Delhi

Odisha DCM Pravati Parida Meets Annapurna Devi at MWCD Summit on Women and Child Development

Odishas Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida joined Union Minister Annapurna Devi in New Delhi on Wednesday for a two-day national summit aimed at tightening coordination on nutrition, child protection, womens safety and empowerment programmes. The Departmental Summit of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, running on 89 October 2026, has brought together ministers and [] The post Odisha DCM Pravati Parida Meets Annapurna Devi at MWCD Summit on Women and Child Development appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Delhi Liquor Shops To Stay Shut Tomorrow And Day After Amid Opposition Protests

The order, issued by the Delhi government's Excise Department on Thursday, comes as the city braces for another round of protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

7,000 CRPF personnel pulled from Chattisgarh, Bengal deployed in Delhi ahead of CJPs October 10 protest

CRPF personnel asked to carry latest anti-riot equipment, operational-scale weapons, and prescribed ammunition; Home Minister Amit Shah stays put in Delhi to monitor the situation, cancels all visits outside Delhi

All liquor shops in Delhi to remain shut for 2 days in view of CJP protest: 'Preventive measure for public order'

Delhi government has ordered liquor stores across the city to remain closed on October 9 and 10 as a preventive measure to maintain public order amid ongoing protests over alleged vote theft. Over 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed ahead of the CJP's October 10 protest call at Jantar Mantar.

Gold, silver imports by banks, nominated agencies to attract 3 pc IGST

New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) Gold, silver and platinum imports by banks and nominated agencies attract 3 per cent IGST effective April 1, 2026, Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava said on Thursday. The Government notified the GST Council on Thursday that the list of designated banks and agencies that attract IGST exemptions on gold and precious metal imports has not been extended beyond March 31, 2026, Shrivastava said. This is done to ensure parity of taxes imposed on gold and other precious metal imports through other routes, including bullion. Gold, silver and platinum imports attract a 3 per cent IGST, but

Mumbai-based activist and ASIF delegation allege detention by State police

All India Students Federation (AISF) members alleged that police attempted to arbitrarily detain a student delegation travelling aboard the 12779 Goa Express from Pune to New Delhi.

25 years after toppling the Taliban, Washington dealing with regime it never recognised

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Taliban, driven from power by a US-led invasion that began October 7, 2001, is once again the ruler of Afghanistan, and Washington finds itself engaging with the same movement over issues ranging from prisoners release to the fate of billions of dollars worth of military equipment left behind during its military withdrawal in 2021. When the US troops withdrew from Afghanistan, they left behind armaments and vehicles that today remain in contention between Kabul and Washington. It has been 25 years since the invasion by a United States-led coalition in response to the September 11 attacks (9/11) carried out by Al Qaeda. The war began with NATO forces launching Operation Enduring Freedom against Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The immediate objective was to dismantle Al Qaeda, whose leader, Osama bin Laden, had orchestrated 9/11 reportedly from Afghan territory under the-then Talibans protection. What began as an air campaign was followed by America's longest war of over two decades, with successive US administrations pouring vast military, political, and economic resources into rebuilding Afghanistan and maintaining security. International donors funded roads, schools, hospitals, telecommunication networks, and government institutions. Afghan children, including girls barred from education under Taliban rule, entered schools. New universities emerged, private media flourished, and Kabul was transformed from a battered capital into a rapidly expanding city with office buildings, shopping centres, fast food outlets, and modern infrastructure. Despite these visible changes, the war never truly ended. The Taliban regrouped and steadily expanded its influence, especially in rural areas, expanding through provinces. The resurgent Taliban was said to have been supported by Al Qaeda and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), among other militant groups. By the late 2010s, Washington increasingly sought a negotiated exit from the conflict. That effort culminated in the Doha Agreement signed on February 29, 2020, between the United States and the Taliban during President Donald Trump's first administration. The accord committed Washington to withdraw all foreign forces in exchange for Taliban counterterrorism guarantees and participation in negotiations within Afghanistan. Notably, the accord was signed in Doha by Taliban leaders, and some reports claimed that the Afghan government was not a direct party to the agreement. Under the pact, US troops were reduced significantly, while air operations against the Taliban also declined. This allegedly led to weakening the morale of the then-Afghan security forces and contributed to a growing sense that the United States was preparing to leave regardless of ground conditions. President Joe Biden ultimately implemented the final withdrawal. After sweeping through provincial capitals, Taliban fighters finally entered Kabul on August 15, 2021. No country has granted official recognition to the current administration in Afghanistan except Russia, though many maintain relations over security interests and supply humanitarian aid. According to Pentagon assessments, equipment worth approximately $7 billion, including aircraft, vehicles and hundreds of thousands of weapons, ultimately fell into Taliban hands, say reports. The group has since displayed much of the equipment in military parades and now reportedly uses some of it for security operations. Today, Washington continues to engage Kabuls present regime over the fate of detainees and armament, even as it refuses to formally recognise the government. Following the release of American academic Dennis Coyle earlier this year, reports quoted US officials that efforts were ongoing to secure the return of at least two other Americans. Afghan media reported last month that according to Kabul, military equipment left behind by US forces is now the property of the government and that Afghanistan is not seeking to negotiate or bargain over it. Responding to US demands for the return of the equipment, Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for Afghanistans Foreign Ministry, reportedly said that the United States killed many people in the country during the war and destroyed large parts, and should pay for the consequences of its actions. A quarter-century after American bombs first struck Taliban positions, the movement the US once sought to destroy governs Afghanistan again, leaving Washington negotiating with the regime it clearly declares as not having recognised.

India eases punitive rules under GST regime

New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) MUMBAI, Oct 8 (Reuters) Indias Goods and Services Tax Council, a body of federal and state government officials, made a series of changes to rules on Thursday, limiting punitive powers of tax officials in cases of GST offences. Businesses across India have complained about stringent tax practices and sought better ease of doing business. Here are the details of the outcomes from the GST Council meeting, according to a government release. The power of arrest is being removed from GST The threshold for prosecution for GST offences has been raised to 50 million rupees

15-Min Promise To Traffic Chaos: What Went Wrong With Delhis Barapullah Phase 3?

Delhis Barapullah Phase III was built to cut travel time between Mayur Vihar and South Delhi, but within days of its opening, the new corridor became a major traffic bottleneck. The six-lane stretch funnels multiple traffic streams into the older, narrower Barapullah network at Sarai Kale Khan, where eight to nine lanes reportedly converge into just three. Traffic from Mayur Vihar, the Sundial loop and DND side further adds pressure. Experts say the situation highlights the funnel effect, induced demand and Braess Paradox, where adding road capacity can shift congestion instead of eliminating it. The Delhi Traffic Police has also flagged inaccurate Google Maps traffic updates. Authorities are now considering a U-turn, road modifications and other short-term measures to ease the congestion.

PM Modi welcomes fresh round of GST reforms

New Delhi, Oct 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the new round of GST reforms approved by the GST Council and said its focus was to take faster decisions, lower compliance costs and automated refunds. The prime minister also said that the GST Council's recommendations on removal of arrest provisions, greater decriminalisation and simpler procedures will have a very positive impact. The GST Council on Thursday approved removing the arrest power of tax officials and raising the threshold for prosecution fivefold to Rs 5 crore, while introducing faster and largely automated refunds for taxpayers. I welcome the new round of GST reforms approved by the GST Council, Modi said in a post on X. The focus is clear: Faster decisions. Lower compliance costs. Automated refunds. Trust-based administration, he said. Modi said these are in line with the government's constant efforts to make GST more efficient, transparent and citizen-friendly. Announcing the decisions taken at the 57th meeting of the GST Council, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it also decided to bring down the general penalty from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10,000.

Ahead of CJP protest, Delhi govt shuts down liquor vends on Oct 9, 10

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) In a preventive measure for maintaining public order ahead of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, the Delhi government has ordered all city liquor vends to remain closed for two days, starting from Friday, an official said. The Delhi Excise Department, in a circular issued on Thursday, said, The closure has been ordered as a preventive measure to maintain public order, based on the prevailing situation and inputs received from Delhi Police. The order applies to liquor vends operating under specified licences, including L6, L6FG, L8, L10 and L14. The news about the circular, issued by Deputy Commissioner (Excise)/Licensing Authority Tanvir Ahmad, spread fast in the national capital on Thursday with regular customers lining up outside government vends to stock up for the two-day closure. The state government's decision to shut liquor vends followed inputs from Delhi Police about possible disturbance of law and order by drunk protesters during the demonstration planned by CJP to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged discrepancies in the poll body. The Abhijeet Dipke-led CJP movement has planned protests across the nation over a number of days. In Delhi, the CJP aims to hold a protest on October 10 at Jantar Mantar, where it held a similar protest in July against wrongdoings in exams. Meanwhile, Delhi Police Crime Branch has started investigating the violence that broke out during the CJP protest in July and registered a case under relevant sections of the law, sources said on Thursday. The Crime Branch sources said the probe will focus on the role of those responsible for the violence that broke out in New Delhi on July 20. The Crime Branch will specifically investigate whether the violence was premeditated or whether criminal elements entered the protest sites when the CJP called for a march to Parliament. On the directions of the Supreme Court, Delhi Police has already cancelled 17 FIRs related to the violence. The Crime Branch will now specifically probe the violence, which involved assaults on police personnel, vandalism and destruction of public property, including police vehicles. On July 20, a large number of protesters gathered in and around Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Around 30,000 people took to the streets and attempted to march toward Parliament demanding action against paper leaks and other examination-related irregularities.

Threat videos surface ahead of October 10 Jantar Mantar protest; Delhi Police say monitoring posts

Videos allegedly call for men to reach Jantar Mantar with batons and confront protesters; CJP urges Delhi Police to prevent right-wing extremists from entering the protest zone

CAPF Act 2026 takes effect today: Executive rule codified for IPS cadre reservation amid retired officers' pushback

New Delhi [India] October 8 (ANI): The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 (9 of 2026), officially came into force on Thursday, establishing a statutory framework to regulate recruitment and service conditions for Group A General Duty officers and personnel across the CAPFs. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued the enforcement notification under sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Act: In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 (9 of 2026), the Central Government hereby appoints the 08th day of October, 2026, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force. The legislation previously received presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu on April 9, after passing through the Rajya Sabha on April 1 and the Lok Sabha on April 2. Top command postings in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will now be governed by explicit statutory l...

BJP launching election campaign through investigative agencies, says Punjab CM

Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 8 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raid at his camp office here, saying it signals that the state elections will be held on time, and accusing the BJP of launching its election campaign in the state through investigative agencies. Pointing to similar raids ahead of elections in Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, Mann said no amount of raids would yield even a rupee of corruption against the Aam Aadmi Party government, asserting that he had entered politics to serve Punjabis, not to loot Punjab. The CBI search at the Chief Minister's Camp Office itself means that the Punjab Assembly elections will be held on time. The BJP has started preparing for the elections in Punjab and has chosen to begin its election campaign through the CBI, Chief Minister Mann told the media. The Chief Minister said that the BJP was trying to create fear and tarnish the image of an elected government through central investigative agencies. But no matter how many raids they conduct, they will not find even a single rupee of corruption with us. We are neither afraid of these actions nor will we allow them (BJP) to divert us (AAP) from our commitment to the people of Punjab. We have entered politics to serve Punjabis, not to loot Punjab, he added. Chief Minister Mann said, Our politics is about giving people their rights, creating employment, strengthening public services and putting Punjab back on the path of progress. We have come into politics with a commitment to serve the people and transform the state. He added that the people of Punjab had repeatedly rejected politics based on fear and intimidation. They (BJP) can conduct raids, send agencies and create pressure, but they cannot raid the hearts of Punjabis or silence their voice. The people of Punjab will continue to stand with truth and development, he said.

