress party of seeking to challenge democratic processes after failing to secure a people's mandate. He also reiterated the BJP's intent to retain power in the upcoming general elections.
This is India's Constitution, everyone has an equal vote: Farooq Abdullah at INDIA bloc rally
New Delhi [India], November 1 : Stressing that everybody is equal and has the right to vote in India's Constitution, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will remain a part of India. Addressing the INDIA bloc's rally against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, Abdullah criticised the BJP and RSS over what he described as attempts to portray Muslims as outsiders and question their patriotism. These people point fingers at Muslims and call them Pakistanis. I want to tell the BJP and RSS: We have given our blood for India. We gave it in the past, we are giving it today, and we will give it tomorrow, he said. This is Ambedkar's Constitution. This is India's Constitution. We are all equal, and everyone has an equal vote. Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will remain a part of India. They will not be able to separate it, he declared. People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti, addressing the same rally, focused on constitutional rights, democratic participation and the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir following the 2019 constitutional changes. She cautioned that the rights available to citizens under the Constitution, particularly the right to vote and elect or change governments, needed to be protected. Referring to the constitutional provisions that empower citizens to participate in the democratic process, Mufti alleged that attempts were being made to take away these rights. She said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had experienced significant political and constitutional changes in 2019 and urged citizens across the country to remain vigilant about protecting their democratic rights. The very Constitution that has given you the vote to change the government, to bring down the government, and to form a new government, they want to snatch that right away from you. We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have been ruined. In 2019, they destroyed the Constitution there, Mufti said. But now you must save yourselves, lest they turn the entire country into Jammu and Kashmir. We are with you. Standing shoulder to shoulder, we are with you in your struggle, she added. (ANI)
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Assumes Charge as 29th IAF Chief; Unveils
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit formally took over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Commencing his tenure with solemn tradition, the new Air Chief paid homage to the nations fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, followed by inspecting [] The post Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Assumes Charge as 29th IAF Chief; Unveils VAYU Vision appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
AI could turn China's social rating system into surveillance tool, scholar warns
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) The integration of artificial intelligence into China's social rating framework could significantly enhance the government's ability to monitor and assess citizens, but it also risks creating a large-scale surveillance system, according to a recent study by a Chinese legal scholar, a report has said. The research, published last month in the Journal of Sichuan Normal University, cited by South China Morning Post, was conducted by Lin Jianxing, a doctoral candidate at Sichuan University's Law School. The study examined the implications of combining AI, big data and predictive algorithms with social rating mechanisms used in governance and public administration. Lin argued that social rating systems rely on data mining and algorithmic analysis to convert citizens' online and offline activities into quantifiable scores. These scores are then used to assess potential risks and predict future behaviour, enabling authorities to make administrative and regulatory decisions. According to the study, AI-powered rating systems can strengthen risk assessment capabilities and improve the efficiency of government agencies. However, Lin warned that extensive reliance on algorithmic governance could create problems related to opacity, discrimination and large-scale surveillance. The researcher noted that while social ratings may not appear to directly affect an individual's legal rights and obligations, they can influence how citizens are treated in areas such as healthcare, financial services, lending and access to government programmes. The study was funded by a project focused on social governance models and institutional innovation in Sichuan province. Lin said the effectiveness of such systems largely depends on the quality of the data collected and the reliability of the algorithms used. Poor-quality data or flawed model design could produce inaccurate assessments and unfair outcomes. He also cautioned that without strict data governance standards and robust oversight mechanisms, the use of extensive digital footprints to build detailed citizen profiles could cause the system to evolve from a risk-management tool into an instrument of behavioural surveillance. The research comes as China continues to expand the use of artificial intelligence in public administration. An action plan released by the State Council last year called for the gradual and orderly integration of AI into government services, with the goal of improving public service delivery and enabling more proactive governance. One example cited in the study is Anhui province's dynamic social assistance monitoring platform, which uses data-sharing mechanisms and information databases to identify low-income populations and improve the delivery of welfare services. Lin acknowledged that social rating systems could help governments better identify citizens' needs, anticipate risks and allocate public resources more efficiently. However, he stressed that responsible implementation would require transparent procedures, reliable algorithms and clear limits on administrative power. China's social credit system has long attracted international attention and criticism, often being portrayed as a nationwide mechanism that scores and monitors citizens' behaviour. However, the study noted that the reality is more fragmented, with different government agencies and local authorities operating a variety of systems rather than a single unified network. Citing previous academic research, the paper said only a limited number of Chinese cities operate behavioural rating programmes for residents, while aspects of the broader social credit framework are also used to monitor government agencies and public officials.
