Paris Student Protests Intensify: What Are Students Demanding?
France's student protests show no sign of easing, with fresh barricades outside schools in Paris as students demand more funding, better facilities and adequate staffing. As concerns grow over violence and disruption, the unrest is piling further pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's outgoing government.
Liquor shops in Delhi to remain closed on Oct 9 and 10 ahead of protests
The Delhi government on Thursday directed the closure of liquor stores in the city on October 9 and 10 due to the prevailing situation to maintain public order. An order issued by the Excise Department said that the closure of liquor vends was based on Delhi Police inputs as a preventive measure aimed at maintaining public order. The order has come ahead of ongoing protests by opposition parties demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged vote theft. A call for protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 has also been given by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Delhi ahead of the CJP protest, a senior officer said on Thursday. The officer said no permission has been granted for any protest at Jantar Mantar, and appealed to people to avoid participating in any unauthorised gathering.
The committee alleged that the SIR exercise was leading to the removal of voters from electoral rolls on a large scale and demanded that the process be scrapped.
Dr Abhilash Maroju LOS ANGELES: A major three-day gathering celebrating Hindu Dharma, temple leadership, spiritual service, and community empowerment brought together a significant representation of Hindu leaders, priests, community representatives, and organizations from October 2 through October 4, 2026, for the 19th HMEC Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council Conference and 13th HMPC Hindu Mandir []
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.
INDIA bloc steps up anti-EC protest, BJP accuses Opposition of targeting institutions (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Opposition continued its protest in Delhi for the third consecutive day on Thursday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and MPs of the Opposition INDIA bloc first gathered for lunch at the Connaught Place in the national capital before travelling by buses to Rajghat. Heavy security arrangements were put in place in view of the protest. The opposition leaders had to wait for nearly an hour before being allowed inside Rajghat, where they paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had said that the leaders would pray to Mahatma Gandhi for wisdom for the Union government and urge it not to take away people's right to vote. While Wednesday's destination was Jantar Mantar, the leaders headed to Rajghat on Thursday. Earlier, the Opposition had also taken out a march from Parliament to the Election Commission. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the protest would continue until their demand for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation was met. Even as Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a sit-in at Rajghat, it drew a sharp counterattack from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Opposition of attempting to pressure constitutional institutions. The Rajghat protest marked the third consecutive day of demonstrations by opposition parties in the national capital. The INDIA bloc has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral process and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected the allegations. CPI-M MP John Brittas said the Opposition's agitation would continue until CEC Gyanesh Kumar resigns. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the country was united in seeking the CEC's resignation and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond to the concerns being raised by the Opposition. The INDIA bloc has also sought a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu amid the ongoing standoff. Congress sources said the Opposition was yet to receive a response from Rashtrapati Bhavan. Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said the INDIA bloc had first sought an appointment on October 2 and subsequently submitted the names of participating leaders. The leaders had sought a meeting on October 7, 8 or 9. The Opposition is considering further options as it seeks to maintain pressure on the Union government and the poll panel. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also arrived in Delhi as opposition parties prepared to intensify their mobilisation. The BJP, however, questioned the rationale behind the protests. Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar said that the SIR issue is already before the Supreme Court and accused the Opposition of attempting to create an atmosphere of anarchy. He said people had lost faith in the Opposition. BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari also criticised Rahul Gandhi's street protests ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, alleging that the Congress was seeking to pressure constitutional institutions and undermine the credibility of the judiciary through demonstrations. The political exchange also drew criticism from Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who contrasted the Congress-led protests with Mahatma Gandhi's movements. Maurya said Gandhi's campaigns always maintained dignity and avoided confrontation, while alleging that recent protests involving Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had witnessed scuffles and a disregard for decorum.
Woman Alleges Triple Talaq After 16 Years of Marriage in Kanpur
A woman in Kanpur claims her husband issued her a triple talaq after 16 years of marriage, demanding his arrest for domestic abuse. Woman Alleges Triple Talaq After 16 Years of Marriage in Kanpur
MP Congress protests over SIR, backs Rahul Gandhis agitation
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 8 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh Congress on Thursday staged protests across the state against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, extending support to Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's agitation in New Delhi and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protests were organised at block and district levels following a nationwide call by the Congress leadership. In Bhopal, former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar led a march from Board Office Square to the Ambedkar statue. Congress workers raised slogans against the Election Commission and later staged a sit-in protest at Board Office Square. Several protesters sat and lay on the road, disrupting traffic at the busy intersection. Speaking to reporters, Digvijaya Singh said the Congress was protesting to protect citizens' voting rights. We have to sit on the road in the interest of the people. We are protesting to restore the rights that have been taken away from the people, he said. Singh alleged that democracy was being undermined in the country. The votes of 13 crore people have been stolen. Who stole these votes? This is not a battle for Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi; it is a fight for the rights of the people of this country, he said, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was promoting a dictatorial style of governance. He also demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, saying that democracy required an impartial Election Commission. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi has even a little sensitivity, he should seek the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. If the Election Commission is not impartial, democracy will not survive, he said. Patwari said the Congress was observing a Black Day across the state in protest against the police action on LoP Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and INDIA bloc MPs during their demonstration in Delhi. He said the party would continue to raise questions regarding electoral rolls and the election process through democratic means and would continue its campaign to protect voting rights. In Bhopal, some protesters climbed the Ambedkar statue and raised slogans, prompting deployment of additional police personnel. NSUI workers also attempted to spray black paint on a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to an argument with the police. Protests were also held in several other districts. In Indore, Congress workers burnt an effigy of Gyanesh Kumar and raised slogans demanding his resignation. In Sagar, party workers dressed in black and tied their hands with ropes before burning an effigy of the Chief Election Commissioner. The Congress also alleged that more than 15 party workers travelling to Delhi to join LoP Rahul Gandhi's protest were made to deboard a train at Itarsi. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav criticised the Congress for blaming the Election Commission for its electoral setbacks and said the party should introspect about its organisation and leadership. Referring to Congress governments in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, Yadav questioned the party's criticism of the electoral process. If there is distrust in the Election Commission's process, then what is the meaning of Congress's victory in Kerala? he said.
Saint-Denis Mayor Bally Bagayoko Becomes The Face Of Frances Student Protest Movement
A French mayor has become the face of a growing student revolt. Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, stood between riot police and teenagers during a protest in Paris. He shouted stop as officers moved towards the crowd. Bagayoko says tear gas was then fired and hit the students and him. He says the protesters could have been his own children. The viral video has intensified scrutiny of police tactics across France. Students are demanding better-funded schools, more teachers, smaller classes and repairs to neglected buildings. The government says police are also being attacked, while schools have been burned or ransacked. More than 6,600 people have been arrested since late September. After a 15-year-old lost a hand during a protest in Lens, France suspended stun-grenade use at school demonstrations. The unrest is now a test of policing, education policy and political leadership.
MSF Campus Express campaign to conclude on Oct. 9
As part of the campaign, MSF district committee members wore black and staged a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
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.
MP: CBI arrests Kendriya Vidyalaya principal, middleman in Rs 3 lakh bribery case
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 8 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the principal of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Itarsi and a middleman for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from Bhopal-based firms engaged in renovation work at the school, the agency said on Thursday. The action came after the CBI registered a case against the principal on October 7 following allegations that he had demanded an undue advantage of Rs 3 lakh from the firms for releasing payments against their pending bills. The firms had been awarded renovation work at the Kendriya Vidyalaya through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The alleged bribe demand was linked to the release of payments due to the firms for the work orders issued to them by the school. The bribe amount was demanded for releasing payment of pending bills of the firms about work orders issued to these firms by the school through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), the CBI said in a statement. After registering the case, the agency laid a trap to verify and act on the alleged demand. During the operation on October 7, the CBI allegedly caught the principal and the middleman while they were accepting the Rs 3 lakh undue advantage. Following the trap operation, the CBI conducted searches at the residential and office premises of the accused in Itarsi and Agra. The searches were carried out as part of the investigation into the bribery allegations and the transactions connected with the renovation work. Property-related documents were seized during the searches, the agency said. The documents and other material recovered during the operation are expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators. The CBI laid a trap and caught the accused principal and middleman while accepting an undue advantage of Rs 3 lakh, the agency said. The investigation is continuing, the CBI added.
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.
INS Trishul's PASSEX with Spanish Navy enhances interoperability and operational synergy
Digital Desk | Madrid, Oct 8 (IANS) Indian Navys guided-missile frigate INS Trishul undertook a PASSEX with Spanish naval ship ESPS Reina Sofia during its departure from Valencia. The exercise enhanced interoperability and operational synergy between the two Navies, the Indian Navy said on Thursday. Indian Navys guided-missile frigate INS Trishul undertook a PASSEX with Spanish Naval Ship ESPS Reina Sofia on departure from Valencia, Spain, on 04 Oct 26, the Indian Navy stated on X. The joint exercise featured coordinated manoevering, cross-deck landings, boarding operations and VBSS, along with communication drills. The exercise facilitated exchange of professional expertise and further enhanced interoperability and operational synergy between the two Navies, it added. INS Trishul's port call in Spain underscored the growing bilateral defence partnership, the Embassy of India in Madrid said as Ambassador Jayant Khobragade visited the vessel at the Port of Valencia and met its Commanding Officer, Captain Charit Kapil. The Ambassador visited INS Trishul at the Port of Valencia during its Port Call to Spain and met its Commanding Officer, Captain Charit Kapil. A frontline Talwar-class guided-missile stealth frigate commissioned in 2003, INS Trishul combines advanced weapons, sensors and a multi-role helicopter. Its service has included anti-piracy operations, protecting merchant vessels and supporting security, the Embassy stated on X. A highlight of the IndiaSpain Dual Year of 2026, the port call underscored the growing bilateral defence partnership. Professional interactions and a joint Passage Exercise between the Indian Navy and Spains Armada Espaola have contributed to enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation, it added. Earlier, INS Trishul completed the sea phase of the 24th edition of Exercise 'Varuna' with the French Navy, drilling alongside two French frigates, a nuclear attack submarine, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft in the Mediterranean, the Ministry of Defence said. The ship sailed out from Toulon on September 25 for the sea phase of the annual bilateral maritime exercise, the Indian Navy said in a post on X. Anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing exercises and cross-deck helicopter landing serials provided opportunities to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two Navies, reaffirming the strong and enduring India-France maritime partnership, the Indian Navy stated.