Over 400,000 New Voter Registrations in Delhi Amid Special Review Period

Delhis Chief Electoral Officer reports over 400,000 new voter registrations during the special review period, encouraging eligible citizens to register. Over 400,000 New Voter Registrations in Delhi Amid Special Review Period

Fenesta Open: Sureshkumar, Sinha set up semi-final clash; partner to reach doubles final

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Defending champion and top seed Manish Sureshkumar battled past Parth Aggarwal in a three-set thriller, while third seed Nitin Sinha also advanced to the semi-finals at the 31st Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship here on Thursday. Sureshkumar, who was stretched physically during the contest, recovered from a 3-0 deficit in the deciding set to beat Aggarwal 6-1, 5-7, and 7-5 after nearly three hours of action. I think I started feeling a little weak physically. There was no energy in my legs. I was somehow trying to push myself and try to do my best. I thought the second set would be very crucial to finish it off in straight sets. I was also down in the third set, but Im glad that I was able to find a way and get through, Sureshkumar said. I just tried to stay there because the match can turn at any point in time. He might get nervous, or something like that could happen. I was just trying not to give up and trying my best, and Im glad that it worked in the end, he added. Sureshkumar will face his doubles partner Sinha in the last four after the third seed defeated eighth seed Rohan Mehra 7-6 (7-5) in two hours and 22 minutes. I think it was a good match and a lot of ups and downs in both sets. I just tried to focus on every single point and try to focus more on my service points and see how it goes, Sinha said. Sureshkumar and Sinha later combined to reach the mens doubles final, defeating fourth seeds Jagmeet Singh and Parth Aggarwal 6-1, 6-4. The top-seeded pair will take on Srikar Doni and Rohith Gobinath in Fridays final. Suraj R Prabodh, who had earlier knocked out second seed Aditya Balsekar, continued his impressive run with a 6-3, 6-4 win over R Jaisinghani. He will face sixth seed Maan Kesharwani, who defeated Pranav Karthik 6-2, 6-4. In the womens singles, top seed and two-time champion Vaidehee Chaudhari overcame a second-set setback to beat fifth seed Aditi Rawat 6-0, 1-6, 6-2 and book her semi-final spot. In the second set, she played really well. I played badly, but she played really well. And in the third set, I was 1-2 down, but I hung in there, and I won five straight games. I was just thinking, lets hang in there and just focus on one point, Chaudhari said. Chaudhari will meet fourth seed Sonal Patil, who edged past Laxmi Siri Dandu 7-6 (8-6), 6-4. Second seed Shruti Ahlawat defeated eighth seed Sohini Mohanty 6-4, 6-4 to set up a semi-final against unseeded Soha Sadiq. Sadiq advanced after third seed Akanksha Nitture retired while trailing 0-3 in the opening set due to an upper-limb spasm. In the junior events, seventh seed Aahan Aahan stunned top seed Savitha Bhuvaneswaran 6-4, 6-2 in the girls U-18 singles quarter-finals. Second seed Parthsarthi Mundhe and Harsha Oruganti also reached the last four, while Riddhi Shinde ousted third seed Shreeniti Chowdhury 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 6-2. In the boys U-18 singles, fourth seed Om Ramesh Patel, 15th seed Yashwin Dahiya, unseeded Srikar Doni and Ribhav Saroha advanced to the semi-finals. The U-18 doubles finals are also set. Top seeds Praneel Sharma and Aditya Mor will face third seeds. Raghav Sarode and Om Ramesh Patel are in the boys final, while fourth seeds Sree Syleswari Velmanikandan and Riddhi Shinde will take on third seeds Sanmitha Harini and Savitha Bhuvaneswaran in the girls final. Results: Mens singles quarterfinals: Manish Sureshkumar [1] def. Parth Aggarwal 6-1, 5-7, 7-5 Nitin Sinha [3] def. Rohan Mehra [8] 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 Maan Kesharwani [6] def. Pranav Karthik 6-2, 6-4 Suraj R Prabodh def. R Jaisinghani 6-3, 6-4 Womens singles quarterfinals: Vaidehee Chaudhari [1] def. Aditi Rawat [5]: 6-0, 1-6, 6-2 Shruti Ahlawat [2] def. Sohini Mohanty [8] 6-4, 6-4 Soha Sadiq def. Akanksha Nitture [3] 3-0 retired. Sonal Patil [4] def. Laxmi Siri Dandu 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 Mens doubles semifinals: Manish Sureshkumar [1]/ Nitin Kumar Sinha [1] def. Jagmeet Singh [4] / Parth Aggarwal [4] 6-1, 6-4 Rohith Gobinath / Srikar Doni def. Aditya Balsekar [3] / Pranav Karthik [3] 6-3, 2-6, 10-6 Womens doubles semifinals: Aishwarya Jadhav / Aakruti Sonkusare def. Arzan Khorakiwala/Akansha Ghosh 6=2, 7-5 Lakshmi Arunkumar / Samhitha Chamarthi vs Sonal Patil [3] / Pooja Ingale [3] Boys U-18 singles quarterfinals: Om Ramesh Patel [4] def. Aditya Mor 6-4, 6-2 Srikar Doni def. Raghav Sarode [12] 6-2, 6-2 Yashwin Dahiya [15] def. Veer Jiten Madam 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 Ribhav Saroha def. N Badrinarayanan 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 Girls U-18 singles quarterfinals: Aahan Aahan [7] def. S Bhuvaneswaran [1] 6-4, 6-2 Parthsarthi Mundhe [2] def. Iha Joshi 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 Riddhi Shinde def. Shreeniti Chowdhury [3] 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 6-2 Harsha Oruganti def. Anjhalle Meka 6-1, 6-1 Boys U-18 doubles semifinals: Praneel Sharma / Aditya Mor [1] def. Veer Jiten Madam/Ribhav Saroha 6-2, 0-6, 10-5 Raghav Sarode/Om Ramesh Patel [3] def. Prateek Sheoran/Kushagra Arora 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 10-8 Girls U-18 doubles semifinals: Sree Syleswari Velmanikandan / Riddhi Shinde [4] def. Ranjhana Sangram / Sarena Gahlot 6-1, 6-2 Sanmitha Harini / S Bhuvaneswaran [3] def. Shibani Gupte / Tanusshri Sathesh [2] 6-3, 6-1

Andhra Pradesh secured Rs 22 lakh crore investment in 28 months: Chandrababu Naidu

Digital Desk | New Delhi/Amaravati, Oct 8 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh secured investments totalling Rs 22 lakh crore during the past 28 months, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu said on Thursday. The state government is moving forward with the Build AP motto, aiming to transform Andhra Pradesh into the country's premier destination for investments, industries, and employment generation, he said at the CII Partnership Summit 2026 curtain-raiser event in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. According to an official release, Naidu briefed industrialists on investment opportunities in the state, the support provided by the Centre, ongoing projects across various sectors, and the future roadmap. The Chief Minister noted that agreements worth Rs 13.50 lakh crore were signed during the partnership summit held last year, emphasising that the focus is not merely on signing MoUs but on converting them into tangible investments. He said prominent companies, such as ArcelorMittal and Google, are setting up operations in Andhra Pradesh. The industrial incentives escrow account, as previously declared, would be launched on November 12-13, he said, and revealed that the NALA Act, which posed a hurdle to investments, has been repealed. He affirmed that Andhra Pradesh is ready to immediately implement any policy that fosters state progress. The Chief Minister noted that Speed of Doing Business is being implemented to capitalise on the immense opportunities available in the agriculture, industrial, and service sectors. He stated that interconnecting the Godavari, Krishna, Penna, Tungabhadra, and Cauvery rivers would eliminate water scarcity for Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. He mentioned the goal of transforming Rayalaseema into a global horticulture hub and reiterated the aim of making Andhra Pradesh a gateway to Southeast Asia. He told investors that agreements for generating 110 gigawatts of power have already been signed as part of the 500-gigawatt green energy target and mentioned plans to establish a green energy transmission corridor. He further revealed that Mazagon Dockyard Limited has come forward to set up a shipbuilding centre at Dugarajapatnam, while Goa Shipyard has agreed to establish a shipbuilding facility at Machilipatnam. He highlighted that the state's revenue has increased significantly due to the implementation of AI-based technology in GST tax collection. CM Naidu also requested the Central government to establish an international-standard convention centre to host CII partnership summits. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is playing a key role in strengthening the nation across all sectors. He congratulated the Prime Minister for his 25 years of uninterrupted public service. He noted that the Prime Minister played a pivotal role in establishing digital infrastructure across the country. He made a mention of India ranking second globally in terms of its magnificent road network and holding a significant position in its railway network. He stated that the Central government and Prime Minister Modi have been proactive in supporting Andhra Pradesh, providing financial assistance for various projects, including the Polavaram project and the construction of the Amaravati capital. Union Minister Goyal stated that Andhra Pradesh plays a crucial role in India's development journey and remains a key destination for entrepreneurs and industrialists. He praised visionary leader Chandrababu Naidu for embracing technology as early as 1998 and creating vast opportunities within the state. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi and the Central government are extending full support for Andhra Pradesh's development as a 'Sunrise State.' He noted that a Google data centre is being established in Visakhapatnam, alongside a Quantum Computing Valley in Amaravati. He emphasised that the Centre and the states are working together as 'Team India' for the nation's development. He observed that Andhra Pradesh is attracting massive investments by leveraging the opportunities provided by the Centre. He appealed to industrialists to attend the investment summit in Visakhapatnam and explore investment opportunities in the state. CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee and President R. Mukundan participated in the meeting.

Delhis LG Inaugurates DDA Sports Cup Hockey Tournament

The DDA Sports Cup Hockey Tournament kicks off in New Delhi, promoting fitness and sports among youth. Delhis LG Inaugurates DDA Sports Cup Hockey Tournament

CBI arrests 4 imposters who wrote bank job exams on behalf of candidates

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday busted an impersonation and cheating network operating across Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal and arrested four key operatives, including one CGST Inspector, who undermined the integrity of public examinations for bank jobs. The CBI had registered a First Information Report (FIR) registered on a complaint filed by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), a statement said. The CBI Special Task Branch Mumbai executed coordinated, multi-state raids and arrested four individuals who fraudulently infiltrated multiple stages of the selection process, including written examinations and interviews by physically posing as candidates, the statement added. The imposters appeared in exams, on behalf of original candidates, undermining the integrity of public examinations and depriving genuine, hardworking aspirants of their rightful opportunities, the CBI said. In a separate case, the CBI arrested the Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Madhya Pradesh's ltarsi, and a middleman on October 7 in a bribery case. The CBI registered the case immediately on allegations that the accused demanded an undue advantage of Rs 3 lakh from Bhopal-based firms which were awarded the renovation work at the school. The bribe amount was demanded for releasing payment of pending bills -- amounting to Rs 8 lakh -- of the firms pertaining to work orders issued to these firms by school through Government e-Marketplace (GeM), a CBI statement said. The CBI laid a trap and caught the accused Principal Shraddha Pathak and middleman while accepting an undue advantage of Rs 3 lakh. Searches were conducted at the residential and office premises of the accused in Itarsi and Agra and property-related documents have been seized. The complaint was filed by Rishi Jain whose firm R.J. International Supplier was awaiting release of payment from Pathak. The CBI's Bhopal Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), verified the complaint received from Jain on October 6 in the presence of independent witness, the statement said. During the said verification, demand of Rs 3 lakh in lieu of releasing of payment of pending bills on the part of Shraddha Pathak, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Itarsi, was confirmed, the CBI FIR said, which was filed after approval from Ganga Ram Punia, CBI/Special Police Establishment's Superintendent of Police of Bhopal ACB.