NBCCs Avenue Towers in Sarojini Nagar sees 5,191-crore sale of 8.8 lakh sq ft apartments
State-owned NBCC has sold residential apartments spanning approximately 8.80 lakh sq ft at Avenue Towers on Africa Avenue Marg in New Delhi's Sarojini Nagar for around 5,191 crore. The proceeds will be used to fund Central Government redevelopment projects.
UPI Transfer Of Rs 5,000 Helped Delhi Police Rescue Kidnapped Teen In 3 Hours
A man identified as Akash had allegedly kidnapped a boy, demanding Rs 40,000 ransom. He was caught within three hours of receiving information.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala revealed that years of practising for difficult match situations with her coaches helped her overcome a 0-6 deficit in the final of the Senior World Wrestling Championships and script a historic comeback to win a gold medal in the women's 59kg category in Astana, Kazakhstan. Manisha, who became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championships, said she did not experience any mental pressure despite trailing Abigail Neto 0-6 in the gold-medal bout, as she had regularly trained for such challenging situations. Manisha said her preparation for such situations, particularly the ability to score points in the final seconds, helped her turn the bout around and secure the historic triumph. When we practice, our coaches give us situations where we have to take points in 30 seconds or not. So, we practise on that. I had been working for a long time for that. I had to handle such situations. So, I practised, and it helped. There was no mental pressure there, Manisha said in a media interaction facilitated by SAI Media on Sunday. The 23-year-old also reflected on her disappointment at the Asian Games, where she failed to win a medal in the women's 57kg category, but said she quickly shifted her focus to the World Championships, which were scheduled just 10 days later. I didn't think I would come without a medal from the Asian Games. The hard work I had put in and the amount of practice I had done made me believe that I would win a medal. I was very frustrated. How could this happen? But I don't focus on what has happened. I believe in what is next, she said. I had 10 days, so I focused on the World Championships. I worked on what I lacked during those 10 days. So, yes, it helped, she added. Manisha eventually competed in the 59kg category in Astana, as she felt that the short gap between the two competitions would make it difficult to manage her weight and recovery for another appearance in the 57kg category. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Manisha confirmed that she would target the 57kg category in the qualification events next year, as the 59kg category is not part of the Olympic programme. For the Los Angeles qualifiers next year, I want to compete in 57kg, she said. She also highlighted the importance of participating in the four ranking series competitions in 2027, saying they would help her prepare for the Olympic qualification events. The most important thing for us is to play in the four ranking series. If we play in those, we will get a lot of things which will make the Los Angeles qualifiers easy, she added. The wrestler also acknowledged the support she has received through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), under which she has been included since 2024. She said the financial assistance and exposure to international training camps had played an important role in her development. In our TOPS scheme, we get monthly pocket money. It is very important for a sportsperson. Many things are very expensive. We can't provide it to our family. There are many things. For example, we go to foreign camps, and TOPS helps us get there. We get a chance to practise with foreign players. It increases our confidence. We get to learn many things, Manisha said. She further revealed that TOPS continued to back her even after her disappointing Asian Games campaign and encouraged her to shift her attention towards the Los Angeles Olympics. I have been in TOPS since 2024. TOPS has given me a lot of things. They always support me. Even when I lost a medal in the Asian Games, they told me to focus on Los Angeles. TOPS provides me with everything I need. I thank TOPS for that, she said. Comparing the Asian Games and World Championships, Manisha said both competitions feature strong opponents and that it was difficult to determine which was tougher. In wrestling, Asia is very strong. The world is strong. How can I compare? Competition is competition. The best players come to Asia, and the best players come to the world. But in the world, there is a European edge. In Asia, there are Asian countries, she said. Manisha's historic gold was part of India's four-medal haul at the World Championships, with the country also winning two silver medals and a bronze.