Surface Laptop Ultra Debuts At $2,599 With First Breakaway USB-C Port
Microsoft has officially confirmed the pricing , release date , and technical specifications for its flagship Surface Laptop Ultra . Following its initial preview earlier this summer, the company announced during its keynote presentation in San Francisco that the new machine is scheduled to start shipping on October 16 , with pre-orders opening immediately across the United States . The entry-level model carries a starting price of $2,599 . For this configuration, buyers receive a premium 15-inch mini-LED display , an expansive haptic trackpad , and three versatile USB-C ports . Under the hood, the base device is powered by an 18-core RTX Spark processor featuring 5,120 GPU cores alongside 24GB RAM . While this starter tier is not geared for running heavy local enterprise models, it provides ample performance for demanding everyday workflows such as video editing , creative photo production , data crunching , 3D modeling , and casual gaming . A significant hardware innovation on the Surface Laptop Ultra is the introduction of the industrys first breakaway USB-C port . Taking inspiration from proprietary solutions like Apple MagSafe and the legacy Surface Connect , this mechanism secures the connector magnetically to safeguard the computer from accidental cord snags. Unlike earlier implementations that depended on proprietary interfaces, this is a fully functional, universal USB-C connector that remains entirely compatible with conventional USB-C peripherals . Positioned as Microsofts most advanced and highest-tier computing device to date, top-end configurations are built specifically for intensive computational tasks. The highest-specification variants target AI developers who require sufficient compute power to execute massive 120B parameter models locally, supporting intricate agentic workflows and advanced on-device processing directly within Windows. Component / Category Technical Specifications Display 15-inch PixelSense Ultra Touchscreen Mini-LED panel, 3:2 aspect ratio, 262 PPI Brightness: 1,000 nits SDR typical / 2,000 nits HDR peak luminance Dolby Vision support Processor (SoC) Base: NVIDIA RTX Spark N1X (18-core CPU, 5,120-core GPU) High-End: NVIDIA RTX Spark N1X (20-core CPU, 6,144-core GPU) Dedicated NVIDIA NPU & Blackwell architecture Unified Memory 24 GB, 32 GB, 48 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB LPDDR5x unified memory Storage Removable Solid-State Drive: 512 GB (PCIe Gen 4 SSD) 1 TB / 2 TB (PCIe Gen 5 SSD) Ports & Connectivity 1x USB-C / USB4 with Magnetic Breakaway Connect 2x USB-C / USB4 Surface Laptop Ultra Debuts At $2,599 With First Breakaway USB-C Port , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Congress attacking the Election Commission, courts, and all constitutional bodies with an aim to destabilise the government, says BJP State vice-president M.T. Ramesh
Congress attacking the Election Commission, courts, and all constitutional bodies with an aim to destabilise the government, says BJP State vice-president M.T. Ramesh
BRS Plans Protest On Oct. 14, Demands Bonus For Singareni Workers
BRS will hold a Singareni Karmikula Garjana at Ramagundam on October 14, demanding a higher profit share and other benefits for SCCL workers.
Sharma Takes Commanding Lead At Kapil Dev Invitational
Shubhankar Sharma fired a seven-under 65 in the second round of the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship, establishing a four-shot lead. The Chandigarh golfer reached 11-under 133, with Brashwarpal Singh in second place and overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya slipping to third.
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.
Opposition leaders rally at Rajghat, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged electoral irregularities. Opposition Protests Against Alleged Vote Theft Continue at Rajghat, Led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge
Lane Johnson's Sudden Exit Exposes A Major Problem For The Philadelphia Eagles
Lane Johnson's sudden midseason retirement leaves the Philadelphia Eagles facing a major problem at right tackle, with rookie Markel Bell now expected to step into one of the NFL's most demanding roles.
Trump 'Should Be In Prison': Rosie ODonnell Fires Off Brutal Takedown At POTUS
Rosie ODonnell has launched a furious attack on President Donald Trump, calling him a very sick and dangerous man while standing alongside Jeffrey Epstein survivors in New York and demanding the release of more unredacted files. At the October 5 rally in Washington Square Park, ODonnell also urged voters to make their voices heard in the November 3 midterms, as a truck carrying around 3.5 million micro-printed Epstein documents stopped at the Manhattan landmark, according to amNewYork.
Thirumavalavan backs INDIA bloc protest, calls for peoples movement against EVMs
Protest should not remain limited to demanding the Chief Election Commissioners resignation but should develop into a mass movement against the Modi government and EVMs, says VCK leader
Youth Congress blockades Income Tax office in Keralams Kollam demanding Gyanesh Kumars removal
Inaugurating the protest, Youth Congress State vice-president Vishnu Sunil Pandalam alleged that instead of ensuring transparent elections, the Chief Election Commissioner was subverting democracy by arbitrarily cutting down votes
Mamata likely to join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated her potential participation in a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She strongly criticised the BJP and the Election Commission over alleged electoral malpractices and SIR anomalies in Bengal. Banerjee also expressed solidarity with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra regarding their treatment during recent protests and plans to approach President Droupadi Murmu.
In a recent vlog, Farah Khan explored the Ashiana Senior Living Resort, where Mandira Bedi showcasing the facilities available. Residents can enjoy everything from a vibrant gaming room to a dynamic clubhouse filled with activities. Watch as elegant three-bedroom flats are highlighted, exemplifying a senior community that promotes an active, engaging lifestyle, making it a wonderful option for leisure-driven seniors.
The National Human Rights Commission is currently investigating serious allegations of sexual harassment involving three women journalists during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3. The Delhi Police have filed complaints and routed the case to their Crime Branch. Tensions escalated when demonstrators were detained for demanding an FIR, drawing significant attention from human rights groups concerned with the implications of these events.
Delhi Police busts illegal stocking of illicit foreign cigarettes, one held
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Special Task Force (STF) of Delhi Police on Thursday has busted an illegal stocking and distribution network involving foreign-brand cigarettes and apprehended one person in connection with the case. Acting on specific intelligence, the STF conducted a targeted raid at a shop in Naya Bans at Pan Mandi in Delhi's Khari Baoli, and recovered 78,800 cigarette sticks belonging to nine international brands. The seized cigarettes did not carry the mandatory pictorial health warnings prescribed under Indian law. According to the police, secret information was received by the STF/North on October 7 regarding the illegal stocking and distribution of imported foreign cigarettes at Shop No. 6363, Naya Bans, Pan Mandi in Khari Baoli. Acting on the information, a dedicated team was constituted under the supervision of Inspector Ashish Kumar Dubey, STF In-charge, (North), and the guidance of ACP/Operations/North Vishesh Dhatterwal. The team comprised Sub-Inspectors Saurav and Sartaj, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Rajiv and Shahir, Head Constables Nishant, Parveen and Mukul, and Constables Nishant and Mayank. During the raid, the team apprehended Junaid Ahmed, 45, a resident of Naya Bans at Pan Mandi in Khari Baoli. A search of the premises led to the recovery of 78,800 cigarette sticks of various foreign brands. The seized stock included 32,200 sticks of Esse Lights, 32,000 of Mond, 5,200 of Esse Special Gold, 2,400 of Esse Golden Leaf, 2,400 of Win, 1,600 of Djarum Black, 1,400 of Dunhill Silver, 1,000 of Dunhill Black and 600 of Davidoff Gold. Police said the cigarettes did not bear the mandatory pictorial health warnings required under Indian law. Following the recovery, an FIR dated October 7, was registered under Sections 7/20 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) at Lahori Gate Police Station. Further investigation has been initiated. During questioning, Ahmed disclosed that he had been working as a manager at a gutka shop in Naya Bans for the past six months. Police said that, besides gutka, foreign-brand cigarettes were stocked in bulk at the premises and supplied in retail quantities as well as against specific orders. According to the police, the cigarettes were procured from suppliers dealing in foreign-brand tobacco products and were allegedly being sold without the prescribed health warnings. The owner of the shop was not present during the raid. Police teams are making efforts to trace him and ascertain his alleged role in the procurement, storage and sale of the cigarettes. Investigators are also working to identify the suppliers involved and trace the source and distribution network of the recovered consignment. Police said further investigation is underway to establish the complete chain involved in the illegal procurement, stocking and distribution of the foreign cigarettes.
ISL 2026-27: 'Club-led model will make a huge difference for players and fans,' says Hnamte
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Sporting Club Delhi midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte believes the Indian Super Leagues new club-led commercial model can bring greater investment and interest to the competition, saying the change could make a 'huge difference' for both players and fans. The Indian Super League (ISL) enters the 2026-27 season under a new commercial structure after the AIFF and the leagues clubs agreed in July to transfer the commercial rights to the clubs, while the federation retained administrative and regulatory oversight. The new arrangement is aimed at giving clubs greater responsibility for the leagues commercial and financial growth. Asked how the change could benefit the competition and players, Hnamte said clubs having greater commercial control could encourage them to invest more in their teams and take greater ownership of the league. I dont think much, but it will make more interest because the club will be willing to pay more and willing to take care of the club more. So as a fan and for the player, it will be a huge difference, a huge change, Hnamte replied to an IANS query during a media interaction. The 2026-27 season will also return to a full home-and-away format, with the playoffs back as part of the competition. Hnamte, who has joined SC Delhi ahead of the new season after representing clubs like Chennai FC, said he is entering the campaign in the best possible shape and has set his sights firmly on winning the league. This season is one of the best; mentally and physically Im ready. We are not here to compete; we are trying to win the league, so we are ready for that, he said. The midfielder also highlighted the hunger within SC Delhis young squad, saying the teams ambition goes beyond simply making up the numbers. And the group, we are very young, but we are hungry for the trophy. And I think it will be very great for us, and I think well have a great season, Hnamte added. Meanwhile, SC Delhi head coach Tomasz Tchorz said the club has not had to deal with the additional workload associated with players returning from recent international fixtures, as none of his players were involved with the national team during the current period. However, several Indian players from other ISL clubs have recently featured in international friendlies against strong opposition, including Brazil, raising questions over workload management ahead of the league season. In our case, there is not a problem because, unfortunately for our club and team, we didnt have any player playing for the national team this winter, Tchorz said. Obviously, other teams have to manage the load because some of the players played a few games in a short period of time against very demanding opponents, he added. The SC Delhi coach, however, acknowledged the value of such international exposure for the players involved. For those who played in these games, obviously, its a valuable experience, and they will have a lot of takeaways from these games. However, for us, it doesnt really matter because we are still working on delivering players to the national team, Tchorz said. SC Delhi had a poor campaign last season, where they finished in 12th position with just two wins to their name. They will face Bengaluru FC in their first match of the 2026-27 season.
Jalna Cops Accused Of Bribery Over Arrest Warrant
Two policemen in Maharashtra's Jalna district are under investigation following allegations of corruption. A viral audio recording purportedly captures one officer demanding a bribe to avoid arresting an individual in a diesel theft case, despite the person having secured bail. The district's Superintendent of Police has initiated a probe into the matter.
