Riyadh Airport Attack: 1 Indian Dead, 4 in ICU as India Demands Immediate Halt

India on Wednesday expressed strong condemnation of attacks in Saudi Arabia against civilian infrastructure, calling them otally unacceptable and demanding an immediate stop to such incidents. New Delhi also expressed solidarity with Riyadh and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the well-being

Ankita Bhandari case: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi meet parents protesting at Delhis India Gate

Parents of the woman killed at a Uttarakhand resort are demanding that Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment as the Sikkim Governor be put on hold until the ongoing CBI probe into the 2022 murder case is complete

Delhi protests against SIR enter fifth day; hundreds detained as youth groups march

Protests enter Day 5 in Delhi demanding the rollback of SIR & the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Police detain SFI, DYFI & IYC workers at Patel Chowk and Firoz Shah Rd. Activists, actor Prakash Raj & farmer groups announce a nationwide march on Oct 23.

Hyderabad CJP leads protest march from LB Stadium to Gun Park

Hyderabad: Gyanesh Kumar, step down, Answer for vote theft Hyderabad witnessed a protest march by students and student unions demanding the immediate scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Peaceful protestors march from Liberty to the State Election Commission office at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Ranji Trophy: Bengal Thrash Delhi, Haryana Prevail; Karnataka, J&K Settle For Draws

Debutant Ankur Paul: Bengal opened their 2026-27 campaign in the Ranji Trophy with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Delhi, while Haryana defeated Himachal Pradesh by seven wickets as the opening round of the domestic first-class tournament concluded on Wednesday. Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir were saved by rain after a dramatic second-innings collapse against Madhya Pradesh, while Karnataka fought back against Andhra to secure a draw. Bengals bowlers dismissed Delhi for 277 in their second innings before the visitors chased down the target of 89 in just 15.3 overs to collect six points from their Group C encounter. Pradipta Pramanik claimed three wickets for 72 runs, while Amir Gani and Sumanta Gupta picked up two wickets each. Debutant Ankur Paul scored 38, and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran remained unbeaten on 34 to guide Bengal to victory. Haryana, meanwhile, completed their chase of 71 in 18.1 overs after resuming at 26/3 on the final day. Himanshu Rana scored 37, while Dheeru Singh remained unbeaten on 24 as the pair added 51 runs to secure the Group D victory. Haryana had taken a 43-run first-innings lead before bowling Himachal Pradesh out for 113 in their second innings, with Anshul Kamboj claiming four wickets. Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir suffered a dramatic collapse against Madhya Pradesh in Srinagar, slipping to 12/5 while chasing a challenging target after the visitors declared 249/6 in their second innings. J&K recovered to 88/7, but rain and bad weather stopped play, allowing the hosts to escape defeat. Madhya Pradesh earned three points for their 76-run first-innings lead. Karnataka also had to settle for a draw against Andhra in Group B after conceding a 144-run first-innings lead. Andhra posted 418 in reply to Karnatakas 274, but the visitors fought back through a determined second innings, declaring at 337/9 with veteran Karun Nair playing a key role. Andhra finished at 104/4, earning three points against Karnatakas one. In other Group A results, Baroda defeated Goa by an innings and 135 runs after posting 472/8 declared and dismissing their opponents for 199 and 138. Mahesh Pithiya took five wickets in Goas first innings, while Bhargav Bhatt claimed four in the second. Vidarbha beat Puducherry by 160 runs after setting a target of 291. Vidarbha defeated Puducherry by 160 runs in another Group A fixture. After scoring 428 in their first innings and declaring at 175/3 in the second, Vidarbha bowled Puducherry out for 313 and 130. Maharashtra began their Group C campaign with a 127-run victory over Services in New Delhi. Prithvi Shaw scored 70 off 73 balls, while Ankit Bawne made a major contribution with the bat as Maharashtra posted 333 in their first innings. Services managed 227 in reply, and despite Maharashtra being dismissed for 141 in their second innings, the visitors were bowled out for 120 while chasing 248. In another Group B fixture, Saurashtra took three points after securing an 80-run first-innings lead over Chhattisgarh. Ravindra Jadeja scored 102 and later claimed three wickets as Chhattisgarh were dismissed for 312 in response to Saurashtras 392. Saurashtra then reached 229/1 declared in their second innings, with Chirag Jani scoring an unbeaten century, before the match ended in a draw. Punjab also secured three points against Assam in a drawn Group B encounter. Assam scored 373 in their first innings, but Punjab responded with 478/6 declared to take a 105-run lead. Debutant Vihaan Malhotra scored 103, while Emanjot Singh Chahal remained unbeaten on 114 to help Punjab recover from a middle-order collapse. Assam finished at 157/6 in their second innings. Jharkhand earned three points against Kerala in Group C after building a sizeable first-innings lead. Jharkhand scored 587, with centuries from Shikhar Mohan, captain Virat Singh and Aditya Singh. Kerala replied with 395, with Abhishek P. Nair scoring 126, but failed to avoid the follow-on. Kerala were 62/2 in their second innings when the match ended in a draw. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu also played out a draw in Group D, with Rajasthan securing an 89-run first-innings lead. Rajasthan made 363 before Tamil Nadu were dismissed for 274, losing their last five wickets for just 10 runs. Tamil Nadu reached 73/0 in their second innings before the teams agreed to a draw. Uttarakhand took three points after securing a first-innings lead against Railways in another drawn fixture. Uttarakhand scored 470, while Railways were bowled out for 278. Railways reached 272/4 in their second innings before the match ended. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu also played out a draw in Group D, with Rajasthan securing an 89-run first-innings lead. Rajasthan made 363 before Tamil Nadu were dismissed for 274, losing their last five wickets for just 10 runs. Tamil Nadu reached 73/0 in their second innings before the teams agreed to a draw. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Sugarcane growers demand higher incentive, share in profits from byproducts

Farmers from Bidar, Yadgir and Vijayapura districts stage a road blockade at Ram Mandir Circle in Kalaburagi

Mamata Banerjee condemns the arrest of CJP leaders

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 14 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday condemned the arrest of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on charges of trespassing at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and also committed to always side with the CJPs movement. We, and many generations before us, have fought strongly for our democratic rights. We must continue to do so. I strongly condemn the arrest of Ashutosh and Saurav of the CJP. These moments are about us all, pledging and standing up to fight unitedly to protect our great democracy. This is an attempt to intimidate and silence an entire generation. This is unacceptable. We must never surrender our constitutional rights, said the former Chief Minister in a social media message. She also claimed that the murder of democracy was happening in many parts of the country. 14,000 of our people in Bengal are facing the brunt of police and political atrocities. A government that has forgotten that it is of the people, by the people, for the people is nearing its end. To the millions of young people, I say: Your Didi is with you - today and forever! Let us stand together and save our Mother India, she said. Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, were in the national capital recently to take part in the CJP movement demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police had already banned protest demonstrations at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar. However, on the very next day after the ban was imposed, a total of 14 CJP supporters, including Ashutosh and Saurav, climbed the wall of Jantar Mantar and entered the premises. They were carrying the Tricolour and were initially detained, but the Delhi Police arrested them late on Tuesday. Ashutosh, Saurabh and others were produced before the court of an executive magistrate on Wednesday and were remanded to five-day judicial custody. They have been sent to Tihar Jail.

Rajasthan Cabinet approves proposal to felicitate PM Modi

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 14 (IANS) The Rajasthan Cabinet has approved a proposal to felicitate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the completion of his 25 years in public office. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced this while addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, saying Rajasthan would play a key role in realising the Prime Ministers vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Sharma highlighted several major achievements under the Modi government, including the consecration of the Ram Mandir and progress on long-pending inter-state water agreements. He said the spirit of cooperative federalism had helped advance the Yamuna Water Agreement, the Narmada Water Agreement and the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). He also highlighted the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth 35 lakh crore during the Global Rajasthan Summit and the inauguration of the Pachpadra Refinery by the Prime Minister. According to the Chief Minister, greenfield expressways spanning more than 27,750 kilometres are being developed, while Rajasthans solar power capacity has increased by 28 gigawatts during the state governments tenure. He said the state had benefited significantly from the Prime Ministers leadership and guidance. Sharma said around 30 crore saplings had been planted in Rajasthan under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. Emphasising the importance of youth in nation-building, he said recruitment processes for one lakh posts were currently underway. The Chief Minister claimed that more than 410 examinations had been conducted without paper leaks. He added that the government was working to ensure daytime electricity supply to farmers across 26 districts. Sharma said Rajasthan was implementing the concept of One State, One Election in line with the Prime Ministers vision. Panchayati Raj elections are being conducted simultaneously, he said, adding that elections held at different times had previously disrupted development activities. The Chief Minister said information about public welfare schemes was being disseminated in rural areas through Seva Sankalp Raths, dedicated to marking the Prime Ministers 25-year journey in public service. The initiative aims to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach every eligible family. Sharma said the vision of a Viksit Bharat could be realised only by strengthening basic amenities in villages and making the rural economy self-reliant. He said the Centre and the state government, working together under the double-engine government framework, were advancing development initiatives in rural areas. The state government is focusing on preparing development plans tailored to the needs of individual villages and ensuring that their benefits reach the last person in society. Under the Viksit Gaon, Viksit Bharat Abhiyan, suggestions were collected from farmers, livestock rearers, women and senior citizens through Gram Sabhas and community meetings. Based on these consultations, a Village Development Pledge Document was prepared, reflecting villagers aspirations and their commitment to collective development.

Yami Gautam seeks blessings at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya ahead of Nayyi Navelli release | Photos

Yami Gautam seeks blessings at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya ahead of Nayyi Navelli release | Photos

Abhijeet Dipke calls for 'Tiranga' protest at Connaught Place on Oct 16

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday urged patriots to gather at the Central Park in New Delhi's Connaught Place, to wave the Tricolour in protest against the arrest of his party's co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. In a video message posted on social media platform X, Dipke termed the agitation as Lehra do Tiranga. As you already know, Saurav and Ashutosh have been put in jail just for waving the Tricolour. So I request all the patriots, all those who love the Tricolour, to gather at Central Park in Connaught Place, at 5 p.m. on October 16, along with the Tricolour, he said. We will wave the Tricolour there and show that waving a 'Tiranga' is not a crime, he added. Dipke asked those who are unable to reach the national capital, to undertake a 'Tiranga march' in their respective localities, in order to show the authoritarians that our Tricolour is our pride and waving it is not a crime. It is possible that I might be arrested after this but I am not stressed about that. My 'Tiranga' is my pride and I will wave it at any cost, the CJP Chief asserted. Earlier on Wednesday, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five-day judicial custody in the Jantar Mantar trespassing case, while another CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde was released on personal bond. Das and Ranka have been placed in separate cells within Tihar Jail, people familiar with the matter said. Saurav Das has been placed in Jail No. 2. Ashutosh Ranka has been placed in Jail No. 4, the sources said. Advocate Abhisht Hela, representing CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde, speaking to IANS, said, They have been sent to judicial custody for five days. The three CJP members were put in preventive arrest for trespassing at Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as the designated protest site. They were booked for trespassing, bond violation and obstruction of public officials' duty. They were produced before a Magistrate at Mandir Marg in New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

Devotees throng revered temple at India-Pakistan border in J&K on fourth day of Navratri

Digital Desk | New Delhi/Jammu, Oct 14 (IANS) As temples across the country witnessed large gatherings on Wednesday, the fourth day of Navratri dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, hundreds of devotees visited the historic Tali Wali Mata Mandir in J&K's Marh near the Pakistan border to offer prayers. Devotees were also seen singing bhajans and playing musical instruments at the temple in Jammu district. Speaking to IANS, a young devotee said that the voices of people chanting slogans at the temple could be heard all the way to the Pakistan border. She said a large number of devotees were visiting the temple during Navratri, and the crowd was expected to grow further on the ninth day. She added that people travelled from far-off places to visit the shrine. Despite the firing and bombings during Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the temple had not suffered any damage, she said. The temple is very renowned. People from far-off places visit it. Even soldiers deployed at the border sometimes come here to offer prayers, she said. Another devotee said many BSF personnel visited the temple to seek the Goddesss blessings. People from Jammu city and Nagrota also came to the shrine, she added. She said the sound of bhajans and devotional chants reached across the border, adding that people from different religious communities visited the temple and participated in its service. Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradeshs Dewas, thousands of devotees gathered at the Chamunda Mata Temple on the fourth day of Navratri to offer prayers during the morning aarti. Some devotees were seen crawling on their knees to fulfil their vows. Temple priest Suresh Nath said the Goddess was worshipped as Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri. According to local religious belief, the deity is also known as Raktavahini Chamunda because the Goddesss blood is believed to have fallen at the site. He said the Goddess was believed to assume different forms throughout the day appearing childlike during the day, youthful in the afternoon, and elderly at night. In three to four days, nearly four to five lakh people have visited the temple, the priest said. He also spoke about villages located near the zero point in the area, saying residents believed they could live without fear even during firing or military operations because the Goddess was protecting them. In New Delhi, devotees continued to visit the Kalkaji Temple, where special arrangements had been made to manage the crowds during Navratri. Mahant Surendranath Avdhut said some devotees visited the temple on all nine days of the festival. He added that the Goddess was worshipped at midnight during Navratri, and the temple doors were opened for devotees. The temple had arranged three entry points and two exit points to ensure the smooth movement of worshippers. An outpost had also been set up within the temple premises to enable police personnel, paramilitary forces and volunteers to assist devotees. Devotees also visited the revered Maa Vindhyavasini Temple in Uttar Pradeshs Mirzapur to offer prayers. Speaking to IANS, Avinash Singh, who had travelled from Ranchi, said the arrangements at the temple were good and that he had faced no hassle or rush during darshan. Another devotee, Manish Kumar Dubey, said he visited the temple every Tuesday and throughout the nine days of Navratri. Describing his experience, he said, I felt as if I was sitting in Mothers lap and being blessed.

Suspended IAS officer's appointment as Raisen Collector triggers row in MP

Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 14 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government's decision to appoint Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Rohit Sisodia as Raisen Collector, months after suspending him over alleged administrative lapses during the Indore water contamination tragedy that claimed 36 lives, has triggered a political row, with the Congress questioning the move. The appointment was part of a major administrative reshuffle carried out by the state government late Tuesday night, involving transfers and new assignments for more than 23 IAS officers. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on Wednesday questioned Sisodia's appointment, saying the families affected by the Bhagirathpura tragedy were still waiting for justice and action against those responsible. In a post on social media platform X, Patwari questioned what action had been taken on the inquiry commission's report and what considerations had led to Sisodia's appointment as Raisen Collector. He also alleged that political connections and favouritism were taking precedence over accountability in administrative postings. Has the transfer industry now turned into a transfer factory? he asked, demanding that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav make the inquiry report public and ensure action against those responsible. Sisodia was then serving as Additional Commissioner of the Indore Municipal Corporation when the Bhagirathpura water contamination tragedy occurred. He was suspended on January 1 over alleged administrative lapses in connection with the incident. Announcing the suspension, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had then described it as a stern action by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government. At a press conference, he had also claimed that it was the first time an IAS officer had been suspended in Madhya Pradesh. Sisodia's appointment as Raisen Collector has now raised questions from the Opposition over the state government's decision to entrust him with a key administrative responsibility after taking such a strong position following the tragedy. The Bhagirathpura incident, involving the supply of contaminated drinking water, claimed 36 lives and triggered questions over drinking water safety and the functioning of the civic administration. The reshuffle also included changes in the postings of Collectors in Jabalpur, Narmadapuram, Bhind, Panna, Shajapur, Burhanpur, Harda, Balaghat and Singrauli, along with new responsibilities for several senior officers at the State Secretariat.