Hardeep Puri, Delhi CM lead BJP march against Congress 'anarchy', Ramlila Maidan rally
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri led a Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) march in Delhi's Hari Nagar against the anger of Sikhs and victims of the 1984 riots against the Congress and its anarchy reflected in its rally at the Ramlila Maidan. The march was joined by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra. During the march, the BJP leaders said that the Congress has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community by holding a rally on November 1 in the middle of the community's mourning over the massacre of thousands of Sikhs in the 1984 riots. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on social media platform X said, Rahul Gandhi, Congress, and the INDI alliance, who stage platforms of anarchy in the name of democracy -- the country is witnessing their true colours. The country has not forgotten the date of November 1. On this very day in 1984, the horrific chapter of the Sikh massacre was being written on the streets of Delhi. In a message on X, the Delhi CM hit out at Rahul Gandhi and said, First spread lies, then defame the people's mandate, create an atmosphere of anarchy on the streets, and recover the cost of your political frustration from the country and the people of Delhi. This has become the model of Rahul Gandhi's politics. Congress cannot erase the stain of 1984 by invoking the name of democracy. Nor can it, in the desperation of being repeatedly rejected by the people, put the livelihoods of Delhi's traders at stake. Rahul Gandhi, remember: the revenge for defeat from the people's mandate cannot be taken from the country, nor can the cost of your political failures be recovered from the people of Delhi, she added. Harsh Malhotra said that the Congress has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community by holding a rally on November 1 in the middle of the community's mourning over the massacre of thousands of Sikhs in the 1984 riots. He said the people of the country have completely rejected the Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod campaign launched by the Rahul Gandhi's Congress, Communists, Samajwadis, Rashtriya Janata Dal, DMK, and leaders such as Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan. He added that today, not only the people of the country but also workers of opposition parties have rejected their leaders' stand on SIR by boycotting the Chalo Ramlila Maidan campaign, making it clear that SIR is not an issue. Malhotra said that the people of the country want the Rahul Congress, which has failed in its attempt to politically relaunch Rahul Gandhi, to apologise to the Sikh community of the country and the business community of Delhi. Delhi BJP Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that the Congress, which had been creating anxiety among Delhi's traders and citizens for the past 15 days by claiming that it would organise a rally of lakhs of people on Sunday, has once again failed in its fifth attempt in 10 years to politically relaunch Rahul Gandh. The Delhi BJP spokesperson added that we had stated as early as Saturday morning that Rahul Gandhi would not be able to mobilise even 25,000 people, let alone 10 lakh. Today, the empty Ramlila Maidan has proven our assessment correct, he said.
Akhilesh Yadav Critiques BJP at Rally in Delhis Ram Leela Ground
Akhilesh Yadav addresses rally in Ram Leela Ground, criticizing BJP and election commission over alleged vote theft. Akhilesh Yadav Critiques BJP at Rally in Delhis Ram Leela Ground
'Rahul Gandhi Acting For Foreign Powers': Nitin Nabin's Dig Over 13 Crore Voter Deletion Row
BJP president Nitin Nabin has launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of acting at the behest of foreign powers and trying to destabilise an elected government. Speaking at the BJPs Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao march in Rohtak, Nabin questioned the Congress over its allegations that 13 crore votes were deleted. He also targeted the Gandhi family over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and accused the Congress of practising dynastic politics. The remarks came as the INDIA bloc held its Chalo Dilli protest in Delhi over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Chinese scam networks shift operations from Cambodia to Madagascar amid crackdown: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Online scam networks allegedly run by Chinese nationals have shifted operations from Cambodia to Madagascar following law enforcement crackdowns in Southeast Asia, with authorities uncovering links between the criminal groups and cases involving suspected human trafficking, according to reports. An AFP report, titled Chinese Scam Networks Shift From Cambodia to Madagascar as Authorities Crack Down, published on Sunday, said authorities in Madagascar had dismantled 13 scam compounds during operations conducted in August and September in coordination with the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The operations targeted centres involved in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and investment scams, most of which were allegedly operated by Chinese nationals. Madagascars Justice Ministry said 148 Chinese nationals had been extradited to China in connection with the crackdown. According to a statement cited in the report, US authorities seized approximately $52 million in cryptocurrency in a single day and processed more than 3,200 electronic devices as part of the investigation. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime had previously warned about the expansion of such criminal networks, particularly into Southern Africa, the report said. Investigators found that some African nationals recruited to work in Madagascar may themselves have been victims of human trafficking. Authorities said around 20 nationals from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe were in custody in connection with the investigation. Hassan Mouigni, head of the police crime unit, told AFP that the individuals had allegedly been recruited through Facebook with promises of employment in the commercial sector. But when they arrived here, most of the passports were confiscated by the boss, and they were forced to scam, Mouigni said, adding that the recruits had been deceived. The report also highlighted a separate incident in August in which 11 Chinese nationals arrested during the crackdown reportedly walked free from a Madagascan prison. The episode triggered a widely publicised scandal, with allegations implicating the head of the country's prison service. Meanwhile, several African nationals remained in custody despite preliminary findings suggesting that they may have been trafficking victims, officials said. The US Department of Justice reportedly identified a Malaysian national, Chui Kok Wa, as the alleged operator of a romance scam scheme based in a villa in Ivato, an upscale neighbourhood near Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo. Mouigni told AFP that an examination of Chui's passport indicated that he had arrived in Madagascar for the first time in 2024 and had previously travelled to Cambodia. The DOJ reportedly assessed that Chui's criminal group, with connections to Malaysia and China, established scam compounds in Madagascar in early 2025, likely relocating operations from Cambodia following law enforcement action there. Tsitohaina Ralihivao, coordinator of the cybercrime unit at Madagascar's communications ministry, also linked the relocation to a 2025 crackdown on scam compounds in Cambodia near the Thai border. When the Thais dismantled them, they just relocated the operations. The same organisations came to Madagascar, Ralihivao told AFP. An FBI court document cited by the DOJ reportedly supported this assessment. Three Brazilian nationals questioned by investigators said they had initially responded to online job advertisements and ended up working at a scam compound in Cambodia before being moved to Antananarivo in early May 2026. The document attributed the relocation partly to the armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand and partly to police action against scam compounds in Cambodia. Cyber scam centres are increasingly opening in Africa following the closure of such compounds in Southeast Asia, the FBI said, according to the report. Madagascan authorities said the networks required recruits from English-speaking African countries because their operations primarily targeted English-speaking markets. Mouigni told AFP that the centres targeted countries including the United States, Canada, and Pakistan, prompting the need to recruit workers with English-language skills. Authorities also observed changes in how the compounds operated. Mouigni said the networks initially occupied relatively discreet villas but later began renting entire hotels, drawing greater attention from local residents and investigators. One suspected compound operating from the Live Hotel in Antananarivo was allegedly headed by a Chinese national who was among those extradited to Beijing. A US federal law enforcement officer said in court documents that Chinese nationals identified as leaders of the operations could not be questioned by the FBI after their extradition, according to the AFP report. The investigation highlights the reported geographical expansion of transnational cybercrime networks and the challenges authorities face in distinguishing between alleged perpetrators and individuals recruited through deception and possible human trafficking.
Rahul Gandhi Accuses Chief Election Commissioner of Vote Theft, Threatens Legal Action
Rahul Gandhi warns Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of jail time over alleged vote theft during a rally in New Delhi. Rahul Gandhi Accuses Chief Election Commissioner of Vote Theft, Threatens Legal Action
Dinesh Ganvir takes charge as GSI chief, to step up hunt for critical minerals
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir has assumed charge as the Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), bringing to the job more than three decades of experience spanning geological investigations, mineral exploration, engineering geology, and institutional leadership. Ganvir said a key priority will be to intensify exploration for critical and strategic minerals through integrated geoscientific investigations, advanced mineral prospectivity mapping, and systematic generation of scientifically robust, auction-ready mineral blocks. These efforts will support the country's objectives of strengthening mineral security, reducing import dependence, and advancing the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. He also emphasised the need to harness emerging technologies and advanced data analytics in conjunction with rigorous field-based investigations. The integration of modern geoscientific tools and methods is expected to improve the precision and efficiency of exploration. Strengthening laboratory infrastructure, upgrading analytical capabilities, and offshore exploration will also be important areas of focus. Beyond mineral exploration, the GSI will continue to strengthen its contributions to fundamental geoscientific research, landslide early warning, glacial and cryospheric studies, major infrastructure projects and hazard assessment. These areas of work are vital to informed policymaking, infrastructure planning, disaster preparedness and sustainable development. The emphasis will be on generating reliable, science-based inputs that address the country's evolving developmental and societal priorities, he added. Ganvir joined the Geological Survey of India in 1994, following the completion of his Master's degree in Geology from RTMNU University, Nagpur. Over a career spanning more than 32 years, his contributions span geological mapping, mineral exploration, engineering geology and multidisciplinary geoscientific studies. His assignments include thematic mapping in the Western Bastar Craton; gold and diamond exploration in the Sakoli Fold Belt of Maharashtra; and geoscientific studies associated with the conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and Ellora Caves. He has represented GSI at several international forums, including the IndiaPeru Joint Working Group, the RussiaIndia Mining Sub-Group and IMARC 2022 in Australia. In leadership assignments, particularly as National Mission Head-II, he was associated with the planning and monitoring of multidisciplinary field programmes and nationwide mineral exploration, including spearheading a five-fold jump in investigations for critical and strategic minerals in recent times and preparation of geological reports and exploration blocks for the mineral auctions process in line with GSI's national mandate, according to an official statement.
