Tripura launches month-long breast cancer awareness campaign
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 1 (IANS) Tripura on Thursday launched a month-long breast cancer awareness campaign to promote breast health, early detection, awareness of risk factors and continuity of care, health officials said. Health Secretary Gitte Kirankumar Dinkarrao launched the statewide campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the State Guest House in Agartala in the presence of senior health officials. A senior Health Department official said breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and remained a major public health concern. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, around 23 lakh women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 2022, while approximately 6.7 lakh died from the disease. In India, an estimated 2,37,231 new breast cancer cases and 96,100 deaths were recorded in 2024, with breast cancer accounting for 30.4 per cent of all cancers among Indian women. According to the Tripura Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR), ICMR, for 2012-2016, breast cancer accounted for 14.4 per cent of all female cancer cases in the state, affecting approximately one in 123 women, the official stated. The Tripura government has taken several measures to strengthen cancer screening and ensure coverage of the eligible population. Chief Minister Manik Saha launched the Mukhyamantri Niramay Arogya Abhiyan (MNAA) on December 31, 2025. Under the initiative, dedicated screening activities are conducted twice a year, from January 1 to 14 and July 14 to 31, across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Primary Health Centres throughout the state, with a focus on cancer and other non-communicable diseases. During a programme on Thursday, knowledge products for the public and technical materials for stakeholders, academicians, healthcare service providers and students were also unveiled. Jhpiego provided technical support for the initiative aimed at strengthening breast cancer awareness and care in Tripura. According to the official, the month-long campaign will include workshops at different levels in collaboration with AIIMS and Jhpiego, consultations involving healthcare service providers and ASHAs, seminars in medical and paramedical institutions, talk shows through various media channels, social media campaigns, interpersonal communication with PRI members and community-level activities by Community Health Officers (CHOs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) during Village Health and Nutrition Days. Dr Arjun Saha, State Programme Officer, Non-Communicable Diseases, made a presentation on the importance of breast cancer awareness and the roadmap for the campaign. The Health Secretary called upon all stakeholders and members of society to actively participate in the awareness campaign and stressed the importance of collective efforts to promote early detection and strengthen breast cancer prevention and care in the state. Additional Secretary-cum-Mission Director, NHM Saju Vaheed, Director of Health Services, Director of Family Welfare, Joint Mission Director, NHM, Member Secretary, State Health and Family Welfare Society, NHM, and Chief Medical Officers of all districts were present at the event.
Sivasagar forum protests at ONGC Assam Asset, seeks jobs and flood assistance
The Sivasagar District Joint Struggle Forum of mass organisations staged a sit-in demonstration in front of the ONGC Assam Asset headquarters in Nazira on Wednesday, demanding employment opportunities
Dry weather to persist in Delhi with cooler nights ahead; AQI remains moderate
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) The weather in the national capital has turned quite dry, with bright sunshine keeping daytime temperatures warm. However, a slight drop in night temperatures is likely. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted clear skies throughout the coming week, with no possibility of rain in Delhi. Bright sunshine was observed across most parts of Delhi from Wednesday morning. However, with northwesterly winds prevailing over the region, the weather has become increasingly dry. The maximum temperature at Delhi's standard observatory at Safdarjung was recorded at 34.2 degrees Celsius, which was 0.5 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 22.4 degrees Celsius. The IMD has said that the southwest monsoon season had ended with a 13 per cent rainfall deficit. However, monsoon rains continue to withdraw from different parts of the country. As the monsoon retreats, parts of southern and northeastern India are expected to receive rainfall on Thursday, according to the IMD. Heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. In IMD's terminology, 'isolated' refers to rainfall occurring over a small proportion of locations, generally up to 25 per cent of weather stations in a region. Meanwhile, Kerala, coastal Karnataka and the southern parts of Karnataka are expected to receive rainfall at several places on Thursday. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Lakshadweep are likely to receive rain at a few places. Karnataka has already experienced a wet spell during the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Kibbanahalli in Tumakuru district recorded 10 cm of rainfall, the highest recorded by the IMD during the period. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are very likely at isolated places over Kerala and Mahe, Rayalaseema, and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Winds of 30-40 kmph are expected over Andhra Pradesh, Interior Karnataka and Odisha, while strong surface winds may also prevail over parts of Andhra Pradesh. In the Northeast, thunderstorms and lightning are likely over Assam and Meghalaya, as well as Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Similar conditions are also expected over East Madhya Pradesh. Scattered rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. The southwest monsoon normally begins withdrawing from northwest India in mid-September and completely retreats from the country by mid-October. This year, the withdrawal line currently passes through Gurdaspur (Punjab), Chandigarh, Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh), Aligarh (UP), Dholpur, Udaipur and Deesa (Rajasthan) before extending to Naliya in Gujarat. The IMD said conditions are likely to become favourable over the next two to three days for the withdrawal of the monsoon from the remaining parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Similar conditions are expected to develop over most parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, as well as the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Some parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra may also witness further withdrawal. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate category, with several monitoring stations recording elevated pollution levels. The AQI readings included Mandir Marg (150), Aya Nagar (135), CRRI Mathura Road (198), Pusa (22), Sirifort (171), IGI Airport T3 (155), Commonwealth Sports Complex (179), IIT Delhi (249), Anand Vihar (98), Najafgarh (144), Jahangirpuri (207), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (173), Sonia Vihar (151), Cantonment Area (106) and Narela (189).
Roopa Screen, Peshwa Wheat shares to list today; Roopa Screen commands 66% GMP
Two SME IPOs, Roopa Screen and Peshwa Wheat, are set to list on the BSE SME platform on October 1. Roopa Screen's shares are commanding a GMP of around 66%, while Peshwa Wheat has no reported GMP. The two IPOs raised a combined Rs 72.72 crore from investors.
Raiza Wilson's horror sci-fi thriller 'Nova' to now hit screens on October 9
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 1 (IANS) The makers of director Milo's eagerly awaited horror science-fiction supernatural fantasy thriller 'Nova', featuring actress Raiza Wilson in the lead, have now announced that their film will hit screens worldwide on October 1 this year. Director Milo shared cinematographer Christo Bob's announcement that the film would hit screens on October 1 on his Instagram page. For the unaware, the film was earlier supposed to release on September 25. However, it was postponed. It may be recalled that the Censor Board has already cleared the film for release with a U/A certificate. Actress Raiza Wilson had taken to her Instagram page to share the update. Sharing a poster that showed the film had been certified U/A, she wrote, A fun sci-fi film for everyone. Raiza Wilson had disclosed earlier that she had braved blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain among other things to shoot for this film. Raiza, who is best known for her performance in 'Pyaar Prema Kaadhal', while sharing her experience of working on the eagerly awaited film, had said, The film is structured like a story within a story. I play an important character that appears in the flashback portions. The movie combines elements of action, thriller, and science-fiction. I have never acted in a story or role like this before, which is exactly why I was drawn to it, said Raiza Wilson and went on to add that the shoot took place in the forests of Marayoor in Kerala. We even filmed inside sandalwood forests, where obtaining permission itself is difficult. There were many challenges-- blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain, the intimidating sounds of wild animals, and muddy, slippery paths. Before going there, I thought the shoot would be quite easy. I had no idea it would be so demanding. I have never faced such difficulties in any of my previous films. Despite all this, we completed the shoot on schedule without delays, she had explained. Stating that director Milo always kept the atmosphere on set energetic and positive, the actress had said because of that, the hardships they faced never felt overwhelming. It is remarkable that he chose such a complex story for his very first feature film. It takes a lot of courage. He worked extremely hard and deserves appreciation for it. Since it rained most of the time, I often had to sit on set in wet clothes. The action scenes I performed were filmed there. Stunt master Vimal Rambo gave me specialized training. I had also already undergone fight training for my film 'Mr. X'. So, performing the action scenes in Nova became easier. Apart from Raiza Wilson, the cast also includes Dhruva of 'Aanmai Thavarael', Adviti Shetty, Bengali actress Krithika Biswas, Malayalam actor Joe John Chacko, Sendrayan, and YouTube personalities Finally Swathika and Finally Krishna.
Jatin Gedia bullish on JSW Infra, Varroc Engg; flags caution on PowerGrid
On the broader market outlook, Jatin Gedia of Teji Mandi expects the Nifty to consolidate within 22,500-22,800 band for now.
Speaker unfazed by no-confidence motion
Srinagar, Sep 30: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday sought to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) no-confidence motion against him within the bounds of parliamentary disagreement.He said the opposition members were his friends and not enemies and would have an opportunity to point out his faults when the motion is taken up for discussion. BJP has to highlight my faults when discussion on their vote of no-confidence motion will be taken up. They are my friends, not enemies, Rather told reporters after the conclusion of the autumn session. The BJP moved the motion on September 28, seeking Rathers removal from the Speakers post. The notice was submitted by BJP MLA R S Pathania on behalf of party legislators amid a confrontation over the conduct of proceedings and the Houses handling of the statehood resolution. According to the notice, the BJP invoked Section 19(2)(c) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, read with Rule 215 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assembly. The BJP alleged constitutional transgression and disregard of the binding constitutional position, and questioned whether the Speaker had discharged his responsibilities impartially. The move came after BJP members objected to the statehood resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, particularly its references to the 2000 autonomy resolution and earlier resolutions on special status. The protests spilled into Question Hour, with BJP members entering the Well and demanding that Rather vacate the Chair while the removal motion was pending. The BJP also questioned Rathers continuation in the Chair after the motion was submitted, arguing that he should not preside over proceedings while a resolution seeking his removal was before the House. Rather, however, maintained that the motion would be dealt with according to the prescribed Assembly procedure. Reports from the proceedings said he cited the mandatory 14-day notice period before such a motion could be taken up. The procedural disagreement added another layer to an already tense session, with the Speaker and BJP members repeatedly clashing over the conduct of House business. The BJPs motion effectively placed the functioning of the Chair itself on the Assemblys political agenda. The issue, however, did not come up for substantive discussion during the autumn session. With the prescribed process still to run its course, the motion is expected to be taken up at a later stage, when BJP members will have the opportunity to put their objections on record, and the Speakers conduct can be debated in the House. Rathers remarks on Wednesday came as the session ended on a comparatively peaceful note after several stormy sittings. His message was that the political challenge posed by the motion should be treated as part of legislative proceedings rather than a personal dispute. They are my friends, not enemies, Rather said, signalling that despite the sharp confrontation between the Chair and the opposition during the session, he viewed the forthcoming debate as a parliamentary contest over his functioning as Speaker.
Operation Drishti : Indian Army a force of compassion too: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Sep 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that Operation Drishti has strengthened trust between the Army and communities, proving that the Indian Army is not only a force of defence but also a source of compassion and healing. The Lieutenant Governor made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti in Srinagar, marking another milestone in the Indian Army's healthcare outreach in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the LG expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and commended the Indian Army for its dedication. He also appreciated the selfless service of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team. He said that Operation Drishti is a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage and resolve. Sinha said 144 surgeries were successfully performed at the Srinagar camp, while the Tangdhar camp in Kupwara district marked a historic milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp on the border. Despite challenging terrain and constant threat, doctors and soldiers created an underground operation theatre and restored vision to 220 patients in just two days. Those who have seen Tangdhar's geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst the danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope, he said. The Lieutenant Governornoted that modern surgical tools were airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in a region where such facilities were previously unimaginable. Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella and surrounding villages benefited from the camp. This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubtthat where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by the Indian Army, he said. Sinha underscored that the 364 surgeries performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar represent not just medical statistics but transformed lives. He said that under the leadership of the Army's doctors, every surgery became a story of restored dignity and revived hope. At the national level, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations, and more than 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under Operation Drishti. The LG saluted the courage of support staff, Air Force pilots and soldiers who transported equipment, prepared underground theatres and ensured complex surgeries in adverse conditions. The Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust and togetherness, he said. The Lieutenant Governor affirmed that the 11th camp in Srinagar is not the end but a continuation of the journey. He expressed confidence that Operation Drishti will reach more villages and towns across the country, ensuring that quality healthcare is not confined to big cities. He reiterated that the Tangdhar camp serves as an inspiring example for remote areas across India. The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country. This is the resolve of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is being ensured that no citizen is left behind, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, LG Sinha felicitated the doctors and medical staff of the Defence forces for their valuable services during the camp. He also handed over post-operative kits to the beneficiaries. Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chinar Corps; Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital R&R; Brig B.V. Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital, and senior officials of Defence Forces attended the closing ceremony. Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; and Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, were also present.