Oppn, farmers slam Mahayuti Govt over Rs 5,000 aid to drought-hit Maha growers; term it cruel joke

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS) The Maharashtra governments announcement of a Rs 5,000 advance drought relief payment to farmers for districts facing severe agrarian crisis from 305 talukas, has triggered sharp political backlash and widespread outrage among farmers' organisations. Opposition leaders and the All India Kisan Sabha have slammed the financial assistance as inadequate, labeling the package a cruel joke and an insult to the struggles of distressed agricultural communities. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA, Kailas Patil, criticised the announcement, calling the Rs 5,000 relief an insult and mockery of farmers facing severe hardship and inflation. Former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and NCP(SP) leader slammed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating that the government had initially promised blanket assistance to all affected farmers, but has now scaled it back using administrative excuses. Senior Congress leader and MLA, Vijay Wadettiwar, launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra administration, stating that the Rs 5,000 relief is equivalent to ubbing salt into the wounds of struggling farmers. Highlighting the gravity of the crisis, Wadettiwar noted that farmers are not only reeling under current losses but are deeply anxious about their survival in the coming year. Many have borrowed heavily from private lenders and financial sources to fund their cultivation, only to face total crop failure, leaving their granaries empty and mountains of debt overhead. Questioning the state's financial priorities, Wadettiwar asked how the government could claim to lack funds for distressed farmers while simultaneously allocating thousands of crores for mega-projects like the upcoming Kumbh Mela and the Shaktipeeth Expressway. Gaining the blessings of farmers is far more important than funding the Kumbh Mela, he asserted, demanding that the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led government scrap non-essential high-budget projects and redirect funds toward substantial financial relief for farmers. Echoing similar outrage, the All India Kisan Sabha (AKS) strongly condemned the Rs 5,000 advance payment announced by Chief Minister Fadnavis across 305 drought-affected tehsils. In a joint statement released in Mumbai, prominent Kisan Sabha leadersincluding Dr Ashok Dhawale, J.P. Gavit, Dr Ajit Nawle, Yashwant Zhade, and Umesh Deshmukhpointed out that the meager sum fails to cover even the basic production costs of fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, and manual labour. With agricultural supply vendors aggressively pressing for the clearance of old credit, farmers find themselves trapped in an inescapable cycle of debt ahead of the Diwali festival. The Kisan Sabha has demanded that instead of arbitrary token amounts under NDRF guidelines, farmers should receive compensation matching the insured sums under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). It has urged the government to immediately disburse the long-delayed 9th and 10th installments of the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, which amounts to an estimated Rs 3,590 crore in total unpaid dues for nearly 8.9 million eligible farmer families. The Kisan Sabha criticised the massive drop in beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana (which saw numbers decline from 2.47 crore to 1.66 crore), demanding that the nearly 81,000 excluded women be reinstated and paid their due installments. It claimed that delays in actual debt relief disbursements have left farmers vulnerable, threatening their eligibility for fresh seasonal crop loans from cooperative banks. Expressing extreme discontent over unresolved issues encompassing drought relief, farm loan waivers, crop insurance, and forest rights, the Kisan Sabha has announced a massive statewide agitation. Beginning October 26, thousands of farmers will rally in vehicle convoys from Akole in Ahilyanagar toward Mumbai, marching directly toward Chief Minister Fadnavis official residence, Varsha. Following their arrival in the capital, protesters are set to launch an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at Azad Maidan starting October 27. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Fadnavis issued strict directives to financial institutions and banks instructing them not to execute forced recovery actions against farmers. He reiterated the state's intent to disburse Rs 5,000 directly into farmers' accounts as immediate advance relief ahead of the festive season.

No Metro train trips were cut on Oct 10 despite station restrictions: DMRC to SC

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has told the Supreme Court that there was no reduction in the number of Metro train trips on October 10, despite restrictions on entry and exit at several stations ahead of a proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. In a compliance affidavit filed before the apex court, the DMRC said 271 trains were inducted into service, and all 4,157 scheduled train trips were operated across the network on October 10, maintaining the standard Saturday schedule. The affidavit, filed by DMRC General Manager (Legal) Group Captain Sanjay Vinayakrao Kute (Retd.), was submitted in compliance with the Supreme Court's October 9 order directing the DMRC, railway authorities and Delhi Police (Traffic) to file compliance reports on the operation of public transport services in the national capital. The DMRC said the Delhi Police had initially directed the closure of entry and exit gates at 57 stations out of the total 303 stations in the Delhi-NCR Metro network. However, following the Supreme Court's intervention, the number of affected stations was reduced to 45 through a modified communication issued on October 9. The entire Metro network comprises 303 stations. The notification dated 08.10.2026, which appears to have been placed before this Hon'ble Court, did not impose a complete ban on public transportation. It merely directed the closure of 57 out of the 303 stations for entry and exit purposes, the compliance report stated. The DMRC said restrictions on entry and exit were confined to 45 stations, accounting for around 15 per cent of the network, while the remaining 258 stations, or over 85 per cent, continued to remain operational and accessible to commuters. It further said that 14 key interchange stations among those affected, including Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, Hauz Khas, Dilli Haat-INA and Netaji Subhash Place, continued to provide uninterrupted line-interchange facilities. The affidavit stated that commuters were able to change Metro corridors without disruption and that alternative stations remained open to minimise inconvenience to passengers. The affidavit said the entry and exit restrictions at all 45 stations were lifted from 10 p.m. on October 10 after the DMRC received directions from the Delhi Police to reopen them. However, it added that the police authorities issued fresh communications on October 12 directing the closure of entry and exit facilities at six Metro stations between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. The closure period was subsequently extended until 5 p.m. on the same day. On the functioning of stations such as GTB Nagar and Vishwavidyalaya, the DMRC said there was no complete prohibition on passenger movement and that arrangements had been made to facilitate the exit of commuters arriving by train. It said the exit gates at Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station remained operational, while passenger movement at GTB Nagar was regulated by personnel deployed on the ground, with Gate No. 3 kept open to facilitate passengers leaving the station. The DMRC also detailed the steps taken to disseminate information about the restrictions, including regular updates on its official social media handles, announcements through the Operations Control Centre and train operators, advisory signages at station gates, and updates on its website and the DMRC Sarthi app. It said additional staff and ground marshals were deployed at major interchange stations to guide commuters, manage passenger flows and minimise inconvenience. The network was monitored in real time in coordination with police authorities. The affidavit further disclosed that approximately 32 lakh passengers travelled on the Metro network on October 10, against around 58 lakh passengers on a normal second Saturday. The DMRC said the lower ridership could be attributed to the proposed protest, which appeared to have prompted many commuters to avoid travelling and refrain from their usual daily activities, including attending work or conducting business. The affidavit said the DMRC would continue to act in accordance with security assessments and directions issued by law enforcement agencies while ensuring the smooth functioning of the Metro network, subject to requirements for maintaining law and order. The development comes amid contempt petitions alleging wilful disobedience of the Supreme Court's October 9 directions concerning restrictions on Metro and railway services ahead of the proposed protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. On October 9, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observed that the restrictions appeared to be overreaching and clarified that there should be no outright prohibition on the movement of Metro trains. The apex court had directed the authorities to permit Metro and other railway services to operate in a suitably regulated manner, in accordance with the principle of proportionality, and to issue traffic advisories to prevent inconvenience to commuters. On October 11, a Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, hearing a clutch of contempt petitions alleging wilful disobedience of the earlier order, directed that Metro and railway services should function normally unless restrictions became necessary due to a disturbance to public order. The Supreme Court also sought details of the affected Metro stations and directed the authorities to file compliance reports explaining their adherence to the earlier directions. The proposed protest had prompted the Delhi Police to impose restrictions in parts of the national capital, citing concerns over public safety, traffic management and law and order.

Opposition leaders condemn arrest of CJP leaders, demand immediate release

New Delhi, Oct 14 (PTI) Opposition leaders on Wednesday condemned the remand of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka in five days judicial custody for entering Jantar Mantar, with several leaders accusing the government of curtailing the right to protest and demanding their immediate release. The arrests came after the Union home ministrys decision to de-notify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, amid a series of demonstrations by the CJP and other organisations demanding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumars resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. CPI(ML)

WATCH: Trumps new press secretary Katie Zacharia calls husband my president

The 41-year-old made the gaffe while discussing how her family was adjusting to her new role and whether the demanding job would affect her personal life. Speaking about her family of four children, Zacharia slipped up while referring to her husband, saying, my president, excuse me, my husband

Sacred Flag-Changing Ritual and Patitapabana Darshan at Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri

The sacred tradition of changing the flag atop the Sri Mandir continues at the Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri, Odisha. A glimpse of todays Patitapabana Darshan, celebrating the enduring faith and traditions of Mahaprabhu Jagannath

Sherni, Man With Lathi Of Love At Rahul Gandhi's Delhi Briefing

The Rahul Gandhi press conference comes amid a political row over police action against demonstrators protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanding his removal, with opposition parties accusing the authorities of suppressing dissent.

Delhi Police Assault Row: NSUI Protester Claims Four Minors Were Beaten in Custody

An NSUI activist from Kerala has accused Delhi Police personnel of brutal assault on him during detention, allegedly punching, kicking him in the chest, back and private parts and strangling him inside a police vehicle during protests demanding the removal of

Odisha collapse as Gujarat begin Ranji Trophy with a big win

Left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai's five-wicket haul helped Gujarat secure a commanding 10-wicket victory over Odisha in their Ranji Trophy Group C opener. Gujarat chased down a paltry target of 47 runs without losing a wicket, earning a bonus point.

Women workers block Ranchi highway over wage, working hours and safety concerns

Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 14 (IANS) Women workers employed at a private company (in Pancha under Ranchis Dasham Falls police station area on Wednesday blocked the Ranchi-Tata National Highway-33, demanding fair wages and resolution of issues related to working hours and workplace safety. The protest led to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the highway. The women workers of the readymade garments manufacturer sought the administrations intervention and demanded an immediate resolution of their grievances. They alleged that Labour Department regulations were being openly violated and that the management threatened action against those who raised objections. The company management had not issued any official response to the allegations at the time the report was filed. Upset over the managements alleged approach, the workers took to the streets around 9 a.m. on Wednesday. They sat on the main road near Pancha and raised slogans in support of their demands. The protesters said their concerns related to wages, working hours and safety had not been addressed. They maintained that their agitation would continue until their demands were met. The road blockade affected traffic between Ranchi and Jamshedpur. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the highway. This caused inconvenience to local residents and other motorists and delayed commuters in reaching their destinations. After receiving information about the blockade, police and administrative officials reached the spot and held talks with the protesters. They tried to persuade them to clear the road. The administration also sought to address the workers grievances while trying to restore traffic movement. However, the protesting women remained firm on their demands. At the time of filing this report, talks between the company management and the protesters were continuing, while traffic on the highway remained stalled and was yet to return to normal. The outcome of the talks and the managements response to the workers demands were awaited.

What Are The Two Contrasting Harvard Letters On Delhi

Two different groups of America's renowned Harvard University, have created buzz after two contrasting statements over the police action against protesters in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commission (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The first letter which was issued on

Nuapada College Elections Spark Unrest: Protests Intensify, Police Detain Congress Leader

The political atmosphere in Nuapada turned volatile on Wednesday following intense protests by the Congress party over the upcoming National College students union elections. Demanding absolute transparency and fairness in the poll process, Congress workers staged demonstrations outside the college gate, resulting in a tense standoff and a physical tussle with the police. During the [] The post Nuapada College Elections Spark Unrest: Protests Intensify, Police Detain Congress Leader appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Preserve evidence of protest; those responsible will be punished: Rahul Gandhi to students over police 'assault'

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged students who participated in the protest demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to record videos, preserve evidence of police excesses and send them to Congress, asserting that those responsible for any wrongdoing would be punished. Gandhi made the remarks while addressing a press conference alongside protesters who participated in the demonstration. As I said in my press conference, this is India. Amit Shah ji, take a good look at this. There is no Hindu here, no Muslim, no one from any particular caste. There is no woman or man. There is one voice, one protest. It is the voice of India, and you are standing against this voice. The Prime Minister is standing against this voice, he said. I suggest that you do not stand against this voice. No one can stand against this voice. I have told all the students to keep a video record and send that evidence to us. When this entire matter concludes, we will use all the evidence and ensure that everyone who needs to be punished is punished, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gyanesh Kumar and Amit Shah to even the constable who raises a hand against our children, Gandhi added. He further said that FIRs will be filed as it is all part of the work. See, this is a protest. FIRs will be filed, and that is all part of the work. But, there is one voice, and that voice is being suppressed, he said. Gandhi also introduced a female protester as 'our sherni', praising her for remaining fearless despite allegedly being assaulted. I want to introduce our sherni. She was beaten, but she was not afraid. There was no hatred in her heart, he said. Highlighting the alleged injuries sustained by protesters, Gandhi said Athira, a student from Kerala studying at Delhi University, had lost her hearing in one ear after being struck there. Athira from Kerala has lost her hearing in one ear. She is deaf in one ear because she was struck on that ear. She can no longer hear. Last time, I showed you a boy who had been blinded. Now, she is deaf in one ear, he said. Athira alleged that female police personnel were absent when protesters were detained on Tuesday. She said she had asked the authorities why no female police officer or constable was present, arguing that one should be available during the detention of women. She alleged that the bus subsequently stopped outside the Connaught Place police station, where she was repeatedly hit on the cheek. Because of this, I have an injury to my eye and damage to my ear, she said, describing the injuries she allegedly sustained during the incident.

Jharkhand Doctors Protest for Safety and Service Conditions

Doctors in Jharkhand protest for improved safety and service conditions, demanding key reforms and the implementation of protective laws. Jharkhand Doctors Protest for Safety and Service Conditions

Multiple trade associations flag impact of SIR protest on festive sales, ask Rahul Gandhi to withdraw stir

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Several traders' organisations across the country have appealed to Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to consider the concerns of the business community amid the ongoing protests by the Congress-led INDIA bloc against the Election Commission of India (ECI), warning that the demonstrations and associated restrictions are adversely affecting their business activities during the crucial festive season. The appeal comes as the Congress-led INDIA bloc and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) have been organising protests at different locations across the country against the ECI over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Opposition leaders have been on the streets over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision exercise and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Amid the ongoing demonstrations, security restrictions have been imposed at several locations, with measures such as market closures and road blockades disrupting movement and commercial activities. This has raised concerns among traders, particularly as the country enters one of its busiest business periods of the year. The nine-day Navratri festival is currently underway, while Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath Puja are also approaching. Several traders' bodies and representatives have voiced their concerns, including the National Traders Welfare Board, New Delhi Traders' Association, Federation of Trade and Industry of India, Bhartiya Udhyog Vyapar Mandal, Indian Recovered Paper Traders Association, Bangalore Ulsoor Clock Merchant Association member Prakash Pirgal, Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh, The Grain, Rice & Oilseeds Merchants' Association, Dal & Besan Millers Association of Delhi member Ghanshyam Das Goyal, and Uttar Pradesh Udhyog Vyapar Mandal. National Traders Welfare Board member Sirajudheen Ellathodi, in a video message addressed to Rahul Gandhi, appealed to the Congress leader to reconsider the protests, citing their impact on traders who depend heavily on festive-season sales. Rahul ji, this is an appeal on behalf of the traders' community. A lot of traders depend on this festive season for their business. The recent protests have been affecting business a lot. We request you to kindly withdraw these kinds of protests, he said. Another National Traders Welfare Board member, Ajay Gupta, urged the LoP to halt the demonstrations, asking him to consider the difficulties being faced by traders and other members of the business community. LoP Rahul Gandhi ji, you should understand that through such protests, you are not helping anyone. Instead, they are creating a situation of anarchy in the country. The traders' community has been affected a lot. Traders take out loans to give a boost to their businesses during the festive season. However, due to these protests, our work is getting affected, and we are suffering losses. I also urge the government to take strict action against any demonstration that affects the common people, Gupta said. In a letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi, Ghanshyam Das Goyal highlighted the importance of the ongoing festival season for traders, small and medium enterprises, manufacturers and wholesalers, pointing out that disruptions during this period could have far-reaching economic consequences. The current festival season is crucial for traders, small and medium enterprises, manufacturers, wholesalers, and the livelihoods of millions of families across the country. If protests disrupt markets, transportation, supply chains, and daily business activities during this time, it could have a direct impact on business, employment, and the general public, Goyal said in the letter. He acknowledged that the right to protest was an important feature of a democratic system but stressed that demonstrations should not come at the cost of economic activity or the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. We believe that the right to register protest is important in a democracy, but it is equally important to protect the country's economic activities and the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. Therefore, we humbly but firmly urge you to consider withdrawing these protests, or finding a solution that allows markets and business establishments to function peacefully and uninterruptedly, given the potential impact on business activities and public life, he added. Goyal also raised the issue on social media platform X, expressing concern that the protests over the SIR controversy could jeopardise traders' livelihoods at a time when businesses are expecting increased customer activity. Shri Rahul Gandhi ji, it is regrettable that the protests by you and your allied parties on the SIR issue are putting traders' businesses in jeopardy. How justified is it to stake the livelihoods of traders in the name of political opposition? The public and traders demand accountability! he said in his post. Prakash Pirgal, a member of the Bangalore Ulsoor Clock Merchant Association, also appealed to Rahul Gandhi through a video message, drawing attention to the challenges facing businesses ahead of the festive and wedding seasons. Rahul Gandhi ji, I want to draw your attention to an important issue. After a long time, there has been a favourable time for businessmen around the country, as the festive and wedding season is around the corner. At such a time, when there are several road closures and blockades, it is affecting businesses, Pirgal said. We urge you to resolve the issue through dialogue and not by coming out on the streets and ruining Dussehra and Diwali for the traders, he added. The traders' associations underlined growing concerns within the business community and said that prolonged protests, road closures and restrictions on market activity could affect sales at a time when many businesses depend on festive demand to recover investments and sustain their livelihoods.