'No ground left beneath your feet': Akhilesh Yadav's swipe at Amit Shah's 'Angad's leg' remark
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took a jibe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 'Angad's leg' remark, saying that there is o ground left beneath your feet, so where will you place Angad's leg? In his address at the INDIA bloc's 'Dilli Chalo' rally at Ramlila Maidan, organised to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities, Akhilesh Yadav said: Those who once came from UP will be driven out of UP itself. The people of the state know how to welcome and even know it better how to bid farewell. In 2027, their farewell will be of such a kind that the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies will not be able to return again. Remarking that Ramlila Maidan has turned into the Haldighati of democracy, he asserted: The massive public support and slogans of revolution are proof that change can happen at any moment. Targeting the BJP-led government, he said: Lord Ram won't forgive those who have committed sin, those who have stolen donations made at the Ram Temple. They will definitely be punished. Referring to HM Shah's warning that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh is Angad's leg, referring to the mythological figure from Ramayan, which the opposition parties cannot shake, Akhilesh Yadav hit back, saying: Those who came saying that their stance is unshakeable like 'Angad's leg', now know that there is no ground left beneath their feet, so where will you place Angad's leg? Further, referring to the BJP-led NDA's defeat in five seats in the recent UP Legislative Council polls, including Varanasi, he said: Those boasting of a double engine government ended up getting a double defeat and a double zero in Uttar Pradesh...I am happy that the people of Kashi gave them a double zero! Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of constantly conspiring to win elections. Because they know that they cannot win elections otherwise, they have found a way out (to win polls) through the Election Commission, he alleged. They have looted Bengal polls. Security forces were brought into the state overnight, and votes were deleted by conducting SIR just before the elections...We, the members of the INDIA bloc, won't give up. We have caught their theft, he added. Referring to the Samajwadi Party's defeat in the 2022 UP polls, Akhilesh Yadav said: The reason (for the defeat) was that voters were removed from electoral rolls and when the Election Commission was told that SP's votes were targeted and removed from the lists, they served me a notice saying on what basis I was making these allegations. The BJP wants that only people linked to the party are able to cast their votes and only they get the right to call themselves as India's citizens. This is a huge conspiracy, he claimed. Meanwhile, the SP chief also mentioned the action taken against Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in UP's Pilibhit. The Election Commission has directed the suspension of two EROs in the constituency over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll.
PAC Chairpersons conference to be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the conference of Chairpersons of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of the Parliament and the state and UT legislatures at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala on Tuesday, according to an official statement issued on Sunday. The two-day conference will deliberate on the theme, Audit, Accountability and Good Governance The Evolving Role of the PAC. The deliberations will provide an important platform for sharing experiences, exchanging best practices and exploring ways to further strengthen the role of Public Accounts Committees in ensuring legislative oversight of public expenditure and promoting transparency, accountability, and financial discipline in governance. The inaugural session will be attended by Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Kerala Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, and the Assembly's Public Accounts Committee Chairperson K. N. Balagopal, who will also address the gathering. Parliament's Public Accounts Committee Chairperson K. C. Venugopal will deliver the welcome address, while Kerala Deputy Speaker Shanimol Usman will propose the vote of thanks. Chairpersons and Members of Public Accounts Committees of Parliament and state and UT Legislatures, along with other distinguished dignitaries, will participate in the conference. As key parliamentary institutions entrusted with examining public expenditure and ensuring that public funds are utilised in accordance with legislative intent, Public Accounts Committees play a vital role in upholding the principles of accountability and responsible governance. The conference is expected to foster constructive dialogue on emerging challenges in public financial management, the evolving audit landscape and the need to further enhance the effectiveness of legislative scrutiny. The conference will conclude on Wednesday with the valedictory session to be addressed by Birla. The Kerala Assembly Speaker and the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee Chairperson will also address the session.
BJP appoints Priti Nonia as partys spokesperson in West Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 1 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced the appointment of Priti Nonia as the spokesperson for its West Bengal unit. The key organisational appointment was cleared by the BJP's West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya, and the announcement was made through the party's X handle. The Bengal BJPs General Secretary and state office-in-charge, Shashi Agnihotri, issued an organisational order stating, State President Samik Bhattacharya has appointed Priti Nonia as a State Spokesperson of the BJP, West Bengal. Samik Bhattacharya also extended warm congratulations on her appointment and best wishes for the new responsibility. Notably, Priti Chauhan is a resident of Asansol district and a journalist by profession. She currently resides in Delhi. The appointment comes into effect with immediate effect, said the official release. Following her appointment, Priti Nonia also took to her social media handle on Facebook to express gratitude to the party leadership as well as special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bestowing upon her the responsibility. I express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the top leadership and the organisation of Bharatiya Janata Party for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as a spokesperson for the BJP in West Bengal, she said in a post on Facebook. Nonia, making special mention of PM Modi, party national president Nitin Nabin, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and others, added that it was a matter of great fortune and pride for her to have the opportunity to work under the guidance and leadership of the esteemed leaders. I shall work with complete loyalty, dedication, and commitment to ensure that the organisations ideals, spirit of service, and commitment to public welfare reach every individual, she said further in the FB post.