Digital Arrest: A Fraud Built on Fear
The so-called digital arrest scam has emerged as one of the most alarming forms of cyber fraud. It exploits fear, authority and technology to trap victims in a carefully staged performance. Fraudsters impersonate police officers, investigators, judges or officials of government agencies, accuse people of involvement in serious crimes and then force them to remain on video calls while demanding money. The method is new, but the weapon is familiar: intimidation. A genuine police officer or investigating agency does not place a person under digital arrest. No law permits an individual to remain confined to a video call as a substitute for lawful arrest. Yet the scam continues to succeed because it is designed to overwhelm the victim before they have time to think. Fake uniforms, fabricated documents, official-looking backgrounds and repeated threats of arrest or seizure are used to create an illusion of legitimacy. The victims are often told that their Aadhaar details, bank accounts, mobile numbers or identity documents have been linked to criminal activity. They may be instructed to transfer money for verification, bail, security deposit or case settlement. Once the first payment is made, the demands continue. In many cases, the criminals keep victims under constant surveillance, preventing them from contacting family members or seeking independent advice. The spread of such fraud points to a larger weakness in the countrys digital ecosystem. Financial transactions have become faster, but public awareness has not kept pace with the risks. Elderly citizens and people unfamiliar with online procedures are particularly vulnerable. The fear of being associated with a crime can silence even educated and otherwise cautious individuals. The first defence against digital arrest is simple awareness. No person should share bank details, OTPs, passwords or identity documents merely because someone claims to be a police or government official. A threatening video call must be ended immediately. The person should contact family members, the nearest police station or the official cybercrime helpline. In India, suspected cyber fraud should be reported promptly through 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Law-enforcement agencies must also treat these complaints with urgency. Banks, telecom companies and digital platforms need stronger systems to detect suspicious transfers, impersonation and coordinated fraud networks. Public advisories should be issued regularly in local languages, particularly for senior citizens and residents of smaller towns. Digital arrest is not a legal process; it is a criminal deception. Its success depends on secrecy, panic and isolation. The moment victims understand that the threat is false and seek help, the fraud loses much of its power. Awareness, family support and swift official action can ensure that fear does not become a source of profit for cybercriminals.
Fisheries students protest over eligibility criteria
Ganderbal, Sep 30: Students of the Faculty of Fisheries at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Rangil, Nagbal, on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest, demanding changes in the existing eligibility criteria for fisheries-related posts. The protesting students said they want the government to amend the provisions under SRO-172 and SRO-296, alleging that graduates from Zoology are also being considered eligible for posts in the fisheries sector. The students argued that fisheries graduates undergo specialised professional education in areas including aquaculture, fish nutrition, fish processing, conservation and other fisheries-related subjects, and therefore sought exclusive eligibility for professional fisheries posts. Drawing a comparison with other professional fields, the students said that posts such as Medical Officer require an MBBS qualification, and similar professional eligibility should be maintained for fisheries-related positions. We want justice for professional fisheries graduates. If students from other streams are made eligible for our posts, there is little purpose in pursuing a specialised fisheries degree, one of the protesting students said. A PhD graduate from the Faculty of Fisheries said he had spent around 11 years pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies, but was still uncertain about employment opportunities in the field. The students also raised concerns over limited recruitment and sought a review of the existing recruitment and promotion structure in the fisheries department. They demanded increased recruitment opportunities for fisheries professionals and said the government should address vacancies in the sector. The protesters further demanded that Fisheries be introduced as a subject at the 10+2 level, arguing that this could increase student intake, promote fisheries education and create additional employment opportunities, including teaching posts. Another student said the existing eligibility rules were outdated and needed revision, adding that similar eligibility changes had reportedly been made in some other regions. The students maintained that their protest was peaceful and appealed to the government to intervene and amend the relevant SROs to safeguard the career prospects of fisheries graduates.
Stop Netanyahus Blank Check!: Van Hollen Erupts At Trump After 9 Americans Killed In West Bank
Senator Chris Van Hollen tore into both the Trump administration and Benjamin Netanyahus government over the deaths of nine American citizens in the West Bank, demanding accountability after years of killings involving Israeli settlers or security forces. Van Hollen said there had been zero accountability in the nine cases and argued that repeated U.S. calls for justice had produced little action.
Martin Luther King Jr. and the Sufi Renaissance of Kashmir
The history of humanity is illuminated by those extraordinary souls who transcend the barriers of religion, race, nationality and social hierarchy to proclaim the inviolable dignity of every human being. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Ded, Hazrat Bulbulshah and Amir-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamdani belong, in their respective historical and spiritual contexts, to a larger civilizational conversation about justice, compassion, equality and the moral transformation of society. Though separated by centuries, geographical distances and distinct religious traditions, their teachings invite us to contemplate a universal truth: no civilisation can attain its highest glory unless it recognises the humanity of every individual. The philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr., the celebrated American civil rights leader, finds meaningful points of convergence with the Sufi conception of Renhumanityand the spiritual renaissance associated with fourteenth-century Kashmir. This comparison is not a claim that King directly inherited his philosophy from Kashmiri Sufis. Rather, it is an exploration of a profound ethical affinity between movements that challenged injustice through moral courage, spiritual conviction, non-violence and an unwavering belief in human equality. King's philosophy drew upon Christian teachings of love, the intellectual tradition of non-violent resistance and, decisively, the example of Mahatma Gandhi. He understood non-violence not as passive submission but as active moral resistance: a disciplined refusal to reproduce the hatred and cruelty of the oppressor. His vision of the Beloved Community represented a society in which reconciliation would overcome racial antagonism, and justice would become the foundation of social relationships. For King, peace without justice was incomplete, and freedom without equality was an unfulfilled promise. It is precisely here that his philosophy resonates with the humanistic traditions of Kashmir. The Kashmiri Sufi and Rishi traditions, expressed through spiritual practice, poetry, service and the rejection of ego, likewise sought to transform human relationships by placing compassion above prejudice and the dignity of the soul above inherited divisions. The humanistic significance of this encounter can be interpreted through the idea of Renhumanitywhich I regard as a foundational principle of Kashmir's spiritual renaissance. Ren signifies the recognition that human worth cannot be determined by religious affiliation, caste, ethnicity, social status or political power. It calls upon individuals to cultivate compassion, humility, mutual respect and a sense of shared human destiny. The concept is especially relevant when studying Kashmir's pluralistic heritage. Its Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions developed through complex historical encounters, sometimes marked by harmony and sometimes by conflict. Yet the region's spiritual literature preserves enduring aspirations towards coexistence and the transcendence of narrow identities. Bulbulshah's legacy, viewed through this framework, becomes part of a broader story of spiritual dialogue: the possibility that religious transformation and social solidarity can coexist without diminishing the humanity of those who follow different paths. Lal Ded: The Poetic Voice of Universal Humanity If Bulbulshah represents an important chapter in Kashmir's Sufi history, Lal Ded, the fourteenth-century mystic poetess, represents one of its most compelling expressions of spiritual universality. Her vakhs, or poetic utterances, transcend the boundaries of formal religious identity and invite humanity to recognise the divine presence in all existence. Her celebrated verse, commonly translated as Shiva dwells in every place, do not discriminate between a Hindu and a Muslim, expresses a spiritual vision in which the divisions created by human beings cannot diminish the underlying unity of existence. Scholars have identified love, compassion, tolerance, equality and fraternity as central humanistic values in the philosophical interpretation of her poetry. Lal Ded's message bears a striking resemblance to the ethical foundations of King's philosophy. Both challenge the human tendency to construct hierarchies of worth and to treat difference as a justification for exclusion. Both invite us to look beyond outward identities and recognise the deeper moral obligations that bind human beings together. In this sense, Kashmir's spiritual renaissance was not merely a religious development. It was also a literary and cultural awakening in which poetry became a vehicle for ethical reflection, social understanding and the articulation of a shared human destiny. Shah Hamdan and the Wisdom of Chihil Asrar Amir-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, affectionately remembered as Shah Hamdan, occupies another important position in Kashmir's spiritual and intellectual history. His arrival in Kashmir in the fourteenth century is traditionally associated with the expansion of Sufi teachings, Persian literary culture, religious learning and ethical discipline. His spiritual legacy, together with the tradition of Chihil Asrarliterally, Forty Secretsinvites reflection on the inward dimensions of faith. The precise authorship and textual history of particular works should be established through manuscript-based scholarship, but the broader ethical significance of the Hamadani tradition is unmistakable: spirituality requires self-discipline, humility, responsibility and the purification of the heart. For Kashmir, these teachings became part of a wider civilizational encounter involving indigenous Shaivite thought, Buddhist inheritances, Sufi spirituality and the Rishi tradition. The ideal of Ren, as articulated in my interpretation of Kashmir's humanistic heritage, offers a conceptual bridge between these traditions. Ren does not require the erasure of religious differences. Rather, it demands that differences never become an excuse to deny another person's dignity. Rinchan Shah, Kota Rani and the Historical Complexity of Kashmir The story of Sultan Sadruddin Rinchan Shah and his association with Bulbulshah provides a powerful point of departure for examining the relationship between spiritual conviction and political authority. Historical accounts identify Rinchan as a ruler of Ladakhi or Tibetan Buddhist background who embraced Islam and became associated with Bulbulshah. His life reminds us that the religious history of Kashmir cannot be reduced to a single narrative of uninterrupted uniformity. It involved individual decisions, changing political circumstances, intellectual exchanges and the interaction of diverse communities. Begum Sultana Kota Rani, remembered in Kashmir's historical tradition as a remarkable queen, also occupies an important place in the valley's political memory. Her story invites us to examine leadership, courage and the role of women in Kashmir's past. A chronological distinction is necessary here: Padmasambhava, the renowned Buddhist master associated with the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet, lived centuries before Rinchan Shah. They should not be identified as the same person. Nevertheless, Buddhist heritage, Rinchan's personal history and the region's Hindu traditions can all be examined within the wider history of Kashmir's civilizational diversity. The ideal society associated with Kashmir's spiritual renaissance should therefore be understood as a humanistic aspiration and a cultural interpretation, rather than as a claim that historical Kashmir was free from conflict or that every community experienced perfect equality. Its enduring significance lies in the possibility of transforming diversity into a source of mutual enrichment. Gandhi's Kashmir Experience and the Ray of Spirit Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Kashmir in August 1947 offers a particularly meaningful connection between Kashmir's humanistic traditions and the modern struggle for communal harmony. India was approaching independence amid Partition, displacement and communal violence. The question of how Hindus, Muslims and other communities could live together peacefully had become one of the most urgent moral challenges of the age. Gandhi's commitment to communal harmony and non-violence provided an ethical response to this crisis. His engagement with Kashmir during this turbulent period can be understood as part of his wider concern for the protection of human life, religious coexistence and the moral responsibilities of political leadership. In interpreting this episode, I see Kashmir's inherited traditions of Ren, Sufiyat and Rishi spirituality as a possible ray of hope: a reminder that the valley's cultural memory contained resources for reconciliation even when contemporary circumstances threatened to divide its people. This is not to suggest that Kashmir had escaped communal tensions or that its historical traditions automatically resolved the conflicts of 1947. Rather, the significance lies in the continuing possibility of drawing upon its pluralistic heritage to oppose hatred and restore trust. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Pilgrimage to India Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, arrived in India in February 1959, accompanied by the American scholar Lawrence Dunbar Reddick. Their visit lasted approximately a month and was intended to deepen King's understanding of Gandhi's philosophy and the methods of non-violent social change. In July 1959, King published his reflections in Ebony magazine under the title My Trip to the Land of Gandhi. The article reveals the depth of his interest in India's experience of non-violent resistance. He recalled how Gandhi had served as the guiding light of the Montgomery bus boycott and expressed concern about economic inequality and the unfinished work of social justice. King's visit was not simply a journey of admiration. It was an intellectual and moral encounter with a method of resistance that sought to confront injustice without surrendering to hatred. Gandhi had demonstrated that non-violence could become a disciplined instrument of political struggle. King adapted this inheritance to the American civil rights movement, where racial segregation and discriminatory institutions denied African Americans equal rights. The connection with Kashmir's Sufi and Rishi traditions is philosophical rather than a documented chain of direct influence. There is no established evidence that King drew his ideas specifically from Bulbulshah or Lal Ded. Yet the comparison remains illuminating: different societies, confronting different forms of division, produced spiritual and ethical traditions that placed human dignity at the centre of social transformation. From Kashmir's Renaissance to a Universal Renaissance of Humanity The lesson connecting King, Gandhi, Bulbulshah and Lal Ded is not that their teachings were identical. Their religious foundations, historical circumstances and methods differed. Their shared significance lies in the moral questions they compel us to confront. Can religion become a force for reconciliation rather than division? Can political authority serve the vulnerable rather than perpetuate exclusion? Can communities preserve their distinctive identities while recognising the equal dignity of others? King's Beloved Community, Gandhi's non-violence, Bulbulshah's spiritual legacy and Lal Ded's poetic universalism offer different approaches to these enduring questions. For contemporary Kashmir, Ren must become more than a historical expression. It must find practical meaning in equal citizenship, respect for religious freedom, the protection of minorities, the rejection of discrimination and the preservation of shared cultural heritage. These principles can also be extended to a global dialogue among Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh and other communities. The renaissance of humanity begins when compassion becomes stronger than prejudice and justice becomes more enduring than revenge. As I, Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, understand Kashmir's spiritual inheritance, the concept of Ren provides a framework through which its diverse traditions may speak to the modern world. It connects the valley's Sufi and Rishi heritage with the universal aspirations embodied in Gandhi's non-violence and Martin Luther King Jr.'s struggle for racial justice. The ultimate message is simple yet demanding: humanity must remain greater than the divisions through which we define ourselves. A civilisation is not measured merely by its monuments, kingdoms, conquests or material achievements. Its true stature is revealed by the dignity it affords the weakest, the justice it extends to the excluded and the compassion it preserves for those who differ from it. That is the enduring promise of Ren. That is the moral horizon of Kashmir's spiritual renaissance. And that is the universal human aspiration that brings Martin Luther King Jr.'s struggle into meaningful conversation with the Sufi wisdom of Kashmir. (The Author is Chairman, Kings Gandhi Foundation, Kashmir)
Sena-UBT leader murder: 2 held, kin claim political rivalry
Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar was brutally murdered in Thane, Maharashtra, leading to one arrest and one detention. The incident has sparked widespread protests, with party leaders like Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut alleging political rivalry and demanding further arrests, including a former mayor and her husband. Police are investigating all potential angles, including personal enmity and Purnekar's activism against the builder lobby and drug networks.