SFI and DYFI march in Delhi demanding Jantar Mantar

The News Mill

Cockroach movement leaders jailed for 5 days after scaling barricades at New Delhi protest

NEW DELHI, October 14, 2026 (AP) Two leaders of Indias Cockroach youth movement were sentenced by a local court to serve five days in jail after being detained during a protest demanding the resignation of the countrys election chief, the group said Wednesday. Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were among about a dozen people detained by police Tuesday after they climbed over barricades to enter the grounds of Jantar Mantar, a historic observatory in central New Delhi that has long been a site for protests. Police said this week that the site was no longer an official protest venue

One voice, the voice of India, dont stand against it: Rahul Gandhi tells Amit Shah, PM Modi as he backs NSUI protesters

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday warned that those responsible for allegedly assaulting protesters during demonstrations demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar would face consequences. Addressing a press conference alongside NSUI activists who claimed they were beaten by Delhi Police during protests, Gandhi said, As I said in my press conference, this is India. Amit Shah ji, take a good look at this. There is no Hindu here, no Muslim, no one of any specific caste; there is no woman, no man. There is one voice, one protest. It is the voice of India, and you are standing against this voice

Azerbaijan schools turn away headscarf-wearing girls, teachers

Students and teachers wearing headscarves have reportedly been turned away from schools in Azerbaijan following changes to school dress-code rules, prompting protests, class boycotts and widespread criticism on social media. Videos circulating online show schoolgirls crying after allegedly being denied entry, teachers comforting distressed pupils and students demanding the right to attend classes without removing Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Nitin Gadkari for Enhanced Road Safety and Infrastructure in Debagada

Expressing serious concern over rising traffic congestion and increasing road accidents on National Highway-49 (NH-49) passing through the Debagada district, Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has written a formal letter to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, demanding urgent structural and safety interventions. Highlighting that the highway experiences heavy interstate freight movement [] The post Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Nitin Gadkari for Enhanced Road Safety and Infrastructure in Debagada appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

'Wearing A Tika Is A Problem': After The Vvaan Success, Ektaa Kapoor Says Bollywood Has 'Hinduphobia'

Furthermore Ektaa Kapoor also remembered how she was once judged for going to a club straight from a mandir (temple)

Brutal attack on girl students during protest against CEC: Congress MP Venugopal

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Congress MP K.C. Venugopal on Wednesday alleged that police personnel brutally assaulted female students during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, after meeting the injured activists at Lady Hardinge Hospital in the national Capital. Speaking to reporters after the visit, Venugopal said the students had participated in the demonstration peacefully and were raising slogans when police personnel took them away. This is a brutal attack on our girl students. Their only crime was that they came for this agitation peacefully and raised their slogans in front of the public. The police took them away at that very moment, without any woman police officer or constable being present there, he said. Venugopal further alleged that two female students were subsequently taken away by women constables and subjected to violence. Athira is saying that the brutal attack happened after the police asked whether they would come only if women police personnel were present. These words were uttered by the police, and the students were beaten up, he claimed. He added that Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi would meet the students and inform the country about the incident. NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar said, The situation is extremely serious. Such circumstances are emerging in the country that students are now being beaten and assaulted for raising their voices. Two of our women colleagues were brutally beaten and had to remain hospitalised throughout the night. Earlier, Indian Youth Congress (IYC) national in-charge Manish Sharma and National Students Union of India (NSUI) president Vinod Jakhar visited injured activists at Lady Hardinge Hospital on Tuesday following a protest against Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. The demonstration was organised by the NSUI at Rajiv Chowk Metro station, with protesters demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation. Several demonstrators, including Jakhar, were detained by police. According to an IYC statement, Sharma, Jakhar and NSUI national in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar later met the injured activists and enquired about their health. The organisation alleged that police personnel had used excessive force against the protesters. Jakhar described the incident as unfortunate, claiming that NSUI members had been demonstrating peacefully when police personnel targeted and assaulted them. The IYC demanded an impartial investigation into the incident and appropriate action against anyone found responsible for the alleged use of unlawful force. The incident comes amid protests in Delhi over alleged electoral irregularities and growing demands for accountability from the Election Commission. The Delhi Police had not issued an immediate response to the allegations made by the Congress-affiliated youth organisations.

Gurez markets shut over death of Pregnant Woman, Baby

Bandipora, Oct 14 : Markets remained shut in Dawar, the main town of Gurez in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, on Wednesday as residents staged protests over the death of a pregnant woman and her baby, alleging a delay in her referral to District Hospital Bandipora amid snowfall. Protesters blocked roads, closed shops and staged a sit-in, raising slogans against the administration and demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The deceased, Haseena Begum, wife of Showket Hameed Lone, was a resident of Mazgund village in Tulail. According to her family, she was initially taken to Primary Health Centre Sheikhpora on Tuesday afternoon after developing pregnancy-related complications. However, they alleged that medical staff were unavailable at the facility. She was subsequently shifted to Sub-District Hospital Gurez, where doctors advised her referral to Bandipora due to low blood levels and her deteriorating condition. The family alleged that snowfall and restrictions on vehicular movement delayed her transfer despite efforts to arrange an ambulance. They also claimed that Project Beacon had assured road clearance, but the ambulance could not proceed in time. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez Dr Mukhtar said he was informed by a medical officer about the need to shift the patient to Bandipora. He said snowfall around Razdan Pass had affected movement, prompting him to contact Project Beacon and other concerned agencies to ascertain road conditions. The SDM said the agencies subsequently confirmed that the road was open, following which the patient was shifted to District Hospital Bandipora in the early hours of Wednesday. However, Block Medical Officer Gurez Dr Feroz Iqbal alleged that medical authorities had informed the administration in time but could not shift the patient promptly. Former District Development Council member from Tulail, Raja Ajaz, questioned the availability of essential healthcare facilities in the remote region. He said a blood storage unit recently inaugurated in Gurez was yet to become operational, raising concerns over emergency medical services. Chief Medical Officer Bandipora Dr Bhajan Kour described the deaths as unfortunate and said the Health Department was investigating the matter. The incident has renewed concerns over emergency healthcare arrangements in Gurez, where snowfall and difficult road conditions frequently affect access to specialised medical treatment. Residents demanded accountability, improved referral arrangements and functional healthcare facilities to prevent similar incidents. (KNS)

Religion must remain above politics: Dy CM on uniform sermon row

Ganderbal, Oct 14: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said political parties should not interfere in religious matters, asserting that faith must remain above political considerations. Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal, Choudhary also defended the protests in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, calling for transparency and accountability in the countrys democratic institutions. Responding to recent controversies over religious directives, the Deputy Chief Minister said no political party had the right to dictate religious matters, irrespective of whether the faith was Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity. Condemning the alleged use of force and baton charges against protesters in the national capital, Choudhary said the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly. He said that if citizens and young people were demanding Kumars resignation over allegations concerning the functioning of democratic institutions, the issue called for accountability and transparency. To strengthen democracy in Jammu and Kashmir and across the nation, we must ensure a transparent, vibrant and impartial Election Commission. You cannot silence young people with force, Choudhary said. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister, accompanied by senior officials, reviewed various developmental projects in Ganderbal.

Is waving national flag a crime: Arvind Kejriwal on CJP leaders' judicial custody

Arvind Kejriwal condemned police actions taken against Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The leaders were sent to Tihar Jail after violating peace bonds and trespassing at Jantar Mantar. They were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over electoral roll irregularities. The Delhi Police cited public disturbance as the basis for their actions against the leaders.

The Choked Capital: The Infrastructural Politics of Surveillance Suppress Right to Protest Demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar

A DEMOCRACY DOES NOT have to formally suspend its Constitution to make dissent difficult. Sometimes, it is enough to close the routes through which citizens reach one another, restrict access to the spaces where they assemble, and make the costs of protest so high that people begin to withdraw before they are stopped. When public infrastructure becomes an instrument for controlling political participation, the suppression of dissent extends beyond the policing of a crowd. The events reported in New Delhi on 10 October 2026 raise precisely this concern. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which was founded as an online platform following observation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kants that unemployed youth are like cockroaches, called for a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who has allegedly manipulated the electoral rolls and voter registration forms following the implementation of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter list across the country. . Those coercive measures adopted by police to shut down capital city of Delhi, detain almost seven thousand people and block internet on October 10, 2026 cannot be understood merely as a disruption of activities of protesters to organise a political rally. They raise deeper concerns about the erosion of constitutional freedoms and the conditions under which citizens can exercise their right to dissent. Reports indicate that approximately 50,000 security personnel were deployed, nearly 57 metro stations were shut down and fairly big iron nails were fixed on city roads. The reported overnight detentions of around including prominent political figures such as Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal, and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, further intensified concerns about the scale of the States muscular measures to muzzle peoples freedom.The CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka were detained the moment their commercial flight landed in Delhi. Their legal head, Ratna Singh, has also been detained without even informing her of the grounds of arrest.These reported repressive measures raise a fundamental constitutional question. When the regulation of public order extends beyond the protest site to restrict mobility, detain organisers and impede peaceful assembly, does the state s response cross the line of legitimate crowd management to get manifested in the sinister methods for suppression of dissent?The constitutional infirmities will become clearer when examined in the light of the following considerations. The status of Article 19: the right to assemble The core of a functional democracy lies in the citizens right to question the State and hold the Government accountable. The Constitution safeguards this democratic imperative through Article 19(1)(a), which guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, and Article 19(1)(b), which guarantees the right to assemble peaceably and without arms. These are not privileges bestowed at the Governments discretion, but fundamental rights that enable citizens to express dissent, organise collectively, and peacefully challenge the exercise of State power, when the State exceeds its constitutional authority or acts in ways that undermine democratic accountability. Although Article 19(3) permits reasonable restrictions on the right to assemble in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India and public order, such restrictions cannot be treated as an unrestricted licence to suppress peaceful dissent. The constitutional question, therefore, is not merely whether an assembly may be regulated, but whether such regulation remains within the bounds of constitutional reasonableness.Therefore, a blanket denial of permission to protest and barricade the city, shut down internet fails the test of proportionality and so contravenes the fundamental right enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution. The State, through Delhi Police, refused permission to the CJP to protest, on the ground that it never submitted application seeking permission to that effect. It was also stated by the authorities that there could be a massive disruption of law and order in case CJP went ahead in organizing protests. However, in the landmark case of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court of India ruled that the government cannot completely ban peaceful demonstrations in central areas of Delhi like the Jantar Mantar. Therefore, by denying permission and arresting the organisers, the state blatantly acted against the mandate of the Honble Supreme Court. Weaponizing Section 163 BNSS as a Political Tool To make the mass detentions legally executable, the State relied on Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS); the equivalent provision of the colonial-era Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). According to this provision, Executive Magistrates are allowed to issue prohibitory orders (banning gatherings of four or more people) in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger. It was designed to prevent riots and immediate threats to human life and not to insulate the Chief Election Commissioner from being accountable to the public. The Supreme Court has repeatedly warned against the misuse of prohibitory orders in cases such as Babulal Parate v. State of Maharashtra and Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India . The court ruled that the power bestowed by this provision cannot be used as a tool to suppress legitimate grievances or to curtail the lawful exercise of fundamental rights. The apprehension of danger must be real and imminent. Detaining hundreds of peaceful protestors is inconsistent with law and it only prevents protesters from exercising their fundamental right to peacefully assemble and express their dissent. Infrastructural Suppression: The Foucauldian Panopticon in Practice To understand the chilling nature of the October 10 th clampdown better, it would be salutary to examine Michael Foucaults concept of the panopticon. which is an architectural model of a prison where the inmates are constantly visible from a central watchtower. Since the inmates never know exactly when they are being watched and monitored, they internalize the fear of surveillance and begin to regulate their own behaviour driven by panic and scare. On October 10 th , Delhi was turned into a modern-day panopticon. By shutting down 45 metro stations and coordinating with ride aggregators like Ola and Uber to restrict movement to central Delhi, the State converted civic infrastructure into a weapon against the citizens. The fact that the Delhi Police could track the exact flight carrying the CJP leaders and arrest them immediately in the flight itself sends a terrifying message to every average citizen: You are always being watched. Your travel itinerary, your location, and all your communications. The panopticon aims to induce docility, and by making the physical act of reaching the protest site logistically impossible, the State creates a chilling effect whereby the citizens self-censor and stay home, not because they agree with the government but because the cost of dissent has been made unbearable by the State. Detention After Dark: Gendered Violations of Legal Safeguards One of the most disturbing incidents of the October clampdowns was the preemptive midnight raids leading to detention of 1000 people in the dark hours. Among those were female students, activists, and leaders of various organisations. Reports of male police officers aggressively handling female protestors have also been seen on videos which highlight a severe breakdown of statutory protections. Under Section 43 of the BNSS, it provides strict safeguards that no woman shall be arrested after sunset and before sunrise, and in exceptional circumstances, the arrest must be made by a woman police officer only after obtaining prior written permission from a Judicial Magistrate. The Bombay High Court in the case of Christian Community Welfare Council of India v. Government of Maharashtra , established that women are highly vulnerable to abuse during arrests made at night. This principle was later adopted by the Supreme Court and the Legislature. But the sweeping late-night arrests, without prior magistrate approval, clearly violate this mandate, thereby suspending the rule of law. The Constitutional Cost of Detention: Article 21 and Personal Liberty The Constitution of India guarantees that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except in accordance with a procedure established by law through Article 21. The overnight crackdowns clearly violated this mandate as well when the accommodations of CJP volunteers and youth activists were raided in the middle of the night before they had even committed an allged offence or reached the protest site. In the infamous midnight crackdown on sleeping protestors led by Baba Ramdev, the Supreme Court in the Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary, Union of India , made a historic ruling and held that a peaceful protest is a fundamental right. The police cannot forcefully evict or detain demonstrators in the middle of the night without valid, reasonable, and proportionate justification. The Court had established that the right to sleep is a fundamental component and extension of Article 21, and disrupting it with state action is unconstitutional. How Democracies Die: Warning Signs in State Action The transformation of a democracy into an authoritarian regime rarely occurs now overnight through a military coup. More often, it unfolds gradually, through the systematic erosion of democratic norms, institutions, and civil liberties. In their seminal work, How Democracies Die , Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt explain how democracies can be hollowed out from within when elected leaders increasingly exhibit authoritarian tendencies and weaken the institutional and normative safeguards that sustain democratic governance. These concerns resonate with ideas of Partha Chatterjee outlined in his Ruth Benedict Lectures, delivered at Columbia University in April 2018. and subsequently published as I Am the People: Reflections on Popular Sovereignty Today . Chatterjees engagement with popular sovereignty offers a useful framework for reflecting on a contemporary political landscape in which populist movements are gaining ground, authoritarian leaders are emerging, democratic institutions appear increasingly vulnerable, and traditional political parties are struggling to sustain public trust and political solidarity. When political leaders claim to embody the will of the people, those who question or oppose them can increasingly be portrayed as enemies of the people themselves. The language of popular sovereignty then risks becoming a means of exclusion rather than an expression of democratic participation. In such circumstances, the cynical maxim, Show me the person and I shall show you the law, captures the danger of a political order in which the application of law appears to depend less on constitutional principle than on a persons identity, political position, or perceived loyalty to those in power. Tragically the October 10 th incident in Delhi captures those maladies. The denial of legitimacy to protests launched by youth and opposition parties stifled their fundamental right. The State no longer treats the opposition as legitimate political rivals with valid grievances but as criminal threats to the State. The CJP that emerged out of sheer youth frustration over unemployment is not treated as a citizen collective but as an insurgent threat that needed to be stopped by deploying 50,000 police officers and cancelling all trains to Delhi. . The readiness of the State to curtail the civil liberties of the opponents by detaining journalists, lawyers, and political leaders is a textbook execution of this indicator. When the State uses the police force to detain lawyers-the very people meant to defend the Constitution- it signals terminal decline of civil liberties. Conclusion: The Undeclared Emergency As a citizen witnessing the barricaded streets of New Delhi, the closure of metro stations, internet shutdowns, cancelled trains, and viral footage of protesters being harassed at the protest site, one cannot escape the unsettling sense that the social contract between the citizen and the State, as theorised by Thomas Hobbes, is under strain. Michel Foucaults insight that power does not eliminate resistance but often drives it beneath the surface becomes pertinent here. Therefore, the suppression of dissent may silence its visible expression, but it does not extinguish the underlying conflict; it merely pushes it underground, where it continues to persist. The Constitution guarantees citizens the freedoms of speech and expression, peaceful assembly, and the protections of liberty and dignity. Yet, the clampdown reveals how those operating the Indian State can employ the infrastructure of modern life as an instrument of suppression. By restricting access to air travel, metro services, and digital communication, the State risks creating a Panopticon of infrastructural control, in which the ordinary conveniences of citizenship become means of constraining dissent and undermining fundamental freedoms. When the referee of our democracy- the Election Commission cannot be questioned by the public without being arrested, the electoral process itself loses its sanctity. This cannot be termed as a law-and-order operation; it is a demonstration of brute force.The most profound danger, therefore, is not simply that streets are barricaded or public spaces restricted, but that citizens may gradually be reduced from participants in a constitutional democracy to subjects of surveillance and control. An emergency need not always announce itself through a formal proclamation. Democratic freedoms can also be diminished through the cumulative normalisation of exceptional measures. But history offers lessons that repression fails to suprees people who always rise and successfully fight for constitutionally mandated freedom. Mahatma Gandhi while addressing the Congress session in Ahmedabad on December 28, 1921, described freedom of opinion and freedom of association as the two lungs that are absolutely necessary for a man to breathe the oxygen of liberty. He then very boldly stated, If there is any authority in this country that wants to curb the freedom of speech and freedom of association, I want to be able to say in your name, from this platform, that that authority will perish, unless it repents, before an India that is steeled with high courage, noble purpose and determination, even if everyone of the men and women who choose to call themselves Indians is blotted out of the earth. We the People are now steeled with courage to save the Constitution which guarantees their freedom and so powers that be must act in accordance with the Constitution and constitutional morality so that liberty is upheld in face of all odds.