Mansukh Mandaviya lauds Manipuri athletes, agrees to visit Manipur and National Sports University

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Manipuri players for their performance at the recently concluded Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, during a meeting with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in New Delhi. Mandaviya also agreed to visit Manipur and the National Sports University in Imphal shortly.

Delhi Police Uncovers Inter-State Racket Producing Fake Disability Certificates, Nine Arrested

Delhi Police has arrested nine individuals involved in a scheme to create fake disability certificates for college admissions. Delhi Police Uncovers Inter-State Racket Producing Fake Disability Certificates, Nine Arrested

Mamata Banerjee likely to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on October 10

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she is likely to join opposition INDIA bloc protests at Delhis Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She also expressed concern over Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, and said she has sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu.

States welcome GST reforms, focus on ease of doing business

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) States have welcomed the decisions taken at the 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Thursday, describing the latest reforms as an important step towards simplifying the tax regime, easing compliance and addressing the concerns faced by businesses and taxpayers. The meeting, which focused largely on procedural and structural reforms, drew positive reactions from finance ministers and chief ministers of several states, who said the changes would make the GST framework more efficient while improving ease of doing business. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said one of the key strengths of the GST Council is that it brings states together to discuss ways to make the tax framework simpler and provide greater convenience to citizens. She said the meeting also focused on improving the implementation of GST and making the system more effective for taxpayers. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also welcomed the reforms, saying the measures would help reduce difficulties faced by people and make the overall GST system more convenient. West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said GST has remained beneficial for states such as West Bengal, with a significant share of the state's revenue coming from the tax. He said the latest structural reforms placed considerable emphasis on rationalising various provisions and strengthening the ease of doing business. Such measures, he added, would provide long-term benefits to states by making the system easier to operate. Dasgupta also acknowledged that ensuring compliance with GST rules had often been a challenge for the state, but said awareness around compliance had improved. He described the Council's deliberations as highly positive. Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said the GST Council has consistently served as an appropriate forum for addressing grievances raised by businesses and simplifying procedures. He praised the efforts of the Central government and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to make the GST system more taxpayer-friendly and protect businesses from unnecessary difficulties. Khanna also recalled the rate rationalisation undertaken at the September 3 meeting, saying it had provided relief to the common people without compromising government revenues. He said the latest meeting shifted the focus towards easing procedures for businesses, particularly in areas where taxpayers had faced difficulties. From registration to refunds, wherever businesses were facing problems, the processes have now been simplified, Khanna said. He described the measures as a major Diwali gift for the business community and welcomed the steps aimed at providing relief from unnecessary arrests under the GST law. Khanna said the government's approach had been to first provide relief to consumers through rate rationalisation and subsequently address the difficulties faced by businesses through procedural reforms.

NIA court sentences Thai arms smuggler to 6 years imprisonment in NSCN (IM) case

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) A Special NIA Court in Delhi sentenced a Thai national and arms smuggler to six years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh in a case relating to an international arms procurement conspiracy of the NSCN (IM), an official said Thursday. Willy Naruenartwanich alias Wuthikorn Naruenartwanich alias Willy was sentenced by the Special Exclusive Court-03 for NIA Cases at Rouse Avenue District Courts on Wednesday, the NIA said in a statement. The court had convicted Naruenartwanich on September 24 for offences under Sections 120B and 122 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case relates to a conspiracy by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) to procure a large consignment of lethal arms and ammunition from foreign sources, the statement said. The weapons were intended to strengthen the outfits armed cadres and facilitate terrorist activities, besides constituting preparatory acts for waging war against the Government of India, it said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered the case on January 13, 2010, following an order of the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the investigation, Naruenartwanich, a Thai businessman and arms smuggler based in Bangkok, acted as a middleman and key conspirator in the arms procurement network, the NIA said. He worked in coordination with Anthony Shimray, the NSCN (IM)s chief arms procurer, and facilitated negotiations with representatives of a Chinese arms and ammunition company, it said. The weapons were intended to strengthen the outfits armed cadres and facilitate terrorist activities, besides constituting preparatory acts for waging war against the government of India. The investigation established that the proposed procurement and trans-shipment arrangement was valued at approximately $1.2 million, the NIA said. The conviction and sentencing mark a significant development in the case concerning the international network allegedly used by NSCN (IM) for procurement of arms and ammunition from foreign sources, it said.

BJP tells Revanth to focus on farmers issues, not Delhi protest

CM Naidu meets PM Modi, seeks support for Andhra projects

Digital Desk | Amaravati, Oct 8 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and sought the Centres support for major infrastructure projects in the state. The Chief Minister raised several key issues concerning the development of Andhra Pradesh. According to an official release here, he briefed the Prime Minister on major development projects in the State, its economic situation, and issues relating to agriculture and irrigation. On irrigation, the Chief Minister discussed the latest status of the Polavaram project and explained the benefits of linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers. He said that the GodavariCauvery river-linking project would ensure adequate water availability to the southern States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Chief Minister said that road networks and power grids had been developed across the country under NDA governments and that taking forward the river-linking project could pave the way for the creation of a national water grid. The Chief Minister said extensive arrangements were being made in Andhra Pradesh for the Godavari Pushkarams to be held in 2027. He requested the Prime Minister to provide financial assistance for the development projects being undertaken for the Pushkarams. He said devotees from not only the two Telugu States but also from across the country and abroad were expected to attend the Godavari Pushkarams. The Chief Minister informed the Prime Minister that Andhra Pradesh had recorded 53 per cent deficit rainfall due to El Nio impact, which had severely affected the agricultural sector. He explained the measures being taken by the State Government to mitigate the impact of drought. The Chief Minister sought the Centres support for major infrastructure projects in Andhra Pradesh, including the proposed Outer Ring Road in the capital Amaravati. He requested approval for the Visakhapatnam Metro and also briefed the Prime Minister on the proposed Beach Road project. The Chief Minister also explained the objectives of the Swarna Andhra2047 Vision, which seeks to ensure that the benefits of development reach all sections of society. Chandrababu also briefed the Prime Minister on the objectives of the Global Horticulture Hub recently launched at Madanapalle with the support of the Centre. He informed him that the foundation stone had been laid for the Indian School of Agriculture, on the lines of the Indian School of Business. Congratulating the Prime Minister on completing 25 years as head of the government, Chandrababu Naidu stated that he was transforming India into a global power through foresight, clear goals, decisive action and effective governance. The Chief Minister praised PM Modis rare achievement in serving the nation and lauded his inspirational leadership as both Chief Minister and Prime Minister. The Chief Minister particularly appreciated the Prime Ministers emphasis on cooperative federalism, making the States partners in the journey towards Viksit Bharat. He said PM Modi had also enhanced Indias stature and credibility in international affairs.

2.02 lakh Form 6 received for inclusion of names in electoral roll: Delhi CEO

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi said on Thursday that from August 31 to October 7, as many as 2,02,359 Form 6s have been received in the city for inclusion of eligible citizens names in the electoral roll. During the same period, 6,077 Form 7s have been filed for objection to proposed inclusion or deletion of names in the existing electoral roll, said a statement issued by the office of the CEO, Delhi. Till October 7, 75,280 Form 8s have been filed for shifting of resident/correction of entries in the existing electoral roll, it said. The maximum number of Form 6 for inclusion of name in electoral roll - has been filed in the West district (24933), followed by North West district (21,345), said the statement. On Wednesday, the CEO organised special camps at colleges and universities of the national capital as part of a two-day initiative with Booth Level Officers (BLO) helping students fill relevant forms for enrolment in the voters list, answering queries related to Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and collecting the filled-in applications. BLOs will also carry out house-to-house visits to identify electors left out in draft rolls to facilitate enrolment through Form 6, wherever the person is found to be eligible, according to a statement from the poll body. Special Camps will also be held for electors who have been displaced after the recent demolition of their colonies, where they have been asked to visit the camps at the present place of residence to get themselves enrolled. As per Election Commission instructions issued on October 1, a special drive is being conducted to enrol all left out eligible electors in the voters list, it stated. The poll body also urged electors whose names may have been listed among Absent, Shifted, Dead, and Duplicate (ASDD) during house-to-house visits by BLOs to also file Form-6 for enrolment in the electoral list if they deem so. The ASDD list is available on the website of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi, the statement said. Electors whose names do not feature in the Draft Electoral Roll may file Form 6 along with supporting documents during the claims and objections period, which began on August 31 and will continue till October 30. All notices, claims, and objections will be disposed of by the Election Office by November 30, as per the SIR schedule, and the final electoral roll will be published on December 4, it stated. Forms can also be submitted physically to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO), BLO, or at Designated Locations (polling stations) during this period. Additionally, BLOs are visiting such electors for whom notices have been generated to collect their documents so that they need not come to the offices for hearing.

Himachal govt welcomes GST Council reform proposals

Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 8 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday welcomed the reforms proposed by the GST Council, saying the measures would make the tax system more taxpayer-friendly and simplify compliance procedures. The proposed reforms, covering registration, return filing, refunds, assessment, adjudication and other processes, are expected to make Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance simpler, more transparent and more efficient. The 57th meeting of the GST Council was held under the chairmanship of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The Himachal Pradesh government also welcomed proposals aimed at providing relief to small taxpayers, as well as measures relating to defence establishments and CSD canteens. A state-specific issue concerning the leasing of the right to collect tolls was also deliberated upon, and the proposed GST exemption relating to the state's toll collection mechanism was welcomed. While supporting measures that facilitate compliance for genuine taxpayers, the state emphasised that GST reforms must maintain an appropriate balance between ease of compliance and effective enforcement. It said proposals that could weaken enforcement, facilitate fraudulent practices or adversely affect legitimate revenue should be carefully reviewed to ensure that taxpayer facilitation does not come at the cost of revenue protection and the prevention of tax evasion. The state government also raised the issue of full compensation for revenue implications arising from GST implementation, with a view to safeguarding fiscal stability. It reiterated that state revenues should be protected by ensuring 14 per cent year-on-year growth for five years and that revenue protection should continue thereafter until actual state revenue reaches the level of protected revenue determined for the fifth year. The proposal for the constitution of a Group of Ministers (GoM) on hilly states was also reiterated to address the specific concerns and requirements of hill states. Further, the state highlighted the need to correct the inverted duty structure in the pharmaceutical sector by reducing the tax rate on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Such rationalisation, it said, would help minimise the accumulation of input tax credit and associated refund claims while providing further impetus to domestic API manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry.