Khliehriat, Sep 30: A day after its East Jaintia Hills District President Mihsalan Thoo died in a suspected hit-and-run case, the Hyniewtrep Youth Development Council (HYDC) has filed an FIR with the East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police demanding a thorough probe. Thoo was killed on the morning of September 29 on the National Highway [] The post HYDC seeks probe into leaders death, files FIR first appeared on Highland Post .
CBI Arrests Senior Overseer in Bribery Case Involving Western Coalfields Limited
The CBI has arrested a senior overseer from WCL for demanding a bribe of 50,000 related to a contract in Umred area. CBI Arrests Senior Overseer in Bribery Case Involving Western Coalfields Limited
Aaron Rodgers Demands Accountability As Steelers Face Browns After Bengals Win
Aaron Rodgers is demanding accountability from himself and his Steelers teammates after an uneven start, asking Pittsburgh to build on its Bengals win against Cleveland.
Assam: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal campaigns for BJP ahead of Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal campaigned vigorously for BJP candidate Debashish Sharma for the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election at the Daul Mandir premises in Dalonghat, Morigaon, and at Dhing Gate in the Batadroba constituency of Nagaon. Addressing the people at the two election meetings, Sonowal said that women are a source of strength and empowerment. According to a press release, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, continuous development has been taking place across all sections of society, from the hills to the plains. He appealed to the people of Nagaon and Morigaon to extend their support to BJP candidate Debashish Sharma. Meanwhile, BJP Assam Pradesh President Dilip Saikia, who was present alongside the Union Minister at both election meetings, appealed to the people to vote for the lotus symbol and join the nation
BMC Engineers Accused In Bribery Scandal
A case has been registered against two Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) engineers and a private individual for allegedly demanding a Rs 3.5 lakh bribe from a contractor. The bribe was sought to clear bills for civic works in Mumbai's M-East Ward. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case and conducted searches.
Watch: SFI protests rising rape cases in Delhi, demands better womens safety
SFI members staged a protest in Delhi over what they called a rise in rape cases, demanding strict action against perpetrators and stronger measures to ensure womens safety.
Man found dead in Srinagars Alikadal
Srinagar, Sep 30 : A 35-year-old man was found dead inside his rented accommodation in the Alikadal area of central Kashmirs Srinagar district, officials said on Wednesday. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the man was found unconscious at his rented accommodation in the Bodgair area of Alikadal, Srinagar. He said police soon arrived at the spot, took the body into custody and shifted him to the hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Shakoor (35), son of Gh Hussain, a resident of Thana Mandi, Rajouri. Meanwhile, cognisance of the incident has been taken and a probe is underway.(KNO)
SFI protests near Delhi Secretariat demanding action on rape cases and improved women
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Series Debuts: Dimensity 9500, Ultra-Thin Design, And 7 Years Of Updates
Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra , targeting the premium mobile productivity and creative segments. Both high-end Android tablets run on the flagship 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, delivering an impressive 61% boost in neural processing, 19% faster CPU performance, and 17% enhanced graphics rendering. To maintain sustained peak throughput under demanding multitasking workloads, Samsung engineered an enlarged, redesigned 3D vapor chamber cooling system. Departing from earlier generations, Samsung omitted the traditional 11-inch entry tier, focusing entirely on large-format screens. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra becomes the thinnest tablet in Samsungs history, measuring a mere 5.1 mm in thickness around its massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus delivers an agile 12.6-inch panel with reduced display bezels. Both panels boast a smooth 120Hz refresh rate , 1,600 nits peak brightness, specialized anti-reflective surface coatings, and Vision Booster algorithm technology for enhanced outdoor readability. Memory configurations for the Tab S12 Plus provide 12GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB of storage. The flagship Tab S12 Ultra expands options up to 16GB RAM and 1TB of internal storage, with both devices supporting up to 2TB external microSD expansion. Battery endurance relies on a large 11,600mAh cell in the Ultra delivering up to 23 hours of continuous runtime, while the Plus houses a 10,600mAh capacity rated for 21 hours. Both tablets support 45W wired charging via USB-C, achieving a complete full replenishment in approximately 95 minutes. On the software front, the series debuts with Android 17 under One UI 9 , supported by an industry-leading commitment to seven years of major OS and security upgrades. Onboard Galaxy AI tools are paired with six months of complimentary Google AI Pro access and pre-installed Adobe Photoshop featuring dedicated S Pen hardware optimization and Adobe Firefly generative tools. The complete hardware package includes an inbox S Pen stylus, quad-speaker 4-channel spatial audio, IP68 water resistance , under-display fingerprint biometrics, versatile 5G dual-SIM support, and modern Wi-Fi 7 on the Ultra alongside Wi-Fi 6E on the Plus. Technical Specifications & Pricing The Galaxy Tab S12 series will be available starting October 7 in the U.S. offered in two colors, Gray and Silver. Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399.99 and Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at $1,199.99 . Customers who purchase the Galaxy Tab S12 series directly from Samsung using their Samsung Galaxy Card will earn 5% cash rewards. For a limited time, with the purchase of a Galaxy Tab S12 series device, customers can get 30% off the Pro Keyboard or Book Cover Keyboard Slim. Specification Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Plus Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Display 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2800 x 1752), 120Hz, HDR10+, 1,600 nits peak, Vision Booster 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2960 x 1848), 120Hz, HDR10+, 1,600 nits peak, Vision Booster Processor MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3 nm) MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3 nm) Thermal Cooling Redesigned 3D Vapor Chamber Redesigned 3D Vapor Chamber RAM & Storage 12GB RAM 256GB / 512GB (microSD up to 2TB) 12GB / 16GB RAM 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (microSD up to 2TB) Rear Cameras 13 MP (Main) 13 MP (Main) + 8 MP (Ultrawide) Front Camera 12 MP (Ultrawide, landscape) 12 MP (Ultrawide, landscape) Battery & Charging 10,600 mAh 45W wired charging via USB-C 11,600 mAh 45W wired charging via USB-C Audio Quad speakers with 4-channel Spatial Audio Quad speakers with 4-channel Spatial Audio Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0, 5G (Optional in US), USB-C Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C (Wi-Fi only in US) Durability & Stylus IP68 certified, S Pen included in the box IP68 certified, S Pen included in the box Dimensions & Weight 289.5 x 187.8 x 5.3 mm 553 g (Wi-Fi) / 555 g (5G) 326.3 x 208.5 x 5.1 mm 692 g Software Support Android 17 / One UI 9 (7 years OS & security updates) Android 17 / One UI 9 (7 years OS & security updates) Official US Pricing (MSRP) Wi-Fi Base: $1,199.99 5G Model: $1,349.99 Wi-Fi Base: $1,399.99 Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Series Debuts: Dimensity 9500, Ultra-Thin Design, And 7 Years Of Updates , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Two government officers in ACB net for accepting Rs 75K bribe
Hyderabad: Two government officers working in Moinabad Municipality were caught red-handed by the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday, September 30, for demanding and accepting Rs 75,000 as a bribe. Town Planning Officer Gundu Vani asked for the amount from the complainant, who requested her not to take coercive action against his house construction. The 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 .
IIT Mandi Part Time Coach Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) Recruitment 2026 for 2 posts of Part Time Coach. The Walk-in on 10-10-2026. For detailed information please visit IIT Mandi official website.