IIT Bombay Initiates Recruitment for Counselors Amid Mental Health Concerns

IIT Bombay is actively recruiting counselors to bolster its mental health support system following the tragic suicide of a student. The Student Wellness Centre is looking to fill 30 positions, with applications open until October 17. This initiative comes in response to student protests demanding better mental health resources. Candidates for the roles must meet specific educational and experience criteria. Interviews are set to take place shortly after the application deadline. This recruitment aims to ensure diverse support for students from various backgrounds.

CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka arrested again after Jantar Mantar protest

Delhi court on October 14 remanded CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to five days of judicial custody after they allegedly scaled barricades to enter Jantar Mantar. They were protesting alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls and demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

That Is Not Acceptable to Me: Gayle Benson Calls For New Orleans Saints To Improve

New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has sent a clear message after the teams 1-4 start. Heres why she is demanding accountability from Kellen Moore, Mickey Loomis and the players.

I want to tell Modi...: Dipke after CJP leaders sent to jail

CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five-day judicial custody on Wednesday for allegedly trespassing into Jantar Mantar and demanding the CEC's resignation.

ICGS Shaunak holds maritime exercises with Australian Border Force

Digital Desk | Canberra, Oct 14 (IANS) Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Shaunak undertook a series of training activities and subject matter expert exchanges with the Australian Border Force (ABF) during its visit to the Port of Fremantle in Australias Perth. In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in Perth on Wednesday said that these engagements would facilitate the exchange of professional expertise, foster mutual understanding of operational practices, and further strengthen cooperation and interoperability among the participating maritime agencies. During the port visit, India Consul General to Perth Kajari Biswas and Inspector General Ajay Chaturvedi, Commanding Officer, ICGS Shaunak, along with the ships crew of over 125 sea riders, hosted a reception onboard the vessel. Several dignitaries attended the occasion, including Australian leaders Yaz Mubarakai, Jags and Hugh Trevor Jones, Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Natasha Hart, senior naval official Captain William Cam Hooper, Consul General of India in Melbourne Anish Rajan, US Consul General Colleen Altstock, Japans Deputy Consul General Hasegawa, President of Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) Divya Sharma and defence veterans. According to the Indian Consulate General, ICGS Shaunak sailed from Chennai on September 25, 2026, and arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia, on October 7 as part of the QUAD-atSea Ship Observer Mission. The mission aims to enhance maritime interoperability and foster professional exchanges among the maritime agencies of India, Australia, Japan and the United States. The participation in shipboard activities and professional exchanges provides opportunities to share operational knowledge, strengthen coordination, enhance interoperability, and build mutual trust among the QUAD partners, the Indian mission mentioned. Made in India, ICGS Shaunak is equipped with sophisticated equipment that is state-of-the-art, including an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), Integrated Power Management System (IPMS), and High Power External Fire Fighting System (ABS Fi-Fi Class-1). The vessel is also fitted with one indigenous CRN 91 Gun Mount along with a Fire Control System which has anti-ship as well as anti-aircraft capabilities. It is designed to operate both single engine, as well as twin engine light weights helicopters.

Farrhana Bhatt shares unseen glimpses with Rubina Dilaik, Avinash Mishra from Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 shoot

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS) Actress Farrhana Bhatt has shared a series of unseen glimpses from the shoot of Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, offering fans a peek into her off-screen moments with fellow contestants Rubina Dilaik, Avinash Mishra, Orry and others. The actress posted pictures from her time on the stunt-based reality show, capturing moments of travel and celebrations. In one picture, she is seen posing for a selfie with Rubina and Avinash, while other pictures feature her enjoying the trip, sipping coffee and posing against the backdrop of scenic locations. She also shared pictures from a hotel celebration, dressed in winter outfits during the trip, and moments with the contestants as they bonded away from the stunt arena. Farrhana first grabbed attention with her stint in the reality show, Bigg Boss 19, where her outspoken personality, fiery temper and confrontational approach made her one of the seasons most discussed contestants. Although she was initially evicted by her fellow housemates, she returned through a twist and went on to finish as the first runner-up, losing the title to Gaurav Khanna. During her stint on the Salman Khan-hosted show, Farrhana frequently found herself at the centre of arguments. Her choice of words during heated exchanges and her tendency to react strongly drew criticism, with Salman reprimanding her on many occasions during Weekend Ka Vaar. However, she continued to stand her ground and remained a prominent presence throughout the season. Following Bigg Boss 19, Farrhana took on another challenge with Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, hosted by filmmaker Rohit Shetty. During the grand finale of the show, she spoke about the anxiety she experienced before tasks and how the experience pushed her beyond her perceived limits. She also shared a warm bond with Rubina, describing her as a confident, caring and supportive person. Beyond reality television, Farrhana has also given fans glimpses of her life in Kashmir. Hailing from Srinagar, the actress has often expressed pride in her roots and shared videos showcasing the regions natural beauty, traditions and culture.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta calls Oppn leaders 'anarchic', defends SIR

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday criticised Opposition parties and their leaders, describing them as 'anarchic' and accusing them of seeking attention and power rather than addressing public concerns. Speaking to reporters, Rekha Gupta alleged, These are anarchic parties and anarchic leaders. Sometimes he (Rahul Gandhi) assaults a reporter who is pregnant, sometimes he attacks the police, and sometimes he beats up his own party workers. They are concerned only with themselves. They want all the attention, want only their voices to be heard and want to remain in power. Reacting to the Opposition's protests against the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of draft electoral rolls that the parties claim have disenfranchised millions of Indians, Gupta said the exercise had been conducted several times by the Election Commission, irrespective of which party was in power at the state or central level. Special Intensive Revision has been carried out several times, and the Election Commission has always conducted it, regardless of which party was in power at the state or central level. Why were there no objections then? Why are such objections being raised now? she said. Citing Delhi as an example, Gupta said the last SIR in the national Capital was conducted in 2002, when the Congress was also in power at the Centre. She questioned the party's subsequent electoral performance, asking whether it had won even a single seat in Delhi after 2015. Was SIR not conducted? Where did its seats go? The people have completely rejected the Congress, and that is what is troubling these political parties, she claimed. Gupta also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), questioning its opposition to the revision exercise after its electoral defeat in Delhi. She said the party had not raised similar objections when it formed the government following elections held after the SIR. She further criticised the AAP over the law-and-order situation in Punjab, where the party is in power, alleging that drug rackets were operating on a large scale and that people raising their voices against the problem faced serious consequences. Turning to the Delhi government's recent Cabinet decision, Gupta said a resolution was unanimously passed on Tuesday to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's service to the nation. Yesterday, the Delhi governments Cabinet unanimously passed a resolution to mark the completion of 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modis public service and service to the nation. The entire Cabinet congratulated the Prime Minister and expressed its gratitude for the way he has consistently worked to improve the standard of living of the people, advance the countrys progress and promote the development of states. He has worked continuously without stopping or getting tired for even a single day. In the same way, he has always kept Delhi among his priorities and has consistently come forward to help the city. We want to extend gratefulness from 2 crore people of Delhi, she said. Highlighting the government's healthcare initiatives, Gupta said the Ayushman Bharat scheme was adopted during the first Cabinet meeting of her government. Under the scheme, the Centre provides health coverage of Rs 5 lakh, while the Delhi government has added another Rs 5 lakh, she said. I am happy that more than 9 lakh people have enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme so far. We have also settled around 65,000 claims, with payments of Rs 118 crore having been made, Gupta said, adding that the government aimed to establish around 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. She also highlighted infrastructure development in Delhi, saying projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore had been completed, were underway or were in the planning stage over the past 12 years with support from the Centre. Road infrastructure projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore have either been completed, are underway or are in the planning stage in Delhi over the past 12 years with support from the Centre. This is a significant contribution... Delhi is now moving towards decongestion, and we are able to achieve this with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Centre has taken responsibility for many of our challenging tasks, and the Prime Minister is providing Delhi with assistance for all these projects, she said.

Pregnant Gurez woman dies en route to Bandipora hospital, baby stillborn amid referral delay

Bandipora, 14 Oct: A pregnant woman from the remote Gurez valley died on her way to District Hospital Bandipora early Wednesday morning, while her baby was stillborn, following allegations by her family that heavy snowfall and official movement restrictions fatally delayed her medical referral. The deceased, identified as Haseen Begum, wife of Showket Hameed Lone from Mazgund village in Tulail, was initially taken to the primary health centre in Sheikhpora late Tuesday evening. According to the family, they found no medical staff available at the rural facility, forcing them to shift her to the sub-district hospital in Gurez. There, doctors diagnosed her with severely low haemoglobin levels and advised an immediate referral to Bandipora for emergency care. However, the family said they were initially barred from crossing the high-altitude Razdan pass due to heavy snowfall and nighttime movement restrictions imposed in the border area. We contacted Project Beacon officials who assured us they would clear the road ahead of the ambulance, but the sub-divisional magistrate in Gurez did not allow us to move, family members alleged. The family claimed Begum remained in severe pain throughout the night, and that her baby died in the womb at the Gurez hospital around midnight. The grieving relatives also questioned the lack of emergency blood supplies, pointing out that a blood bank had been inaugurated at the local health facility just months earlier. Addressing the allegations, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez told Greater Kashmir that movement had to be stopped overnight due to severe weather that posed an immediate threat to life. There was heavy snowfall and high winds until midnight, with around eight inches of snow accumulating on the road, the magistrate said. A fire services vehicle had already skidded earlier. Had an ambulance moved in those conditions with four or five passengers, it risked skidding as well. We had to consider their safety. The SDM clarified that he was officially alerted about the emergency by the Block Medical Officer only at 4:00 am on Wednesday. As soon as the BMO informed me, I contacted the Border Roads Organisation immediately, he said. The officer commanding did not answer my call, but I managed to reach the officer-in-charge and the concerned junior engineer. They mobilised their machinery to clear the pass. To avoid any further loss of time, I allowed the ambulance to leave while it was still dark, expecting the road to be cleared ahead of them as they proceeded. He added that while the ambulance made it through, the woman tragically passed away before reaching the hospital. The magistrate stated he had no details regarding the circumstances of the stillbirth at the Gurez facility, noting that only medical authorities could explain that aspect. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, medical superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, told Greater Kashmir that the woman was declared rought dead upon arrival in the early hours of Wednesday. The attendants informed us she may have passed away on the way near Razdan Top, Ahmad said. He confirmed she was referred from Gurez due to low haemoglobin levels, adding that the child had already died in the womb at the sub-district hospital. The health administration has since taken note of the allegations regarding staff absence and medical delays. Bandipora Chief Medical Officer Bhajan Kour told Greater Kashmir, We are investigating the incident. Meanwhile, despite several attempts to contact Block Medical Officer Gurez, Dr Feroz Iqbal, for his version of events, his phone remained switched off.