Centre seeks fishers views for national action plan on small-scale fisheries

Digital Desk | New Delhi/Kochi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Centre has begun a nationwide consultation with fishing communities to frame a National Plan of Action for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF). The Union Department of Fisheries is leading the exercise, while the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) is facilitating and coordinating it. The draft action plan is expected to be released on World Fisheries Day on November 21. It will then be opened for public review before finalisation and notification in 2027. Union Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi said the consultations were central to the process. These consultations are not a formality to be completed before the plan is drafted. They are where the plan is written, he said. The plan is aimed at protecting the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on small-scale fishing and allied activities. The Centre has asked coastal states and Union Territories to hold consultations and submit the views of fishing communities for inclusion in the plan. Community-led consultations have already been held at Kakdwip in West Bengal and Baleswar in Odisha. More than 20 consultations are planned across the eastern and western coasts and the island territories. The Department has asked Fisheries Departments in coastal states and UTs to appoint nodal officers or teams. They have been asked to organise consultations this month and submit the feedback to the National Task Force drafting the action plan. The exercise is intended to ensure that the concerns and priorities of fishing communities are reflected in the national policy. Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr Surabhi Rai said the proposed framework must reflect the realities of fishing communities. The consultations would help record the voices of fishers and fish workers and incorporate them into the policy. About 30 million people in India are linked to fisheries and allied activities, according to Rai. The sector also plays an important role in the country's food and nutritional security. Fourteen fisher community and civil society organisations have joined the community-led consultation process. They include the National Federation of Small-Scale Fish Workers, the National Fishworkers' Forum, and the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies. The consultations will cover issues such as access to fisheries resources, sustainable management, livelihood security, decent work, gender equality, climate change, and disaster risks. The consultations will be held in local languages. They will include fishers, crew and share workers, migrant fish workers, fish vendors, dry-fish processors, and youth. Separate discussions will also be held for women and young participants. The NPOA-SSF is being prepared in line with the Food and Agriculture Organisation's Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries and India's National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017.

Four Confirmed Dead in Seamapuri Building Collapse; DNA Testing Ordered for Remains

Four individuals have died in a building collapse in Seamapuri, Delhi. DNA tests will identify human remains recovered from the debris. Four Confirmed Dead in Seamapuri Building Collapse; DNA Testing Ordered for Remains

India and Russia review military-technical cooperation, discuss co-production initiatives

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) India and Russia on Thursday reviewed existing military-technical cooperation and discussed co-production and co-development initiatives at the inaugural session of the 24th Working Group meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation and Defence Industry. The inaugural session of the 24th Working Group meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation and Defence Industry was held in New Delhi on 08th October 2026, the Ministry of Defence stated on X. The session was co-chaired by Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar from India and First Deputy Director, FSMTC Mr Andrey A. Boytsov, from Russia. Senior officials from both countries joined the deliberations. The discussions were focussed on reviewing existing military-technical cooperation and forging co-production and co-development initiatives to further cement the India - Russia Strategic Partnership in Defence, it added. Last week, in a step towards deepening the India-Russia naval partnership, a six-member Russian Navy delegation led by Captain 1st Rank Sergei V Saitov visited the Southern Naval Command and the Indian Naval Academy in Kerala. Taking to social media platform X on Saturday, the Indian Navy said that the delegation, during its visit from September 27 to October 1, familiarised itself with the Indian Navys overall training architecture, infrastructure and facilities. Discussions explored avenues to deepen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability and further consolidate institutional and professional linkages. A reflection of the enduring naval partnership between India & Russia, the Indian Navy posted on X. The visit comes amid continued efforts by India and Russia to strengthen their longstanding defence and strategic ties. Last month, Indian Army chief, General Dhiraj Seth, concluded a three-day official visit to Russia, giving fresh impetus to defence cooperation between the two nations through meetings with senior Russian military leaders and visits to key military institutions. It was an Indian Army Chief's first visit to Russia in eight years. During his visit, General Seth met Russia's Deputy Minister of Defence General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev, with discussions focused on joint capability development, training exchanges, operational experience and expanding Army-to-Army cooperation, according to the Indian Army's Additional Directorate of Public Information (ADGPI).

Delhi: L-G inaugurates DDA Sports Cup hockey tournament

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Thursday inaugurated the opening ceremony of the DDA Sports Cup (Hockey) at Yamuna Sports Complex. The tournament is being organised in line with the vision of the Prime Ministers Fit India Movement, launched in 2019 to encourage people, particularly the youth, to make sports and fitness an integral part of their lives, said a DDA statement. The growing participation of young people in different sporting disciplines reflects this positive change, it said. The event was attended by Vishwas Nagar MLA Om Prakash Sharma and DDA Vice Chairman N. Saravana Kumar, along with senior DDA officials, coaches, participating teams and young hockey players. In a separate development, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the young athletes of Delhi Sports School, under Delhi Sports University, and heard about their training, aspirations and sporting journeys. Emphasising the need to nurture young talent, he called for creating the right opportunities and ecosystem for them to excel and reach their full potential, taking Delhis sporting prowess to new heights towards a fitter, stronger #ViksitDilli, wrote Lok Niwas on X. The DDA Sports Cup brings together 11 teams from Delhi-NCR, with around 220 players, coaches and support staff participating in the tournament. The event provides young hockey players an opportunity to compete, gain match experience and showcase their talent, while promoting discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship. The tournament is being held from October 8 to 18, with October 11 and 12 as rest days, covering a total of nine playing days. It follows a league-cum-knockout format and will feature 20 matches, comprising 12 league matches, four quarter-finals, two semi-finals, a third-place match and the final. The final will be played on October 18. Hockey has a special place in Indias sporting history and has inspired generations of young Indians to take up the sport. The DDA Sports Cup seeks to provide young players with competitive exposure and an opportunity to develop their skills through regular match experience, the statement said. DDA has played an important role in taking sports infrastructure closer to the people of Delhi. It currently manages 19 Sports Complexes, 4 Mini Sports Complexes and 3 Golf Courses across the city. These facilities provide opportunities for people, particularly young people, to participate in sports, pursue fitness and develop their skills.

SC Seeks Tighter Policing Near Delhi Schools, Colleges, Strict Checks On Cabs, Bus Drivers

The Supreme Court directed Delhi authorities to increase patrolling near educational institutions and strictly verify public transport drivers and assistants.

UP AAP womens wing chief, BSP leader join Congress

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 8 (IANS) Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, several leaders and social workers from different political parties joined the Congress on Thursday, said a party leader. Among those who joined the party were Neelam Yadav, Uttar Pradesh president of the Aam Aadmi Partys womens wing and a former national executive member; former Bahujan Samaj Party candidate from Ghaziabad Parmanand Garg; former Government of India official Durga Prasad; and Haji Imamuddin Ansari, a social worker and representative of the weavers community from Noorpur in Bijnor. Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam formally inducted the leaders into the party, said a party statement. Welcoming the new entrants, Gautam said people were joining the Congress in large numbers every day, mentioning that they were fed up with the misrule of the BJP. He said the Congress was the only party fighting under the leadership of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with the INDIA bloc, to protect the countrys democracy and Constitution. Gautam said that the country was facing a situation akin to dictatorship and an undeclared Emergency. Referring to protests at Jantar Mantar, he also alleged that police directions requiring applications to be submitted 10 days in advance for demonstrations violated citizens fundamental rights and the constitutional freedom of speech and expression. On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Aradhana Misra Mona hinted at a major organisational shake-up ahead of next year's Assembly elections with an evident Brahmin outreach. If the Congress attempts to rebuild its fortunes in Uttar Pradesh through a targeted Brahmin outreach, it would be reinventing the strategy that its leadership embraced a decade ago under the reported guidance of the then political strategist Prashant Kishor. Ahead of the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, the Congress had brought in Kishor to draft its revival strategy. Reports had said that the poll consultant favoured projecting a prominent Brahmin face as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate, saying that Congress could attempt to reconnect with this category, once among its most loyal social constituencies. The choice had then reportedly been Sheila Dikshit -- a three-term Chief Minister of Delhi, daughter-in-law of Uttar Pradesh's veteran Congress leader Uma Shankar Dikshit -- explicitly linked to her Brahmin identity and perceived appeal among upper-caste voters. Kishor's strategy was apparently based on the assumption that Brahmins, estimated at around 10 to 12 per cent of Uttar Pradesh's electorate, remained one of the few communities where Congress might recover lost ground. The experiment failed, and the Congress won only seven seats in the election, contesting 114 among a total of 403 Assembly constituencies.

Protests in Delhi Disrupt Train Services, Thousands Miss Departures

Protests in New Delhi over election commission issues led to major traffic jams, causing 5,000 passengers to miss their trains. Protests in Delhi Disrupt Train Services, Thousands Miss Departures

Congress, INDIA alliance creating false narrative through Delhi protest: Telangana BJP spokesperson NV Subash

Telangana BJP spokesperson NV Subash on Thursday accused Congress and the INDIA bloc of creating

JP Nadda, Delhi CM launch JOSH teams to accelerate youth-led TB elimination efforts

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IAS) Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaany to strengthen youth-led community participation in efforts to eliminate tuberculosis. Describing the launch of JOSH Teams as a milestone in the collective fight against tuberculosis, Nadda said a WHO report shows India has recorded a 21 per cent decline in TB incidence and treatment coverage rose to 92 per cent, significantly ahead of global trends. He said that the countrys efforts towards a TB Mukt Bharat have evolved from a conventional health programme into a peoples movement, with Jan Bhagidari and community ownership emerging as the defining pillars of the national response. Nadda emphasised that the goal of eliminating TB cannot be achieved by government interventions alone and requires the active participation of communities, citizens, elected representatives, frontline workers and, particularly, the youth of the country. Highlighting the importance of youth-led action, Nadda said that the energy, commitment and outreach of young people can give new momentum to the TB elimination movement. Speaking about the rollout of JOSH Teams, Nadda said that the initiative is being launched in the first phase across 11 States and will progressively expand its grassroots presence. In a message on X, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, Joined Honble Union Health Minister Shri @JPNaddaJi at Bharat Mandapam for the launch of JOSH (Joint Squad for Health), an initiative mobilising youth and communities in the fight against TB. Inspired by Honble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Jis vision, JOSH aims to transform the fight against tuberculosis into a nationwide peoples movement. Defeat TB. Let India Win! Together, let us work towards a Viksit Bharat, Samriddh Bharat and Swasth Bharat! she wrote on X. Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister Gupta said that the initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Indias efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by taking the campaign directly to communities. She appreciated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for bringing together the Ministries of Youth Affairs and Sports and Defence for this purpose, noting that the convergence of their strengths can significantly expand the reach of the TB elimination campaign. The Chief Minister emphasised that the energy, dedication and outreach of young people can make JOSH Teams a powerful force in the fight against TB. She said that young volunteers can help raise awareness about prevention, early detection and treatment in communities and motivate people to seek timely care, while also helping address the stigma associated with the disease.