How long does Apple support iPads? iPadOS 27, security updates and repair support
Macworld If you own an older iPad or are considering buying a refurbished iPad you may be wondering how long Apple will continue to support it and whether you should update to a newer model. Apple has one of the best software support records in the industry. Many iPads receive major iPadOS updates for six to eight years, and some continue to receive security updates even after they stop getting new features. As of September 2026, iPads that can run iPadOS 27 receive Apples current operating system and are fully supported. Some older models that cannot upgrade to iPadOS 27 are still receiving security updates through older versions of iPadOS. Eventually every device reaches a point where Apple stops providing software updates and hardware repairs though. Heres what you need to know about how long iPads remain supported, when its time to upgrade, and which older models are still worth buying. Does Apple support my iPad? Fully supported iPads can run the latest version of iPadOS, currently iPadOS 27. Apples iPadOS 27 compatibility list includes the 4th-generation 12.9-inch Pro, 2nd-generation 11-inch Pro, 4th-generation Air, 9th-generation iPad and 6th-generation mini. Unfortunately, iPadOS 27 dropped support for: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) iPad Air (3rd generation) iPad (8th generation) iPad mini (5th generation) Those models have not been abandoned, however. Apple released iPadOS 26.7 on September 14 and iPadOS 26.7.1 on September 28 for the iPads that cannot move to iPadOS 27. Older models that cannot run the latest release may continue to receive security updates for several years. However, once Apple stops providing security patches, users may encounter increasing security risks and app compatibility problems. Apple may continue providing security updates for devices that can no longer run the latest iPadOS for several years. For example, the 7th-generation iPad still receives iPadOS 18 security updates, with iPadOS 18.7.10 released on August 17, 2026. The 2nd-generation iPad Pro and 6th-generation iPad run iPadOS 17, which was updated to version 17.7.11 in May 2026. Apple also issued security updates for iPadOS 16 and iPadOS 15 at the same time. Apple does not promise how long it will maintain each older version of iPadOS. The arrival of iPadOS 27 has already shifted the support picture: iPadOS 26 remains supported for devices that cannot upgrade to iPadOS 27, while the 7th-generation iPad remains on the iPadOS 18 security branch. If your iPad can no longer run the latest version of iPadOS and is no longer receiving security updates, it is nearing the end of its practical lifespan. Check the chart below to see whether your iPad can run iPadOS 27 or is still receiving security updates. The iPads supported by iPadOS . . Foundry How long does Apple support iPads? Foundry Apple doesnt publish a fixed support timetable for iPads, but historically many models have received around six to eight years of major operating-system updates, followed in some cases by additional years of security updates. The precise lifespan varies by model. With iPadOS 27, the oldest supported Pro generation is the 2020 iPad Pro: the 11-inch 2nd generation and 12.9-inch 4th generation. Support generally falls into two stages: Major iPadOS updates Most iPads receive new versions of iPadOS for several years after launch. These updates include new features, interface changes and compatibility improvements. Devices that support the latest version of iPadOS currently iPadOS 27 are considered fully supported. Devices that support iPadOS 27 receive Apples current operating system, although some individual features have newer hardware requirements. Security updates Even after an iPad stops receiving major feature updates, Apple often continues to provide security patches for older versions of iPadOS. These updates fix vulnerabilities, maintain compatibility with Apples services and help extend the safe lifespan of older devices. For many iPads, security support continues for years after major software support ends. Apple continues to issue security updates for several older iPadOS versions. As of September 2026, the clearest examples are iPadOS 26.7.1 for iPads dropped by iPadOS 27, and iPadOS 18.7.10 for the 7th-generation iPad. Apple also periodically patches still older systems for older hardware. Why security updates matter: The risks of using an unsupported iPad Britta OBoyle Security updates are particularly important because they protect your data and device from newly discovered vulnerabilities. Without security updates, an iPad becomes increasingly exposed to threats and may eventually lose compatibility with essential services. An iPad that still receives security updates can remain suitable for many everyday tasks. Once an iPad stops receiving security updates, it becomes increasingly difficult to recommend using it for anything involving personal information. Potential issues include: Security vulnerabilities that are never patched Banking and payment apps ceasing to work App Store compatibility problems Loss of support for services such as FaceTime and iMessage Difficulty activating or restoring the device Reduced performance and battery life Unsupported devices may continue functioning, but their usefulness declines over time. Which iPads support iPadOS 27? Apple These iPads are compatible with iPadOS 27 and are considered fully supported: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation and later) iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation and later) iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and later) iPad Air (4th generation and later) iPad (9th generation and later) iPad mini (6th generation and later) Which iPads are stuck on iPadOS 26 but still get security updates? Some iPads that cannot upgrade to iPadOS 27 are still receiving security updates through iPadOS 26. Apple released iPadOS 26.7.1 on September 28, 2026, for these older models. The iPads that are limited to iPadOS 26 include: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) iPad Air (3rd generation) iPad (8th generation) iPad mini (5th generation) These iPads no longer receive the major new features introduced in iPadOS 27, but Apple is continuing to provide security updates for them. What about older iPads that cant run iPadOS 26? Some older iPads are still receiving security updates even though they cannot run either iPadOS 27 or iPadOS 26. For example, Apple releasediPadOS 18.7.10 on August 17, 2026, specifically for the 7th-generation iPad. Other, even older iPads may occasionally receive security updates for earlier versions of iPadOS, but these updates are less frequent and shouldnt be taken as a guarantee of ongoing support. When does Apple stop repairing iPads? Dominik Tomaszewski/IDG Software support isnt the only factor that determines an iPads lifespan. Apple also classifies older devices as Vintage or Obsolete based on how long ago it stopped distributing them for sale. These classifications relate primarily to hardware repairs and parts availability, rather than iPadOS support. An iPad can therefore be classified as vintage while still receiving software or security updates. Vintage products Products become Vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than five years ago but less than seven years ago. Repairs may still be available, subject to parts availability. Vintage iPads Apple currently classifies the following iPads as vintage: iPad Air (Cellular models) iPad Air (3rd generation) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) iPad (6th generation) Certain older iPad Wi-Fi + 4G models Obsolete products Products become obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than seven years ago. Apple then discontinues hardware service, and Apple-authorized service providers can no longer order replacement parts. Obsolete iPads Original iPad iPad 2 iPad (3rd generation) iPad (4th generation) iPad (5th generation) iPad Air iPad Air 2 iPad mini iPad mini 2 iPad mini 3 iPad mini 4 iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) FAQ 1. How many years do iPads get updates? Most iPads receive major iPadOS updates for approximately six to eight years, with security support often continuing beyond that. 2. Is an old iPad still safe to use? An older iPad that continues to receive Apple security updates is considerably safer to use than one that no longer receives patches, although app and service support may still decline as the device ages. 3. Can I use an iPad after Apple stops supporting it? Yes, but you may encounter security risks, app compatibility problems and hardware repair limitations. 4. Which versions of iPadOS does Apple support with security updates? Apple provides security updates for the current version of iPadOS and may continue to patch older versions for devices that cannot upgrade. As of September 2026, Apple is providing iPadOS 26.7.1 for models that cannot run iPadOS 27, while the 7th-generation iPad has received iPadOS 18.7.10. Apple also occasionally issues security updates for still older versions, but it does not publish a fixed support timetable. 5. What is Apples oldest supported iPad? It depends what you mean by supported. The oldest iPads receiving the latest iPadOS are newer than some models that continue to receive security-only updates. Apple also occasionally issues security fixes for much older devices, so the oldest model receiving some form of support can change when new patches are released. 6. How can I find out how old my iPad is? To identify your iPad: Open Settings Go to General Tap on About Find the Model Name You can then compare your model with the list above to see what year that iPad was introduced. 7. Why do some iPads lose support sooner than others The processor and RAM inside an iPad plays a major role in determining how long it remains supported. More powerful models generally remain compatible with new features for longer, while entry-level models tend to reach the end of software support sooner. This is especially important as newer versions of iPadOS introduce increasingly demanding features and AI capabilities. 8. Should I buy an older iPad? A refurbished iPad can still be a good purchase, but we recommend choosing a model that supports the current version of iPadOS whenever possible. Read: Best place to buy a refurbished iPad . If youre planning to keep the iPad for several years, avoid models that are already limited to security updates only. For most buyers, choosing an iPad released within the last two generations offers the best balance of performance, longevity and value. Want to know how long Apple supports iPhones and how long Apple supports Macs , we have that covered too.
Oppn declares all-out war on SIR, announces march to EC
The INDIA bloc has formulated a joint action plan to address the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) row and concerns over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Following a meeting of key opposition leaders, the alliance announced a series of save democracy marches, demonstrations, and a march to the Election Commission, demanding a return to ballot papers for elections and alleging electoral malpractices by the ruling government.
'Govt should take responsibility': DU students intensify protests over women's safety
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Students from Delhi University have intensified their protests over rising cases of crime against women in the national capital, taking to the streets with posters and placards, challenging restrictions imposed on women, and demanding accountability for incidents of sexual violence. The protests, which have gained widespread attention for their sharp slogans and wordplay, have largely brought together students from several colleges, including the Shyama Prasad Mukherji College for Women, Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), Kamala Nehru College, and Gargi College. This comes after the gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl near Kalkaji's Aastha Kunj Park earlier this month. The incident has renewed long-standing concerns and anger among students over the safety of women in Delhi, particularly their freedom to move around the city without fear. Students have also used humour, satire, and familiar Delhi expressions to voice their anger and question the prevailing conditions. Among the slogans that have gained attention is the line, 1 kachori, 2 samosa, in mardon ka kya bharosa. The protesters have also displayed placards and raised slogans that range from sarcastic and creative to direct and confrontational, including 'My favourite season will be the fall of patriarchy' and 'Abort Patriarchy'. A student speaking to IANS said that the protests were aimed at demanding greater responsibility from the government and the right of women to move freely and safely in public spaces. We want the government to take responsibility for all the rape cases. Why can't we go outside? Being able to walk safely outside is our right, and we are here to demand it, the student said. Another protester said the students were taking to the streets because they wanted safety and questioned why women should be forced to remain indoors because of the threat of sexual violence. We are here out on the streets for our safety. If girls were safe here, a gang rape would not have happened in Kalkaji. Till when will we stay indoors? Why should we be confined to our homes? the protester said. Another student alleged that the government had failed to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of women and said the protesters wanted stronger action against those accused of sexual violence. The government has not done anything concrete for the safety of women. We want to be able to walk freely. We want strict action against the rapists, the student said. What initially began as separate protests at individual women's colleges rapidly grew into a broader student-led movement across the University. Hundreds of students gathered at the Faculty of Arts on September 28, while thousands later marched through North Campus in what has emerged as one of the largest student mobilisations on the issue of women's safety at Delhi University in recent years.
Asian Games: Sunil Kumar storms to bronze, makes history in Greco-Roman wrestling
Digital Desk | Nagoya, Sep 30 (IANS) Sunil Kumar produced a dominant display to secure bronze in the mens 87kg Greco-Roman wrestling event at the Asian Games 2026 on Wednesday, overpowering the Philippines Callum Johnston Roberts 9-0 by technical superiority. The victory not only earned Sunil a second consecutive Asian Games bronze but also etched his name in the record books. The 27-year-old became the first Indian wrestler to win two Greco-Roman wrestling medals at the Asian Games. Returning to the podium after taking bronze in the same category at Hangzhou 2022, Sunil needed barely one round to settle the contest at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Center. He immediately took control, throwing Roberts over twice in the opening exchanges to collect four points. A further point for passivity soon followed, leaving the Indian with a 5-0 advantage barely 90 seconds into the bout. Sunil showed no signs of easing off. He capitalised on another passivity sequence to take his opponent down and stretch the lead to 7-0, leaving Roberts struggling to find an answer to the Indians relentless attacks. The end came shortly afterwards. Sunil executed another scoring move to add two more points and reach the nine-point winning margin required for technical superiority, bringing the contest to an emphatic conclusion. The bronze adds another chapter to a career that already includes six Asian Championships medals and now makes Sunil the first Indian to claim multiple Greco-Roman medals at the continental Games. His latest podium finish also continues Indias presence in the Greco-Roman wrestling medal standings, with Sunil becoming the latest Indian athlete to deliver on the Asian Games stage after a commanding performance in the bronze-medal bout.
Asian Games: Indias men's and women's squash teams storm into SF, assure medals
Digital Desk | Nagoya, Sep 30 (IANS) Indias squash campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games gathered further momentum on Wednesday as both the mens and womens teams advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing the country another set of medals in the team events. The top-seeded Indian men, also the defending champions, overcame Kuwait 2-0 in their quarterfinal at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena to secure a place in the last four. The women followed with an equally assured 2-0 victory over Singapore, ensuring that both Indian teams remain in contention for gold. Indias mens campaign began with a commanding 3-0 win over China in Pool A, with Suraj Kumar Chand, Veer Chotrani and Velavan Senthilkumar all winning their respective matches. Against Kuwait, Chotrani was given a stern examination by Bader Almogghrebi in the opening rubber. The Indian recovered after dropping the second game to complete a 12-10, 8-11, 11-0, 11-5 victory in 34 minutes. Abhay Singh then took the court with India one win away from the semifinals and produced a clinical performance against Ammar Altamimi. The Indian, ranked highest among the countrys players, closed out an 11-3, 11-4, 11-8 victory to seal the tie without the need for a deciding rubber. Abhay has already been one of Indias leading performers in Nagoya. He reached the mens singles final and secured silver after defeating Pakistans Muhammad Irfan in the semifinal. The Indian womens team defeated Singapore 2-0 in their quarterfinal earlier in the day to progress further. Tanvi Khanna gave India the perfect start against Au Yeong Wai Iynn in the opening singles. The contest went the distance through the first three games before Tanvi pulled away in the fourth to register an 11-6, 4-11, 15-13, 11-1 victory in 32 minutes. Anahat Singh then completed the job for India in the second rubber, securing the teams passage to the semifinals. The results add two more assured medals to an already productive squash campaign. Indias medal tally in the sport includes silver medals for Abhay Singh in the mens singles and Anahat Singh in the womens singles, while Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar combined to win bronze in mixed doubles. With both team sides now through to the semifinals, India have strengthened their presence across the squash programme in Aichi-Nagoya. The defending mens champions remain on course for another final, while the womens team will also now look to convert its guaranteed podium finish into a place in the gold-medal match.
The vacation-home dreamand the cost of keeping it alive
A second home can offer family time, rental income and a future retreatbut upkeep, distance, vacancies and changing circumstances can make it far more demanding than expected.
IIT-B suicide: Parents' hunger strike enters 3rd day
The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who allegedly died by suicide, are continuing their hunger strike in Mumbai, demanding the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and Director Shireesh Kedare. They allege caste discrimination led to their son's death, which occurred after he was caught using ChatGPT during an exam. The protest has gained support from student and political groups, while police investigate and IIT Bombay has formed an inquiry committee.