FairPoint: Rahul Gandhi and the desperation of a dethroned prince
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Rahul Gandhi sitting in the front seat of an open bus, with other Opposition leaders behind him, and a man wearing saffron headgear running barefoot with a fluttering Tricolour; the scene could not have been more dramatic. The Ramlila Maidan provided even more eye-catching moments, with thousands of people, mainly from Congress-ruled states, turning up to show solidarity on an issue that Rahul Gandhi wants to turn into a movement for regime change. In an age when spectacles have become favourites on social media and the number of views and clicks matters so much, Rahul Gandhi's event could certainly be termed interesting. But success in the virtual world is quite different from the ground reality. The ground situation is not as rosy as the viral reels and social media posts might suggest. The recent MLC elections in 28 seats across four states offer a reality check. These were not elections fought in the illusory world of social media. The truth is that the Congress won just one seat, and that too largely because of the candidate's own standing rather than any political appeal that Rahul Gandhi might have generated. Earlier, during the Bihar elections, Rahul Gandhi tried his best to make the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) an issue but failed to get the response he was looking for. The people voted in large numbers and handed victory to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA. Then why is he sticking to this issue and trying to create a wave, believing that ordinary voters, who have been casting their votes, will buy his claims? The answer perhaps lies with Rahul Gandhi himself and those who were sitting in that open bus and attending his rally at the Ramlila Maidan. Consider the leaders who have rallied behind him. Mamata Banerjee, who lost the West Bengal Assembly elections; the Left, which lost its hold in Kerala; Akhilesh Yadav, who is trying to regain his political foothold in Uttar Pradesh; Mehbooba Mufti, whose party suffered electoral setbacks in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls; and Farooq Abdullah, whose party is grappling with internal discord. Then there are Sanjay Raut and Supriya Sule, whose respective parties lost power in Maharashtra. Rahul Gandhi's mission, and that of those supporting him, seems to be focused on one objective: discrediting a legitimately elected government. With each passing day, this impression is becoming more apparent. Rahul Gandhi seems to be in a hurry to reclaim something that he believes belongs to him. Whether it is questioning the Election Commission, challenging electoral mandates, or organising a mock Parliament to target constitutional authorities, his recent political activities suggest an Opposition leader who is unwilling to accept the limitations of his present position. His stated political objective seems to be to dislodge the government at the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has identified his targets and made them known publicly: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Modi. There is nothing wrong with criticising the government or the ruling party. It is the Opposition's job to question the government, raise its voice and hold the ruling dispensation accountable. It is also perfectly legitimate to seek a change in government. But in India, a change of government can only come through the electoral process or a change in the political equations that sustain a coalition government. What Rahul Gandhi has been doing of late reflects what can only be described as the desperation of a prince who has been dethroned. Instead of focusing on getting his own and his party's act together, he seems more inclined towards discrediting others than proving his own worth. Perhaps he believes that this kind of politics can help him create the wave among the masses that he has so far failed to generate. Former Supreme Court judge (Retd.) Markandey Katju described Rahul Gandhi's paradox as that of he mad wannabe King of India. It is worth recalling that, despite the Gandhi family not having a Prime Minister in office between May 2004 and May 2014, it was widely seen as exercising considerable influence in the UPA government. And no one can forget the moment when Rahul Gandhi, at a press conference on September 27, 2013, denounced and dismissed a controversial ordinance proposed by his own party's UPA government, then led by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He described it as complete nonsense that should be torn up and thrown away. He even tore up a copy of the ordinance while the then Prime Minister was on an official visit to the United States. More than 13 years later, similar political theatrics seem to be playing out again. Rahul Gandhi's repeated attacks on constitutional institutions, even as he makes a show of carrying a pocket-sized copy of the Constitution, are quite paradoxical. The Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court and the office of the Prime Minister are all important pillars of our constitutional framework. They are certainly not above scrutiny or criticism. But attempting to create mass hysteria through allegations that have yet to be substantiated is hardly the way to demonstrate respect for the Constitution. Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi made some striking remarks during his speech in Gujarat on 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'. He mentioned that certain forces were continuously engaged in conspiracies to divide the nation. He said that attempts were being made to divide and pit against one another the children of Mother India. He also added that, after more than a decade of frustration and disappointment, these people had now come out in the open. We must identify who is secretly meeting whom abroad, which anti-India forces are supporting whom, and who is speaking the language of India's enemies. We must recognise these patterns. We must unite and confront them. Especially the way social media is being used as a weapon, the way rumours are being spread, and the efforts being made to damage India's image, all citizens must come together to deal with these challenges, he said. These are serious statements and point to concerns that have been expressed repeatedly by many. If foreign elements are indeed involved in pushing agendas and creating instability in India, it is high time the government exposed them and placed the evidence in the public domain. Without naming anyone, PM Modi's remarks offered enough hints to invite questions. Why have constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, the Supreme Court and even the Armed Forces, repeatedly come under attack? Are these attacks merely part of domestic political sparring, or is there a larger story that needs to be examined? The government must investigate and bring the facts into the public domain. After all, a dethroned prince may continue to dream of reclaiming his throne, but in India's democracy, it is the people who decide who gets to occupy it. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
2024 Election Was Stolen: Rahul Gandhi Vows Action Against Gyanesh Kumar At INDIA Bloc Rally
Rahul Gandhi has escalated his attack on the Election Commission and the BJP at the INDIA blocs mega rally in Delhi. Claiming that 15 per cent of Indias voters were removed from electoral rolls after the 2024 elections, Rahul called the poll illegal and stolen. He vowed that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would be removed and claimed that he would go to jail. Rahul also said legal action would be taken against Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Gyanesh Kumar. However, he stressed that he does not hate them and declared: We are people who open the shop of love, not hatred. He said the Opposition would fight to protect the Constitution and democracy.