Delhi on high alert ahead of October 10 CJP protest; around 23,000 security personnel to be deployed: Sources

Delhi has been put on high alert ahead of the CJP protest scheduled for October 10, with extensive security arrangements being put in place across the national capital, sources said.

BJP trying to take away votes of those who turned against it: Revanth Reddy

Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was afraid of poor people who had turned against it and, therefore, wanted to deprive them of their right to vote. For a second consecutive day, the Chief Minister participated in the INDIA bloc's protest in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He alleged that the BJP had tried to divide Indians based on religion, caste, region and language. They have also misused Central agencies as a threat to weaken the Opposition and stifle institutions. Now that defeat is imminent, the country is being divided into two major camps: those who have the right to vote and those whose votes they want to steal, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) quoted him as saying. The BJP is afraid of the poor people who have turned against it, including Dalits, tribals, OBCs and minorities. Hence, they want to take away their votes, said Revanth Reddy, who joined Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other Congress and INDIA bloc leaders in the sit-in protest at Raj Ghat. The Chief Minister stated that if the votes of 13 crore or more citizens were taken away, it would amount to the single largest disenfranchisement exercise on the planet. He said this figure was greater than the population of many countries. We are setting up a strange situation where, after the number of voters increased in every election in India since 1952, including the last three General Elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, the total number of voters in India will decline in the next polls, he said. However, he asserted that the people of India would not allow this. He remarked that the issue was not a fight of the Congress alone or even the INDIA alliance, but one concerning the future of the country. CM Revanth Reddy alleged that PM Modi had always sought to capture power through divisive tactics drawn from what he described as the imperialist British playbook. Our party was formed to secure Independence for India, not to gain power. We ensured India became free and that every Indian got a vote. Today, if the government can illegally take away people's votes, tomorrow all their rights, including reservations and fundamental rights, will also be taken away, he said. India will stand for the right of every citizen to vote. No force on earth can stop that. Either the BJP removes CEC Gyanesh Kumar, reverses the SIR exercise and restores the vote of every citizen, or it will be consigned to the dustbin of Indian political history, Revanth Reddy added.

Delhi Metro Shining Example Of India-Japan Partnership: Lt-Governor Taranjit Sandhu

It (Delhi Metro) has changed the way Delhi moves, Sandhu said.

Delhi deploys 23,000 security personnel for October 10 CJP protest

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Asian Para Games: PCI hosts grand send-off ceremony, Sports Minister Mandaviya unveils Team India jersey

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) on Thursday hosted a grand send-off ceremony for the Indian contingent ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urging the athletes to build on their historic performance at the previous edition. The ceremony, held at ITC Maurya in Chanakyapuri, was attended by athletes, coaches, support staff, dignitaries and partners, while the official Team India jersey for the Games was also unveiled. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games will be held in Japan from October 18 to 24. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Mandaviya praised the para-athletes for overcoming challenges and earning their place on the international stage. It is not a small thing to challenge circumstances and move forward. Earning your familys trust when society doubts whether you can succeed requires immense strength, Mandaviya said. You strengthen your belief, accept every challenge, move forward, set a goal, choose a sport, achieve success at the national level, and then participate in international competitions. You have already won the journey of life. Now, you also have to conquer the journey of medals. I welcome you all. I have complete faith in you, he added. India heads into the Games with a target of around 100 medals after producing its best-ever performance at the previous Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. The Indian contingent won 111 medals in Hangzhou, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze, marking a significant milestone for the countrys para-sport movement. PCI president Devendra Jhajharia expressed confidence that the Indian athletes would once again deliver a strong performance in Japan. Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel are exceptional champions whose achievements and resilience will inspire the entire Indian contingent. After our historic 111-medal performance at the previous Asian Para Games, I am confident that our athletes are well-prepared to deliver another outstanding performance and set new benchmarks at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Jhajharia said. Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat and Paralympic silver medallist Bhavina Patel have been named Indias flag-bearers for the opening ceremony. Bhagat said the contingent was heading to Japan with confidence after extensive preparations and backed the para-badminton team to make a significant contribution to Indias medal tally. We are heading to Aichi-Nagoya with great expectations and confidence in our preparations. We have trained hard and are ready to give our best for India. I expect our para-badminton team to perform strongly and make a significant contribution to Indias overall medal tally, he said. The Indian contingent will be led by Chef de Mission Rahul Swami and Deputy Chef de Mission Parul Mahajan Oberoi. PCI chairperson Payal Kanodia wished the contingent success and acknowledged the contribution of coaches, partners and support staff in preparing the athletes for the continental event. The send-off ceremony also featured the presence of Para Athletics Federation of India president Narendra Singh, India Para Athletics chief coach Satyanarayana, PCI secretary general Jayawant Gundu Hamanawar and other officials.

Discussed Karnatakas pending dues with FM, got good news: Karnataka CM Shivakumar after GST Council meeting

Digital Desk | New Delhi/Bengaluru, Oct 8 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said he had received good news regarding the state's long-pending dues after discussions with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, but declined to disclose details immediately. I discussed the issue of our states old pending dues with the Finance Minister, and I have received some good news. I will not reveal anything about it now. I will speak about it later, Shivakumar told reporters at Karnataka Bhavan after attending the GST Council meeting in New Delhi. The GST Council meeting was held in a positive manner, and Karnatakas concerns were accepted by the other states, he said. The GST Council meeting went very well. Everyone accepted Karnatakas points, he said. He also said there was a discussion on the proposal not to register criminal cases and arrest people who fail to pay GST. Shivakumar said such action should not be taken indiscriminately and that GST recovery should be carried out in accordance with the rules and provisions governing income tax and other applicable regulations. The issue of filing criminal cases and arresting those who do not pay GST was discussed. It should be done according to the income tax rules and regulations. It is not right for officials to unnecessarily arrest businessmen, he said. He said the authorities should focus on recovering the amount due from taxpayers rather than resorting to arrests. Let us collect from them whatever amount they are required to pay. Arresting them is not right. This was discussed, Shivakumar said. According to the Chief Minister, almost all states supported this view, with only one state differing. He said the discussion was aimed at ensuring that enforcement measures under the GST regime were not misused against traders and businesspeople. The Chief Ministers remarks came after the GST Council meeting in New Delhi, where issues concerning GST administration and revenue collection were discussed. Shivakumar also indicated that the Centres response on Karnatakas pending dues could be announced at a later stage, after further discussions with the Union Finance Ministry.

Delhi liquor shops closed on 9-10 Oct ahead of CJP protest

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NCPI MP Jagadish Barma Basunia says Mamata Banerjee free to visit Delhi as rebel group seeks more time on TMC split

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Four Arrested As CBI Busts Exam Impersonation Ring

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled an alleged impersonation and cheating network spanning Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, and West Bengal. Four individuals, including a CGST inspector, have been arrested for fraudulently infiltrating public examination selection processes by posing as candidates. The CBI's investigation is ongoing to identify further accomplices.

Roads Minister Gadkari assures Kerala CM Satheesan of faster NH-66 work, NH-966 approval in three months

Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8 (IANS) Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has assured Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan that steps will be taken to speed up the delayed works on National Highway 66 in Kerala, an official statement said on Thursday. CM Satheesan met the Union Minister in New Delhi and discussed several major road and transport projects in the state. Gadkari assured that the delays in the NH-66 works would be addressed and construction would be expedited. He also assured that further approval for the NH-966 Kozhikode-Palakkad project would be given within three months. Around 80 per cent of the land acquisition for the project has already been completed. The Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road was another major issue discussed at the meeting. Gadkari said the required Union Cabinet approval for the project would be obtained soon. The availability of construction materials for highway projects was also discussed. Steps will be taken to speed up the supply of river sand and quarry materials. The proposed Sabarimala ropeway project also came up for discussion. It was agreed to prepare the Detailed Project Report and speed up the required Central and State approvals. The aim is to complete the project within two years. Satheesan also sought faster progress on the Western Ernakulam Bypass, Kothamangalam-Muvattupuzha bypasses, and connectivity to Kozhikode International Airport. The Chief Minister also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed various matters concerning Kerala. The meetings were part of Satheesan's efforts to take up Kerala's pending infrastructure and other issues with the Union government. The discussions with Gadkari are significant as several major road projects in Kerala are at different stages of construction, approval and land acquisition. The Centre and the state have agreed to work together to remove delays and move the projects forward within specified timelines.

Dengue Platelets Dropping Rapidly, Proven Natural Ways to Boost Counts and Delhi MCD Caseload Breakdown

Nasscom hails GST Council recommendations on reforms

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Nasscom on Thursday said that the recommendations of the GST Council have addressed longstanding concerns affecting service exports, input tax credit, refunds, and compliance, while the proposal on notices, prosecution, and arrest powers also signals a more proportionate approach to tax enforcement. We appreciate the constructive engagement of the Union and State Governments, the Ministry of Finance and CBIC with industry on these issues, the apex trade association for the IT software sector said in a statement. For the IT and IT-enabled services (IT-ITeS) industry, the recommendation on services supplied through overseas branches is especially welcome. Indian companies frequently serve overseas customers through their branches abroad. Under the present law, services supplied from an Indian office to its overseas branch can fail to qualify as exports because both are establishments of the same person. The Council's recommendation to remove this restriction addresses a longstanding concern that Nasscom has raised with the government. Subject to the other export conditions, it should reduce tax uncertainty, litigation, and unnecessary working capital costs, according to the Nasscom statement. It further stated that the GST Council has also recommended a change in the place-of-supply treatment for research, testing, certification, and engineering services performed in India on goods belonging to overseas customers. The physical presence of a customer's prototype or sample in India can currently prevent such services from qualifying as exports. The proposed change should benefit engineering R&D firms, global capability centres (GCCs) and deep-tech start-ups providing qualifying research and testing services to overseas customers. It could also help India attract more global research and engineering mandates. For e-commerce, the proposed simplified registration mechanism for smaller sellers using platform warehouses in other states is welcome. It would help small businesses participate in interstate online commerce without having to establish their own premises in every state. Nasscom also welcomed the proposed extension of inverted-duty refunds to input services, refund eligibility for plant and machinery, and faster processing of refunds. The Council's recommendation to allow input tax credit for employee health and life insurance addresses another longstanding industry concern. These changes should reduce the amount of legitimate tax credit tied up in business expenditure, the Nasscom statement added.