Nana Patekar: 7 moments that revealed the man behind the intense screen persona
Highlights From a feared gangster to a comic underworld boss, Nana Patekar played characters that were worlds apart His most memorable roles often relied on sharp dialogue, distinctive mannerisms and powerful screen presence Parinda and Krantiveer showcased his intensity, while Welcome revealed his flair for comedy Natsamrat brought out a more vulnerable side of the actor in one of his most emotionally demanding roles These seven performances show why Patekar remained difficult to typecast throughout his career Nana Patekar never needed a conventional leading-man image to leave a lasting impression. Across a career spanning more than four decades, he created characters that could be intimidating, vulnerable, funny, angry or deeply emotional, often within the same performance. His ability to disappear into vastly different roles became one of the defining features of his career. From dangerous gangsters and determined police officers to ageing theatre actors and comic gangsters, Patekar repeatedly showed that his range extended far beyond the intense persona audiences often associated with him. Here are seven characters that capture the extraordinary range of Nana Patekar's acting career. 1. Anna in Parinda As Anna in Parinda , Patekar created one of the most unsettling villains in Hindi cinema. His portrayal of the ruthless Mumbai gangster was intense without feeling exaggerated, making the character unpredictable and frightening. The performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and became one of the defining roles of his early career. 2. Pratap Narayan Tilak in Krantiveer Krantiveer gave Patekar a very different challenge. His character, Pratap Narayan Tilak, is a troubled man whose anger gradually finds a larger purpose. Patekar brought both aggression and vulnerability to the role, creating a character whose emotional transformation drives much of the film. His performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. 3. Appa Belvalkar in Natsamrat In the Marathi drama Natsamrat , Patekar played Appa Belvalkar, a legendary stage actor confronting life after retirement. The role allowed him to explore ageing, pride, loneliness and the pain of losing one's place in the world. Patekar's performance was deeply emotional without losing the character's theatrical personality, making Appa one of the most important roles of his later career. 4. Sadhu Agashe in Ab Tak Chhappan Patekar's portrayal of police officer Sadhu Agashe in Ab Tak Chhappan showed another side of his ability to command a screen. Rather than relying on exaggerated heroics, he played Agashe with restraint and authority. The character's moral complexity gave Patekar space to use silence, expressions and controlled dialogue delivery as much as action. 5. Uday Shetty in Welcome Perhaps the clearest proof that Patekar could turn his intensity into comedy came with Uday Shetty in Welcome . As the hot-headed gangster trying to get his sister married, Patekar played against the seriousness associated with many of his earlier roles. His timing, expressions and chemistry with Anil Kapoor made Uday one of the film's most memorable characters. The role also introduced his comic side to a new generation of mainstream audiences. 6. Baba in Salaam Bombay! Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay! came early in Patekar's career and featured him as Baba, a ruthless drug dealer. The performance reflected the raw, naturalistic quality that would become central to his acting. Rather than presenting a conventional screen villain, Patekar gave Baba an unsettling realism that suited the film's portrayal of children living on the margins of Mumbai. 7. Prabhakar Anand in Raajneeti In Prakash Jha's Raajneeti , Patekar played Prabhakar Anand, a political figure caught between idealism, family and power. Even within an ensemble featuring several major actors, Patekar brought a quiet authority to the character. The role showed how effectively he could communicate emotion and conflict without turning every scene into a dramatic outburst. A legacy built on range These characters represent only a fraction of Nana Patekar's filmography, but together they explain why his work has remained so distinctive. He could make an audience fear him in Parinda , root for him in Krantiveer , empathise with him in Natsamrat and laugh with him in Welcome . That ability to move between completely different emotional worlds was central to his appeal. Patekar's legacy is not simply about the number of acclaimed films he made. It is about the characters he left behind and the very different ways he made audiences feel. Decades after many of these films were released, those performances remain instantly recognisable. That enduring connection with audiences is perhaps the clearest testament to the extraordinary range of Nana Patekar.
CBI, vigilance nab two public servants in separate bribery cases in Odisha
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended the Principal of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Nuapada district of Odisha in a bribery case, the central agency said in a statement on Thursday. The CBI registered the instant case on October 7 against the accused principal on allegations that he had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant for recommending her name for extension of her service as Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) at EMRS, Nuapada. After negotiation, the accused agreed to accept Rs 12,000 from the complainant. Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap on October 7 and caught the accused Principal red-handed while accepting the bribe. The person apprehended by the CBI has been identified as C. Krishna Murthy Naidu, Principal, Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Nuapada, Odisha. In another case of corruption in public office in the state, the Odisha vigilance on Thursday apprehended a Programmer, posted at the office of DEO-CUM-DPC (District Project Coordinator), Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Jagatsinghpur district, demanding and taking a bribe of Rs 30,000 from an executant for clearing his pending bills towards installation of digital blackboards assigned to him in schools of Jagatsinghpur district. The accused Chandrajit Parija, as a member of the procurement and technical committee, inspects the installation works, and on his certification, the bill is released in favour of the executant. Despite several requests by the executant (Complainant), Parija did not take steps to inspect the work done by the complainant. Instead, accused Parija demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 from the complainant for clearing pending bills, Odisha Vigilance said. Finding no other way, the complainant lodged a complaint with the vigilance seeking action against Parija, alleging harassment. Subsequently, the vigilance sleuths laid a trap and nabbed Parija while receiving the bribe amount from the complainant on Thursday. Following the trap, simultaneous house searches are being carried out at three locations linked to Parija from the DA angle. In this connection, a case (39/26) has been registered against Parija at the Kataka Vigilance Police Station on Wednesday.
INDIA bloc MPs head to Rajghat on Day 3 of anti-SIR protest
The INDIA bloc MPs and leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, gathered for a lunch before heading to Rajghat to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This marks the third consecutive day of protests, with opposition leaders demanding Kumar's resignation and alleging collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission. They have also sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu regarding the issue.
Congress should introspect instead of blaming EC for poll defeats: MP CM
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 8 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday criticised the Congress for blaming the Election Commission for its electoral setbacks, saying the party should instead introspect on its organisation and leadership. Yadav's remarks came as the Madhya Pradesh Congress prepared to hold a foot march in Bhopal in support of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, amid an intensifying Opposition campaign against the Election Commission in New Delhi. The Chief Minister said the Congress had itself benefited from the electoral process that it was now questioning, pointing to its governments in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. If there is distrust in the Election Commissions process, then what is the meaning of Congress victory in Kerala? Mohan Yadav said. He is on a visit to Mumbai. Talking to the media, Yadav said Congress should examine why its political base had weakened in several states instead of holding the poll panel responsible for repeated electoral defeats. Yadav referred to Congress's prolonged absence from power in West Bengal and its weak position in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, saying these issues required introspection within the party. Congress should introspect and strengthen its organisation instead of blaming the Election Commission for every defeat, he said. He said India was the world's largest democracy and elections were conducted through a constitutional framework under the Election Commission. According to Yadav, electoral defeats should not be used as a reason to question constitutional institutions. The Chief Minister also said Rahul Gandhi should introspect on the Congress's electoral performance and leadership. The remarks came amid protests by Congress and other Opposition parties against the Election Commission over electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. On October 6, Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several INDIA bloc leaders were detained by police during a march towards the Election Commission office in New Delhi. The Opposition leaders were protesting over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding accountability from the poll panel. On October 7, Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs were again detained during a protest in Delhi after they attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar. The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process and has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Bhopal, state Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar are scheduled to lead a foot march at 5 p.m. on Thursday in solidarity with Gandhi. The state Congress had earlier staged a protest outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Bhopal following Gandhi's detention in Delhi on October 6.
INDIA bloc to protest at Rajghat as Kharge hosts 2nd lunch for Opposition MPs
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hosted a lunch for INDIA bloc leaders at a Connaught Place restaurant. The meeting aimed to discuss ongoing protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Multiple opposition leaders joined the lunch, expressing unity against perceived authoritarianism in election processes. Rahul Gandhi and others highlighted their commitment to continue protesting until Kumar resigns.
La Liga: Injury, fatigue loom as competition returns after international break
Digital Desk | Madrid, Oct 8 (IANS) Football's premier competition, La Liga, returns Friday after a lengthy international break, with several clubs facing injury concerns and potential fatigue among players who have been away on international duty for nearly three weeks. The round opens with Malaga hosting Espanyol as the home side searches for its first win since returning to the top flight. Espanyol could welcome forward Javi Puado back to the bench following a serious knee injury. Barcelona faces fitness concerns over Raphinha and Eric Garcia ahead of its home match against Getafe after both withdrew early from international duty with Brazil and Spain, respectively. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia is nearing a return from the knee injury that ruled him out of Spain's squad, while coach Hansi Flick must decide whether to start Lamine Yamal after the winger featured in all four of Spain's matches during the break. Real Madrid could be without Kylian Mbappe for its home match against Villarreal after the France forward withdrew from international duty following a recurrence of a knee injury, reports Xinhua. Villarreal won its final two matches before the break, with its players showing signs of adapting to coach Inigo Perez's high-intensity approach. Second-place Atletico Madrid visits Alaves, coached by former Atletico boss Quique Sanchez Flores. Alex Grimaldo and Pablo Barrios are injury doubts for Atletico, while Alaves will look to forward Lucas Boye to trouble the visitors. Saturday also marks Rayo Vallecano's return to its Vallecas Stadium following renovations that forced the Madrid club to play its opening home matches in Leganes. Rayo hosts Athletic Club, which will be without winger Nico Williams after he sustained a muscle injury while on international duty with Spain. On Sunday, relegation-threatened Elche hosts Celta Vigo, while Real Sociedad welcomes Deportivo La Coruna, which is winless in three matches after an impressive start to life back in the top flight. Third-place Real Betis begins a demanding month of domestic and Champions League fixtures with a home match against Osasuna. Sunday's action concludes at El Sardinero, where Javier Aguirre makes his debut as Valencia coach against Racing Santander. Aguirre has had nearly three weeks to work with his new squad but faces injury concerns over Arnaut Danjuma, Umar Sadiq, Luis Rioja and Diego Lopez as he looks to organise a more compact side. The round concludes Monday with Levante hosting Sevilla.
ACB Detains Doctor, Middleman For Bribe In Bharatpur
The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a middleman and detained a senior medical officer in Bharatpur for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 35,000 bribe to prepare a medical report showing grievous injuries. An investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act is ongoing.
Who is Nana Patekar's son Malhar Patekar? His education, qualification and career
Nana Patekars son Malhar Patekar has mostly stayed away from the spotlight despite having his own connection to films. A commerce graduate from Mumbais Saraswati Mandir High School, Malhar has worked as an assistant director and also appeared as a child artist and actor. Heres a look at his education, film career and why he chose a quieter path than his famous father.