Delhi Police rescued a 13-year-old boy within three hours after a man allegedly kidnapped him and demanded Rs 40,000 from his mother. Officers transferred Rs 5,000 through the accused's UPI barcode to trace the transaction to a Karawal Nagar cybercafe and lure him back for arrest.
Thousands join Indian opposition protest demanding poll chief's resignation
Thousands protested in Delhi on Sunday to demand the resignation of India's election chief over a revision of voter lists, the latest in more than a month of opposition demonstrations challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Led by Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the opposition Congress Party, Sunday's protesters
Rahul Gandhi says CEC Gyanesh Kumar will go to 'jail' over 'vote chori'
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday headlined the INDIA bloc's rally here to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, vowing to save democracy and the Constitution by ensuring that the poll panel Chief faces trial and goes to jail for vote chori. Addressing the bloc's 'Dilli Chalo' rally, Rahul Gandhi said the heft by Gyanesh Kumar is not a normal theft. The vote chori carried out by him (CEC Gyanesh Kumar) is of the 'rarest of rare' category in legal terms, he added. Accusing the CEC of executing vote theft using EVMs and removal of 13.5 crore names from electoral rolls, Rahul Gandhi said, What Gyanesh Kumar has done for PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah tantamounts to treason and theft of the voice of every citizen. He added that apart from the CEC, PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will also have to face consequences for attacking the Constitution and democracy. While Home Minister Shah announces that PM Modi is not going anywhere, we want to tell them that we will not let them )PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah) go anywhere till they face the consequences of their acts, Rahul Gandhi said while making insinuations about rigging in 2024 Lok Sabha and several Assembly polls. He said the large gathering at Ramlila Maidan represents the voice of youth, farmers and workers who have sent a strong message to those doing Vote chori that they will fight and defeat them. The people who have gathered here are sending the message that no matter who you are or how powerful and wealthy you are, you are not bigger than the Constitution. The Constitution is supreme, Rahul Gandhi said, describing the gathering as a collective show of strength to save democracy. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said that CEC Gyanesh Kumar, PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are experiencing sleepless nights due to their collective sin of vote chori and the imminent consequences that they will face. The Prime Minister, Home Minister Amit Shah and CEC Gyanesh Kumar have attacked the soul, democracy and Constitution of the nation but we will not tolerate this, Rahul Gandhi said, adding that the citizens do not want a nation of hatred, violence or a country controlled by a few wealthy people. He accused the Union government and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of controlling national institutions and government agencies. Claiming that he has no enemies and that he believes in brotherhood and non-violence, Rahul Gandhi revived his favourite catchline Mohabat ki Dukan, assuring the thousands of supporters at the venue that Mohabat ki Dukan is about to reopen soon.
Mamata Banerjee Calls for Unity Against BJP at Delhi Rally
Mamata Banerjee urges opposition unity against BJP at a major rally in Delhi, emphasizing the need to protect democracy. Mamata Banerjee Calls for Unity Against BJP at Delhi Rally
Gyanesh Kumar Will Go To Jail: Rahul Gandhi Calls 2024 Polls Illegal At Delhi Rally
This theft of votes is no ordinary theft. This is the theft of every voice of India. This is called treason, Rahul Gandhi said at the INDIA bloc rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, speaking in Hindi.
Nanis Bloody Romeo shooting videos from Delhi go viral
Huma Qureshi's Political Drama Maharani Season 5 Eyes January 2027 Release: Report
The political drama has reportedly wrapped filming across Delhi, Bhopal and Ladakh.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during the INDIA bloc's mega rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday.