GST Council clears annual return proposal for 16 lakh small businesses

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) More than 16 lakh small businesses that sell directly to consumers could soon be allowed to file just one GST return annually, after the GST Council on Thursday approved in principle a simplified compliance scheme for taxpayers with turnover of up to Rs 5 crore. Under the proposed framework, eligible businesses such as retail shops, salons and small eateries would pay GST every quarter but file a single return each year, reducing compliance requirements for a segment that accounts for less than 1 per cent of total GST liability. The proposal, cleared at the 57th GST Council meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will be available as an optional scheme for taxpayers with annual turnover of up to Rs 5 crore. Under the proposed framework, eligible businesses would file a single GST return each year while paying taxes on a quarterly basis. Officials said the detailed operational framework and the legislative amendments required to implement the scheme will be placed before the Council at its next meeting. The reforms are slated to take effect from April 1, 2027. The proposed scheme is expected to benefit a large number of small businesses that deal exclusively with retail consumers, such as neighbourhood shops, salons, restaurants and small eateries. According to government estimates, out of 1.05 crore active GST taxpayers, around 16.85 lakh report supplies only to consumers. Of these, nearly 16.66 lakh taxpayers, or 99 per cent, have annual turnover below Rs 5 crore. Despite their large numbers, these businesses account for less than 1 per cent of the overall GST tax liability. Since their customers are individual consumers who do not claim input tax credit, the returns filed by such sellers have limited impact on the broader GST credit chain, making them suitable candidates for a simplified compliance regime. At present, GST taxpayers are generally required to file monthly returns. Businesses with turnover of up to Rs 5 crore have already been allowed to opt for quarterly return filing since 2021, although they continue to pay taxes every month. The new proposal seeks to simplify compliance further by reducing return filing to once a year while retaining quarterly tax payments.

Shubhankar Sharma opens four-shot lead in Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship

Digital Desk | Greater Noida, Oct 8 (IANS) Shubhankar Sharma fired a seven-under 65 to establish a four-shot lead after the second round of the INR 2 crore Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida on Thursday. The 30-year-old Chandigarh golfer (68-65), who began the day two strokes behind overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya, made an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys to reach 11-under 133. A two-time winner on the DP World Tour, Shubhankar returned to the winners circle at the Boulders Classic on the PGTI in April, ending an eight-year wait for a professional title. Chandigarhs Brashwarpal Singh (72-65) matched Shubhankar for the lowest score of the day. His seven-under 65 featured eight birdies and a solitary bogey as he surged from tied 11th overnight to second place at seven-under 137. Overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya (66-72) of Delhi slipped to third at six-under 138 after an even-par 72 containing three birdies and three bogeys. Bengalurus Khalin Joshi (72-67), a four-time winner on the DP World PGTI this season, climbed from tied 11th to fourth at five-under 139. His 67 featured an eagle on the par-five fourth, five birdies and two bogeys. Joshi entered the week second in the Race to DP World India Championship. Shubhankar was particularly encouraged by the control he displayed with his ball-striking after struggling to bring the different parts of his game together in recent weeks. I played really well and felt very solid throughout the round, he said. My ball-striking had not been at its best over the past few weeks, even though there was not much wrong with my game. Today, everything came together. I hit the ball exactly where I wanted, shaped shots both ways and felt in complete control. I could have holed a few more putts, but Im very pleased with the day, he said. The highlight of Shubhankars round came on the par-five fourth. After finding the left half of the fairway with his drive, he struck a six-iron from approximately 212 yards to 18 feet and converted the eagle putt. The putt just caught the left edge, he said. Most of my shots came off exactly as I had visualised them, and that was the most encouraging part. Shubhankar continued creating opportunities throughout the round, including on the final hole, where he struck his approach to about five feet but missed the birdie putt. There were several shots like that today, he said. Those are positive signs for this tournament and also for my preparations for next week. Shubhankar also praised DP World PGTI President Kapil Dev for his contribution to the growth of the DP World PGTI. Since Kapil Dev became President, more sponsors have come on board, while the organisation, social media and player facilities have continued to improve, Shubhankar said. The introduction of a players lounge is one example of the many positive changes on tour. Shubhankar, who played alongside Kapil in a Pro-Am in Hyderabad recently, said their shared Chandigarh connection made their interactions particularly easy. Despite being one of Indias biggest sporting icons, he constantly looks for ways to promote golf and move the sport forward, he said. Everyone in Chandigarh calls him Paaji, so speaking with him feels very easy. I have tremendous respect for everything he is doing for the game. Last seasons PGTI Order of Merit winner Yuvraj Sandhu (71-69) occupied fifth place at four-under 140. Current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar (75-72) climbed from tied 36th to tied 31st at three-over 147. The Pro-Am on Thursday was won by the team consisting of professional Shubhankar Sharma and amateur Rajeev Gupta. Their score was 48 stableford points.

SCs repoll order in 50 wards puts Punjab govt on the spot: BJP

Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 8 (IANS) Former Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Ashwani Sharma on Thursday said the Supreme Court's decision to cancel and order fresh elections in 50 Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council wards in Patiala and Moga districts had raised serious questions about the functioning of the state Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He said the decision had also exposed the government's alleged high-handedness during the local body elections. In a statement issued here, Sharma said the Supreme Court-appointed fact-finding committee's report highlighted serious irregularities during the nomination process, including preventing candidates from filing nominations, snatching, tearing, or destroying nomination papers, and threatening candidates. The committee found irregularities in the election process in 28 wards of Patiala, all 15 wards of Baghapurana and seven wards of Dharamkot in Moga district. Following this, the Supreme Court ordered fresh elections in these wards within six weeks. Sharma said that in a democracy, elections are not merely about casting votes but also about ensuring a level playing field and equal opportunity for every candidate. He alleged that the AAP government misused its power to suppress the voices of Opposition candidates. He said the Supreme Court's decision to constitute a monitoring committee headed by a retired High Court judge and order videography of the entire process, from nomination to polling, made it clear that the electoral process required close supervision. The BJP leader said the people of Punjab would not tolerate any compromise with democracy or with the conduct of free and fair elections. Meanwhile, state BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, in a separate statement, said that the moment the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began investigating alleged corruption in the AAP government, the Delhi-based gang suddenly started claiming that Punjab's federal structure was under threat. He said the government's argument before the Supreme Court that fabricated cases were being raised because of the Punjab Assembly elections was proof that the AAP was merely seeking political excuses to evade accountability. Dhillon said AAP leaders had been claiming in the media that the CBI investigation amounted to interference in the federal structure. This government initially made these arguments in the media to mislead the people and is now repeating the same hollow arguments before the Supreme Court, he said.

AI Express, AI cancel Riyadh flights till Oct 10

New Delhi: Air India Express and Air India have cancelled flights to Riyadh till October 10 amid disruptions due to attacks at the airport. Saudi Arabias two airports in Riyadh and Abha came under attack, reportedly by Houthi militants. Air India Express and Air India flights en route to Riyadh returned on Thursday, sources said. 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 .

MP detects 1.12 lakh TB patients through intensified screening: Dy CM

Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 8 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh has detected 1.12 lakh tuberculosis (TB) patients through intensified screening, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Thursday. The state has stepped up its TB elimination drive by involving youth volunteers and NCC cadets in door-to-door screening to identify suspected patients and ensure their early linkage with healthcare services. Shukla said the intensified screening had resulted in the identification of a significantly higher number of TB patients and helped ensure timely treatment. Earlier, only 25,000 to 30,000 patients could be identified. Through extensive screening, more patients are now being detected, and their treatment is being started on time, he said. He was speaking at a state-level programme at Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, where JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) teams were launched to involve young people in the TB elimination campaign. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda virtually launched the JOSH teams at the national level from New Delhi. The JOSH teams, comprising MY Bharat volunteers and NCC cadets, have been formed at the block and district levels. They will assist health workers in door-to-door screening, create awareness, identify suspected TB patients, and help connect them with health services. Shukla said regular medication for six months, nutritious food and support from Nikshay Mitras were helping TB patients recover and become TB Champions. Health awareness and timely screening are important to prevent serious diseases, he said, calling upon young people to actively participate in the TB elimination campaign. The Deputy Chief Minister also urged pregnant women to undergo antenatal check-ups on time and asked gram panchayats to remain vigilant in this regard. He said the state was also conducting extensive screening for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, fatty liver disease and sickle cell anaemia. Minister of State for Public Health and Medical Education Narendra Shivaji Patel said youth participation was crucial for TB elimination and that collective efforts would accelerate the goal of making Madhya Pradesh TB-free. During the programme, eight TB-free gram panchayats, three Nikshay Mitras, and five health officials and health workers were honoured for their contribution to the TB elimination campaign. More than 200 participants attended the programme in person, while over 5,000 people from across Madhya Pradesh participated virtually.

Leadership is never just about wearing a captains badge: Jhulan Goswami hails Harmanpreet

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami paid tribute to Harmanpreet Kaur after she stepped down as India womens captain across formats, lauding her courage and conviction while urging her to continue enjoying the game. Harmanpreet, who led India to their maiden senior womens ODI World Cup title, announced her decision to relinquish captaincy earlier this week. Smriti Mandhana has since been appointed as Indias new captain, while Harmanpreet remains part of the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. Leadership is never just about wearing the captains badge its about carrying the hopes of a team, standing tall through the highs and lows, and leaving the game stronger than you found it, Goswami wrote in a social media post. The former India pacer praised Harmanpreet for the courage and conviction with which she led the side through some of its most significant moments. Harmanpreet, you have done that with immense courage, strength, and conviction, leading Indian womens cricket through some truly incredible moments and carrying the responsibility with pride, she added. Goswami said Harmanpreets decision to step away from captaincy marked the beginning of a new chapter and hoped she would now be able to play with greater freedom. As you step away from captaincy and into this new chapter, choosing to continue simply for the love of the game, I hope you enjoy every moment of it, she wrote. Heres to playing with freedom, passion and the same spirit that has always made you a champion, Goswami added. Goswami concluded her tribute by urging Harmanpreet to continue enjoying the game after handing over the leadership responsibilities. Wishing you the very best, Captain. Keep inspiring, keep playing, and most importantly, keep enjoying the game, she wrote. Harmanpreet had served as Indias full-time T20I captain since 2018 and took over as ODI captain from Mithali Raj in 2022. During her tenure, she led India to their maiden senior womens ODI World Cup title, with the team defeating South Africa in the final on home soil. She also guided India to four Asia Cup titles in 2012, 2016, 2022 and 2026, besides leading the side to consecutive Asian Games gold medals in Hangzhou in 2022 and Aichi-Nagoya in 2026. Harmanpreets other notable achievements as captain include leading India to their first bilateral Womens ODI series win in England since 1999 in 2022, a historic Test victory against Australia in 2023 and a breakthrough T20I series victory against England in 2025. Under her leadership, India also defeated England by 270 runs in the first-ever womens Test at Lords earlier this year.

3 Days, Protests & Lunch Meetings: Inside The INDIA Bloc-EC Showdown

Three days of protests, repeated detentions and two high-profile lunch meetings have marked the INDIA bloc's confrontation with the Election Commission. From the streets of Delhi to strategy sessions around the table, here's a look at how the three-day political showdown unfolded.