Saurav Das, Ranka arrested for repeated law violations, instigating others: Delhi Police

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Delhi Police on Wednesday said that Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody, considering their repeated violations of law and in view of the apprehension that, if released, they will again violate the law and instigate others to do the same. The police further stated that CJP's Ajinkya Shinde was bound down to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months on personal bond and surety of Rs 5000. On 13 October 2026, during the morning hours, Sourav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde and 11 other members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) reached Jantar Mantar, which has been denotified as a designated protest site, by trespassing through a private premise, the police said in a statement. According to the officials, police personnel deployed at the spot intervened and attempted to stop them. However, the protesters allegedly obstructed police personnel in the discharge of their official duties. All 14 persons were detained, and FIR No. 289/26 PS Connaught Place u/s 223a/332/61(2) dated 13.10.2026 and FIR No. 128/26 dated 13.10.2026 u/s 221/115(2)/132/121(1)/3(5) PS Parliament Street were registered against them, the statement read. Subsequently, all the persons were bound down in the respective case as per law, it added. The police further mentioned that in view of their epeated attempts to disturb public peace and violate the law, Ashutosh Ranka, Sourav Das and Ajinkya Shinde were arrested under the relevant preventive provisions of law. Their alleged attempts to instigate others through social media to engage in similar unlawful activities were also taken into consideration, officials said. The three individuals were produced before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM), where proceedings under Sections 126/170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were initiated. Das, Ranka and Shinde were produced before the magistrate at Mandir Marg in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. After considering the matter, the SEM court, considering the kalandra details and in view of their repeated violations of law, and serious apprehension that if released on bail they will again violate law and instigate others to violate law, remanded Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to 05 days of judicial custody, the police said. Ajinkya Shinde was bound down to maintain peace and good behaviour for 06 months on personal bond and surety of 5000 rupees, they added. Earlier, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with Das and Ranka, in a case related to the October 10 protest, were released after furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 and on the condition that they will not be involved in any breach-of-peace cases for a year. This time, Das and Ranka are booked for trespassing and violation of the bond conditions. They are being treated as repeat offenders. The three CJP leaders were detained on Tuesday morning for crossing police barricades and entering Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as the designated protest site. They were heading to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls. They were seen raising slogans against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, while trying to breach the police barricades. Following this, all three were detained. On October 12, Jantar Mantar was de-notified as the designated protesting site, Delhi Police said. New guidelines for protests were issued under Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026. According to the Delhi Police, the decision was taken based on the recommendations of a Home Ministry committee. Three new locations in Delhi -- Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and East Delhi's CBD Ground -- have been designated for protests.

Karnataka sugarcane growers intensify agitation

Bengaluru: Sugarcane farmers across Karnataka intensified their agitation demanding better prices for their produce, blocking major highways and holding overnight protests in several districts. The demonstrations against the Union and state governments disrupted traffic, stranded vehicles for kilometres and caused inconvenience to passengers and transport operators. The agitation spread across Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Protests have affected our earnings, it's less privileged who suffer: Delhi vendors

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Street vendors in Janpath Market and adjoining commercial areas of the national capital on Wednesday said that they are facing heavy losses due to the protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that road closures and market shutdowns on October 10 and 11 severely disrupted customer footfall during the crucial festive shopping season. They also said that the decision to change the protest site was welcome, because the businesses were being affected badly. Speaking to IANS, a vendor, Radha Sundar said, The business is running at a loss. We brought products for the Garba season, but due to the protests, we are facing heavy losses. They should protest during the summer- during May and June. This season is for work; they(protestors) should understand this. No one should be troubled during festive seasons, she added. Sundar said, First it was the Cockroaches, then some other minister. This happened three or four times in the month. Saturday and Sunday were most important for business. Both days our shops were closed due to the protests. She added that she was selling the products at a loss because if the items dont get sold at the right time, they wont be sold for the entire year and thus will be ruined. They have a lot of money in the banks; that is why they have the privilege to get on the streets; it's the less privileged who are suffering due to the protests, Radha Sundar added. Another vendor said the protests ruined all of Connaught Place. Common people were affected. Small vendors faced big losses because their shops were closed. The entire business has been halted. I have a glasses shop and a garments shop. All were closed due to the protests, he said. Jantar Mantar is nearby; all the main places are nearby. This is wrong; they should not be allowed here. I am relieved that the protestors left, he added. Another vendor, Vinod Sharma, said that not just the shop owners, but the entire city was affected. If all of Delhi is closed, how will the customer come to the shop? He said, Janpath Market, Pallika Bazaar, and Connaught Place were all affected. Protesters can exercise their political right, but it should not hamper the general public. Protesting is their constitutional right, but they should not harm the general public. The way they are going about it is harming the masses, rather than benefiting them., he added. He said, I dont know if there was vote theft; I am sure my vote was not stolen. Another vendor said, Those who are creating havoc are not arrested, but the common people are getting harassed. The vendor added that customer footfall has reduced by 90%. He also said that it was the right decision to change the protest site to Burari ground and Ramleela Maidan. Another one said, Changing the protest site was the right decision because this is a market area and it is expected to be crowded. A shopkeeper named Saqir Abbas said, The shops opened after three days; only two pieces were sold. What should we sell, and how do we feed the children? Abbas said that the oppositions agenda is not his priority but his livelihood was, and feeding his children is. He added that the step to change the protest sites should have been taken earlier. On October 12, Jantar Mantar was de-notified as the designated protesting site. Three new locations that were allotted in Delhi are Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and East Delhi's CBD Ground. The move came against the backdrop of the protests in the national capital against the Election Commission of India (ECI).

2 CJP leaders in judicial custody: Dipke slams government, claims it is imposing unofficial emergency

CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were detained on October 13 for allegedly breaching barricades at Jantar Mantar and demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation

NEC Gives AI Employees Their Own Division, Complete With HR and Stress Checks

What happens when a company creates an entire business division staffed by AI agents? NEC is exploring that idea with its Corporate AI & Workforce Division, where agents handle demanding analytical work, manage other agents, and report to human executives. The goal is to offload some of the cognitive heavy lifting while people concentrate on strategy, creativity, and final decisions. NEC established the division on August 1 and is showcasing the initiative at CEATEC 2026. We spoke with NEC representatives at the show and found the move bold. Enterprises already use AI in many forms, but organizing agents into a formal division with managers, executive functions, and human oversight, represents an unexpected corporate commitment. The division has four layers: an AI division head, an AI board, AI managers, and AI employees. Humans retain final responsibility for decisions, quality, and governance. A familiar example is financial and business reporting. NECs official documentation describes an AI employee that analyzes management data, prepares reports, and incorporates them into a dashboard used by human executives. The dashboard also uses AI to identify subtle changes and emerging signals that people might overlook. Another relatable function is checking other employees work. AI managers review agents outputs, monitor costs, and identify improvements. We understood that agents also conduct one-on-one meetings to examine failed tasks and propose corrective steps. Our discussion at the show revealed an unexpected detail: NEC applies HR practices to its AI workforce. What caught out attention were the onboarding, engagement surveys, and stress checks. The reported difficulties sound surprisingly familiar: vague instructions, missing permissions, inadequate support, and waiting for humans to approve something. In this context, stress describes responses used to identify obstacles to completing work; it does not establish that agents experience human emotions. NEC uses the feedback to improve their operating environment. Token budgets introduce another practical constraint. Each model interaction consumes resources, so an agent organization needs to manage spending alongside output quality. NEC officially confirms that its AI managers track token usage. Obviously, were certain that that NEC makes (or will) efforts to reduce unnecessary consumption through model selection, caching, and better context. We did not discuss specific models or token figures during our CEATEC conversation. The benefits NEC reports are broadly what we would expect: faster analytical work and more time for humans to tackle higher-level tasks. The company says its trial reduced the time needed for management analysis, simulations, and early risk detection to approximately one-seventh of the previous duration (for the tested workflow, not company-wide). Turning an AI organization into an operating business division is a bold step. It also raises an intriguing question if AI agents have job descriptions, managers, performance reviews, and an HR function, should they count toward a companys overall employee number? NEC Gives AI Employees Their Own Division, Complete With HR and Stress Checks , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .

Delhi CM surprise inspection in Mukherjee Nagar; promises better facilities for students

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a surprise inspection of Mukherjee Nagar, one of the national capital's prominent coaching and educational hubs, and interacted directly with students living and studying in the area to understand their concerns regarding safety, civic infrastructure and basic amenities, according to her office. On Tuesday evening, the Chief Minister met students preparing for various competitive examinations as well as those pursuing studies at different universities. The interaction was aimed at gathering first-hand information about the problems they face, their requirements and their expectations from the Delhi government. During this time, the Chief Minister sat with the students at a tea shop, spoke with them at length, and understood issues related to their daily life, housing, study environment, security, and civic amenities available in the area, her office said. During the inspection, Gupta instructed the concerned officials and local public representatives to take the grievances raised by the students seriously and ensure that necessary action was taken to address them. She emphasised the need to pay attention to the everyday challenges faced by students residing in Mukherjee Nagar and nearby localities. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), students highlighted the shortage of affordable libraries in the area and complained that the frequent closure of existing libraries was affecting their preparation for examinations. They said access to a peaceful and suitable study environment was essential for competitive exam aspirants, but high fees and difficulties in the functioning of libraries were creating obstacles in their studies. Students placed the problem of the lack of affordable libraries in the area and the frequent closure of existing libraries affecting their studies before the Chief Minister. They stated that studying in a peaceful and conducive environment is necessary for preparing for competitive exams, but due to high fees and obstacles in the operation of libraries, students face trouble, the CMO said. The Chief Minister directed officials to examine the condition of libraries operating in the area, including deficiencies in their buildings and compliance with safety standards. She also asked the local MLA and officials to identify suitable vacant plots and available community buildings where a free library could be established to support students preparing for competitive examinations. The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to investigate the status, building deficiencies, and safety standards of libraries operating in the area. Along with this, she asked the local MLA and officials to identify suitable space in vacant plots and available community buildings so that a free library can be developed for the students. Assuring necessary support for this, the Chief Minister said that work will be done towards providing better study facilities to the students, the CMO added. Students also raised concerns over the high cost of accommodation, including paying guest (PG) rents, security deposits and brokerage charges. They pointed out that the limited availability of hostels forced many students to depend on private PG accommodations or rented rooms, increasing the financial burden on those who had moved to Delhi for education and competitive exam preparation. Some students also spoke about the difficulties caused by cramped rooms, inadequate ventilation and construction work in nearby areas. They said these conditions affected their daily lives and, in some cases, created obstacles to maintaining a suitable environment for studying. The Chief Minister said that, keeping their housing needs in mind, the Delhi government is working on issues such as a PG policy and the availability of new hostels so that students get better and more organised housing facilities. Students also shared their concerns regarding the quality of food and living facilities in PGs, officials said. Women's safety was another major concern raised during the interaction. Female students spoke about the difficulties they faced while travelling during late evening hours and pointed to inadequate street lighting in certain locations. They urged the authorities to improve safety arrangements so that they could commute without fear while attending classes, studying in libraries or returning to their accommodation. Gupta directed the concerned officials and police representatives to review the availability and functioning of streetlights and CCTV cameras in the area and take corrective measures wherever required. She also instructed police officers to act in accordance with the rules on complaints concerning vehicles fitted with illegally dark-tinted window films. The Chief Minister stressed that students, particularly women, must be able to pursue their education and carry out their daily activities in a safe environment without feeling threatened. She asked the authorities to address security-related concerns and ensure that the necessary arrangements were in place across the locality. During the inspection, Gupta also took note of a public toilet that had reportedly remained closed for a long period. She directed the concerned officials to develop the facility as a Pink Toilet and make it operational at the earliest. She further instructed the authorities to ensure the proper availability and maintenance of public toilets in Mukherjee Nagar and identify suitable locations where additional toilet blocks could be constructed according to local requirements. Students living in Mukherjee Nagar, Nehru Vihar and neighbouring colonies also complained about inadequate cleanliness arrangements. They highlighted problems involving accumulated garbage, unhygienic lanes and foul smells, demanding regular cleaning and better waste management in residential areas. Some students pointed out that narrow lanes and small residential buildings further complicated living conditions in these localities. They urged the authorities to pay greater attention to the maintenance of internal roads and residential stretches rather than concentrating only on the main roads. The Chief Minister instructed the concerned officials to conduct regular inspections and ensure that cleanliness drives covered smaller lanes and residential neighbourhoods as well. She directed officials to visit the affected areas, assess the problems on the ground and take appropriate measures to improve sanitation and waste management. The quality and reliability of drinking water supplies also figured prominently during the interaction. Students expressed concern that sewage water could mix with the drinking water supply during the rainy season, raising questions about the quality and safety of the water available to residents. Gupta directed the concerned officials to investigate the complaints and take the necessary steps to address any problems affecting drinking water quality or the supply network. Students also complained about disturbances to their studies caused by loudspeakers being played at high volume during the night. They said excessive noise affected their ability to concentrate and prepare for examinations, particularly when they needed a quiet environment to study. Responding to the issue, the Chief Minister said that loudspeaker use must comply with prescribed time limits and applicable noise regulations. She appealed to students to report such incidents to the concerned authorities so that appropriate action could be taken in accordance with the rules. Safety arrangements at coaching institutes and libraries were another issue discussed during the interaction. Students raised concerns about fire safety measures, emergency exit routes and the suitability of buildings being used for educational activities in some parts of the area. The Chief Minister directed officials to inspect the structural suitability of such buildings, verify the availability of safe exit routes and check compliance with fire safety regulations. She stressed that student safety must remain the highest priority and that all buildings used for educational purposes should meet the required safety standards. Emphasising the importance of providing a supportive environment for young people, Gupta said that students preparing for examinations and pursuing higher education would play an important role in the country's future development. She noted that many of them could go on to become administrative officers, doctors, engineers and experts in different fields. The youth are the foundation of Developed India. Many of these youth will contribute to the development of the country in the future by becoming administrative officers, doctors, engineers, and experts in various fields. In such a scenario, providing better educational facilities, a safe environment, and conducive housing to students is essential, she said. Gupta also said that young people arriving in Delhi from different states to pursue their education should be treated as part of the city's wider community. She maintained that ensuring their access to essential amenities, providing a secure environment and creating better conditions for their future were responsibilities of the government. This comes against the backdrop of the concerns among the students following the Satya Niketan PG building collapse and the rape of a minor near the Lady Shri Ram College in Kakaji.

'Unofficial emergency': Dipke slams govt over Das, Ranka's judicial custody

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was imposing an unofficial emergency after two CJP leaders were sent to five-day judicial custody for allegedly trespassing into Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Dipke sought to know what offence CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka committed by waving the tricolour at Jantar Mantar. Das and Ranka were sent to five-day judicial custody and lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail on Wednesday for allegedly violating their peace bonds and trespassing into Jantar Mantar, which was denotified as a protest area, police sources said. They were detained early Tuesday after they allegedly breached barricades and entered the Jantar Mantar area without authorisation, raising slogans demanding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Reacting to the development, Dipke said, I want to tell Narendra Modi that if you want to impose emergency in the ..

Shiv Sena(UBT) accuses Centre of institutionalising authoritarianism in 'Samaana'

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Wednesday launched a blistering attack against the Centre, accusing it of institutionalising authoritarianism and systematically muzzling public dissent. The Thackeray camp's criticism comes in the wake of the Delhi Police's decision to strip Jantar Mantar of its decades-long status as a designated demonstration venue. The Thackeray camp in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece, 'Samaana', noted that under new police orders, protests have been pushed far away from the seat of power to remote locations -- Ramlila Maidan (4 km away), CBD Ground in Shahdara (12 km away), and Burari Ground (20-21 km away). The party argued this is a deliberate strategy to ensure public agitation creates no ripples in Parliament or the national consciousness. Highlighting the commercialisation of democratic rights, the editorial pointed out that venues like Ramlila Maidan cost upwards of Rs 1.5 lakh per day, require months of advance booking, and are frequently tied up for religious or ruling-party events. Contrasting this with the accessible, fee-free nature of Jantar Mantar, the editorial labelled the new financial hurdles an exorbitant Jizya tax levied on those daring to voice opposition. Drawing comparisons to Indias freedom struggle -- where historic movements thrived around Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and near Parliament -- the editorial stressed that peaceful assembly is a constitutionally protected right. Pushing voices outside city limits, it argued, signals deep-seated administrative fear. The administrative clampdown follows heightened political friction surrounding demonstrations by groups like the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demanding accountability over electoral integrity, which triggered heavy security deployments and mass preventive detentions in the capital, the editorial added. The Thackeray faction asserted that opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have strongly condemned the crackdown, while legal challenges against the de-notification of Jantar Mantar have rapidly moved to the Delhi High Court. Firing a stern warning at the Central government, the editorial said, Jantar Mantar has become a living memorial of agitations. The BJP rule converted a symbol of democracy into a memorial. This memorial of Jantar Mantar will become the tomb of dictatorial tendencies. Naturally, Jantar Mantar will not stay quiet; the present rulers themselves will have to run away. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena claimed that when a government begins to fear its own public, the countdown to its end has officially begun.