At 82, she faced a 102 sodium level and a brain tumour: PARAS Srinagar team took surgical challenge
Srinagar, Sept 30: In a high-risk neurosurgical intervention, doctors at PARAS Health Srinagar have successfully removed a complex pituitary tumour from an 82-year-old woman who presented with sudden loss of vision, severe headache and altered sensorium. The case was particularly challenging as the patient had a pacemaker, was on blood-thinning medication and had severe hyponatraemia, with her sodium level recorded at 102 at admission. MRI revealed a pituitary macroadenoma with apoplexy, a potentially life-threatening complication involving bleeding or infarction within a pituitary tumour. The patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Basharat Kanth, Consultant Neurosurgery, and Dr Danish Andrabi, Director, ENT & Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, with the support of the Department of Endocrinology, Cardiology, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and ENT. Doctors said the patient had previously been evaluated at a government institution, where surgery was considered unsuitable in her prevailing condition. At PARAS, the immediate priority was to stabilise her medically. Under the care of Dr Mehroosa, Endocrinology, her severe electrolyte imbalance was corrected over five days, allowing the surgical team to proceed after adequate optimisation. Given her cardiac history and blood-thinner use, the patient was also evaluated and optimised by the Department of Cardiology, including Dr Fayaz, Principal Consultant, Cardiology, as part of the pre-operative multidisciplinary assessment. The tumour was subsequently removed completely through an extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, a minimally invasive skull-base technique that provides access to the pituitary region through the nasal passage. Dr Danish Andrabi said the patient's advanced age and multiple medical risk factors made the procedure particularly demanding. This was an extremely challenging case given the patient's age, severe hyponatraemia, cardiac history and use of blood thinners. Once she was adequately stabilised, we decided to take up the surgical challenge. He said the tumour was firm and closely related to critical structures, including the carotid and cavernous areas. With meticulous dissection, we were able to achieve complete removal of the tumour and decompress the optic chiasm, Dr Andrabi said. The ENT and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery team played a key role in providing the endoscopic surgical access and skull-base expertise required for the procedure. The patient was successfully extubated immediately after surgery by the Anaesthesia team. Doctors said she developed neither cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage nor diabetes insipidusrecognised complications following pituitary surgery. She was discharged three days after the procedure in a stable condition, with significant improvement in her vision and resolution of her headache. Dr Basharat Kanth, Consultant Neurosurgery, said the case demonstrated that advanced age and multiple co-morbidities can require careful optimisation rather than automatically precluding complex neurosurgical intervention. Dr Murtuza Habib, Facility Director, PARAS Health Srinagar, said the outcome reflected close coordination across multiple departments. Treating an 82-year-old patient with such complex medical and neurosurgical challenges required meticulous preparation and seamless coordination between neurosurgery, ENT, endocrinology, cardiology, anaesthesia and critical care. The successful outcome reflects the expertise and teamwork of the entire clinical team. Seema Vig, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, PARAS Health, said the case highlighted the growing availability of specialised healthcare in the region. Complex cases such as this require not only specialised surgical expertise but also the ability to stabilise and manage patients before and after surgery. This successful outcome reflects our commitment to providing advanced and comprehensive care closer to patients in the region. The hospital also acknowledged the contribution of the Anaesthesia, Operation Theatre and ICU teams, whose peri-operative management was critical to the patient's safe recovery. The case was described by the treating team as a significant multidisciplinary achievement, combining neurosurgery, endoscopic skull-base surgery, endocrinology, cardiology, anaesthesia and critical care in the management of a high-risk elderly patient.
New CAFE-III fuel-efficiency rules: What changes for EVs, hybrids and small cars
As of April 1, 2027, India will roll out new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations aimed at passenger vehicles, demanding increasing fuel-efficiency targets that will evolve each year until 2032. These rules support credit trading, promote cleaner technologies, and incentivize alternatives like electric vehicles. Manufacturers will need to submit annual data to confirm adherence to these environmental standards and ensure a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
LG Sinha Attends Closing Ceremony of Indian Armys Mega Eye Surgical Camp under Operation Drishti
Srinagar, September 30 : The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today attended the closing ceremony of 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti, which marks another milestone in the Indian Armys healthcare outreach in the UT of Jammu Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Honble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh and commended the Indian Army for their dedication. The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the selfless service of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that Operation Drishti is a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage, and resolve. He highlighted that 144 surgeries were successfully performed at the Srinagar camp, while the Tangdhar camp in Kupwara district marked a historic milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp on the border. Despite challenging terrain and the constant threat, doctors and soldiers created an underground operation theatre and restored vision to 220 patients in just two days. Those who have seen Tangdhars geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst the danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope, he said. The Lieutenant Governor noted that modern surgical tools were airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in a region where such facilities were previously unimaginable. Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella, and surrounding villages benefitted from the camp. This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubt that where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by Indian Army, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor underscored that the 364 surgeries performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar represent not just medical statistics but transformed lives. He said under the leadership of Indian Armys doctors, every surgery became a story of restored dignity and revived hope. The Lieutenant Governor also observed that at the national level, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations and more than 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under Operation Drishti. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Operation Drishti has strengthened trust between the Army and communities, proving that the Indian Army is not only a force of defence but also a source of compassion and healing. He saluted the courage of support staff, Air Force pilots, and soldiers who transported equipment, prepared underground theatres and ensured complex surgeries in adverse conditions. Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust, and togetherness, he said. The Lieutenant Governor affirmed that the 11th camp in Srinagar is not the end but a continuation of the journey. He expressed confidence that Operation Drishti will reach more villages and towns across the country ensuring that quality healthcare is not confined to big cities. He reiterated that the Tangdhar camp serves as an inspiring example for remote areas across India. The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country. This is the resolve of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and under the leadership of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, it is being ensured that no citizen is left behind, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the Doctors and medical staff of Defence forces for their valuable services during the camp. He also handed over post-operative kits to the beneficiaries. Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chinar Corps; Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and HOD Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital R&R; Brig B.V. Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital, and senior officials of Defence Forces attended the closing ceremony. Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar were also present.
For many actors, long shooting schedules can be demanding, but Raashii Khanna says her experience of working with Akshay Kumar has been quite different. According to the actress, spending time on set with the actor often feels more like a relaxed break than a routine workday. During a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Instagram, a fan asked Raashii about her experience of working with Akshay Kumar. In response, she shared a candid picture of the two from the shoot and spoke about their equation on set. Raashii wrote, Akshay sir is just so much fun! With him, it feels like I am on a vacation where we pause to work, rather than the other way around. He is also such a lovely person and is always making everyone around him laugh. The actress also shared an insight into how they spent their time between takes. Recalling the lighter moments from the shoot, Raashii said, And I dont think I have ever played as much Ludo in my life as I have on this set! Her comments offer a glimpse into the easygoing atmosphere she experienced while working with Akshay. Rather than focusing only on the demands of a long filming schedule, Raashii highlighted the casual conversations, laughter and games that made her time on the set enjoyable. The actresss anecdote also gives fans a look at the camaraderie she shares with Akshay beyond their work in front of the camera. From spending downtime playing Ludo to sharing laughs between takes, Raashiis account reflects the lighter side of their time together during the shoot. Also Read : SCOOP: Akshay Kumar-Shraddha Kapoors second consecutive box-office clash averted; Eetha gets SOLO December 4 release
SIR issue a 'bahana' for Cong to relaunch Rahul Gandhi, says BJP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday said that the INDIA bloc meeting over the Special Intensive Review (SIR) issue is just another excuse for the Congress to elaunch Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi. This came as the INDIA bloc is meeting in New Delhi's Constitution Club, where opposition parties are discussing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and their concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, taking to X, said that even if Congress tried to elaunch Rahul Gandhi in 100 different ways, the people of the country will choose Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi is fighting a battle against Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh to bargain for more seats in alliance. AAP and SP by not attending the meeting called by Congress have exposed Rahul Gandhi's call for Opposition Unity on SIR, he said. SIR is just Bahana; earlier it was EVM, tomorrow it will be something else. Congress can try to relaunch Rahul in 100 different ways: 2029 People of India will chose PM Narendra Modi, Bhandari added. Earlier in the day, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that o one in the INDIA bloc, or in the Congress party, is willing to accept Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi as their leader, and hence many of the parties and leaders have efused to attend the Opposition alliance's meeting. Speaking to IANS, Chouhan said, The INDI alliance fell apart even before the meeting began. DMK is not attending the meeting. Akhilesh Yadav is busy somewhere else. AAP had already refused beforehand. Uddhav Thackeray will not join physically, but virtually. Why is this happening? It is because the INDI alliance is simply not ready to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader. They do not accept Rahul Gandhi's leadership, which is why they are not attending, he added. The Union Minister also claimed that several leaders in the Congress party itself are not willing to accept Rahul as their leader. Not just the INDIA bloc, but even the Congress leaders are not willing to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader. Rahul Gandhi asks Congress leaders at the CWC meet to call him their leader. When Congress leaders themselves are not willing to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader, how will the country accept him? Chouhan questioned. A clean voter list is the soul of democracy. If wrong names are added to the voter list, then what is wrong with it? Why is there a problem in removing the names of people who are no longer alive or adding names of those who are not citizens? The voter list must be clean, he added. The INDIA bloc's meeting assumes significance amid differences among alliance constituents over strategy and participation, with opposition parties seeking to work out a common approach on electoral-roll revisions and related concerns.
INDIA bloc meet underway in Delhi's Constitution Club
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) The INDIA bloc's meeting is underway in New Delhi's Constitution Club to formulate a common strategy against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The Opposition parties have gathered to discuss the strategy demanding accountability over alleged poll impropriety; questions remain over the bloc's cohesiveness and its apparent objectives on the issue. Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Bihar Assembly LoP and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee and MP Abhishek Banerjee, CPI(M) MP John Brittas, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, Congress Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh, etc are present at the meeting. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is not attending the meeting, while party MPs Harendra Malik and Maulana Mohibbullah Nadvi are representing the SP. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is attending the meeting virtually. The AAP and DMK are not attending the meeting. Ahead of the meeting, posters accusing opposition leaders of doglapan (double standards) over the Election Commission of India (ECI) have surfaced around the Constitution Club. The INDIA bloc meeting comes even as leaders within the Opposition ranks have acknowledged that the bloc does not have the required numbers in Parliament to remove the CEC. However, Opposition parties intend to demonstrate unity over what they describe as a challenge to the electoral process's integrity and transparency. The meeting comes a day after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) adopted a strong resolution demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, and restoration of voters allegedly removed from electoral rolls. Given its political history and the numerical realities in both Houses of Parliament, Wednesday's meeting may prove another difficult test for the Opposition bloc.
Well strategise struggles demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars removal: M.A. Baby
Urvashi Rautela Seeks Rs 7,000 Crore From US Company For Using Her Photos, Videos Without Consent
Urvashi Rautelas team accused the company of using her name, photos and videos without permission, while also demanding Rs 7000 Crore in damages
Nothing is going to happen: Dilip Ghosh takes swipe at Mamata Banerjee ahead of INDIA bloc meet
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday took a swipe at former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary of the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, Abhishek Banerjee, over their visit to Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting, saying nothing will happen. Speaking in Kolkata, Ghosh said, For the media, the news is only that they are going to Delhi and coming back from Delhi. What is the result? Nothing is going to happen. The INDIA bloc is meeting on Wednesday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi to discuss the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and concerns raised by opposition parties over the functioning of the Election Commission. The agenda for the meeting was finalised following discussions within the opposition alliance. The meeting is expected to focus on the SIR exercise, electoral-roll revisions and the opposition parties concerns regarding the Election Commission. The Congress Working Committee had earlier passed a resolution demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The INDIA bloc is expected to discuss a coordinated political response to the issues at the meeting. Reacting to the oppositions criticism of the Election Commission, Ghosh said the Congress had previously won elections under the same poll panel. Congress ruled for 10 years in between; this same Election Commission made them win. In various states where Congress is in power, they won elections and came to power. So, how did they win there? The Election Commission remains the same. Therefore, a streak of losses has begun. The party president himself has lost, so how will the party win? he said. Ghosh also defended the electoral roll revision process and criticised objections raised over the verification and deletion of voter names. The false voters here have been separated through the SIR process, those who are not citizens of the country or do not have documents. So, crying over them is of no use he said.