15.3 lakh voters' documents verified after SIR notices: Delhi CEO

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) As Booth Level Officers (BLO) continue to visit voters who have been issued Special Intensive Revision (SIR) notices, the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashok Kumar said that till Thursday, 15,30,408 cases of o-mapping and logical discrepancy have been verified on the basis of documents collected from the voters. The BLOs are visiting such electors for whom notices have been generated to collect their documents and they need not come to the offices for their hearing, the CEO's office said in a statement. The CEO said that with the objective of maximising the enrolment of young electors, special camps will be held on October 9 and 11 at all polling station locations of Delhi. Similar camps were earlier organised on September 20 and 27 also at all polling station locations in Delhi. Electors are requested to visit the camps to enroll themselves in the electoral rolls at their place of residence, the CEO's office said. All notices/claims and objections will be disposed by November 30, 2026, as per schedule of SIR, the statement said, reiterating the Election Commission of India's (ECI) commitment that every eligible elector is added and no ineligible entries remain in the electoral roll. The CEO said as per instructions of the ECI issued on October 1, a special drive is being conducted to enroll all left out eligible electors in the electoral rolls. The BLOs will carry out house-to-house visit to identify such left-out electors to facilitate their enrolment through Form-6, wherever the person is found to be eligible. All those electors who have shifted from their earlier residence registered in the electoral rolls to other places in Delhi and were included in the list of Absent, Shifted, Dead and Duplicate (ASDD) voters during House to House visit by BLOs may also file Form-6 for enrolment in the electoral rolls, the CEO's office said in the statement. Earlier, special camps were organised for enrolment of homeless/transgender/sex workers at Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) night shelters and other places on September 23 and 24, the statement said.

CAPF Act that governs officer posts, deputation comes into force

New Delhi, Oct 8: The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, which provides a common framework for recruitment and conditions of service of Group-A general duty officers and other officers in the CAPFs, came into force on Thursday, according a government notification. The notification came at a time when the Supreme Court is hearing a bunch of petitions filed by thousands of CAPF officers challenging the validity of the law that was passed by the Parliament in April. In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, the Central Government hereby appoints the 08th day of October, 2026, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force, said the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The CAPF Act provides for regulation of recruitment, promotion, deputation and other conditions of service of officers in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The Centre recently told the apex court through an affidavit that the appointment of Group 'A' general duty officers in the respective CAPFs is now regulated by the CAPF (General Administration) Act. It had said that the Act expressly empowers the Central government to prescribe the method, manner and mode of recruitment, including by deputation, and the conditions of service of officers in the five CAPFs-- CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. The cadre officers of these forces have petitioned the top court, including by filing a contempt petition, that the Act continues to restrict their career progression in comparison to the Indian Police Service (IPS) officers brought on deputation. They have also asked the apex court to direct the Union government to implement its May 2025 judgement that said that the deputation of IPS officers up to the rank of inspector general in the CAPFs should be progressively reduced over a period of two years in order to give more opportunities to cadre officers whose delayed promotions can adversely impact the morale of these forces. Under the new legislation, 50 per cent of the posts in the rank of inspector general are to be filled through deputation from the IPS, while a minimum of 67 per cent of posts at the additional director general level are to be filled through deputation. The posts in the ranks of special director general and director general are to be filled through deputation only. The Act comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court's May 2025 judgment on the deputation of IPS officers in the CAPFs. In October last year, the apex court dismissed the Centres plea seeking a review of its 2025 verdict. The court had said the number of posts earmarked for deputation in CAPF cadres up to the SAG level should be progressively reduced over a period of time, with an outer limit of two years, and had directed a cadre review. The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the legislation said the expanding functional and operational requirements of the CAPFs had resulted in a distinct organisational structure for the forces. In recent years, due to the absence of an umbrella law, regulatory provisions have evolved in a fragmented manner, resulting in several litigation on service-related matters, leading to some functional and administrative difficulties, it said. The law replaces the fragmented framework governing service matters with a common legislative framework for Group-A general duty officers and other officers in the five CAPFs. A group of retired CAPF officers had also approached the Supreme Court with a contempt plea against then Home Secretary Govind Mohan over alleged non-implementation of the apex court's October 2025 order. The group had said any legislative intervention affecting the command structure, service conditions and leadership opportunities within the CAPFs would have implications for institutional morale and the operational effectiveness of forces responsible for internal security and border security.

Prices of 110 anti-cancer medicines may fall up to 70 pc as govt caps trade margins

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) In a major step aimed at making cancer treatment more affordable, the government has reportedly decided to cap trade margins at 30 per cent of the maximum retail price (MRP) for all non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines, official sources said on Thursday. The measure will cover branded and generic drugs, as well as domestic and imported products, including both patented and non-patented medicines. The decision, which is expected to come into effect later this month, is aimed at curbing excessive mark-ups in the supply chain and reducing the financial burden on cancer patients. According to official estimates, the move will impact around 110 anti-cancer medicines, including 35 patented drugs, and could lead to a reduction of up to 70 per cent in the MRP of affected products. Government sources said the intervention is designed to address wide variations in trade margins and ensure that patients have access to life-saving treatments at more affordable prices without disrupting the availability of medicines in the market. Under the new framework, the trade margin on all non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs will be restricted to 30 per cent of the MRP, regardless of whether the medicines are branded or generic, manufactured locally or imported. The measure is expected to lower out-of-pocket expenditure for cancer patients, many of whom face high treatment costs over extended periods. Officials estimate that the reduction in medicine prices could translate into annual savings of around Rs 2,500 crore for patients. The government believes the benefits will be passed on directly through lower retail prices of the affected medicines. The latest move builds on a similar intervention introduced in 2019, when trade margins on select anti-cancer drugs were capped to check excessive pricing. The new decision significantly expands the scope of the policy by bringing all non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines under the trade-margin cap.

BJP Mahila Morcha protests against Rahul Gandhi over 'misconduct' with woman police officer

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha staged a protest near the Congress headquarters on the Deendayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Marg on Thursday, accusing Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of misbehaving with a woman police officer during INDIA bloc demonstration in the national capital. Carrying BJP flags, banners and placards, the women protesters raised slogans against Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and demanded a public apology. The protesters said the issue was not merely political but concerned the dignity of women and respect for police personnel. Tensions rose when BJP Mahila Morcha workers allegedly broke the route designated by the police and began marching towards Indira Bhawan. Police personnel were deployed to prevent the protesters from moving further, while some demonstrators sat on the road as part of their protest. The controversy results from clashes during INDIA bloc protests in Delhi on October 6 and 7 against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Opposition MPs and leaders were demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and raising objections to the SIR of electoral rolls. During the October 7 protest, police erected barricades to stop demonstrators from moving ahead. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the opposition leaders detained by the police, along with around 9091 other leaders and MPs. Videos from the confrontation subsequently circulated on social media. The BJP alleged that one video showed Rahul Gandhi pushing and touching a woman police officer in an inappropriate manner while attempting to cross the barricades. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also shared the footage on social media, making similar allegations. The BJP also accused Priyanka Gandhi of elbowing and punching a woman police officer and alleged that some Congress workers assaulted police personnel during the confrontation. The allegations have been strongly rejected by Congress. The BJP said that Rahul Gandhi was attempting to protect women Congress workers from police action and alleges that Delhi Police used force against protesters. Meanwhile, Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others in connection with the protest, invoking provisions related to obstructing government officials and allegedly assaulting police personnel. Police are examining mobile-phone recordings and other video footage as part of the investigation.

BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka of misconduct with policewomen

Ruling party alleges that anarchy is being spread in Delhi under Rahul Gandhis leadership, claims no common citizen or representation of the general public is part of the protest

Kisan Cricket League Launches One of India's Largest Nationwide Talent-Hunt Platforms, Taking Rural Cricketers and Music Performers to The National Stage

New Delhi [India], October 8: In a first-of-its-kind rural initiative at a national scale, In-Dot Sports Pvt. Ltd. and Prasar Bharati today announced the launch of the Kisan Cricket League (KCL), a nationwide sports and entertainment platform designed to create a unique opportunity through an organized pathway for cricket and singing talent from rural and semi-urban India to reach the global stage.

Delhi Police ramp up perception campaign, identifies 500 people, 200 social media channels ahead of October 10 protest

After the July protest, police step up a cyber warfare strategy to counter online narratives and circulate videos of injured personnel and alleged clashes; officials examine why their social media content failed to gain traction

Flyers to shell out more as Air India, Air India Express hike fuel surcharge too

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Flyers will have to shell out more for plane tickets as Air India and Air India Express have announced an increase in fuel surcharges on domestic and select international routes due to the rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices amid the continuing Middle East conflict. The Tata Group airlines have followed leading domestic carrier IndiGo in increasing the fuel surcharge. ATF prices have remained volatile in recent months amid geopolitical developments and sustained pressure on global energy markets. The latest increase has pushed up airline operating costs, with fuel accounting for a substantial share of overall expenditure, the Tata Group airlines said. For Air India Express, the revised surcharge will apply to new bookings made from 0000 hours IST on October 9, while for Air India, it will apply to bookings made from 1100 hours IST on October 9. The surcharge will vary depending on the sector and route category, an Air India statement said. Air India and Air India Express have revised their one-way domestic fuel surcharge, with the levy ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 1,200 depending on the flight distance. The revised surcharge will be Rs 400 for flights up to 500 km, while journeys between 501 and 1,000 km will attract a Rs 600 surcharge. For flights covering 1,001-1,500 km, the surcharge will be Rs 850. Flights between 1,501 and 2,000 km, as well as those above 2,000 km, will carry a Rs 1,200 surcharge. Air India and Air India Express have also revised the fuel surcharge on select international routes, with the surcharge set at $215 for North America, $210 for Australia, $135 for Europe including the UK, and $ 55 for West Asia and the Middle East, the airlines said. Earlier, IndiGo revised its fuel charges for all new bookings made from 0001 hours on October 6, due to the sharp rise in the cost of ATF. The continuous rise in the fuel prices, with the latest month-on-month increase exceeding 14 per cent, has taken ATF costs to levels that are amongst the highest in the last decade, IndiGo said in a statement. Under the revised charges, passengers travelling up to 500 km on domestic routes will pay a fuel charge of Rs 375. For domestic flights covering 501-1,000 km, the charge will be Rs 600, while flights covering 1,001-1,500 km will attract a charge of Rs 900. For journeys between 1,501 and 2,000 km, passengers will pay Rs 1,150. Flights covering more than 2,000 km will carry a fuel charge of Rs 1,300. IndiGo has also revised fuel charges for international flights based on the distance and route. For flights within the SAARC region, routes up to 500 km will attract a charge of Rs 1,000, while routes covering 501 km and above will carry a charge of Rs 3,000. Flights to Southeast Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Middle East, and North and East Asia will attract a fuel charge of Rs 5,500. The charge for flights to Africa has been fixed at Rs 6,000, while passengers travelling to Europe will pay Rs 10,000. IndiGo said the revised charges were kept lower than the increase in its actual fuel costs to limit the impact on passengers.

BJP functionaries work 24/7, unlike Cong which surfaces during polls: Nabin jabs Rahul and Oppn (Ld)

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin, taking a derisive taunt at the Congress and INDIA bloc allies over Election Commission (EC) protests in the national capital, said on Thursday that their demonstration remains 'timed' with the elections and with an intent to earn electoral dividend from it. He asserted that the BJP and its workers remain in mission mode, 24x7 and every single day comes with new set of responsibilities while describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conviction and commitment towards public welfare as the key inspiration behind it. Taking direct potshots at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition INDIA bloc, Nabin said that they possess an anarchist mindset and only know how to inject poison into society while criticising their protest against the EC, based on 'unfounded and baseless' allegations of vote theft. Questioning the rationale behind Opposition's protests, the BJP Chief said that this is the same Election Commission which conducted the elections in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where they are in power. If their allegations were true, it was this very Election Commission that conducted the elections in Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, where they came into power through the backdoor, the elections were also conducted by this very Election Commission, Nabin added. He said that the nation was watching the game they (Opposition) were playing and demanded that Rahul Gandhi resigns, if he has the courage. Addressing the gathering in Varanasi, the BJP President also added that today's generation represents change public representatives running governments must understand their aspirations. The new generation wants to express its views, and we need to listen to them. The youth gave overwhelming support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, Nabin said. Outlining party's objectives, going forward, the BJP President added that the party's effort is to ensure that party leadership engages directly with young people and works towards finding solutions to their problems. We have not achieved everything yet, but we are certainly moving in the right direction, he asserted.