Saurav Das, Ranka sent to 5-day judicial custody; Shinde released on personal bond

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) In connection with the Jantar Mantar trespassing case, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been sent to five-day judicial custody on Wednesday, while Ajinkya Shinde was released on personal bond, CJP's legal affairs head Ratna Singh announced. The three CJP members were put on preventive arrest for trespassing at Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as the designated protest site. They were booked for respass, bond violation, obstruction of public official's duty, etc. Das, Ranka and Shinde were produced before a magistrate at Mandir Marg in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Saurav and Ashutosh sent to 5 days judicial custody. Ajinkya released on personal bond. Same grounds of arrest. Got to know that SEM has track record of punishing protesters, Ratna Singh said in a post on X. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with Das and Ranka, in a case related to the October 10 protest, were released after furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 and on the condition that they will not be involved in any breach-of-peace cases for a year. This time, Das and Ranka are booked for trespassing and violation of the bond conditions. They are being treated as repeat offenders. The three CJP leaders were detained on Tuesday morning for crossing police barricades and entering Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as the designated protest site. They were heading to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls. They were seen raising slogans against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, while trying to breach the police barricades. Following this, all three were detained. On October 12, Jantar Mantar was de-notified as the designated protesting site, Delhi Police said. New guidelines for protests were issued under Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026. According to the Delhi Police, the decision was taken based on the recommendations of a Home Ministry committee. Three new locations in Delhi -- Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and East Delhi's CBD Ground -- have been designated for protests.

GK correspondent among 24 journalists complete DCC 2026

Jammu, Oct 13:Greater Kashmir correspondent Sumit Bhargav is among 24 journalists from across the country, who have successfully completed the Defence Correspondents Course (DCC 2026), conducted by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, under its Directorate of Public Relations from September 21 to October 10. The Defence Correspondents Course concluded at Tezpur. Its Navy leg was conducted at Vizag (Visakhapatnam), followed by the Air Force leg at Tezpur and the Indian Army leg at Tezpur, Tenga and Tawang. The three-weeks course provided participating journalists with an understanding of the roles, capabilities and operational environments of the three Services, the Ministry of Defence said. The valedictory function was chaired by Lieutenant General Neeraj Shukla, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps. Vijay Kumar, Additional Director General (Media and Communication), Ministry of Defence, along with officials of the Directorate of Public Relations, also attended the event. The course is conducted annually by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India through the Directorate of Public Relations. After receiving applications from journalists from across the country, a strict screening-criteria is followed that includes in-depth analysis of professional working, experience and reporting intellect of aspirants followed by an interaction which is conducted by a team of officers of concerned authority. Greater Kashmir correspondent Sumit Bhargav was selected for DCC 2026 after he successfully fulfilled all the prerequisites of the Ministry of Defence. The course started on September 21 from Vizag (Visakhapatnam) where its Navy leg was conducted wherein twenty four journalists from across the country attended the proceedings at Eastern Naval Command. Beside going through presentations and allied aspects, the journalists also got a rare opportunity to see submariners beside taking a sea sortie in a Destroyer ship wherein they (journalists) understood the circumstances in which Navy personnel carry out their professional assignments despite multiple challenges that primarily include difficult sea states. Navy Leg was followed by Indian Air Force leg that was held at Air Force Station Tezpur wherein beside all other important aspects of studying the working of Air Force, the Journalists got a thrilling opportunity to witness a real time mock drill of response of pilots towards an emergency situation from adversaries beside a night time sortie of SU-30 MKI fighter plane. Under the umbrella of 4 Corps of Indian Army, referred to as Gajraj Corps under Eastern Army Command, the Army leg of DCC 2026 was conducted in areas of Arunachal Pradesh focussing on Indo-China LAC. The Army keg started from Gajraj Corps HQ after which journalists were taken to Tenga where they not only studied the working mode of army troops on LAC but also joined army troops in their day to day working schedule that especially included firing practices. The journalists on DCC 2026 were taken to Tawang which is a high-altitude area in Arunachal Pradesh and is strategically very important as it is located on Indo-China LAC. At Tawang, the journalists visited a number of strategic LAC locations including Bumla LAC point where cross border meetings are held while army personnel of both Indian and Chinese armies standing next to each other followed by visits to holy waterfall, holy tree, Border Brew cafe and other LAC locations. The Journalists got a rare opportunity to understand the situation on LAC and the way troops of the Indian Army are guarding LAC despite tough weather conditions and other multiple challenges. At the high altitude area of Tawang, Journalists also joined army troops in night patrolling and alongside a Bada Khana (social evening) to spend time with troops together. Defence Correspondents Course 2026 concluded at Corps Headquarters Tezpur wherein General Officer Commanding (GOC), Gajraj Corps ( 4 Corps ), Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla interacted with DCC Journalists and both sides shared experiences with each other on a range of issues. The Journalists also shared their experiences of entire DCC proceedings that especially included visits to forward LAC locations. During this event, Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla felicitated Greater Kashmir Correspondent Sumit Bhargav who has successfully completed Defence Correspondents Course and has been empanelled with Ministry of Defence as a Defence Journalist. Through a series of briefings, field visits and interactions with military personnel, the participants gained insights into the functioning of the defence forces and the responsibilities associated with defence reporting, a statement of the Ministry of Defence read. The engagement also strengthened mutual understanding between the defence forces and the media, underscoring their shared commitment to enhancing public awareness while maintaining due regard for operational sensitivities and national security considerations, the Ministry further stated. Sharing his perspective, Sumit Bhargav said, Defence Correspondents Course is a vital step by MoD's Directorate of Public Relations which is mainly aimed to ensure that both reporting on defence aspects of country and national security do not clash with each other. He stated, Many a time, Fastest Fingers First and Breaking News syndrome on issues related to the defence sector prove detrimental to national security and can even prove handy for adversaries for which journalists also need to maintain a constructive approach. He further said that during DCC, all the journalists attending the course came to know about the country's fast progress in the defence sector and steps being taken to strengthen the security and defence apparatus especially under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

AAP to protest in Delhi demanding Chief Election Commissioner

The News Mill

Trumps Cheap Fuel Promise CRUMBLES! Putin Diesel Deal FAILS To Deliver Relief To Americans

Donald Trumps agreement to bring more Russian diesel onto global markets is facing doubts over whether it can deliver the sharp fuel-price relief he promised, while also encountering bipartisan resistance in Washington. The Washington Post reported that diesel futures barely moved on Monday, with much of the initial decline following Trumps announcement already erased. The promised Russian volumes amount to roughly 100,000 barrels per day this month and 125,000 in November, compared with Russias roughly 800,000 barrels-per-day exports last year. US retail diesel is averaging around $6.27 a gallon, about 71% higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, senators from both parties argue that allowing Russian diesel imports conflicts with a 2022 law restricting Russian energy imports and are demanding the administration reverse course. Even if Trump overcomes that challenge, analysts cited in the script question whether the Russian supply is large enough to significantly ease the wider global diesel shortage.

HC issues notice to Punjab over transfer of road works from PWD to mandi board

Pune constable suspended for demanding extortion; inquiry ordered

TNSTC Retd Staff Hold Demo For Slew Of Demands

Retired TNSTC employees staged a protest in Tiruchy, demanding settlement of pending monetary benefits, revised contract benefits, uniform DA calculation and jobs for their wards.

Kusal Mendis Helps Sri Lanka Win Third T20I; Pakistan Claim Series 2-1

Skipper Kusal Mendis: Skipper Kusal Mendis struck an unbeaten 87 and shared an unfinished 98-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis to help Sri Lanka score a consolation win against Pakistan in the third and final T20I of the series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Pakistan concluded the three-match series 2-1, having secured wins in the opening two matches at the same venue. Chasing 169, Sri Lanka lost an early wicket with just 15 runs on the board when Mohammad Imran trapped Lahiru Udara (1) leg-before for one in the second over. However, Sri Lanka recovered through a 59-run second-wicket partnership between Sineth Jayawardena (38) and captain Kusal Mendis. Arafat Minhas provided Pakistan their second breakthrough when he dismissed Jayawardena for 38 off 26 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Kusal then combined with Kamindu Mendis in an unbeaten 98-run third-wicket stand to guide the visitors to win in 17.1 overs. Right-handed batter Kusal top-scored with an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes, while Kamindu contributed 40 not out off 27 balls. Kusal completed his half-century in 30 balls, studded with six fours and one six as he propelled Sri Lanka towards victory. Earlier, asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 168 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a commanding 76 from captain Sahibzada Farhan and an unbeaten 34 by Arafat Minhas. Farhan led Pakistans batting effort with a 47-ball knock featuring seven fours and three sixes. The right-handed batter held the innings together despite wickets falling at regular intervals at the other end. Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman (12, 7b, 1x4, 1x6) and Maaz Sadaqat (0, 3b) in the fourth over, leaving the hosts at 34 for two. Hasan Nawaz (16, 17b, 2x4) added 33 runs with Farhan for the third wicket before departing in the ninth over. The hosts suffered further setbacks as Khawaja Nafay (3, 5b), Mohammad Imran (6, 10b) and Abdul Samad (15, 10b, 2x4, 1x6) departed, leaving Pakistan at 102 for six in 13.4 overs. Farhan then joined Arafat Minhas in a crucial 66-run partnership for the seventh wicket, helping Pakistan reach a competitive total. Arafat struck two fours and as many sixes in his unbeaten 20-ball innings, while Farhan was dismissed on the penultimate delivery of the innings. This was Farhan's third successive half-century in the series, who was leading the side for the first time in Pakistan. For Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka returned figures of three for 21, while Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga took two wickets each. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, along with England, will now feature in an ODI tri-series starting on Sunday (October 18) in Rawalpindi. Brief scores: Pakistan and Sri Lanka, along with England, will now feature in an ODI tri-series starting on Sunday (October 18) in Rawalpindi. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Yung DSAs team takes a dig at Qazi Touqeer over viral C ka button video: Our Qazi Bhai is genuinely very sick

An old video featuring Qazi Touqeer, who is currently a contestant on Bigg Boss 20, has resurfaced on social media, drawing attention for its controversial content. In the clip, Qazi is seen making a joke about the __ ka button, with vulgar images of womens private parts appearing towards the end. The video has sparked discussions online, bringing renewed scrutiny to the clip and the reactions surrounding it. Amid the ongoing conversation, YUNG DSAs team has responded with a sarcastic social media post that appears to take a dig at Qazi. Sharing a video on YUNG DSAs social media account, the team wrote, EXPOSED! Our Qazi Bhai is genuinely very sick, hence only he can think of creating such videos, please take care Qazi Bhai. The post has drawn attention amid the support Qazi has received from several celebrities. During a recent Bigg Boss 20 Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Salman Khan was seen reprimanding YUNG DSA and Scout over what he perceived as an exaggeration of the comment. However, the resurfaced clip has now brought fresh attention to the matter, with YUNGs team seemingly questioning the reactions and support extended to Qazi. The development comes as YUNG DSA continues his journey on the reality show. The rapper, who is the youngest contestant on the show, has largely been playing his game independently. He has also received limited support from friends inside the house. Recently, Scout was seen discussing the possibility of maintaining distance from YUNG, adding another dimension to their equation. With its latest post, YUNG DSAs team has taken the discussion beyond the Bigg Boss house, using humour and sarcasm to draw attention to the resurfaced video. The post also raises questions about the public and celebrity reactions to the controversy surrounding Qazi. Meanwhile, another video featuring YUNG DSA has been circulating online. The clip shows the rapper sharing the stage with singer AP Dhillon during the latters concert in Pune, bringing attention to his performance outside the reality show. For the unversed, YUNG DSA is a rapper from Pune who rose to fame with his song Yeda Yung. Also Read : Bigg Boss 20: Aamrapali Dubey says Mahhi Vij changes equations based on what works for her

Soybean Stocks Burnt In Latur, Farmers Demand Justice

Four farmers in Latur, Maharashtra, suffered an estimated loss of Rs 14 lakh after their harvested soybean stocks were allegedly set on fire by an unidentified person late on Monday night. The incident occurred amidst drought conditions, exacerbating the financial hardship for the farmers who had cultivated the crops with limited water. Police are investigating, and villagers are demanding justice and financial assistance for the affected.

Captain Smit Machchhar: A Beacon of Courage for India

Puran Chand Sharma In the history of aviation, there are rare moments when an individuals courage, professional excellence, and selfless commitment to human life prevent an unimaginable tragedy. The recent actions of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar belong to that extraordinary category. While commanding a Fly Dubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Captain Machchhar [] The post Captain Smit Machchhar: A Beacon of Courage for Indias Youth appeared first on Northlines .

Indian Navy to commission indigenous multi-purpose warship 'Samarthak' on Oct 16

Digital Desk | Karwar, Oct 13 (IANS) The Indian Navy is set to commission Samarthak, at Naval Base Karwar on October 16, as a multi-purpose warship for strategically important maritime surveillance and patrol operations, an official said on Tuesday. Built by a private company under the Union government's 'Make in India' initiative, Samarthak is the first of four Multi-Purpose Vessels being inducted into the Indian Navy, it said. The commissioning will mark another significant milestone in India's drive towards defence self-reliance and she will form an important component of the Navy's future and ideal utility ship for strategically important operations, it added. Designed primarily for maritime surveillance and patrol, Samarthak is also capable of undertaking Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), Target Deployment and Trials Platform, Unmanned/ autonomous System Mothership, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), conversion to a limited hospital ship and fighting for salvage operations, the statement said. Her integrated combat suite combines indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems specifically optimised for operations in the challenging maritime environment. The crest of Samarthak, features the formidable Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence and agility. The ship's motto: 'Victory is Our Sole Aim', the statement said. Earlier, the Indian Navy in a post on social media platform X said, #INSMangrol takes her place in the #IndianNavy, carrying forward the proud legacy of her historic namesake. Indian Navy commissioned INS Mangrol, the third of the indigenous Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at #Mumbai on Oct 12. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, it added. Equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, the ship strengthens the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities in coastal and shallow waters, marking another milestone in the induction of a new generation of indigenous ASW ships -- lethal, agile and proudly Indian, the Indian Navy's spokesperson said.

Jhota Murder: Punjab Opposition Alleges 'Jungle Raj'

Opposition parties in Punjab have strongly criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government following the murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa. They allege a breakdown of law and order and jungle raj, demanding accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and a CBI probe into the killing. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of those fighting the drug menace in the state.