Congress Should Apologise For 1984: BJPs Nitin Nabin Slams Party As INDIA Bloc Holds Delhi Rally
BJP president Nitin Nabin invokes Rajiv Gandhi's controversial remark on the 1984 anti-Sikh violence while accusing Congress of undermining democratic institutions ahead of the INDIA bloc's Delhi rally.
BJP chief leads counter-rally against INDIA bloc march
BJP chief Nitin Nabin criticised the Congress and the INDIA bloc's Delhi rally, accusing them of targeting constitutional institutions due to electoral frustration. He highlighted the irony of the protest coinciding with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots anniversary, urging Congress to apologise instead. Nabin also challenged Congress to establish internal democracy.
Mamata Banerjee Meets CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Ahead Of INDIA Bloc Rally
Mamata Banerjee met Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke in Delhi ahead of the INDIA bloc rally, praising the outfit's movement against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and inviting its members to visit Bengal.
Neha Bora Backs INDIA Bloc Campaign Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Student activist Neha Bora backed the INDIA bloc's campaign seeking the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar at a symbolic public impeachment programme in New Delhi, accusing him of undermining India's democracy.
THE MEMBERS OF Parliament of the INDIA Janbandhan (Peoples Alliance) representing over 60% of the population of India and citizens assembled in New Delhi on October 31, 2026, affirming their firmest commitment to universal adult franchise as enshrined in Article 326 of the Constitution of India that is under the gravest threat by the actions of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, hereby resolve that he be impeached on the following charges: Charge I : The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, has overseen and participated in a devious and malevolent criminal conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to steal National and State elections. He has willingly broken the rule of law by allowing them to access voter rolls, to delete and add voters at will and manipulate the outcome of the elections. He is guilty of operationalizing a premeditated attack on the electoral process that is the very foundation of Indias democracy. This is a criminal act and an act of treason against the nation and the Constitution of India. Charge II: The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, is directly responsible for a manipulated, truncated and destructive Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Rolls. He has ensured the intentional deletion of 13.2 crore voters, depriving them of the fundamental right to vote guaranteed to them by the Constitution of India, in a manner that is partisan, opaque and flagrantly violative of natural justice. This is a criminal act and an act of treason against the nation and the Constitution of India. Charge III : The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, is guilty of illegally, without Parliamentary oversight or knowledge, having amended Form 6 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, thereby entering into a criminal conspiracy to prevent the enrollment of first-time voters and stealing from them the fundamental right to vote guaranteed by the Constitution of India effectively negating their rights as citizens of India. This is an act of treason against the nation and the Constitution of India. Charge IV : The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, is guilty of illegally centralizing control over the electoral rolls in the ECI, through the malicious use of the ERONET/ECINET software, with the aim to delete voters and to prevent local EROs from adding legitimate voters. This is a criminal attempt to tamper with the process of free and fair elections upon which the democratic framework of India is founded. It is an act of treason against the nation and the Constitution of India. Charge V : The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, is guilty of having willfully violated the law along with seven associates in the Election Commission of India while deliberately and unlawfully excluding the other two Election Commissioners from decision making, prompting them to place no less than 14 objections on record. This is a clear infringement of the mandate of the Election Commission as laid down by the Constitution of India and an act of treason against the nation and the Constitution of India. Charge VI : The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, has breached his constitutional mandate to act in an independent capacity to ensure free and fair elections and uphold the Constitution of India. He has repeatedly attacked the opposition, denied it hearing, locked the Election Commission of India to prevent leaders from pleading their case and watched in silence as opposition leaders were illegally disqualified, prevented from fighting elections and brutally assaulted on the streets outside his office. In return for this shameful compliance with the ruling BJP, several of Mr. Gyanesh Kumars family members have received benefits and considerations including by way of plum postings and unprecedented opportunities for remuneration. By acting brazenly against his constitutional mandate at the behest of the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi and Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar has betrayed the trust and faith of the Indian people. He has willfully undermined the rule of law and participated in a criminal conspiracy to manipulate and falsify the results of democratically held elections that are the bedrock of Indias democracy. These are acts of treason against the nation and the Constitution of India. In the light of the above facts, it is clear that lifelong legal protection provided to the Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Gyanesh Kumar by Prime Minister Narendra Modis government in December 2023, were intended as a cover for the criminal activities enacted by him against the nation and the Constitution of India and that he must be removed forthwith. The Members of Parliament of the INDIA Janbandhan representing over 60% of the population of India and citizens assembled in New Delhi on October 31, 2026, resolve that for this gross betrayal of the people of India the Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, must be tried for treason in a court of law in accordance with the legal framework of the Constitution of India.