For more than three decades, the beat of the dhak has announced Durga Puja in Manchester. This year, it is joined by something new: WhatsApp messages, AI tools and short-form videos, as one of Northern England's longest-established Bengali organisations looks for new ways to keep its community connected. The Greater Manchester Bengali Hindu Cultural Association (GMBHCA) will celebrate Durga Puja from Friday 16 October to Tuesday 20 October 2026 at Gandhi Hall, Withington. Founded in 1993 by a handful of families determined to keep Bengal alive far from home, the registered charity now has more than 300 member families and a year-round cultural calendar. An AI assistant on WhatsApp This year, GMBHCA has introduced a WhatsApp-based digital assistant using AI, alongside automated membership identification, improved RSVP and attendance tracking, and digital donation receipts. For a charity run almost entirely by volunteers, the change is significant. Organising a five-day festival, feeding hundreds of guests and managing a calendar that runs from Poila Boishakh to Kali Puja has long relied on goodwill, spreadsheets and busy WhatsApp groups. The association says the new tools are designed to make it more efficient and transparent, and to make it easier for members to stay involved throughout the year. Heritage in a scroll Technology is also changing how GMBHCA tells its story. Its new platform, Khoj Exploring Culture, Connecting Communities, uses short-form videos to explore Bengali culture, traditions, food, festivals, history and contemporary life, aiming to reach younger audiences and people unfamiliar with Bengali culture alike. Leading the charge is iKaku, the association's much-loved mascot. Dressed in classic Bengali style and with a weakness for mishti doi, iKaku stars in light-hearted videos, stockpiling KitKats before a Poila Boishakh gathering or returning from the moon just in time for the Bengali New Year. iKaku does not ask whether tradition and modernity can coexist. He simply lives in both at once - and invites everyone else to do the same, the association says. The approach is resonating. GMBHCA says its social media channels have generated nearly 60,000 views, with almost half of all engagement driven by Reels. Connecting communities, online and off The digital push sits alongside efforts to bring people together in person. This year, GMBHCA has partnered with Radha Krishna Mandir HRS in Withington, strengthening links between different parts of Manchester's Indian and Hindu communities. The Puja is also drawing an increasingly diverse crowd, including international students from nearby universities and Mancunians of all backgrounds. Tradition at the heart For all the innovation, the essence remains the same. Last year, Deb, believed to be Britain's youngest Hindu priest, chose to spend his 18th birthday performing the rituals before Ma Durga. On Dashami, members joined the Consulate General of India's team for a Swachh Bharat cleanliness drive, sweeping the streets in their festive finery. Technology, the association believes, is not a replacement for that spirit, but a way of carrying it further, from a hall in Withington to phone screens across Manchester and beyond.
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 8 (IANS) A regional party in Assam, the Raijor Dal, on Thursday alleged that several of its workers were injured during police action following a protest march towards Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas residence in Guwahati over issues concerning the state government. The protest was organised following a call by Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, with a large number of party supporters taking to the streets carrying black flags and marching towards the Chief Ministers residence. Police detained several protesters as they approached the area, following which tension prevailed briefly. Among those detained were Raijor Dal leaders Dhairya Konwar and Bidyut Saikia, according to the party. The Raijor Dal alleged that police personnel used excessive force while detaining its workers, resulting in injuries to several protesters. In a statement, the party claimed that one of its workers, Ananta Arandhara, suffered a serious injury to his private parts during the detention. The party alleged that police personnel squeezed the area with their hands while taking him into custody. The party further claimed that several other protesters sustained injuries to their heads and chest during the police action. The allegations could not be independently verified immediately. The Raijor Dal criticised the police action and accused the authorities of using disproportionate force against protesters who were demonstrating against the state government. The party also alleged that some of the injured protesters had not received medical treatment at the time it issued its statement. The protest comes amid heightened political activity in Assam, with the Raijor Dal and other Opposition groups frequently raising issues concerning the state government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Police officials have not yet issued a detailed statement on the allegations of excessive force or the injuries claimed by the protesters. The incident has sparked a fresh political confrontation between the Raijor Dal and the state administration, with the Opposition party demanding accountability for the alleged injuries caused during the detention.
Akhilesh Yadav to visit Ayodhya to listen to Bhagwat Katha: SP leaders
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 8 (IANS) Ahead of Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh Yadavs, visit to Ayodhya to listen to the Bhagwat Katha at SP leader Pawan Pandey's residence on Thursday, the Samajwadi Party (SP) said Yadav was going there for a personal, spiritual trip, and that they would welcome him there. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is arriving today to participate in the ongoing Bhagwat Katha programme. On behalf of the respected people of the constituency, I extend my greetings and welcome him, said, SP MP Awadhesh Prasad. Speaking to IANS on the matter, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput said, Akhilesh Yadav is going to Ayodhya on a personal, spiritual trip. He is also going to Pawan Pandey's residence to listen to Bhagwat Katha. If Lord Ram calls, he will go to Ram Mandir too. If he is going there, then why is it affecting the Bharatiya Janata Party ecosystem? It is affecting them because they have used Lord Rams name for political gains. They have stolen the Ram Mandir donation, and that is why they are scared. SP spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is going to Ayodhya as part of a pre-planned schedule. He is going there because he was invited. He will also meet the party workers present there. All the protocols have been met. He will also encourage the local leaders of the party. It is part of the Samajwadi Partys election campaign strategy. Tej Narayan Pandey said, The Shrimat Bhagwat Katha has been organised from October 2 to 8 and people from all sects are coming to listen to the Katha. He added, Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav will be visiting today. He will listen to the religious discourse, seek blessings from the Vyas Peeth, and also interact with the revered people of the area. According to reports, the SP chief will be part of the Bhagwat Katha which will be held in Krishnapur Khanpur Rasulabad village, approximately 12 kilometers from Ayodhya Dham. Akhilesh Yadav's visit is scheduled to last about one hour and 20 minutes and he will spend around 40 minutes at the venue. A helipad has been constructed near the event venue and the former UP Chief Minister will depart for Lucknow after attending the Katha. He is not likely to offer prayers or visit the Ram Mandir.
Shree Mandir Glows Under The Night Sky
A divine sight from Shree Mandir as the temple glows against the night sky, with the sacred flag fluttering atop the sanctum.
INDIA Bloc leaders detained during Save Democracy protest in Hyderabad
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Leaders of Congress and other constituents of the INDIA Bloc were detained in Hyderabad on Thursday as they tried to march towards Lok Bhavan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the alleged irregularities in Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Telangana Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, MLC Kodandaram, CPI MLA and partys state Secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, CPI-M state Secretary John Wesley, were among those detained by police as they tried to break the police cordon and proceed towards Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor. Several Telangana ministers and leaders and workers of the ruling Congress, CPI, CPI-M and other parties participated in the Save Democracy march. Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, Sridhar Babu, Adluri Laxman Kumar, Vakati Srihari, and Mohammed Azharuddin participated in the protest. The protestors gathered at the Indira Gandhi statue on Necklace Road and marched to Lok Bhavan. They were holding flags of their respective parties and raising slogans against the CEC and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some of the banners carried by the participants read 'Desh Drohi', 'Gyanesh, Its done Bro', 'Vote Chor Gyanesh Kumar', and 'Impeach Gyanesh Kumar'. The rally was stopped at Khairatabad crossroads as police erected a barricade to block the Lok Bhavan Road. A large number of police personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. As the protestors tried to remove barricades to proceed towards Lok Bhavan, the police detained them. Goud was among those whisked away in police vehicles. He told media that they were condemning the manner in which Narendra Modi government was acting against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi and others protesting in Delhi. He alleged that the Modi government was indulging in Vote Chori and undermining the Constitutional bodies. This is a fascist approach. People will continue their protest to remove such fascist leaders from power, he said. He alleged that after Bihar and West Bengal, Telangana is the next target of BJPs Vote Chori. He claimed that attempts are being made to delete 93 lakh out of 3.5 crore voters in Telangana. Goud also alleged that BJP was resorting to Vote Chori in Telangana in collusion with the BRS.
SIR protest: K'taka Cong observes black day over Delhi Police action against Rahul, Priyanka
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 8 (IANS) The Karnataka Congress on Thursday observed a 'black day', staging a protest against the detention of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by the Delhi Police during a demonstration against the Election Commission, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Hundreds of Congress workers gathered in front of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office in Bengaluru, holding black flags and raising slogans against the Central government. The protesters alleged police high-handedness against Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and condemned the action against the Congress leaders. KPCC President and MLC B.K. Hariprasad and other prominent Congress leaders participated in the protest. The workers raised slogans such as Rahul Gandhi Zindabad and Vote Bachavo, Desh Bachavo (Save Vote, Save Country). The protest was organised as part of the Congress campaign against the functioning of the Election Commission and its demand for greater transparency in the electoral process. The party has also been demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Hariprasad described the alleged police action on Wednesday against Rahul Gandhi and other elected representatives as a dark day for democracy. The attack on the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha is a dark day for democracy. I participated in the Dark Day for Democracy protest organised today in front of the KPCC office in Bengaluru to condemn the police repression against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and elected representatives, Hariprasad said. He said Congress will continue its fight against attempts to suppress democratic voices. Our struggle against attempts to suppress the voice of democracy will continue. The Congress partys fight will not stop until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is removed and transparency and credibility are restored in the electoral system, he said. Hariprasad alleged that the action against elected representatives was an attempt to suppress democratic voices and said Congress will continue its agitation until its demands concerning the electoral system are addressed. Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Police made elaborate security arrangements around the state BJP headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, in Malleshwaram, following inputs about a possible attempt by Congress workers to enter or seize the BJP office. Police personnel were deployed around the BJP headquarters as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident during the Congress protest. Security was also tightened in the surrounding areas in view of the gathering of Congress workers in the city.