Pre-ordered the new Apple TV 4K? Here are 5 reasons you should cancel ASAP

Macworld At its Welcome Home experience , Apple today introduced the all-new HomeView hub , along with the HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K 4. These devices mark Siri AIs official smart home expansion, bringing its world knowledge and personal context to big screens and smart speakers around the house. While you may be tempted to rush over to Apples website and pre-order a $299 4th-gen Apple TV 4K before the first batch sells out, it may be worth taking a moment to consider if thats really the right decision. Instead relax, slow down, and read this list of five reasons why Im not upgrading to the brand-new Apple TV 4K, and why I dont think you should either. Common sense Siri AI publicly launched on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even Apple Watches with OS 27 last month, and its been truly refreshing having a virtual assistant that can actually help. The Apple TV 4K 4 finally adopts this AI-powered foundation, making your smart TVs smarter than ever before. Naturally, most users will want to replace classic Siri with Siri AI in their living rooms, enticing them to buy the 4th-generation Apple TV 4K. But heres the thing: Siri AI is not actually exclusive to the Apple TV 4K 4. With the tvOS 27.2 update, the company is also making it available to the 2nd- and 3rd-gen models released in 2021 and 2022. As long as youve paired the device with a compatible iPhone or iPad, youll get the same main set of upgraded artificial intelligence tools on your older Apple TV 4K. These include having richer conversations with Siri, executing more complex tasks, tapping into your personal context, and analyzing whats on your screen. If you have a 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K, youll get the new Siri AI. Foundry Already listening To make Siri AI more easily accessible, the Apple TV 4K 4 integrates always-on microphonessparing you from having to dig out your Siri Remote to trigger the voice assistant. This lets you control the TV in a hands-free manner by uttering the Siri or Hey Siri hotwords. But what if I told you Ive already been using Siri on my Apple TV 4K 3 for years without touching its remote? While the Apple TV 4K 3 and older models dont independently listen to the wake words, theres an official workaround that functions reliably. If you depend on a HomePod or HomePod stereo pair for Apple TV 4K audio output, your smart speakers already detect when you summon Siri using your voice and, by default, perform your requests on the paired Apple TV 4K. For example, I yell Siri, turn on my TV then Siri, launch YouTube all the time, and it correctly opens the app on the big screendespite the command being processed on the HomePod itself. Old TV, new remote Speaking of finding the Siri Remote, the new Apple TV 4K comes with a 4th-gen Siri Remote that introduces proper Find My support. This lets you precisely locate it and have it beep using your iPhone, just like an AirTag. Its a massive upgrade over the existing location feature, which cant always pinpoint the lost remotes whereabouts. But the good news is that you dont have to spend $299 to enjoy the benefits of the new Siri Remote. Apple sells the Siri Remote 4 individually for just $59 (or 59 in the U.K. ), and it works with all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models released in 2015 and later. If you often misplace your remote, you can easily remedy the situation by buying a new one separately and pairing it with your current Apple TV box. Apple Wasted potential Perhaps my biggest disappointment lies in the Apple TV 4K 4s failure to fully leverage its flagship A19 chip. Said processor launched last year with the iPhone 17, making it extraordinarily potent for a media consumption platform like tvOS. I had hoped Apple would introduce demanding perks that harness the high processing power or announce AAA game partnerships that transform the Apple TV 4K 4 into a mini video game console. Alas, while existing games may run more smoothly on the latest model, the tvOS game library remains exceptionally limited and unappealing to many casual gamers, let alone serious ones. Opting for an A19 set-top box to stream Netflix is objectively wasteful, especially when it costs $299. Look elsewhere This brings us to the final argument: what the heck was Apple thinking when it decided to sell the new model for a whopping $299?! For reference, the entry-level Apple TV 4K 3 (64GB, WiFi-only) launched for just $129 in 2022, while the 128GB model with an Ethernet port cost $149 at the time. While the Apple TV 4K now comes with 128GB of storage and Ethernet support by default, its forcing all customers to pay more than twice as much for technology they may not need. Most casual users opt for a Wi-Fi connection, and streaming apps dont consume a ton of disk space. A Wi-Fi-only configuration would have softened the price hike blow by eliminating unnecessary features that many users wont touch. If an upgrade is due, I advise you to buy an Apple TV 4K 3 while you still can (check the price-comparison widget below for any available deals in your area), or look for third-party alternatives such as the $149.99 Google Streamer 4K or Amazons even cheaper Fire TV devices. While you wont get the same Apple ecosystem integrations and personal data sync, theyre arguably not as relevant on a TV. Youll still be able to download all of your movie streaming apps, including the Apple TV service. Apple TV 4K (3rd-generation, 2022) (64GB, model A2737) Price When Reviewed: $129.00 Best Prices Today: $124.50 at Adorama | $129 at Apple | $129.99 at Best Buy

BJP MPs meet President Murmu, seek action against Congress MP Bimol Akoijam

A delegation of BJP women MPs and Mahila Morcha leaders met President Droupadi Murmu, demanding action and the removal of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from the Lok Sabha over sexual harassment allegations. Meanwhile, Akoijam has dismissed JNUs inquiry findings and dismissal as a politically motivated witch hunt.

BJP MPs meet President Murmu, seek action against Congress MP Bimol Akoijam

A delegation of BJP women MPs and Mahila Morcha leaders met President Droupadi Murmu, demanding action and the removal of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from the Lok Sabha over sexual harassment allegations. Meanwhile, Akoijam has dismissed JNUs inquiry findings and dismissal as a politically motivated witch hunt.

Delhi Police files FIR against Ranka, Das after Jantar Mantar breach

New Delhi, Oct 13 (PTI) Delhi Police have filed an FIR against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and its other members for allegedly trespassing into the Jantar Mantar area without permission, officials said on Tuesday. A police source said the FIR sections include breach of a peace bond the three leaders signed earlier. The action came hours after the activists entered the heavily barricaded protest site and raised slogans demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars resignation. Jantar Mantar was recently denotified as a designated protest site. Das, Ranka and a few other CJP members were detained

What Is The Evidence?: Ray Questions Reggie About What Evidence He Is Saving For Court

Ray has answered Reggie's allegations about Kai Cenat by demanding evidence. Everybody named has denied the claims and no proof has been produced.

Sugarcane growers block roads at various places in Dharwad, Haveri and Gadag districts

Sugarcane growers staged road blockades at various places in the districts of Dharwad, Gadag and Haveri on Tuesday, demanding a higher price for sugarcane and a revision of the minimum selling price of sugar.

Hazlewoods six-wicket haul takes him past Lee, equals Ishant and Zaheer

In a remarkable display of skill, Josh Hazlewood surpassed the legendary Brett Lee's Test wicket record during the first Test against South Africa in Durban. Achieving his career-best with a six-wicket haul, Hazlewood ended up with eight wickets. This stellar performance was pivotal in Australia's commanding 214-run win, solidifying his status as one of the greatest fast bowlers in Australia's Test history.

Karimnagar Dumping Yard Row Sparks Public Outrage

Karimnagar residents are protesting smoke and health concerns linked to the dumping yard, demanding its relocation as efforts to identify an alternative site face opposition.

Kalaburagi: INDIA bloc protests against SIR, seeks CECs removal

Protesters gathered at Jagat Circle and burnt an effigy of Chief Election Commissioner, demanding his resignation and a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged misuse of Form-7 applications.

Greta Thunberg Joins French Student Protest, Targets Emmanuel Macron's Government | France Protest

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined student protesters outside Paul Eluard High School in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, throwing her support behind the growing movement demanding better conditions in schools. Addressing protesters, Thunberg accused the French government of being completely out of touch with reality and claimed authorities were ignoring the concerns of young people. She praised the student-led demonstrations, saying French students were showing the world how to stand up against what she described as an unjust system.

Sumo Didi actor Shriyam Bhagnani says playing Hetal Dave pushed her physically and emotionally

Shriyam Bhagnani is set to headline Sumo Didi, a sports biopic based on the life of Hetal Dave, recognised as Indias first professional female sumo wrestler. The film explores Daves journey into a sport that has traditionally been associated with men and the challenges she faced while pursuing it. Chaitanya Sharma also features in the film, alongside Anubha Fatehpuriya, the late Nitesh Pandey, Raghav Dhir and Meenal Kapoor. For Shriyam, Sumo Didi marks her first lead role. Speaking about taking on the part, the actor acknowledged the responsibility that came with portraying a real person and preparing for a physically demanding role. This film is my first lead outing and that was a huge responsibility to shoulder on top of that the role was complex. It felt like an uphill climb when I started and I still can't believe that it's releasing this month, she said. Shriyam Bhagnani on preparing for the role Shriyam said playing Hetal required both physical and emotional preparation. She also described the experience as one that changed her understanding of strength and resilience. Playing Hetal Dave has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Her journey is not just about becoming a sumo wrestler; it is about learning to believe in yourself when the world keeps telling you that you are different, she said. The actor added that the preparation went beyond the physical demands of portraying a sportsperson. Preparing for the role pushed me physically and emotionally, but it also changed the way I look at strength and resilience, Shriyam said. According to the actor, Daves story continued to stay with her after filming wrapped. She also expressed hope that audiences would connect with the journey portrayed in the film. Hetals story stayed with me long after we finished filming, and Im really happy that the trailer is now out. I hope audiences discover her journey, feel inspired by it and carry a little bit of her courage with them, she added. Sumo Didi explores Hetal Daves journey Sumo Didi follows Hetal Daves journey as she takes up sumo wrestling and challenges perceptions surrounding women, body image and sporting ability. Shriyam, who has previously appeared in City of Dreams and Netflixs Aap Jaisa Koi, plays the titular character. The film is positioned as a sports drama based on Daves life and her journey in professional sumo wrestling. Also Read:Jio Studios Sumo Didi to screen at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival 2024 (NYIFF) on June 2

Jantar Mantar, the heartland of dissent in Delhi | In pictures

Following mass agitations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Delhi Police formally de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue on October 12, 2026

Congress Stands Firm on Gyanesh Kumars Resignation Demands Amid Ongoing Protests

Congress leaders reaffirm their commitment to demanding reforms in the Election Commission, focusing on Gyanesh Kumars resignation. Congress Stands Firm on Gyanesh Kumars Resignation Demands Amid Ongoing Protests

Hindu Sena Files Complaint Against Advocate Prashant Bhushan Over Alleged Incitement to Violence

Hindu Sena has lodged a complaint against Prashant Bhushan, demanding his arrest for allegedly inciting violence and rebellion against the government. Hindu Sena Files Complaint Against Advocate Prashant Bhushan Over Alleged Incitement to Violence

Teen dies as Eeco vehicle plunges off road in Rajouri

Rajouri: An 18-year-old girl was killed and two others injured after an Eeco vehicle skidded off the road in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred in the afternoon when an Eeco vehicle bearing registration number JK11B-2995, travelling from Thanamandi towards Rajdhani, skidded off the road. []

Odisha ASHA Workers Protest in Bhubaneswar Demanding Regularisation

The streets of the capital city echoed with slogans on Tuesday as hundreds of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers from across Odisha converged in Bhubaneswar to stage a massive state-level protest. The agitators are pressing for permanent government employee status and a minimum monthly salary of Rs 28,000. The protest was organised under the [] The post Odisha ASHA Workers Protest in Bhubaneswar Demanding Regularisation & Pay Hike appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Josh Hazlewoods Six-Wicket Haul Powers Australia to 214-Run Win Over South Africa

Leading fast bowler Josh Hazlewood produced a match-winning spell of six wickets in the second innings as Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test at Kingsmead Stadium on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a daunting target of 421, South Africa were bowled out for 206 on the fifth and final day, with Hazlewood returning figures of 6-49. Matt Renshaw also played a crucial role with the ball, claiming two wickets to complement his outstanding contributions with the bat. The defeat ended South African captain Temba Bavumas unbeaten record in Test cricket as captain. Before this match, he had led the side in 12 Tests, winning 11 and drawing one. South Africa resumed the final day at 102/4, needing another 319 runs to win or bat out the remaining 90 overs to salvage a draw. Aiden Markram, who was unbeaten on 45 overnight, offered determined resistance and completed his 14th Test half-century, taking 129 balls to reach the milestone. Markram and Wiaan Mulder put together a 69-run partnership to keep South Africas hopes alive before Hazlewood broke through, trapping Mulder leg-before-wicket for 29. Wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne was dismissed for one soon afterwards, leaving the hosts in further trouble. Markram continued to fight at one end, finding support from Marco Jansen, who scored 35. However, Hazlewood struck again to bowl Jansen and complete his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, leaving South Africas lower order exposed. Markram, who faced 237 balls for his 75, was eventually dismissed by Mitchell Starc in the 86th over after edging a good-length delivery. Hazlewood then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Anrich Nortje in the 87th over to seal a comprehensive victory for Australia. Earlier, Australia had laid the foundation for the win with a commanding first-innings total of 390, built around Renshaws superb 190. The left-handed batter rescued the visitors after they slipped to 124/6, while Wiaan Mulder led South Africas bowling effort with four wickets. Australias bowlers responded strongly, dismissing the hosts for 284 to secure a 106-run first-innings lead. Pat Cummins led the attack with three wickets, while Hazlewood, Starc and Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets apiece. No South African batter managed to score a half-century in the innings. Australia strengthened their grip on the match in the second innings, declaring at 314/6 to set the hosts a target of 421. Renshaw continued his outstanding performance with 82, while Nic Maddinson contributed 48, and Cummins provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 32 off just 12 balls. South Africa now face the challenge of bouncing back in the second Test, scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on October 18. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Dipke warns of countrywide agitations if Delhi

Hingoli (Maharashtra), Oct 13 (PTI) Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday warned that protest sites would emerge across the country if demonstrations were banned at Delhis Jantar Mantar. Dipke said that if police stop him on his way to Delhi, he would begin the agitation from wherever he is detained. The CJP leader also said he would reach the national capital on Wednesday to join the CJPs protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was speaking to the media at his native village Santuk Pimpri in Maharashtras Hingoli district, where he had come

Bangladesh: Mob attacks former opposition leader's house in Dhaka

Digital Desk | Dhaka, Oct 13 (IANS) Amid growing political hostility in Bangladesh, a group of people attacked and vandalised the residence of Jatiya Party Chairman G M Quader in Dhakas Uttara, drawing strong condemnation. The attack occurred on Monday after around 50 people gathered outside the house carrying a banner reading Anti-Autocracy General Public while demanding Quaders arrest, local media reported. They accused Quader of being an aide to ousted former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and betraying the July 2024 uprising. Speaking to Bangladeshs newspaper 'The Daily Star', Quader recounted that he and his wife were having breakfast when they heard a commotion outside, followed by the attackers approaching their home. I then heard that they were heading towards our house. Shortly afterwards, bricks and stones started being thrown at the house from all sides, he stated. The stone-pelting shattered the windowpanes, leaving broken glass scattered across the drawing room, but the attackers failed to enter the house as the gate was locked, he added. Confirming the incident, Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khalid Mansur said, We rushed to the spot immediately after receiving the information. The attackers fled after noticing the police presence. Around 30-40 people threw bricks at the house from outside and vandalised it, but none of them could enter the building. Bangladeshs Awami League has strongly condemned the violent attack on former opposition leader Quader, warning that public calls for his arrest and killing reflect a growing threat to political dissent and democratic rights in the country. Those claiming to fight autocracy are accused of using violence to silence opponents. Meanwhile, attacks on dissenters continue amid international silence. When dissent becomes a death sentence, democracy is dead in spirit. The right to life is not a political privilege. It is a fundamental human right, the party stated. When dissent becomes a death sentence, democracy is dead in spirit. The right to life is not a political privilege. It is a fundamental human right, it noted. Criticising the attack, former Bangladesh Minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat alleged that BNP workers carried out the brutal attack at the residence of Quader because he had admitted to speaking with Sheikh Hasina. In a post on X, Arafat said, This is utterly disgraceful. No political disagreement, past association, or conversation with a political leader can justify mob violence or intimidation. If a political leader can be targeted at his own home simply for speaking to someone the attackers oppose, what does that say about the state of democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in Bangladesh under the BNP government? He cited the US-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch, which recently raised concerns over the arbitrary detention of perceived political opponents, the mass arrest of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal supporters, and the erosion of human rights safeguards under the current BNP government. Warning of broader implications of political violence, Arafat said, Democracy cannot survive when political disagreement is answered with violence, dissent is treated as a crime, and mobs are allowed to intimidate their opponents with impunity. Bangladesh deserves equal protection under the law, accountability for political violence, and the restoration of fundamental rights for everyone.