U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Combat Forced Organ Harvesting in China
The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan bill targeting officials involved in forced organ harvesting in China, demanding accountability and action. U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Combat Forced Organ Harvesting in China
Protesters block roads in Bhubaneswar demanding Odisha education minister
The News Mill
Posters targeting Oppn's 'doglapan' over ECI issue surface in Delhi ahead of INDIA bloc's meet
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) As the INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet in New Delhi on Wednesday to formulate a common strategy against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, posters accusing opposition leaders of doglapan (double standards) over the Election Commission of India (ECI) have surfaced around the Constitution Club. The Opposition bloc is scheduled to meet to discuss the strategy demanding accountability over alleged poll impropriety; questions remain over the bloc's cohesiveness and its apparent objectives on the issue. One of the posters read, When the answer changes with the scoreboard. Peak celebration every time they win, vote chori allegation every time they lose. ECI right or wrong? It just depends on whether they're the winner. The posters featured photos of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Trinamool Congress President Mamata Banerjee, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, DMK supremo M. K. Stalin, Congress social media chairperson Supriya Shrinate, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. A poster showing Akhilesh Yadav's statement appreciating the ECI when his party won the elections in 2017, in contrast to him criticising the poll body when the SP lost in 2022. How convenient, pookie! read the poster. Another poster, featuring Rahul Gandhi with luggage, read, Videshi dharti par masti mei the chur, 59 din Bihar campaign se rahe door. Lekin jab janata ne natija sunaya, to sawal ECI par uthaya. Aaye der se, ilzaam ghadi par. This is roughly translated into English as, Overjoyed on foreign soil, he stayed away from the Bihar campaign for 59 days. But when the public announced the results, he questioned the Election Commission. He arrived late, and the blame fell on the clock. INDI Alliance ka doglapan. Jeete to ECI ko taali, hare to ECI ko gaali, read another poster. The INDIA bloc meeting comes even as leaders within the Opposition ranks have acknowledged that the bloc does not have the required numbers in Parliament to remove the CEC. However, Opposition parties intend to demonstrate unity over what they describe as a challenge to the electoral process's integrity and transparency. The meeting comes a day after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) adopted a strong resolution demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, and restoration of voters allegedly removed from electoral rolls. Congress leaders have said they will raise the issues discussed at the CWC meeting before the broader Opposition platform. Given its political history and the numerical realities in both Houses of Parliament, Wednesday's meeting may prove another difficult test for the Opposition bloc. The bloc failed to unseat the NDA at the Centre and has since suffered setbacks in several states, while one of the original movers of Opposition unity, Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar, remains firmly aligned with the BJP.
UNGA president 'intends to lead' UNSC reform process: Spokesperson
Digital Desk | United Nations, Sep 30 (IANS) General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman intends to lead the process of Security Council reform which is bogged down for about two decades, according to his Spokesperson Melissa Summers. He will follow the intergovernmental negotiation (IGN) process (for reform), which is mandated and ongoing, she said on Tuesday. He intends to lead the Assembly clearly in this process, and follow the wishes and desires of the groups and the member states, she said. Asked by a reporter if Rahman intended to take any steps to speed up the process, she said, He emphasises the need for action in all of his priorities and added she would have no further comment. The momentum of the demand for reform of the Council, mired in the post-World War II geopolitical architecture of 1945, has grown with Africa's demands for permanent seats taking centre stage at the recent high-level meeting of the General Assembly. Summers said, He spoke very candidly about Africa's need for representation. He is very clear on this. At the start of the high-level meeting last week, Rahman said the Council must be more representative, transparent and reflective of the geopolitical realities of our time. Ensuring fair representation for underrepresented regions must remain a priority and nowhere is this more important, right now, than in Africa, he said. After eight decades, he said, the largest region by number of Member States and a key focus of UN Peacekeeping, remains underrepresented on the Security Council. Africa needs to be at the table, not on the menu. Nations from across the world picked up on that theme, with a majority of countries at the meeting last week calling for reforms and backing Africa's claim. India, which is demanding a permanent seat at the Council, has also repeatedly backed permanent seats for Africa. At the Africa Day celebrations in August, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, India is a strong votary of Africas rightful place in a reformed United Nations Security Council. We similarly seek your support to ensure Indias permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, he added.
Delhi-NCR likely to turn dry as rains ease; air quality remains in moderate category
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Delhi-NCR is likely to witness a significant shift in weather from Wednesday, with the recent spell of rain and thunderstorms expected to give way to predominantly dry conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mainly clear skies over the national capital and neighbouring areas, with dry weather likely to prevail across Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh through the first week of October. The change comes after showers on Tuesday brought a noticeable chill to Delhi, with temperatures briefly giving the national capital a winter-like feel. However, the latest weather forecast indicates that rainfall activity is likely to subside from Wednesday, particularly over northwest India. Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and parts of Uttar Pradesh are expected to remain largely dry as the recent rain and thunderstorm activity weakens. Delhi is likely to record a minimum temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of nearly 33 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. While northwest India is expected to remain mostly dry, weather conditions across the rest of the country are likely to remain varied. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue over parts of southern, eastern and northeastern India. According to the IMD forecast, isolated heavy rainfall is likely over several areas of the Northeast and southern peninsula on Wednesday. The southern peninsula is expected to remain one of the major rain-affected regions, with some areas likely to receive heavy showers. The IMD has classified Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi as dry on Wednesday. Similar conditions are expected over Punjab, Rajasthan and most parts of Uttar Pradesh. The contrasting weather conditions across different regions are being influenced by several atmospheric systems currently active over the country. A depression over coastal Myanmar and the adjoining Bay of Bengal was moving rapidly north-northwestwards on Tuesday. The system was expected to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area later on September 29 and continue moving towards southeast Bangladesh and adjoining northeastern parts of India. At the same time, a western disturbance and associated upper-air systems continue to influence parts of north India. Another circulation and trough are extending across southern India. The interaction and movement of these systems are contributing to the contrasting weather patterns being observed across the country. The IMD also recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Haryana during the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning. The rainfall highlights the intensity of the recent spell over parts of north India, even as the broader weather pattern is now expected to turn predominantly dry. The southwest monsoon is also continuing its gradual withdrawal from the country as the rainy season approaches its conclusion. With the monsoon retreating, northwest India is expected to gradually transition towards predominantly dry weather. However, rainfall activity is likely to persist in several other parts of the country. Uttarakhand may experience isolated rain and thunderstorms through October 4, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh could witness similar weather conditions between October 2 and 4. Himachal Pradesh may also receive isolated showers during the period. In central India, rain and thunderstorms are likely over parts of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh in the coming days. The Northeast is expected to remain relatively wetter, with rainfall forecast over Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura through October 4. Some areas may also receive heavy rainfall. Southern India is likely to remain another significant zone of rainfall. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy showers over parts of the southern peninsula during the next four to five days, with Tamil Nadu, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka among the areas likely to receive heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings included Mandir Marg at 97, Aya Nagar at 79, Punjabi Bagh at 113, CRRI Mathura Road at 138, Pusa at 149, Sirifort at 105, IGI Airport (T3) at 101, Commonwealth Sports Complex at 122, North Campus at 122, R K Puram at 122, ITO at 86, IIT Delhi at 140, DTU at 100, Wazirpur at 134, Jahangirpuri at 153, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 105, Anand Vihar at 105 and Cantonment Area at 105.
SRIT India, Shah Investors Home IPO Day 3: Check subscription, latest GMP and other key details
In the grey market, the SRIT India IPO is commanding a premium of Rs 33, or 25%, over its upper price band of Rs 130 per share. At the current GMP, the estimated listing price stands at around Rs 163 per share.
HC stays Rs 4 cr income tax notices against Paul Lyngdoh
Shillong, Sep 29: The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday stayed Income Tax notices demanding over Rs 4 crore from UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh. The order was passed by a division bench of Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew and Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee while hearing a writ petition filed by Lyngdoh challenging the impugned notices. Senior counsel K. [] The post HC stays Rs 4 cr income tax notices against Paul Lyngdoh first appeared on Highland Post .
Vishal Nirmiti Vs Nityas Gems And Jewellery IPO Day 1: What GMP Signals, Should You Subscribe?
The key point for investors on IPO Day 1 is the difference in their grey market premium (GMP). Last checked, Vishal Nirmiti IPO was commanding a GMP of Rs 2, while Nityas Gems & Jewellery IPO was trading at a GMP of Rs 9 in the grey market.
Central govt employees annual bonus: Can it be paid in first week of October? What experts say
Representatives of central government workers are demanding that the Productivity-Linked Bonus ceiling be lifted, asserting that the present threshold of Rs 7,000 is insufficient in light of increasing living expenses. Various groups are urging for a new ceiling of Rs 21,000 to be used for calculating bonuses. The government is expected to reveal its decisions on bonus allocations in early October, with protests anticipated over the current calculation approach.
SMC holds mental health camp for staff
Srinagar, Sep 29: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Tuesday organised a Mental Health and Meditation Session for its officers and employees in collaboration with Art of Living at SMC Meeting Hall, Srinagar, with the objective of promoting mental well-being, mindfulness and effective stress management in the workplace. The session was attended by senior officers and officials of the Corporation and focused on the importance of mental well-being, emotional balance and maintaining a healthy approach towards workplace stress. Participants also took part in guided meditation and wellness-oriented practices. Among those present were Nuzhat Khurshid Qurashi, Joint Commissioner (Administration), SMC; Suhail Ul Islam, Joint Commissioner (R&E); Syed Abul Qasim, Joint Commissioner (S), SMC; Dr. Fozia Habib, Health Officer, SMC; and Taahir Ahmad Magray, Secretary, SMC, besides other senior officers and officials. The session was conducted by Vinod Soni and Jyoti Kaur, Senior Faculty, Art of Living, who guided the participants through meditation and wellness practices, while highlighting practical approaches to stress management and mental well-being. The programme emphasised the importance of fostering a supportive, healthy and positive workplace, particularly for personnel engaged in demanding administrative and public-facing responsibilities. The initiative reflects SMCs continued commitment to employee welfare and workplace well-being, complementing its ongoing efforts towards efficient and responsive civic service delivery to the citizens of Srinagar.
US Senate blocks measure demanding report on rights violations in West Bank
US Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked a bid to require President Donald Trump's administration to report to Congress on increasing violence in the occupied West Bank, including the deaths of American citizens. The procedural vote was the latest
INDIA bloc to meet today to finalise plan for anti-SIR agitation
The INDIA bloc's opposition members are set to meet to formulate a plan of action against the Election Commission, centering on the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Notable leaders from Congress and TMC will attend, while DMK and AAP will be absent. This meeting follows a recent protest by Left party members at the EC headquarters demanding Kumar's resignation.
Bihar Legislator Protests Against Governments Flood Relief Efforts
Bihar MLA Vinay Bihari protests over inadequate flood relief efforts in West Champaran, demanding better assistance for affected residents. Bihar Legislator Protests Against Governments Flood Relief Efforts
When a Society Forgets Its Own Voice..!