2nd T20I: India's winning formula faces stern test as Windies look to bounce back (Preview)
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 8 (IANS) India will look to turn their early advantage into a 2-0 lead when they face West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Friday, but the focus before the five-match series moves to a couple of selection calls that could test an otherwise settled side. The hosts made a commanding start in Lucknow, chasing down West Indies 171 in just 14.4 overs after Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls. The result leaves India with room to experiment, but Sanju Samsons prolonged lack of runs and an expensive outing for Mayank Yadav could force the management to consider changes. Samson has made only 9, 7, 2 and 11 in his last four innings, increasing the attention on the opening combination. With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi already part of Indias T20I squad, the teenager is an obvious option if the team decides to alter the top order. The BCCIs squad for the series includes both Samson and Sooryavanshi, along with Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Sooryavanshis appeal lies in the attacking style he brings to the powerplay. A change at the top would also give India an opportunity to assess another combination while retaining Abhishek Sharma, whose aggressive approach has been central to their T20 plans. For now, however, the management must decide whether one poor phase is enough to move away from Samson or whether the experienced wicketkeeper-batter gets another opportunity to turn things around. On the other end of the batting order, India have far fewer concerns. Iyer's first T20I century has provided the middle order with an important boost, while his unbeaten 102 in the opener ensured India were never under pressure in the chase. The bowling combination presents another decision. Mayank conceded 16 runs in his first over in Lucknow and had an expensive outing overall, although he eventually removed Sherfane Rutherford, who had top-scored for the West Indies with 56. Naman Dhir was Indias standout bowler with 3-31, while Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each. India could therefore look at an alternative pace-bowling combination, with Nitish Kumar Reddy among the players who can provide an additional option. But the management will also be aware that using him with the new ball has not always produced the desired results. Spin, meanwhile, gave India control in the opening game. Kuldeep and Axar operated in tandem and kept the West Indies batting line-up from building sustained momentum, while Dhir added another dimension with his off-spin. West Indies will need considerably more from their batting if they are to prevent India from extending their lead. Shai Hope and Rutherford both made half-centuries in Lucknow, but the visitors lost three wickets inside the powerplay before the pair helped rebuild the innings. The challenge becomes sharper in Ranchi, where the venue has historically rewarded teams chasing. Of the seven T20 matches played at the ground, four have been won by the side batting second and three by teams setting a target. The average first-innings score is 138, while the second-innings average is 111. The ground has nevertheless witnessed sizeable totals. Indias 196/6 against Sri Lanka remains the highest T20 score at the venue, while New Zealands 155/3 against India is the highest successful chase. The pitch is expected to offer a firm surface with an even covering of grass, potentially allowing the ball to come onto the bat while giving the new-ball bowlers some assistance early. For India, the broader picture remains encouraging. The squad was officially named with Iyer as captain and includes a mix of established T20 players and younger options such as Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav. But with a 1-0 lead already secured, Fridays contest could reveal just as much about Indias thinking for the rest of the series as it does about the immediate result. The decisions surrounding Samson and Mayank may provide the clearest indication of how much patience the team management is prepared to show as it builds towards the longer T20I season. When: October 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM Where: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi Where to watch: The match will be shown live on the Star Sports Network channels and live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. Squads: India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav. West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer
CBI Arrests Principal In Bribery Probe
The CBI has arrested the principal of an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Nuapada, Odisha, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 12,000. The principal was accused of seeking money for recommending a woman's service extension as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) at the school.
Govt elected by people should not perish provided elections are fair: Murli Manohar Joshi
Murli Manohar Joshi stated that a government elected by the people will endure if elections are fair. He argued that accountability and transparency of the bureaucracy are essential for democracy. Joshi also mentioned that violations of the Constitution should be addressed by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, protests by the opposition continue, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Nainar Nagenthran attacks Vijay govt over alleged failure to stop sexual assaults on children
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 8 (IANS) Tamil Nadu BJP president, Nainar Nagenthran, has criticised Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijays government over two alleged sexual assaults on young girls, accusing the administration of failing to protect children and demanding swift prosecution and medical care for the latest victim. In a post on X, Nagenthran referred to the alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old girl belonging to a migrant workers family in Chennais Tiruvottiyur. He said the incident had caused widespread shock and grief across Tamil Nadu. Nagenthran said the latest allegation emerged while people were still coming to terms with an earlier incident in Gummidipoondi, where a three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and thrown into thorny bushes. Describing the Tiruvottiyur incident as heartbreaking, he expressed concern over the safety of children from economically vulnerable families who come to Tamil Nadu in search of employment and depend on the state for their livelihood. The BJP president alleged that repeated incidents of violence against women and children reflected a deterioration in law and order. He accused the Vijay administration of relying on empty promises while failing to address public safety concerns. He also criticised the Chief Minister, who, according to the post, controls the police and home portfolios, alleging that administrative inaction had created situations in which members of the public had to take to the streets to demand the apprehension of offenders. Nagenthran attributed what he described as criminals lack of fear of the law to alleged administrative corruption and the governments inexperience. He alleged that these shortcomings had contributed to widespread criminal activity across the state. Demanding stringent action in the Tiruvottiyur case, he called for the accused to be prosecuted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act through a fast-track court and given the maximum punishment permitted by law. He urged the government to take responsibility for ensuring that the affected child received high-quality medical treatment. Nagenthran further called on Vijay to abandon what he termed image politics and give immediate priority to the safety of women and children. Warning of political consequences, he said the people of Tamil Nadu would teach the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government a lesson if it failed to maintain law and order. His statement combined demands for punishment and treatment with criticism of the governments handling of public safety in Tamil Nadu.
Agartala, October 08, 2026: The Tripura Pradesh Congress on Thursday observed a Black Day in Agartala, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and protesting what the party described as obstruction of democratic rights. The programme was part of the Congresss nationwide agitation against the Election Commission and followed protests involving opposition leaders... The post Tripura Congress Observes Black Day at Agartala, Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumars Resignation first appeared on Northeast Today .
Do-or-die fight to protect democracy: Congress as Kharge hosting lunch for INDIA bloc
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) With Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hosting a lunch for INDIA bloc leaders for the second consecutive day, the party on Thursday said the Opposition was fighting to protect democracy, voters, and the common people of the country. The development comes amid the Opposition's ongoing protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Kharge hosted the lunch for INDIA bloc leaders at a restaurant in the national capital on Thursday. The lunch is likely to be followed by a protest, sources said. Addressing reporters, Congress General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal said the Opposition's fight was aimed at protecting democracy and the rights of voters. We are here to protect democracy. That's what we are doing. This is a do-or-die fight for us to protect the voters and the common people of this country. Our simple aim is to protect the voters and the common people, he said. Venugopal added that the INDIA bloc had already requested a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu, along with senior leaders of the Opposition alliance. We have already requested the President of India to have a meeting with her and the top INDIA bloc leaders. The first request was sent on October 2, he said. Venugopal said the Rashtrapati Bhavan had subsequently asked the Opposition to provide the names of the leaders who would attend the proposed meeting. Then the Rashtrapati Bhavan office asked us to give names, that's why we have taken all INDIA bloc leaders, he said. Reacting to the FIR registered against Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over allegations of assault and misbehaviour, Venugopal accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force against the protesting Opposition leaders. We very peacefully protested at Jantar Mantar. The government has assigned this place for protest. A day before yesterday, when we went to protest outside the ECI office, they stopped us, he said. Venugopal claimed that Gandhi was sitting peacefully with only five MPs and that the Opposition leaders were seeking permission to hold their protest at a designated location. Rahul Gandhi was sitting with only five MPs. We wanted to protest, and we were asking to be given a place where we can protest. So, they said to go to Jantar Mantar. There too, they (the govt) stopped us. You see that. They deployed the entire Delhi Police yesterday, he said. He further alleged that the police action targeted students, youths and party workers who had participated in the protest. They are attacking our students, youths. And when our workers got hurt, then that LoP entered into the picture. Now you are saying all this. The way of Delhi Police was very brutal, Venugopal said. Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda also criticised the authorities, saying Opposition leaders had been prevented from meeting Election Commissioners despite being elected public representatives. We wanted to go to the Election Commission the day before yesterday. We wanted to meet the Election Commissioners; we are elected public representatives, but we were not allowed to meet, Hooda said. He said the Opposition subsequently decided to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar but alleged that the protesters were again prevented from exercising their right to protest. Yesterday we wanted to go to Jantar Mantar. We wanted to hold a dharna at Jantar Mantar because we were not allowed to meet. But yesterday we were not even allowed to sit at Jantar Mantar; you saw the brutality the police committed, Hooda said. He alleged that the ruling establishment was attempting to suppress the voice of the people. And this game is going on. The dictatorial force that is in power in the country wants to suppress the voice of the people of the country. Elections are being held in the country in collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission we will not let this happen, he said. Congress MP Jebi Mather said the Opposition's protest would continue irrespective of the lunch meetings. Lunch or no lunch, even if we eat or do not eat, the protest will continue, not just the day before yesterday, not just yesterday, not just today. We are making it very clear that we will continue our protest until Gyanesh Kumar resigns, Mather said. She added that the protest would continue under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Venugopal and other INDIA bloc leaders. Congress MP Vivek Tankha said the Opposition leaders had gathered at Kharge's invitation and that discussions over lunch would be followed by a broader strategy. We have come here to save democracy. We have come here on Kharge's invitation. There is a lunch here. The strategy that Kharge and senior leaders frame over lunch will be followed, he said. Tankha, who said he had been in the Supreme Court before receiving the invitation, said he immediately joined the meeting. And we want that whatever it takes, we will do everything to save democracy. And the biggest thing is that Gyanesh will have to go. Until credibility and trust return to the Election Commission, there is no solution to this, he said. On the FIR against Rahul Gandhi and allegations of misbehaviour with security personnel, Tankha said the Congress leader and Priyanka Gandhi could not have deliberately misbehaved with security forces. Rahul and Priyanka can never misbehave with security forces. This is unbelievable. If they are protesting and you are using force against them, then whatever scuffle happens in that process, they are doing it in their defence. When something is done in defence, it does not constitute an offence, Tankha said. He alleged that the FIR had been registered with ad intention and strongly condemned the action. Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Kumar Rai said his party stood with the Congress and other INDIA bloc constituents in the ongoing political battle. Samajwadi Party is with them in this fight, he said. CPI MP P. Sandosh Kumar also hit out at the security arrangements around the protests, claiming that a large number of police personnel had been deployed to prevent Opposition MPs from demonstrating at Jantar Mantar. We are having lunch every day. There is no difference today; we will have it tomorrow as well, he said. He claimed that Jantar Mantar, which is traditionally used for protests in the national capital, had effectively been closed to the Opposition. The point is, Jantar Mantar is the only place in Delhi where we can register our protest. But it has been completely closed. There are more than 40,000 police personnel for 200 MPs. What kind of arrangement is this? There are 200, at most 240 people, and there are more than 40,000 police personnel deployed to stop them, he said.