Anushka Merchande reveals Star Plus Apsara took almost 6 days to shoot its opening episode: It was pretty chaotic

Star Plus upcoming supernatural saga Apsara is gearing up to bring mythology, supernatural powers and a battle for Amrit to television, with the makers promising a visually ambitious world. However, creating the shows opening episode came with its own set of challenges. Actor Anushka Merchande has revealed that shooting the episode took almost six days, with the team filming some of the initial sequences at real locations, including Mumbais iconic Bandra Fort. Drawing inspiration from Samudra Manthan, Apsara combines elements of ancient mythology with high-stakes drama and elaborate visual effects. The shows first glimpse has offered a look at its larger-than-life setting, with VFX expected to play a significant role in bringing its supernatural elements to the screen. According to Anushka, the production also relied on real locations to establish the world of the series, making the outdoor shoot an experience that was both demanding and enjoyable. Speaking about the filming experience, Anushka shared, Weve just started shooting for Star Plus Apsara, and theres already so much to talk about! We shot some of the opening sequences at real locations in the show with great VFX. It took us almost 6 days to shoot opening episode. Locations were crowded, the sun was beating down on us, and between the heat, sand and everything happening around us, it was pretty chaotic. But it was also so much fun! Her account offers a glimpse into the effort involved in establishing the shows setting from its very first episode. Filming amid crowds and challenging weather conditions required the team to navigate the practicalities of outdoor production while working towards the visual scale envisioned for the supernatural drama. Earlier, the shows lead actor Samiksha Jaiswal had spoken about her character, Sunehri, an Apsara entrusted with protecting the Amrit from evil forces. Explaining what drew her to the role, Samiksha said, There is something exciting about playing an Apsara whose story goes beyond her beauty. I play Sunehri, who has the extraordinary responsibility of protecting the Amrit from evil forces. At the same time, she has people she loves and wants to keep safe. What interests me is how she carries both responsibilities, as a guardian of the Amrit and as someone deeply attached to her loved ones. Her courage, her emotions and the choices she makes are what define her. She feels fear and worries about those she loves, but still finds the strength to step forward. An Apsara isnt waiting for her hero. She is the hero. Apsara will premiere on October 21 and air daily at 10:30 p.m. on Star Plus and JioHotstar. The show is expected to replace Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which stars Smriti Irani alongside an ensemble cast. Also Read: Rashami Desai, Janhavi Soni, Gautam Singh Vig share excitement ahead of Sayoneee premiere

M6 MacBook Pro: Everything we know about Apple

Macworld Apple offers the MacBook Pro with three different chip options. It starts with the entry-level M5 chip, which you can only get in the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Apple also offers higher end M5 Pro and M5 Max chips for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, as it has since the M1 arrived in 2020. Apple launched the M5 MacBook Pro in October 2025, and the next generation could arrive almost exactly a year later. According to a report from Bloombergs Mark Gurman, Apple plans to announce the entry-level 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro on October 27 , alongside a new iMac, iPad mini, and the first touchscreen MacBook Pro . The standard M6 MacBook Pro is expected to retain the existing design, with the new processor providing the main upgrade. The more substantial changesincluding an OLED touchscreen and redesigned chassisare reportedly reserved for premium MacBook Pro models that will continue to use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Apple is reportedly skipping the M6 Pro and M6 Max generation to accelerate development of the M7. That creates an unusual buying decision: wait for the M6 chip, choose one of the redesigned touchscreen models, or hold out until 2027 for the next generation. Heres what the latest reports suggest.s. M6 MacBook Pro release date: When will it launch? October 27, 2026 (reported announcement date) Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported on October 8 that Apple is planning to announce the M6 MacBook Pro on October 27, 2026 . According to the report, the launch will include an online video presentation and an in-person component for the press. The M6 MacBook Pro is expected to launch alongside the first OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro, an M6 iMac, and an updated iPad mini. The new entry-level MacBook Pro is expected to retain its 14-inch display and existing design, with the M6 chip providing the main upgrade. The reported October 27 announcement would fit Apples recent release pattern. The M5 MacBook Pro arrived in October 2025, while its predecessor launched in November 2024. Of the five generations of the entry-level MacBook Pro, three have been released in the October/November timeframe, including the past two releases. Here are the release dates for the entry-level MacBook Pro: M5 MacBook Pro : October 2025 M4 MacBook Pro : November 2024 M3 MacBook Pro : January 2023 M2 MacBook Pro : June 2022 M1 MacBook Pro : November 2020 Ongoing memory and storage chip shortages could still affect availability or delivery times. These supply constraints have already contributed to price increases across Apples Mac lineup. M6 MacBook Pro: Chip details 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU in the existing M6 Mac mini TSMC 2nm manufacturing process Up to 170GB/s memory bandwidth Improved AI processing with Neural Accelerators The M6 chip is expected to incorporate new features for improved AI processing. Apple Apple has introduced the M6 chip in the Mac mini , giving us a clear idea of what to expect from the upcoming MacBook Pro. The M6 is Apples first M-series chip built using TSMCs 2nm manufacturing process, bringing improvements to CPU, GPU, and AI performance. The M6 in the Mac mini features a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, up from the M5s 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It also introduces Neural Accelerators in every GPU core and a dual 16-core Neural Engine, boosting performance in AI workloads. The M6 MacBook Pro is expected to benefit from the same architectural improvements, making it particularly appealing to users running AI-powered applications and local AI models. The Mac mini also provides an indication of what to expect from memory bandwidth. Earlier rumors suggested the M6 could reach 200GB/s, but the M6 Mac mini delivers up to 170GB/s with 24GB or 32GB of unified memory. The 16GB configuration offers 153GB/s, matching the M5. This relatively modest increase could limit the performance gains delivered by the redesigned GPU. Our analysis suggests that the additional GPU cores, higher clock speeds, and architectural improvements help the M6 deliver gains of 20 percent or more in 3D graphics performance. However, memory bandwidth limitations mean those gains arent as substantial as the additional processing power might suggest. The MacBook Pros exact M6 specifications remain unconfirmed, but the Mac mini offers a useful preview of the chips capabilities. The key question is whether Apple will make further changes to the processor or memory configurations when it brings the M6 to the MacBook Pro. M6 MacBook Pro: Other specifications and features Existing 14-inch design expected; no OLED or touchscreen The M6 MacBook Pro is expected to retain the existing 14-inch design, with few changes beyond the processor upgrade. According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, the display, chassis, and other hardware are likely to remain substantially unchanged from the M5 MacBook Pro. That means buyers shouldnt expect an OLED display or touchscreen on the standard M6 model. Those features are reportedly reserved for Apples redesigned premium MacBook Pro models, which are also expected to debut on October 27. The M6 MacBook Pro could be the last entry-level model of this particular design. Foundry How is the M6 MacBook Pro different from the touchscreen MacBook Pro? Apple is reportedly preparing two very different MacBook Pro updates for October 27. The standard 14-inch MacBook Pro will move from the M5 to the M6 processor while retaining its familiar design. It should appeal to buyers who want the newer chip but dont need a redesigned laptop. The higher-end MacBook Pro models, meanwhile, are expected to introduce an OLED touchscreen , a thinner and lighter chassis, and potentially an iPhone-style Dynamic Island camera cutout. Despite these upgrades, the redesigned models will reportedly use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than M6 Pro and M6 Max processors. This reflects Apples reported decision to skip the M6 Pro and M6 Max generation and focus development resources on the M7 family , which is expected in 2027. Although the standard M6 is a newer chip, the M5 Pro and M5 Max are designed for more demanding professional workloads, so buyers shouldnt assume the M6 MacBook Pro will be the more powerful option. Its a similar situation to the Mac mini lineup, where the standard model features the M6 chip while the higher-end configuration uses the M5 Pro. The choice could therefore come down to whether buyers prioritize the latest chip at a lower price or a more powerful MacBook Pro with a redesigned display and chassis. Feature M6MacBookPro OLEDtouchscreenMacBookPro Expectedannouncement October27,2026 October27,2026 Processor M6 M5Pro/M5Max Screensizes 14-inch PremiumMacBookProsizes;expected14-and16-inch Display Existingnon-OLEDdisplay OLED Touchscreen No Yes Design Existingchassis Thinner,lighterredesign Price Fromaround$1,999 Higherpricingexpected/ M6 MacBook Pro: Price $1,999/1,999startingpricepossible We havent heard any reports about the price of the entry-level M6 MacBook Pro, but we can look at recent price history to get an idea. When the M5 MacBook Pro was released in 2025, its starting price was $1,599.Apple bumped it to $1,699 when the M5 Pro and Max models arrived earlier this year and increased the starting storage to 1TB. This past June, however, Apple raised the price to $1,999 due to supply chain constraints. Those constraints arent going away anytime soon, and its likely that the higher price is now the new normal . During Apples Q3 2026 financial announcement in July, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh made it a point to explain that the supply chain constraints will affect production costs for months to come. We expect the impact from supply constraints to increase significantly sequentially, said Parekh. The projected supply constraints in the September quarter affect iPhone, Mac, and iPad. Cook said, With less flexibility in supply chain, we expect the impact from the supply constraints to increase significantly sequentially. The existing M5 MacBook Pro starts at $1,999/1,999, following the price increases introduced in June 2026, and the M6 could retain that starting price. However, another price increase is possible. Ongoing memory and storage shortages continue to affect Apples manufacturing costs, and the company may need to pass some of those costs on to buyers. The redesigned OLED touchscreen models are also expected to carry a premium over the existing MacBook Pro lineup, making the standard M6 a potentially more affordable alternative for buyers who want a new MacBook Pro without paying extra for the redesigned display and chassis. Should you wait for the M6 MacBook Pro? With Apple reportedly planning to announce the M6 MacBook Pro on October 27, theres a strong argument for waiting before buying a new 14-inch MacBook Pro . The announcement is expected in just a few weeks, and it should provide clarity on performance, pricing, and availability. Wait for the M6 MacBook Pro if: Youre planning to buy the standard 14-inch MacBook Pro and dont urgently need a new laptop. The M6 should provide improved CPU, GPU, and AI performance over the M5, without requiring a move to Apples more expensive Pro and Max models. Consider the OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro if: Youre interested in a more substantial upgrade, particularly the rumored touchscreen display , OLED technology, and thinner design. Those models are expected to continue using M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, making them potentially better choices for demanding professional workloads. Buy an M5 MacBook Pro now if: You need a laptop immediately or find a substantial discount. The existing M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max MacBook Pro models remain capable machines, and a reduced price could make them better value than a newly launched M6 model. Wait for the M7 MacBook Pro if: Youre particularly interested in OLED but dont need the touchscreen. Reports suggest Apples entry-level MacBook Pro could adopt the redesigned OLED chassis in 2027 with an M7 processor, although the timing remains uncertain. For most people considering the entry-level MacBook Pro, waiting until October 27 makes sense. Even if the M6 doesnt offer enough of an improvement to justify its price, its arrival could create opportunities to buy the outgoing M5 model at a discount.

You cannot denotify the resistance: CJP leaders held after storming former Delhi protest site

CJP leaders detained after jumping barricades at Jantar Mantar Police stripped the observatory of protest site status on Monday Protesters demand election chief Gyanesh Kumars resignation More than 130 million names removed in voter list revision LEADERS of Indias cockroach youth movement were detained in New Delhi on Tuesday after jumping barricades to enter Jantar Mantar, the historic observatory that police stripped of its status as an official protest site a day earlier. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said its leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ajinkya Shinde were among about 20 volunteers who sneaked into the observatory to reclaim it and were detained. A livestream by the group showed about a dozen volunteers climbing a gate and barricades to reach the site, where they waved the Indian flag and chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar before police took them away. More than 7,000 detained as India cracks down on election protests You cannot denotify the resistance, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said on X after the detentions. Delhi Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Protest site closed On Monday, Delhi Police said Jantar Mantar, an open-air observatory in the capitals central business district, was no longer a designated protest venue and that three new sites had been identified. A weeks-long sit-in by CJP supporters at Jantar Mantar earlier this year forced the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam paper leaks. Thousands joined an opposition march on Monday, after a police clampdown foiled the CJPs planned weekend demonstration. Police detained thousands of protesters over the weekend, including the groups leaders. Why protesters are angry The CJP and opposition parties have protested almost daily this month, demanding Kumars resignation over a revision of voter lists that critics say favours Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The protests erupted after the Indian Express reported last month that Kumars two deputies had raised concerns internally about the revision, registration procedures and digital systems. India's Cockroach movement leaders released as opposition vows fresh protests The revision, which began last year, has removed more than 130 million names from voter lists, including 63 million people who had moved, 30 million who could not be traced and 28 million who had died. Opposition parties say Muslims and other minorities, who are unlikely to support the BJP, are disproportionately affected. The Election Commission denies favouring any party and says wrongly deleted voters can re-register. The BJP accuses its rivals of trying to undermine democracy by wrongly questioning legitimate electoral processes. The CJP, which has led protests in recent months on issues ranging from school infrastructure to jobs, has become one of the biggest political challenges to Modi in his 12 years in power. (With inputs from agencies)

Dipke to reach Delhi on Wednesday to join CJP protest against Gyanesh

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke warned that banning protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar would lead to nationwide agitations. He stated that CJP leaders were detained on Tuesday morning after attempting to protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Dipke accused the government of suppressing democratic dissent and vowed to continue the protest.

Pakistan: Emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa intensifies volatile political confrontation

Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 13 (IANS) Pakistan government's decision to impose emergency rule in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has intensified an already volatile political confrontation between the federal government and the opposition. It has reignited long-standing debates regarding governance, security and the state's relationship with its Pashtun-majority frontier region, a report has detailed. Pakistan government effectively removed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government and presented it as a ecessary response to militancy. However, critics have described the decision by Pakistani authorities as a political intervention disguised as a security measure, an opinion piece in Afghan Diaspora Network detailed. On October 11, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari approved emergency measures after recommendations made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's cabinet. The move suspended the provincial government led by former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-founded PTI and transferred authority to a Governor. In addition, the federal government announced the deployment of forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The decision comes at a politically sensitive moment as PTI has been preparing major demonstrations demanding the release of Imran Khan. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari has condemned the Pakistan government's decision to impose Governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terming it as a coup disguised as emergency. Strongly condemn the arrest of the only mandated Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and of Junaid Akbar. This coup disguised as emergency or Governor rule has squashed the only little bit of democracy left in Pakistan. Further instability and collateral damage to follow. The regime must be feeling very proud, Bukhari wrote on X. PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan condemned the imposition of emergency and Governors rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the federal government's decision as a political mistake and undemocratic. He emphasised that there is no disagreement on eliminating terrorism; however, the fight against terrorism cannot be used as justification to suppress the voice of the people, achieve political objectives and restrict the constitutional authority of the province. We strongly condemn the imposition of emergency in the province in the strongest terms and completely reject this action. This is an extremely alarming and grave political mistake and an undemocratic measure the people will never accept such actions against their rights, Khan posted on X. Former Member of Pakistan's National Assembly, Mohsin Dawar, accused the Pakistan government of following colonial policies towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said that the decisions impacting the province are once again imposed without a democratic mandate. He said that emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could push the region into further darkness. Veteran Pashtun nationalist leader Afrasiab Khattak said that Pakistan government's imposition of emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has already faced decades of conflict, was another experiment in authoritarian governance. According to the Afghan Diaspora Network report, he asked whether Pashtuns should see the decision as proof of how they continue to be treated as subjects of a colony instead of equal citizens within the federation. Whether one accepts these arguments or not, they reflect a broader perception found among many critics of Pakistans security policies: that the countrys current security challenges cannot be separated from decisions made over several decades. The emergency declaration therefore represents more than an administrative measure. It sits at the intersection of three overlapping crises: rising militancy, deep political polarisation, and unresolved questions about the governance of Pakistans Pashtun borderlands, the report in Afghan Diaspora Network stated. Supporters see decisive action against a deteriorating security situation. Opponents see a dangerous precedent in which elected governments can be sidelined under the banner of counterterrorism. As troops move into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal authorities assume greater control, the province has once again become the focal point of Pakistans most important national debate: whether security and democracy can coexist or whether one will continue to be used to justify curtailing the other, the author added.