PM Modi to attend summit on women safety, child protection

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the valedictory session of the Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development on Friday, October 9. The event will focus on women safety and protection system for vulnerable children, among others. The two-day summit, being held on October 8 and 9, will witness participation of political leadership 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 .

Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches World Bank

Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw formally launched the World Bank Groups World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in New Delhi. Organised by the IndiaAI Mission and MeitY in collaboration with the World Bank, the event gathered global experts to examine how developing economies can harness AI through adoption, adaptation, [] The post Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches World Banks WDR 2026 on AI in New Delhi appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

When Media Can Reach Masood Azhar: India Tears Into Pakistans Bounty Drama, Terror Funding At UN

At the United Nations, India has dismantled Pakistans latest terror narrative. New Delhi questioned Islamabads claim that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar is hiding in Afghanistan, while pointing to Pakistans announcement of a higher bounty for his arrest. India called the move optics designed to conceal state support for terrorism. The question is simple: if Pakistan knows Azhar is a wanted UN-listed terrorist, why does it still not reveal his exact whereabouts or produce him in court? India also rejected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs attempt to present Operation Sindoor as a Pakistani victory. New Delhi reminded the world that Pakistan cannot speak about peace while sheltering terror networks. From 9/11 and 26/11 to Pahalgam, India said the record is clear. Pakistans doublespeak may change its wording, but it cannot change the facts. It also recalled that terror cannot be rebranded as diplomacy.

Delhi Police Constables Share Harrowing Experiences During Congress Protests

Delhi police constables recount violent encounters with Congress protesters during a recent demonstration in the capital. Delhi Police Constables Share Harrowing Experiences During Congress Protests

Weather Tomorrow October 9: IMD predicts rain, thunderstorms and heavy showers across several states; check forecast for Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and more

Weather Tomorrow: On October 9, the Meteorological Department has raised alarms for heavy rain and thunderstorms in numerous areas. The Delhi-NCR region anticipates overcast conditions paired with light precipitation. Himachal Pradesh might encounter scattered showers, thunderstorms, and lightning. Meanwhile, Bihar and Haryana are expecting partly cloudy skies and occasional rain. Notably, several states, including Uttarakhand, will experience considerable rainfall on this date.

Top Seeds Sureshkumar, Chaudhari Progress In Fenesta Open

Defending champion Manish Sureshkumar and top seed Vaidehee Chaudhari have advanced to the semi-finals of the 31st Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship in New Delhi. Sureshkumar overcame a 0-3 deficit in the deciding set, while Chaudhari recovered from a second-set collapse. Both will also compete in doubles finals.

Air India Delhi-Riyadh flight turns back midway as Houthi attacks hit Saudi airports, all Riyadh flights halt till October 10

Air India flight AI2243 took off from Delhi towards Riyadh but turned around during its journey due to safety concerns. This decision came after Houthi attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia intensified. As a precaution, Air India and Air India Express announced the suspension of all operations to and from Riyadh. The suspension will remain in effect until October 10, 2026, affecting numerous travelers.

Thirumavalavans statements on SIR sends mixed signal to cadre, party leaders

Participating in a protest against the Election Commission of India in New Delhi recently, VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan raised doubts over TVKs recent victory and attributed its success to the SIR process

Thirumavalavans statements on SIR sends mixed signal to cadre, party leaders

Participating in a protest against the Election Commission of India in New Delhi recently, VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan raised doubts over TVKs recent victory and attributed its success to the SIR process

CJP protest: Delhi cops book new FIR days after SC order

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has registered a new FIR to investigate the violence that occurred during the Cockroach Janta Party's protest in the national capital on July 20. The probe will examine if the violence was premeditated and identify those responsible, following the Supreme Court's cancellation of 17 earlier FIRs. The investigation will also consider the role of individuals with criminal backgrounds identified via facial recognition, amidst plans for another CJP protest for which permission has not been granted.

Analysis: Central Agency Raids A Boon Or Curse For Punjab's Ruling AAP

After the legal trouble for the top leadership in the Delhi excise case, the CBI raids and corruption allegations in Punjab have come as a double whammy for the party that is hoping to win a second term in Punjab.

Muzaffarnagar's Urban Transformation: How Numax City is Shaping a New-Age Integrated Township

Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 8: Muzaffarnagar is witnessing a gradual transformation in its urban and real estate landscape, driven by improving connectivity, changing consumer aspirations and the growing demand for organised, well-planned communities. As the city and surrounding regions evolve, integrated developments that bring residential, commercial, lifestyle and social infrastructure together are emerging as an important part of this transformation. At the centre of this shift is Numax City Muzaffarnagar, a 100-acre integrated township located along the Delhi-Dehradun Highway.

Over 5,000 passengers missed trains due to traffic jams during Congress' protest against CEC: Sources

More than 5,000 passengers could not reach the railway station on time due to the Opposition's protest and the resulting traffic congestion in New Delhi and surrounding areas on Thursday, railway sources said. Consequently, several passengers...

Paytm, Mobikwik shares fall amid UPI MDR rollout delay reports

New Delhi: Shares of Paytm, One Mobikwik Systems and other fintech firms ended lower on Thursday, October 8, amid reports that a proposal to defer the rollout of merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI to January 1, from October 15, is under consideration. One 97 Communications, which owns the Paytm brand, tanked 10 per cent 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 .

Police register FIR to probe violence during CJP's July 20 protest

The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has registered an FIR to investigate the violence that broke out during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest in the national capital on July 20, police sources said on Thursday. The probe will focus on identifying people allegedly responsible for the violence and examine whether it was premeditated, the sources said. On the directions of the Supreme Court, the Delhi Police had cancelled 17 FIRs registered at multiple police stations in the New Delhi district. The FIR comes two days ahead of another CJP protest announced to be held at Jantar Mantar, this time to press for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. A police officer said that permission has not been granted for any protest. Referring to the fresh FIR, the police source told PTI that teams of the Crime Branch will also look into whether criminal elements entered the protest sites after the CJP called for a march

GST Council scraps arrest power of tax officials, approves faster refunds: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, Oct 8: The high-powered GST Council on Thursday approved removing the arrest power of tax officials and raising the threshold for prosecution fivefold to Rs 5 crore, while introducing faster and largely automated refunds for taxpayers. Announcing the decisions taken at the 57th meeting of the GST Council, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it also decided to bring down the general penalty from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10,000. The changes approved by the GST Council will be implemented from April 1, 2027. The Council also cleared a proposal that a taxpayer who files late, makes a mistake or falls behind on payment will face recovery, interest and a proportionate penalty, and nothing beyond that. Another key recommendation was about extending refunds under the inverted rate structure to input services. The change will be available for credit availed on or after November 1, 2026, Sitharaman said. The Finance Minister also said that the government intends to introduce faceless tax assessment for Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) taxpayers registered in multiple states. Sitharaman said the power of arrest will be removed from GST and the threshold for prosecution will be raised from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore. Also, no notices will be issued in cases below a monetary threshold of Rs 10,000. The Council, comprising Union and state finance ministers, also recommended removing the minimum punishment. Also, the punishment, whether fine or imprisonment or both, will be left to judicial discretion in every case. Sitharaman further said the general penalty, applicable where no specific penalty is provided, will also be reduced from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10,000. She also said no GST rates have been changed at the meeting. The recommendations of the Council will come into effect from April 1. Replying to a query, Sitharaman said the GST Council had mostly addressed the aberrations because of ITC and addressed the duty inversion. So, I don't think there are many outstanding issues which are fundamental to ease of doing business or fundamental to anomalies and rates remain. So, yes, you can say GST next generation GST, 99 per cent issues have been addressed, rate or process, Sitharaman said. The GST reform Process has been driven from the principle of trust, the Minister said. Business has to be trusted. Taxpayers have to be trusted. And businesses among themselves, with trust, if they do it, we shouldn't be too intrusive, she added.

From a Jaipur original to a multi-city brand: Zolocrusts measured expansion

As Zolocrust, a renowned vegetarian caf chain, marks its 11th year, it is excitedly planning expansions into vibrant cities like Delhi and Lucknow. Founder Arjun Kumar emphasizes a deliberate strategy: prioritizing quality over swift expansion. Each new location will reflect valuable lessons learned, ensuring Zolocrust remains true to its core principles while establishing a notable presence in larger urban landscapes.

Centre unveils JOSH, youth squads for a TB-free India

In a decisive step toward eliminating tuberculosis (TB) from the nation, the national launch of JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) took place today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The initiative aims to harness the boundless energy, enthusiasm, and social connectivity of Indias youth power, integrating them actively into the national TB eradication campaign to strengthen [] The post Centre unveils JOSH, youth squads for a TB-free India appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Top Indian Runners Gear Up For Delhi Half Marathon

Harmanjot Singh and Lili Das will lead a 42-strong Indian elite field at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon on October 18. Singh, a strong contender with the fastest personal best in the Indian elite field, will make his debut. Lili Das, a former champion, will lead the women's charge alongside Kavita Yadav, facing competition from Ankita Dhyani. The event offers significant prize money and incentives for new Indian Elite records.

Air India Delhi-Riyadh flight returns after Houthi attack on Saudi airport

Corruption Charges Framed Against Ex-MCD Inspector

A Delhi court has ordered the framing of corruption charges against Ved Pal, a former Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) assistant sanitary inspector. He is accused of demanding and accepting bribes from a sweeper, Naresh, who provided audio-video recordings as evidence. The court found a prima facie case under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Delhi NCR rape cases: Supreme Court orders heightened patrolling near schools, cab driver checks

The top court made the Chief Secretary and the Delhi Police Commissioner responsible for filing periodic compliance reports, warning that the two officers would be held personally answerable for any lapses

Delhi liquor shops to remain shut on October 9 and 10 ahead of Jantar Mantar protest

To reinforce public order, the Delhi government will close liquor shops on October 9 and 10 as suggested by police. This preventative measure comes ahead of anticipated protests by the opposition, particularly the Cockroach Janta Party, scheduled at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Authorities have not approved these protests, advising the public to steer clear of unsanctioned gatherings on these dates.

School holiday tomorrow (October 9, 2026): Will schools be closed on Friday? Check state-wise updates

School Holiday Tomorrow: October 9 will see schools across India operating as usual, with no national holiday declared. Specific state announcements affirm that areas such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal will remain open for education. However, weather conditions may influence potential closures, making it essential for parents to stay informed through school communications and local advisories to ensure their childrens safety in unpredictable weather.

DTU Laboratory Technician Recruitment 2026

Delhi Technological University (DTU) has released the official notification for the post of Laboratory Technician. The last date to send the application by email is 27 October 2026.