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Bengaluru, Oct 8 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, on Thursday alleged that BJP leaders were involved in the criminal misuse of Form-7 applications to seek deletion of voters' names and said he had information and records that would be handed over to the Congress high command and used to seek a detailed investigation. Addressing the media in Delhi, CM Shivakumar said he would expose the alleged misuse and claimed that some BJP leaders who had recently met the Governor were themselves involved in the alleged irregularities. He also displayed alleged fake Form-7 applications and claimed that he has one full sack of such applications printed in BJP headquarters. I have information and records. I will expose this and hand over all the information to the high command. The BJP leaders are indulging in utterly lowly criminal work without any shame, he alleged. He questioned the Opposition leaders' demand that no investigation should be conducted into the alleged misuse of Form-7 applications, saying their opposition to a probe raised questions about their conduct. They fear that their names would come out and are demanding that no investigation is required. I will get the investigation done in this regard, CM Shivakumar said. CM Shivakumar said poor villagers and illiterate people could not be expected to understand the complexities of Form-7 and the voter deletion process. CM Shivakumar said that his government had taken steps to ensure that even homeless and vulnerable people were not excluded from the electoral rolls. I have written to everyone that even the homeless and downtrodden are included and one months time is given to rectify their details and ensure their names are included, he said. CM Shivakumar claimed that the alleged misuse of Form-7 applications had started in Bengaluru and subsequently spread across Karnataka. He criticised BJP leaders for approaching the Governor over cases registered in connection with the issue. He also questioned the Governor seeking explanations from government officials regarding the filing of cases against those allegedly involved in submitting fraudulent Form-7 applications. Is this not a crime? Is it not the duty of a Chief Minister to protect every vote of everyone? he asked, adding that the government would protect the electoral rights of voters irrespective of their political affiliation. CM Shivakumar said the government would also protect the votes of BJP supporters if their names were wrongly deleted from the electoral rolls. He accused the BJP of avoiding electoral battles based on public support and instead attempting to manipulate the election machinery and Election Commission of India. They should fight elections and win the hearts of the people of the state and the country. They are not doing that. They are just trying to use the election machinery and the Election Commission and trying to do all this, he alleged. The Chief Minister questioned whether an elected government had no authority to act when voters were affected by fraudulent applications. He said the government had a responsibility to intervene when the rights of common citizens were threatened, particularly when living persons were allegedly shown as dead in Form-7 applications seeking deletion of their names from the electoral rolls. CM Shivakumar also praised Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for raising the issue, describing it as a matter concerning the country rather than merely the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi is doing a great job. It is not for himself and it is not for the Congress party. It is the country's biggest conspiracy. The right to vote is the right to live, he said. He said that as Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi had a responsibility to protect every voter and stated that similar concerns had been raised across the country. Turning to Karnataka, CM Shivakumar alleged that attempts had been made to delete the names of more than a lakh voters and claimed that lakhs of Form-7 applications had been prepared in a systematic manner. He alleged that the applications had been printed at a BJP headquarters and that local BJP leaders were subsequently provided with forms containing the names and addresses of minority, Dalit and backward-class voters. According to CM Shivakumar, some local leaders then submitted their identity cards and phone numbers while filing the applications. He claimed that after the government became aware of the alleged irregularities and filed complaints, BJP leaders immediately approached Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and took back some of the submitted Form-7 applications. Displaying the applications, CM Shivakumar said the forms were computerised and contained detailed information, questioning whether ordinary villagers could have prepared and submitted them on their own. All the forms are printed and computerised. Will the villager be able to fill in these forms? Only minority names are targeted, he alleged, displaying what he described as a full sack of such applications. CM Shivakumar further claimed that lakhs of applications had subsequently been withdrawn and questioned Union Ministers H.D. Kumaraswamy and BJP leaders R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayaswamy's decision to approach the Governor along with other NDA leaders, demanding that cases and investigations should not be pursued. He said the alleged act would have been completed had the authorities not intervened, and claimed that the Election Commission had taken note of the issue and directed states to conduct a special campaign. The criminal act was supposed to happen and we stopped it. The Election Commission was convinced and wrote to all states for a special campaign, he said.
Prakash Raj, Dhruv Rathee join hands with Dipke, stage protest against SIR
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and actor-activist Prakash Raj led a protest here on Thursday against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his immediate resignation over alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls. Protesters from various walks of life, including women and students, gathered in large numbers at Freedom Park and the mood dramatically turned electric, with unceasing slogan-shouting, demanding the scrapping of the SIR exercise and asking Gyanesh Kumar to step down. According to the organisers, the protest, a people's tribunal for the victims of SIR from across Karnataka, will be followed by a Chappal protest in solidarity with women. Error 404 - Name Not Found, and It's done bro, resign sir and Don't erase us, hear us, were among the slogans found on posters waved by protesters. Some protesters also raised slogans like Dictatorship will not be tolerated, vote theft, Gyanesh Kumar Gaddi leave your chair. Posters featuring freedom fight
Gruesome injuries throw spotlight on France's policing of high school protests
Police have arrested thousands of young people in France during protests demanding better school funding
Delhi HC agrees to hear on Friday IYC plea seeking permission to protest at Jantar Mantar
The Delhi High Court is set to hear the Indian Youth Congress's plea regarding a planned protest. The group seeks permission to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They are demanding his resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Delhi Police previously denied them permission to protest at the location.
Opposition Coalition Marches in Patna Against Special Intensive Review Process
In Patna, opposition leaders march against the Special Intensive Review process and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding accountability. Opposition Coalition Marches in Patna Against Special Intensive Review Process
Thiruvananthapuram Mayor issues Rs 5 crore defamation notice to CPI(M) leader
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8 (IANS) Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh on Thursday issued a legal notice to CPI(M) councillor and Corporation LDF parliamentary party leader S.P. Deepak, demanding Rs 5 crore as compensation for defamatory statements linking him to the alleged forging of a councillors signature in Corporation records. The notice, issued through advocate Senthil Kumar S., gives Deepak 15 days to do the needful. It warns that Rajesh would initiate civil and criminal proceedings if Deepak failed to comply. The dispute relates to allegations that the attendance of Corporation councillor R. Sugathan, who was allegedly absent from council meetings held on February 26, March 11 and April 27, was falsely recorded by affixing a forged signature. Deepak had alleged that the forgery was carried out at the Mayors office with Rajeshs knowledge and connivance. The Mayor, in the notice, has termed the allegations completely false, malicious and baseless. He alleged that Deepak deliberately convened a press conference on October 4 to damage his reputation and undermine the dignity of the mayoral office. Rajesh also took exception to Deepaks claim that he had obtained a copy of the Corporation attendance register under the Right to Information Act and found Sugathans signature to be forged. According to the notice, Deepak had made the allegation without producing substantiating material or evidence. The notice further alleges that Deepak had accused Rajesh of conspiring with the BJP and the RSS to manipulate Corporation proceedings and commit irregularities. Rajesh claimed that the allegations had caused serious damage to his reputation and public standing, particularly as they were widely disseminated through news channels and social media. The notice also alleges that Deepaks statements were aimed at obstructing the development activities of the Corporation under Rajeshs leadership and could adversely affect the morale of Corporation officials and staff. Rajesh said he had maintained a clean political record and that the allegations had caused him humiliation, mental anguish and loss of reputation. The notice warned that if Deepak failed to pay the Rs 5 crore compensation within 15 days, Rajesh would proceed against him through due process of law and seek recovery of the amount along with costs and expenses.
Newly appointed Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Pargat Singh and Punjab Congress in-charge and general secretary Sachin Pilot on Thursday paid obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and sought the Guru
Cochin Shipyard cuts steel for 70 T Bollard Pull tugs for Svitzer A/S, Denmark
Designed to handle demanding close-quarter operations, the TRAnsverse tugs can operate across a wide range of vessel types and sizes, including in challenging weather and tidal conditions
Kharge To Host Second INDIA Bloc Lunch, Anti-CEC Protest Likely
Opposition leaders may stage protest demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
Veteran actor Nana Patekar dies in Goa
PANAJI, Oct 8: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, known for his powerful performances and commanding screen presence, died at his residence in Goa in the early hours of Thursday. He was 75, according to multiple reports, though a news feed described him as 76. Patekar was found unconscious at his apartment in Dona Paula and [] The post Veteran actor Nana Patekar dies in Goa appeared first on Northlines .
Delhi Braces For CJP Protest: 26,000 CAPF Personnel To Be Deployed, Security Tightened
Delhi is preparing for a major security operation ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed Delhi Chalo protest, with the Centre clearing the deployment of thousands of additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) as demonstrations demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh
Israeli PM pays homage to victims of Oct 7 terror attack, lights candles in memory
Digital Desk | Jerusalem, Oct 8 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit a memorial candle at his office in Jerusalem to pay homage to the victims of the October 7 terror attacks led by Hamas. The Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed about 1,200 people and triggered a massive Israeli military campaign across Gaza. It subsequently expanded into fighting across the region. In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's office quoted Netanyahu as saying, Today, I lit a memorial candle at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, commemorating every victim murdered on the 7th of October by the monsters of Hamas. The nation unites on this day in the longing for our dear ones. We will complete the mission: we have settled the score and will continue settling the score with all the murderers, he added. Meanwhile, families of those killed in the Hamas attack have been demanding an investigation into whether senior Israeli officials had received intelligence warnings in advance, as controversy over what leaders knew mounts less than a month before elections. Netanyahu rejected the claims of having received a warning regarding the attack. In a post on X, his statement read, Today, we all bow our heads in memory of the fallen and murdered on October 7. Sadly, on this painful day of all days, Channel 12 is broadcasting false political propaganda against Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Likud all day long, with the aim of toppling right-wing rule and paving the way for a left-wing government that will establish a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Netanyahu received no advance warning before October 7 about a Hamas attack from the Gaza Strip or by Hamas -- as testified by President Trump, President Biden's advisor Brett McGurk, the UAE government, the Egyptian government, and others, the statement further read. If Prime Minister Netanyahu had been updated in real time, everything would have looked different. It was Prime Minister Netanyahu who decided on a ground manoeuvre in Gaza and stood firm against the pressures from President Biden to settle for airstrikes, it added.
INDIA Bloc Protest Live Updates: Mamata Banerjee To Join Opposition Protest In Delhi Today
INDIA Bloc Protest Live Updates: Several opposition leaders were detained on Wednesday after they staged a sit-in and raised slogans demanding the poll body chief's resignation.