A culture seldom disappears with a dramatic farewell. More often, it slips away quietly, through the abandonment of things that once seemed too ordinary to lose. A word falls out of daily conversation. A song survives only in the memory of the oldest members of a family. A traditional dish appears on a festive table but no longer belongs to the everyday kitchen. A child recognises an old household object without knowing its use. A custom continues to be performed, yet its meaning begins to fade. Nothing seems to have vanished completely, and yet something precious has quietly receded. Kashmir has always been more than a landscape. Its identity has been shaped by language, poetry, music, folklore, food, craftsmanship, faith and community life. Much of this inheritance was never taught through books. It passed naturally from one generation to another through conversation, observation and participation. Children heard elders speak Kashmiri, listened to stories, watched rituals, learnt the names of flowers and birds, recognised household objects and gradually absorbed customs whose significance they understood long before they could explain them. Culture was not something they studied. It was the world in which they grew up. That world is changing. Education has expanded, technology has transformed communication, young people have travelled far beyond their ancestral homes and new professional possibilities have altered aspirations. The young Kashmiri today inhabits a world considerably larger than that known to previous generations. There is freedom in that expansion, but it raises a difficult question: what happens to the things we cease to carry with us? Language is perhaps the most intimate part of this inheritance. Kashmiri is not merely a means of communication; it carries the emotional memory of a people. Certain words contain humour, tenderness, relationships, landscapes and experiences that cannot be fully reproduced in another language. A language tells us not only what a people says, but also how it has learnt to perceive the world. Its decline does not begin when people stop understanding it altogether. It begins when they stop using it naturally. A child may understand Kashmiri but respond in another language. Parents may use it less at home because another language seems more useful for education or employment. Grandparents may continue speaking it while younger members gradually become listeners rather than participants. What was once the natural language of the home can slowly become a language of familiarity, then occasional use, and finally nostalgia. With language disappears something else: vocabulary. There were once Kashmiri words for household implements, foods, agricultural practices, garments, relationships, seasons, flowers and everyday experiences. Many now survive mainly in the memories of older people. Their disappearance is not simply a linguistic loss. It is the fading of the world that gave those words meaning. The changing Kashmiri household tells a similar story. Earlier, grandparents were the family's living archive. They knew ancestral stories, the history of houses, the meaning of rituals and the circumstances surrounding marriages, festivals and deaths. Their memories connected the present with generations that had preceded it. Today, families are increasingly dispersed across cities and countries. Technology makes communication easier, but a message or video call cannot replace sitting beside an elder and listening to a story unfold slowly. Such storytelling was part of the intimacy of memory. The transmission of customs has changed as well. Earlier, children learnt through participation. They heard Wanwun at weddings, watched traditional foods being prepared and absorbed community practices almost without instruction. Today, some customs survive only as occasional performances. The ritual remains, but its story becomes obscure and its meaning grows distant. Tradition then risks becoming ceremony without memory. Yet this loss cannot be placed entirely upon the young. Culture cannot be passed on through criticism alone. If parents speak less Kashmiri at home, grandparents no longer tell stories and children encounter heritage mainly through instructions, the responsibility belongs to everyone. Young people cannot inherit what they have never truly experienced. Cultural preservation should not mean placing the past under glass. A living culture must breathe, adapt and find new expressions. Kashmiri literature can inhabit digital platforms, folk music can reach new audiences, traditional crafts can find contemporary forms and oral histories can be recorded before their custodians disappear. Forgotten words can return through poetry, fiction and theatre; old stories can be retold in forms that speak to younger generations. Technology, often blamed for cultural erosion, can also become an instrument of cultural recovery. The question is not whether Kashmir should embrace modernity. It already has. The more important question is whether modernity must necessarily demand cultural amnesia. For Kashmiris who have lived away from the Valley for decades, the question carries another layer of meaning. Displacement and migration have made memory a second homeland. Houses, temples, orchards and neighbourhoods survive in recollection long after physical separation. But memory is not automatically permanent; it too must be transmitted. A grandfather may remember the name of a village stream, the taste of a particular fruit, a wedding song or the story associated with an old shrine. If that knowledge remains within him and is never shared, it disappears with him. Every generation therefore carries a responsibility not merely to remember but to narrate. Perhaps Kashmir's greatest cultural archive lives not in institutions alone but in ordinary peoplein the recollections of the elderly, family recipes, half-remembered songs, forgotten words, the names of trees and birds, household objects and stories passed from one tongue to another. These things may appear insignificant to a hurried present. Yet civilisation is often preserved through precisely such fragments. A society does not lose its identity merely because its people adopt new technologies, occupations or ways of living. Identity becomes vulnerable when people lose the curiosity to know what came before them. Kashmir does not have to choose between its past and its future. It needs a conversation between them. The young must be free to question and reinterpret tradition, but they should first have the opportunity to know it. The older generation must understand that preservation does not mean demanding obedience to everything inherited. A healthy culture allows the past to speak without imprisoning the present. Perhaps the most urgent task is simply to listen again. Listen to the Kashmiri spoken by grandparents. Record stories before the storytellers disappear. Ask about forgotten customs. Preserve folk songs before only their tunes remain. Teach children the names of local flowers and birds. Tell them why certain festivals were observed, why particular foods were prepared and why certain words carried meanings that cannot easily be translated. These are small acts, but cultural continuity has always been built through small acts. The future of Kashmir's cultural identity will be shaped in homes, classrooms, conversations, weddings, songs, books and ordinary evenings when one generation chooses to tell another what it remembers. A culture survives not merely because its people remember the past, but because they allow that memory to enter the future. Perhaps the greatest inheritance we can give the children of tomorrow is not merely a prosperous and modern Kashmir, but a Kashmir whose voice they can still recognisea voice carried through language, poetry, music, memory and the intimate vocabulary of belonging. People may travel far from their birthplace. Generations may grow up in worlds radically different from those of their ancestors. Yet if they can still understand the words through which those who came before them expressed love, home, sorrow, celebration and belonging, the thread remains unbroken. The challenge before Kashmir is not simply to preserve what was. It is to ensure that what was continues to speak to what will be. (The author is a RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
Thousands of sugarcane growers from across Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra and Telangana staged a massive protest at Kittur Chennamma Circle in Hubballi on Tuesday, demanding remunerative prices for sugarcane and a revision of the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar. After appeal by union minister Pralhad Joshi, intervention by local legislators they agree for talks at Delhi, withdraw protest
Ruckus in Assembly over statehood restoration resolution
BJP demands Speakers exit, Treasury Benches cry Vote Chor Srinagar, Sep 29: Ruckus erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday over the adoption of a resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah a day ago demanding urgent restoration of full statehood. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said the BJP has moved a []
Congress Protests Against Election Commission in Mumbai, Vows to Continue Fight
In Mumbai, Congress protests against the Election Commission, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and questioning electoral processes. Congress Protests Against Election Commission in Mumbai, Vows to Continue Fight
Man Assaults Grandmother, Demands Money To Buy Liquor
Police arrested a 34-year-old man for allegedly assaulting his 82-year-old grandmother to death in Salem after demanding money for alcohol.
Pensioners Stage Dharna For Restoration Of OPS
Government pensioners staged a dharna in Anantapur demanding restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and protection of pension rights.
27-yr-old dies of electrocution in Poonch
Gurmeet Kour Jammu Tawi/Poonch, September 29: A 27-year-old youth died after reportedly coming into contact with a live electrical current in the Bandi area of Sawjian, Mandi tehsil, in Poonch district on Tuesday. According to preliminary information, the youth had gone to the Bandi area in connection with some work when he reportedly [] The post 27-yr-old dies of electrocution in Poonch appeared first on Northlines .
ACB Busts Bribery Racket Involving GST Official In Rajasthan
The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested two middlemen and detained a Central GST superintendent for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 25 lakh bribe to settle tax evasion matters and activate a firm's account.
Four Convicted In Dowry Harassment Case
The case was registered by Naidupeta police in 2018 after Cheerala Aruna Kumari complained that her husband, Prasad, and his family members had allegedly subjected her to harassment and violence demanding additional dowry.
Arunachal Guv stresses strengthening Advanced Landing Grounds, air connectivity
Digital Desk | Itanagar, Sep 29 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Tuesday stressed the need to strengthen Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) and air connectivity infrastructure in the border state to improve logistics, communication and emergency response capabilities, besides boosting overall socio-economic development. Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, on Tuesday called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar, and they discussed national security, advanced landing grounds and assistance during natural calamities and medical emergencies. The Governor commended the Eastern Air Command for its steadfast support to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly during natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical situations. He said that the Indian Air Force has consistently demonstrated its commitment to public service by reaching remote and inaccessible areas where timely assistance can make a significant difference. Highlighting the unique geographical challenges of the state, Lt Gen Parnaik (Retd) noted that the IAF plays an indispensable role in responding to floods, landslides, and other emergencies. Through its swift deployment capabilities, the Air Force has been instrumental in airlifting relief materials, rescuing stranded civilians, and evacuating affected persons to safer locations, he said. Recognising the potential of Arunachal Pradeshs youth, the Governor encouraged the Air Force to expand outreach initiatives through career awareness programmes, NCC engagement, air displays, and educational visits. The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief assured the Governor of the Eastern Air Commands unwavering commitment to supporting the people and the state of Arunachal Pradesh in every possible manner. He reaffirmed that the Indian Air Force would continue to work closely with the state government in disaster response, medical emergencies, connectivity support, and nation-building initiatives, ensuring timely assistance and contributing to the welfare, development, and security of the state. Meanwhile, Eastern Air Command of the IAF, in a post on X, said: Indian and Myanmar Defence Forces personnel conducted joint training with IAF helicopters in Eastern AOR. This was aimed at enhancing operational coordination, interoperability and jointmanship. The training underscores the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations and their Armed Forces.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a striking appearance at Paris Fashion Week, stepping out at Place Joffre in a Royal Crimson Glam look that brought together bold beauty, rich colour and timeless glamour, set against the unmistakable backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Her appearance marks yet another chapter in her years-long journey with L'Oral Paris on the global fashion stage, this time celebrating the brand's message of Express Your Worth. Aishwarya's beauty look made a powerful statement with a deep, bold lip. Her signature red made a comeback with the L'Oral Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in shade 423 Audacious Red, one of five new shades from the brand's Runway Matte Collection. With its intense colour payoff and comfortable matte finish, the statement red lent the look a striking sense of depth and confidence, instantly drawing attention on the runway. Her complexion was perfected with the L'Oral Paris Infallible Cushion Foundation in shade N140, delivering lightweight, flawless coverage with a semi-matte finish. The L'Oral Paris Panorama Waterproof Mascara added bold, voluminous lashes, while the L'Oral Paris Infallible Grip Matte Liquid Liner in shade 01 Matte Black brought added definition and intensity to her eyes. The look was locked in with the L'Oral Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray, ensuring her makeup stayed flawless and intact through the runway appearance. Completing the Royal Crimson Glam look was a Yara Shoemaker corseted black velvet fishtail gown, featuring a velvet-embellished cape, paired with a jewelled crown that added a distinctly regal sense of drama and grandeur to Aishwarya's presence on the Paris runway. The corseted silhouette and dramatic fishtail cut gave the ensemble a commanding, statuesque quality, further elevated by the cape's sweeping movement. Paired with her bold red lip and glamorous beauty look, the statement ensemble came together as a powerful celebration of confidence, individuality and timeless glamour, bringing the spirit of Express Your Worth vividly to life and reaffirming Aishwarya's status as one of global fashion's most enduring faces. Also Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan struts again at Paris Fashion Week: LOrals Le Dfil returns with star-studded line-up
Sparsh Shrivastavas character Bhugol in Dupahiya Season 2 carries more than just the aspirations of a small-town dreamer. As the character steps into a new phase of his life and begins navigating newfound fame, Bollywood and its iconic stars become an important part of how he expresses himself. Sparsh has now revealed how actors including Govinda, Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit influenced Bhugols personality in the upcoming season. According to Sparsh, several familiar Bollywood references were consciously incorporated into Bhugols character, reflecting his fascination with films and stars. The actor particularly pointed to Govinda as an inspiration for a mandir sequence featured in the trailer of the second season. Sharing the inspiration behind that scene, Sparsh said, The inspiration for that was Govinda sir. Theres this moment in Raja Babu, I think, where he goes to his mother and says, Itna pyaar diya tune mujhe, maa, so I was just trying to channel that feeling. Theres a little bit of Govinda in Bhugol, theres a lot of Deewaar, and hes also wearing Salman Khans jacket from Maine Pyar Kiya. So, in a way, everybodys embodiment is in Bhugol. Hes everything. And then theres Madhuri maam as well, of course, especially when it comes to the launda naach in his character. I loved bringing all these little references together because thats how I see Bhugol. Hes this small-town guy who has absorbed so much from the films and stars he loves The Bollywood connection also brought back a personal memory for Sparsh while filming the launda naach sequence. The actor recalled participating in a dance reality show in 2010, where veteran choreographer Saroj Khan was a judge. He remembered receiving 100 notes from her after good performances. Reflecting on the experience, Sparsh said, The choreographer was Kruti, and I remember this one specific moment from that launda naach. When I did a dance reality show back in 2010, Saroj Khan maam was the judge, and after every good dance, she would give you a 100 note. This time, when I did that shoot, Kruti came to me and gave me a 500 note, and I was so emotional. Directed by Sonam Nair, Dupahiya Season 2 is created and produced by Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani under Bombay Film Cartel LLP. The series is created and written by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg. The second season continues the story established in the first instalment and brings back Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, Sparsh Shrivastava, Bhuvan Arora, Shivani Raghuvanshi and Yashpal Sharma. Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua) joins the ensemble for the new season. Dupahiya Season 2 will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on October 1. Also Read: Dupahiya Season 2 Trailer: Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, Sparsh Shrivastava return as Dhadakpur faces new chaos
Pakistan: Ahmadiyya community condemns growing attacks in Punjab province
Digital Desk | Islamabad, Sep 29 (IANS) The Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan has strongly condemned attack on an Ahmadi man in country's Punjab province, terming it as a cowardly assault and highlighting that it was motivated by his faith and part of a broader pattern of violence and hostility against Ahmadis, a report has detailed. The community's statement came after an Ahmadi man was seriously injured after being stabbed in Lathianwala in Punjab's Faisalabad just days after an Ahmadi man and his son were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at them. The Ahmadiyya community has urged Pakistani authorities to act against the perpetrators behind the attacks and ensure protection for Ahmadis in the future, 'Voice PK' reported. The report added that persistence of hate-driven violence has raised serious concerns about safety among members of the Ahmadiyya community and the continuous failure of authorities to act against perpetrators could embolden those responsible for such attacks. The victim, identified as Hamid Javed, was injured after he was attacked near his residence in Lathianwala at around 5:30 pm on September 21. He told police that he was returning home when an unidentified man aged between 40 and 42 years approached him and attacked him with a knife. On September 19, an Ahmadi man and his son were injured after gunmen opened fire at them in Punjab's Sargodha, Voicepk.net reported. Earlier this month, Karachi-based International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) called for immediate justice and accountability in the assassination of Mirza Safdar Mahmood, a local leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistans Punjab Province. Mirza Safdar Mahmood, aged 65, was shot dead in the town of Mandi Bahauddin, reported Spanish media outlet 'Atalayar'. IHRC is an organisation focusing specifically on the rights of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Targeted killing: Ahmadi local official gunned down in Pakistan. Mirza Safdar Mahmood, 65, was shot dead while travelling to an Ahmadi place of worship in Mandi Bahauddin.IHRC calls for immediate justice and accountability, IHRC stated on X, sharing a detailed report. IHRC stated that the targeted killing of Mahmood cannot be viewed in isolation as it comes amid a deeply disturbing backdrop of persistent anti-Ahmadi hatred, incitement and threats across Pakistan. Representatives of the Ahmadiyya Community stressed that the victim had no personal disputes or prior animosities, pointing squarely to a targeted killing motivated by religious intolerance. Mahmood is survived by his wife and two children; his funeral and burial arrangements were subsequently conducted in the city of Rabwah, the report in Atalayar revealed. It noted that the assassination took place amid the escalating incitement and hate speech targeting Ahmadis across the district of Mandi Bahauddin. In recent weeks, regional religious figures had issued virulent threats, including public death threats against a local police officer on account of his Ahmadi faith, as well as explicit intimidation directed at pregnant Ahmadi women. This pattern of lethal violence has direct operational precedents in the immediate area: on 8 June 2024, two members of the Ahmadiyya community were shot and killed in separate armed ambushes carried out on the same day in the locality of Sadullahpur, the report highlighted.