GOC 16 Corps, PCDA Prayagraj inaugurate 20th Raksha Pension Samadhan Ayojan at Akhnoor
Akhnoor, Oct 7:The 204th Raksha Pension Samadhan Ayojan (RPSA) was inaugurated at Tanda, Akhnoor by General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps Lieutenant General Mohit Seth and Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Prayagraj Himanshu Shankar, in the presence of senior military and pension authorities. The two-day Ayojan, being conducted on October 7 and 8, 2026, brings together Defence Forces veterans, Veer Naris, dependents of ex-servicemen and civilian defence employees of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on a common platform for prompt, accessible and time-bound resolution of pension-related grievances, said PRO Defence Jammu Lt Col Suneel Bartwal. The inaugural event was also attended by Maj Gen Y S Sekhon, General Officer Commanding, 10 RAPID (H) and Ravinesh Kumar, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, Northern Command, Jammu. The initiative reaffirms the enduring commitment of the defence forces towards the welfare, dignity and well-being of its veterans, under the guiding ethos, Your Pension - Our Commitment. The RPSA provides a single-window platform for veterans and their families to directly engage with concerned authorities for resolution of grievances related to pension, service-record updation, family pension and digital pension services, including SPARSH, Lt Col Bartwal stated. Emphasis was placed on in-situ grievance redressal, with cases being resolved at the venue itself, wherever feasible, while matters requiring further action were being pursued with the concerned agencies. A comprehensive facilitation network comprising 36 dedicated stalls has brought together Records Offices, ECHS, Rajya Sainik Board, AWPO, DGR, banks, SPARSH Service Centre, Veer Parivar initiatives and various central and UT government departments, providing veterans and their families access to pension, healthcare, welfare, resettlement and other support services under one roof, he said. The Ayojan, according to Lt Col Bartwal, also focuses on awareness and empowerment of veterans and their families through dedicated lectures and interactive sessions on pension entitlements, welfare schemes, digital services, resettlement and employment opportunities. A free medical camp with specialist doctors, organised by an NGO, was also conducted for the benefit of veterans. The Raksha Pension Samadhan Ayojan goes beyond grievance redressal, reaffirming the enduring bond between the nation and its veterans and the resolve to ensure that those who served the
Power cuts to 200 households trigger protest in Tangmarg
Baramulla, Oct 7:Disconnection of electricity supply to around 200 households over pending bills triggered a protest in Tangmarg area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Wednesday, with residents demanding restoration of power and relief for economically vulnerable families. The protesters gathered along the Srinagar-Gulmarg highway and raised slogans against the Power Development Department (PDD), alleging that their electricity connections were disconnected late Tuesday without prior notice. Residents said several affected families were unable to clear their accumulated dues in a single payment. In many cases, they said, the outstanding amount ranged between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000. The protesters demanded that the department restore the connections and allow consumers to clear their dues in instalments. Scores of families are poor and unable to pay the entire amount in one go. The authorities should allow them to clear the dues in instalments, said protester Fayaz Ahmad. Some protesters belonging to the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category also alleged that they were not receiving the benefit of 200 units of free electricity, saying this had added to their financial difficulties. The residents said the disconnections had caused hardship to families with limited resources and urged the administration to intervene and provide them additional time to settle the bills. Police and revenue officials reached the protest site and held discussions with the residents. They listened to their grievances and assured the protesters that the matter would be taken up with the higher authorities.Following the assurance, the protesters dispersed peacefully.
The greatest threat to the human brain today isnt a virus, a tumour, or a traumatic injury. It is a lifestyle weve quietly accepted as normal. We wake up to notifications, rush through deadlines, scroll through endless feeds, and fall asleep with glowing screens still inches from our faces. Somewhere between constant connectivity and relentless productivity, our brains have forgotten what it feels like to truly rest. Stress has become an accepted part of modern living. Students navigate academic pressure, professionals chase deadlines, and families juggle responsibilities in an increasingly demanding world. Although many dismiss mental fatigue as a normal consequence of a busy life, neuroscience tells a different story. Chronic stress alters the way the brain functions, influencing memory, attention, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Unlike short-term stress, which prepares us to respond to immediate challenges, prolonged stress keeps the brain in a constant state of alertness. Elevated levels of cortisol,the bodys primary stress hormone which can gradually affect brain regions responsible for learning and memory. The result is a growing number of people who complain of brain fog, forgetfulness, poor concentration, and restless sleep despite having no neurological disease. Every notification competes for our attention, quietly training the brain to choose distraction over deep focus. The result is a generation that feels mentally exhausted despite doing less physical work than ever before. Yet the brain is remarkably resilient. Through neuroplasticity ,its ability to rewire and form new neural connections,it can recover, adapt, and thrive when given the right environment. Regular physical activity, restorative sleep, meaningful social interaction, and periods of digital disconnection are not simply lifestyle choices; they are scientifically proven strategies that support brain health. Even a daily walk can improve blood flow to the brain, enhance mood, and strengthen cognitive function. Protecting the brain does not always require complex interventions. Often, it begins with simple habits practiced consistently. The brain is humanitys greatest asset, yet it is often our most neglected. Every choice we make either strengthens it or slowly wears it down. In the pursuit of faster lives, let us not sacrifice the very organ that allows us to think, create, love, and dream. The greatest investment we will ever make is not in technology, but in the health of our own brain. Dr. Hina Gul, PT, Neuro Rehabilitation Specialist, Gold Medalist PT
Srinagar Premier League: Downtown FC beat Galaxy FC 90
Srinagar, Oct 7:The Srinagar Premier League resumed action on Wednesday at the TRC Turf Ground, Srinagar, with Downtown FC producing a dominant display to defeat Galaxy FC by a convincing 90 margin. Downtown FC, as per a DFA statement, took complete control of the game from the opening whistle and went into the half-time break with a commanding 60 lead. The team continued its attacking momentum in the second half, adding three more goals to complete a comprehensive 90 victory. The result highlighted Downtown FCs attacking strength and overall control throughout the match, while Galaxy FC struggled to contain the pressure from their opponents. The match was organised under the banner of the District Football Association (DFA) Srinagar as the Srinagar Premier League resumed its competitive football action at TRC Srinagar. With the league now back in action, football fans can look forward to more exciting fixtures in the coming days.
SHILLONG, Oct 7: Hundreds of lawyers from across Meghalaya marched through the streets of Shillong on Wednesday, demanding the immediate removal of Advocate General Amit Kumar and accusing the state government of shielding information on public expenditure incurred on his office. The High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association, joined by []
Call to reclaim public spaces for women in Shillong
SHILLONG, Oct 7: Meghalayas matrilineal identity came under sharp scrutiny on Wednesday as women, queer, trans persons and feminist allies took to the streets at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah, demanding greater freedom, dignity and safety for women in public spaces. At the Dressed to Protest gathering, protesters used pointed slogans such as Girls just wanna []
Congress Leaders Condemn Delhi Polices Treatment of Rahul Gandhi
Senior Congress leaders criticized Delhi Police for their treatment of Rahul Gandhi during a protest demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Congress Leaders Condemn Delhi Polices Treatment of Rahul Gandhi
Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer received four ransom emails demanding bitcoin after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. The emails featured an AI-generated image of Guthrie and were turned over to the FBI. Investigators believe the messages may have originated from scammers, potentially linked to similar demands involving Lauren Serpa. Furthermore, Nancy Guthrie remains missing, with no known suspects, and a masked individual was seen on surveillance footage.
Milestones & Setbacks: As Modi Marks 25 Years in Office, A Look At His Record | Prasang
Prasang examines the political journey and legacy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who marks 25 years in public office today. In this Episode, TOIs Prabhash Jha and Prasad Sanyal discuss key promises and milestones of the Modi government, including Article 370, Naxalism and the Ram Mandir, while exploring Modis evolving approach to media, public communication and social media, and his changing relationship with the press.
High-Voltage Kolkata Derby In IFA Shield Final
East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan are set to clash in the IFA Shield final on Thursday, a highly anticipated Kolkata derby. East Bengal aims to avenge last year's defeat and secure their 30th title, while Mohun Bagan seeks to retain the Shield and claim their 22nd. The match comes amidst a demanding schedule for both teams, particularly Mohun Bagan, with players returning from national duty, adding to the tactical challenges for coaches Panagiotis Dilmperis and Antonio Habas.
Watch: Frances student protests explained: What caused the nationwide mass unrest?
Student-led protests have spread across France over concerns about poor school conditions, teacher shortages, overcrowding and education funding. The movement has grown into nationwide demonstrations, with students and teachers demanding better infrastructure, more staff and fairer distribution of resources.
India issued a stern condemnation of a series of hostile strikes on commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea, demanding an immediate halt to targeted maritime violence that directly endangers civilian infrastructure and international seafarers. In a formal statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi detailed recent attacks involving three targeted merchant ships, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, the Palau-flagged Able, and the Liberia-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio, which together put dozens of Indian crew members in severe peril. Highlighting the rescue operations underway, the ministry confirmed that seven Indian nationals were among the 18 crew members on board the Palau-flagged vessel Able when it came under attack. While one Indian sailor sustained injuries, all crew members were safely evacuated with local assistance. We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels, Togo - flagged Alfa Watan, Palau - flagged Able, and Liberia - flagged Aframax Rio in the Blac...
Meghalaya lawyers intensify protest, seek Advocate Generals removal
Digital Desk | Shillong, Oct 7 (IANS) Advocates from across Meghalaya on Wednesday intensified their agitation demanding the removal of state Advocate General Amit Kumar, alleging that he continued to appear before courts despite an assurance from the state government that he would not do so. A large number of lawyers representing bar associations from different districts participated in a rally in Shillong as part of the ongoing protest against Kumar. Addressing the media after the rally, lawyer Kishore Gautam said representatives of the legal fraternity had earlier met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, following which they were assured that Kumar would not appear before the Meghalaya High Court or any other court or tribunal in the state. Gautam, however, alleged that Kumar continued to appear before the High Court as well as trial courts despite the assurance. After the meeting with the Chief Minister, an assurance was once again given to us that Mr Amit Kumar would not appear in the High Court or any of the courts or tribunals in the state of Meghalaya, he said. Gautam said he subsequently informed the Chief Minister through WhatsApp messages and SMS about Kumar's alleged appearances after receiving Sangma's contact details during their earlier meeting. He said the lawyers were left with no option but to resume their boycott of court proceedings. Our demand is the same: we want the removal of Mr Amit Kumar, Gautam said, questioning why no concrete action had been taken despite repeated representations and meetings with the government. The lawyers had earlier announced a statewide boycott of judicial work from October 1, while exempting bail matters and other urgent cases. The boycott was launched over Kumar's continued appearances before courts, which the lawyers said were contrary to assurances given by the government. Gautam said bar associations across Meghalaya remained united on the issue and would continue their agitation through various forms of protest. He added that the executive committees of the High Court Bar Association and district court bar associations would meet to decide the next course of action. The confrontation between Meghalaya's legal fraternity and Kumar has continued for several weeks. Bar associations had earlier removed Kumar from their rolls and sought his removal as Advocate General. Kumar, however, has maintained that the appointment of the Advocate General is the prerogative of the state government and that, as a lawyer, he remains entitled to practise.
Actress Yami Gautams 100-year-old home in Mandi, reportedly priced at a whopping Rs 8 crore, reflects a traditional Himachali architectural heritage. Built primarily with wood and stone instead of concrete, the residence is believed to showcase the centuries-old Kath Kuni construction technique. This ancient, indigenous method combines stone and wood to create structures that can survive the harshest of weather and earthquakes.
Rahul, Priyanka, other MPs detained during Delhi protest, released later
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders were detained in Delhi while protesting against the Election Commission and demanding action over electoral issues.
Assistant district fire officer arrested for demanding, accepting bribe in Tiruvannamalai
Digital Desk | Rishikesh, Oct 7 (IANS) Swami Chidanand Saraswati on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey in public life, saying his biggest strength was his ability to regard the entire nation as his family and that his tenure had given fresh impetus to the ideals of service, good governance and nation-building. Welcoming the Seva Jyoti Yatra, Swami Saraswati said the Prime Minister's 25-year public journey would find a place in history, adding that while many leaders are mentioned in history books, some etch their own history, with PM Modi being one such leader. He added that PM Modi's public life began in Gujarat with the objective of building a developed India, but that his vision had since expanded to include global peace and the welfare of humanity. According to Swami Saraswati, PM Modi's decisions, goals and achievements had been driven by what he described as the national interest and the welfare of the country. He said the Prime Minister had combined intelligence with patience while motivating Indians to believe that they could achieve ambitious goals and that India could lead the world. The world today observes India through India's perspective, he said, highlighting what he described as major milestones of the past 25 years -- from development and heritage to chips and ships, Surya Namaskar and Chandrayaan, science and spirituality, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath, and the Kedarnath Corridor and Mahakal Corridor. Swami Saraswati also cited several decisions and initiatives during PM Modi's tenure, including Demonetisation, surgical strikes, the Balakot air strikes, abrogation of Article 370, the law against triple talaq, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Digital India, UPI, the G20 presidency, efforts to strengthen the Global South, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He said that PM Modi had faced criticism and negative narratives during his political journey but had nevertheless influenced India's direction and destiny. Swami Saraswati said the Prime Minister had encouraged Indians to believe that the country could not only determine its own path but also contribute to shaping the path of the wider world. He also praised PM Modi for respecting political figures across ideological divides, citing the Bharat Ratna conferred upon former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao as an example of his understanding and depth.
White Knight Corps commander reviews operational readiness in J&Ks Akhnoor
Jammu, Oct 7: General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps Lieutenant General Mohit Seth on Wednesday visited forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Rakhmuthi Sector in Jammu and Kashmirs Akhnoor to review operational readiness of troops. He was accompanied by GOC Cross Swords Division. The Corps Commander was briefed on the prevailing security environment and operational posture. Interacting with troops deployed in the forward areas, the GOC appreciated the robust surveillance grid, continuous area domination and high standards of operational preparedness. He exhorted all ranks to maintain vigilance, professionalism and readiness to effectively meet emerging challenges.
Digital Desk | Varanasi, Oct 7 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, accusing him and other opposition leaders of attempting to spread anarchy in Delhi. The BJP Chief's remarks were in reference to the INDIA bloc's protest, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the conduct of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Addressing a gathering in Varanasi, Nabin said: Given the way the opposition leaders in this country are functioning todayaligning with certain anti-social elements amid an atmosphere of anarchyI want to state clearly, the people of India will never allow your objectives and intentions to succeed, because you have only cared about those who have been usurping the rights of the people here. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, the BJP Chief said: The way you are attempting to spread anarchy in Delhi by leveraging certain anti-social elements, I want to tell the Leader of the Opposition (Rahul Gandhi) that the people of India will never allow those infiltrators, whose rights you advocate for, to secure any rights here. Nabin questioned the LoP, saying: Who are you concerned about? Whose battle are you fighting? If the names of the infiltrators are removed through the SIR, and for that you question the country's democracy, then, in reality, the biggest question mark is raised against 'you', the BJP Chief said while directly addressing the Opposition. He asserted, saying: I can say with confidence that the people of India will deliver a fitting reply to this anarchic mindset and thinking. Nabin made the remarks while addressing a felicitation ceremony for participants of the Seva Sankalp Yatra at Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya in Varanasi. Meanwhile, several INDIA bloc leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by the police earlier on Wednesday, while attempting to head to the national capital's Jantar Mantar to continue their agitation against the CEC for the second consecutive day. On Tuesday, the INDIA bloc MPs tried to push open the gates of the Akashvani Bhawan, after being stopped by security personnel while marching towards the Election Commission of India (ECI). Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other opposition leaders were briefly detained by police while being removed after more than nine hours of agitation at the premises of the All India Radio (AIR).
Cops detain INDIA bloc leaders heading to Jantar Mantar
Cops detain INDIA bloc leaders heading to Jantar Mantar New Delhi: INDIA bloc leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were on Wednesday detained by the police while they were heading to the Jantar Mantar to stage an agitation for the second consecutive day, demanding [] The post Cops detain INDIA bloc leaders heading to Jantar Mantar appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) The Seva Sankalp Yatra, from Vadnagar to Varanasi and Varanasi to Vadnagar, which began on September 17 to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday and also the completion of his 25 years as head of government, culminated on Wednesday, with grand closing ceremonies held at both places - Varanasi and Vadnagar. The culmination ceremony in Varanasi was addressed by BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM national president Hemang Joshi. The Seva Yatris who travelled from Vadnagar to Varanasi, carrying sacred water from the rivers of Gujarat, offered Jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and sought blessings of Lord Vishwanath. The 21-day Yatra, organised with the spirit of Seva, traversed 20 routes across the country, carrying the message of service, social responsibility and nation-building. On October 7, all 20 Yatra routes successfully reached their respective destinations, marking the completion of the nationwide campaign. The closing ceremony at Vadnagar, PM Modis birthplace, was attended and addressed by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi and BJP National office-bearer V.D. Sharma. The Seva Yatris, who embarked on a journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, carrying sacred water from the rivers of Uttar Pradesh, offered it at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Vadnagar, completing the spiritual connection between the two sacred destinations. BJYM national president Hemang Joshi said, The Seva Sankalp Yatra has given powerful expression to the spirit of Seva that Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated throughout his 25 years of public life. For every BJYM Karyakarta, Seva must remain the core sentiment of life, serving society, respecting our cultural heritage and contributing to the building of a Viksit Bharat. During the month-long programme, the yatris also participated in extensive social service activities including tree plantation, cleanliness drives, water conservation, Gau Seva, service at old-age homes, beneficiary interactions and organ donation pledges. These initiatives ensured that the Yatra was not merely a journey across geographical distances, but a movement that touched communities and translated the spirit of Seva into meaningful action. The Seva Sankalp Yatra concluded with a message that continues beyond the Yatra itself: Seva is not a one-time campaign, but a lifelong commitment.
PARIS IN FLAMES! 56,000 Anti-Macron Protesters Flood Streets As Fires, Tear Gas Spark Chaos | Watch
France has been rocked by nationwide student protests, with clashes erupting in Paris as police fired tear gas and deployed water cannons while protesters blocked streets and fires burned in the capital.Frances Interior Ministry put nationwide turnout at 266,000, while organisers estimated 450,000. Students are demanding more resources, replacements for absent teachers, school renovations and changes to the Parcoursup university admissions system.U.S. President Donald Trump has offered a very different explanation, blaming what he called out of control mass migration and claiming the unrest was about Islam rather than schools. The protests stated demands, however, centre on education.Trump allies including Glenn Beck and Dave Rubin have also circulated footage of the unrest while linking the scenes to immigration and U.S. politics.
They may be youngest faces on screen, but a new gen of child actors is commanding attention, carrying emotional scenes and often stealing the spotlight from seasoned stars, writes
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha' in New Delhi on Wednesday. In Jaipur, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma participated in the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha' and 'Seva Jyoti Yatra' programme held at the Mela Ground on VT Road in Jaipur's Mansarovar. The Chief Minister joined the Prime Minister's programme through video conferencing and listened to his address. During the event, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his resolve to build a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and raised the slogan, We will do it. Chief Minister Sharma also echoed the sentiment. In his address, The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 25 years of an uninterrupted journey in public service. He described the milestone as historic, glorious and inspiring, saying the nation had come together with renewed energy and resolve through the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha' and 'Seva Jyoti Yatra' programmes organised to mark the occasion. The Chief Minister said PM Modi's two-and-a-half-decade public life represents a remarkable commitment -- a tapasya centred on the principle of 'Nation First', hard work and improving the lives of the most marginalised sections of society. According to CM Sharma, PM Modi has redefined politics by transforming it from an instrument of power into a means of public service. He said that for crores of citizens, the Prime Minister's name has become synonymous with fulfilling commitments and ensuring delivery. From the abrogation of Article 370 to the construction of the Ram Mandir, he (PM Modi) has made all these achievements in the national interest possible through his unwavering willpower, CM Sharma said. He added that Rajasthan is rapidly progressing towards new heights of development under PM Modi's guidance, leadership and support. He said the state is receiving several major initiatives whose impact will be felt for generations. The Chief Minister added that the Rajasthan government has taken unprecedented steps to strengthen water security with the Centre's support. The Ram Jal Setu Link Project is being implemented to expand drinking water and irrigation facilities in eastern Rajasthan. According to CM Sharma, the project will provide drinking water to people in 17 districts, water for industrial use and irrigation facilities for more than 4 lakh hectares of land. He also said a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) concerning Yamuna water was signed on June 29 this year. Chief Minister Sharma added that an agreement was signed on September 15 among six states, including Rajasthan, for the Kishau Multipurpose Project, which will help ensure year-round water availability in the Shekhawati region. He also said a historic agreement on Narmada water was reached among Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh under PM Modi's leadership, resolving a decades-old dispute between the states over the river's water. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 52 lakh rural households in Rajasthan have so far received tap-water connections, CM Sharma said. He added that drinking-water infrastructure worth more than Rs 33,305 crore has been developed across the state. The Chief Minister said that Rajasthan's road network is being expanded through major infrastructure projects, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and its Delhi-Jaipur section, the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway, and the Jaipur-Kishangarh-Jodhpur-Pachpadra and Bikaner-Kotputli expressways. He added that the Rs 11,764-crore Jaipur Ring Road North project is being completed with support from the Union government to help reduce traffic congestion in Jaipur. Chief Minister Sharma also said the Central government has approved Phase-2 of the Jaipur Metro Rail Project at an estimated cost of Rs 13,000 crore. The project will comprise a 41-kilometre corridor with 36 stations. The Chief Minister said that railway infrastructure in Rajasthan is expanding rapidly through initiatives such as Vande Bharat Express services, the Coach Care Complex and the development of 83 Amrit Bharat railway stations. Air connectivity is also being expanded in Kota, Kishangarh, Barmer and Bikaner, CM Sharma added. According to the Chief Minister, a new terminal building has been constructed at Jodhpur Airport at a cost of Rs 480 crore, increasing the airport's annual passenger-handling capacity from 1.2 to 2 million. Development work is also underway at the terminals in Jaipur and Kota, he said. Chief Minister Sharma added that Rajasthan's energy capacity has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past two years and nine months. He said the state's power infrastructure is being strengthened through battery energy storage projects with a combined capacity of 6,000 MWh. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, more than 5 lakh registrations have been recorded in Rajasthan, while over 3.37 lakh rooftop solar power systems have been installed, the Chief Minister added. He said that renewable-energy plants with a combined capacity of more than 5.45 GW have been installed under the PM-KUSUM scheme, making Rajasthan a national leader in renewable and solar-energy infrastructure. To further strengthen the state's energy security, Chief Minister Sharma highlighted the Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project. He said that Prime Minister Modi laid its foundation stone on September 25, 2025. The project has an estimated cost of Rs 42,000 crore and a total installed capacity of around 2,800 MW.
Must seek Jantar Mantar protest permission 10 days before event: Delhi Police
The clarification from Delhi police comes as security has been heightened in central Delhi, with the INDIA bloc holding a protest demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, and the CJP planning a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10