VCK workers stage protest demanding resignation of CEC
23 JKAP IR holds civic action programme at Lethpora
Srinagar, Sep 29: The 23 JKAP IR organised a Civic Action Programme at Lethpora under the supervision of Commanding Officer Gh. Hassan, JKPS, on the directions of ADGP Armed Nitish Kumar. The programme focused on Indias freedom struggle, with special emphasis on the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the freedom movement and the integration of the country. A cultural show and National Anthem singing competition were organised as part of the programme, with participation from schools and colleges in Pulwama, Tral, Awantipora, Lethpora, Budgam, Kishtwar and other areas. Around 120 students from 10 educational institutions participated in the stage performances, while seven members of the general public also took part in the competition. The performances were evaluated by a three-member panel on the basis of presentation, devotion and patriotic expression. Mir Ashraf of Chadoora, Budgam, secured first position, followed by Charanjeet Kaur of Chadoora in second place. Birla Open Minds International School, Pampore, secured third position. The programme aimed to familiarise youth with the history of Indias freedom struggle and promote civic responsibility, discipline, harmony and national integration. All participants were awarded certificates, while participating institutions received mementos.
HONOR Magic 9 Series Debuts With Dual 200MP Cameras, Flagship SoC And More
The HONOR Magic 9 Series officially debuted in China, introducing the standard HONOR Magic 9 , the performance-focused Magic 9 Super Edition , and the flagship Magic 9 Pro Max . Engineered to elevate mobile photography standards and battery endurance , this high-end flagship lineup targets demanding digital content creators and modern smartphone enthusiasts seeking top-tier specs. HONOR Magic 9 The standard HONOR Magic 9 sports a compact 6.31-inch OLED display running at 120Hz with 2,000 nits brightness. Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor drives the hardware alongside an Adreno 840 GPU , offering up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage . Its standout imaging configuration delivers a dual 200MP camera setup, combining a 200MP primary sensor with a 200MP periscope telephoto lens and a 50MP ultrawide shooter, all processed via the dedicated HONOR H1 image chip. An 8,000mAh battery provides reliable daily battery power with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging , secured within an IP68/IP69/IP69K certified water-resistant body. HONOR Magic 9 Super Edition Prioritizing thermal stability and extended runtime, the HONOR Magic 9 Super Edition features a larger 6.81-inch OLED screen with 2,000 nits peak brightness. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, it integrates an active cooling fan operating at 30,000 rpm combined with a vapor chamber capable of dissipating 12W of internal heat. The handset is backed by an enormous 11,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging . Its triple rear camera configuration features a 200MP primary sensor , a 50MP telephoto camera , and a 12MP ultrawide lens. HONOR Magic 9 Pro Max At the summit sits the HONOR Magic 9 Pro Max , highlighted by a premium 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with an adaptive 1120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 10,000 nits HDR peak brightness. Internal processing relies on Qualcomms upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 platform alongside an Adreno 850 GPU . Its professional camera package incorporates a 200MP primary sensor , a 50MP ultrawide shooter, and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom . Hardware specifications conclude with an 8,800mAh battery offering 100W wired fast charging, 80W wireless charging , cutting-edge Wi-Fi 8 connectivity, and Android 17-based MagicOS 11 . Technical Specifications & Pricing Comparison Specification HONOR Magic 9 HONOR Magic 9 Super Edition HONOR Magic 9 Pro Max Display 6.31-inch OLED (1236 x 2664), 120Hz, 2,000 nits 6.81-inch OLED (1280 x 2788), 120Hz, 2,000 nits 6.8-inch LTPO OLED (1320 x 2868), 1120Hz, 2,000 nits (10,000 nits HDR peak) Processor & GPU Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (Adreno 840) Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (Adreno 840) Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 (Adreno 850) RAM & Storage 12GB / 16GB RAM 256GB / 512GB / 1TB 12GB / 16GB RAM 256GB / 512GB 12GB / 16GB RAM 256GB / 512GB / 1TB Rear Cameras 200 MP (Main) 200 MP (Periscope Telephoto, dual-prism) 50 MP (Ultrawide) 200 MP (Main) 50 MP (Telephoto, 3x zoom) 12 MP (Ultrawide) 200 MP (Main) 200 MP (Periscope Telephoto, 3.5x zoom) 50 MP (Ultrawide) Front Camera 55 MP 50 MP 55 MP Battery & Charging 8,000 mAh 80W wired, 50W wireless, 27W reverse wired 11,000 mAh 80W wired, 50W wireless, 27W reverse wired 8,800 mAh 100W wired, 80W wireless (50W standard wireless), 27W reverse wired Cooling System Standard thermal dissipation 30,000 rpm active cooler + 12W vapor chamber Advanced vapor chamber Durability IP68 / IP69 / IP69K IP68 / IP69 / IP69K IP68 / IP69 / IP69K Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC Wi-Fi 8 / Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.3, NFC Dimensions & Weight 151.0 x 72.28 x 8.49 mm 209 g 161.78 x 76.72 x 8.10 mm 277 g 161.64 x 76.98 x 8.59 mm 233 g Operating System MagicOS 11 (Android 17) MagicOS 11 (Android 17) MagicOS 11 (Android 17) Pricing 12/256GB: 4,999 CNY (~$745 USD) 12/512GB: 5,499 CNY (~$819 USD) 16/512GB: 5,999 CNY (~$894 USD) 16GB/1TB: 6,999 CNY (~$1,043 USD) 12/256GB: 4,499 CNY (~$670 USD) 12/512GB: 4,999 CNY (~$745 USD) 16/512GB: 5,499 CNY (~$819 USD) 12/256GB: 6,499 CNY (~$968 USD) 12/512GB: 6,999 CNY (~$1,043 USD) 16/512GB: 7,499 CNY (~$1,117 USD) 16GB/1TB: 8,499 CNY (~$1,266 USD) HONOR Magic 9 Series Debuts With Dual 200MP Cameras, Flagship SoC And More , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Karnataka: Farmers intensify sugarcane price protest in Hubballi
Hubballi: Farmers from several districts of Karnataka intensified their protest in Hubballi on Tuesday, September 29, demanding a remunerative price for sugarcane and a revision of sugar prices. Thousands of farmers gathered at Chennamma Circle as part of the agitation led by farmer activist Choonappa Pujari. The protesters have demanded that the price of sugarcane 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 .
Villagers stage protest demanding repair of school building in Arasikere taluk
Asmita: The idea of speaking with you is that the histories of the Domestic Violence Acts in Bangladesh and India are somewhat intertwined, since they developed around the same time. Could you speak to the history of law-making in Bangladesh on domestic violence? Sara: Sure. I think there were two impetuses to the development of the law on domestic violence. First, there was already an understanding in the womens movement and among legal aid groups that domestic violence was a real issue, but we were providing responses based on existing laws, which did not expressly recognise domestic violence, and which had many gaps. Every lawyer who represented a woman or child facing domestic violence understood that protection was needed, but it wasnt clear how to get a legal remedy. The second impetus to drafting the law was international, the model law from the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, which was circulated globally and worked on by UN Women (or UNIFEM, as it was then) for domestication in different countries. Through that process, more womens groups became aware of the issue. In Bangladesh, at least two organisations began drafting a law to address domestic violence, drawing on the international material but also, importantly, on India's legislation which was already in place. The Law Commission in Bangladesh also drafted legislation, again looking partly at Indias. So the international process, once it was grounded in our region through the Indian legislation, became a real catalyst for others to think about what was possible in our own context. We were not working on a blank slate and womens groups already knew we needed a more focused response on DV, and one which prioritised victim/ survivor protection. Asmita: I wanted to understand where the movement in Bangladesh stood on domestic violence at that point. You already had different organisations approaching it in different ways. How did you bring them to the table to participate in drafting the law? Sara: People were working from their own platforms initially. The main legal aid groups, all NGOs, included the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA), BRACs Human Rights and Legal Services Programme (HRLS), Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), and also the National Legal Aid and Services Organisation (NLASO) (now known as the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid); the last wasnt very active on this issue at that time, though it must have had many relevant clients. Then there were womens groups like the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Naripokkho, who had focused on campaigns against violence against women from the mid-1980s onward, again, in response to emblematic cases such as the Yasmin or Rima killings, and following international attention on addressing violence against women, and legal changes in the region, including India. In Bangladesh, violence-against-women reforms came through special legislation, the Suppression of Violence against Women and Children Act 2000, dealing with acid attacks, abduction, rape and trafficking initially, rather than through changes being incorporated into the Penal Code or Criminal Procedure Code. In fact thats been a consistent pattern in Bangladesh and any new serious crime, whether violence against women, trafficking, or terrorism, has been carved into separate legislation, with special provisions e.g. for fast-tracking investigations and trials, denial of bail, victim protection measures, and so on. But domestic violence didnt feature in that stand alone violence-against-women legislation, except as dowry-related violence. If there was no dowry demand involved with the ensuing violence, you couldnt access those protections under the special law. Most law reform agendas for the womens movement prior to the DV Act were about personal law reform and certain extreme forms of violence against women, such as rape and acid attacks, not domestic violence. The contrast between how the movement, and how rights organisations worked on rape versus acid attacks is instructive and maybe holds some lessons for how to frame our responses more effectively on DV. Acid violence emerged as an issue in Bangladesh before it did in India, and the response, which included separate stand-alone legislation on acid attacks, plus legislation restricting the sale and availability of acid, was led by the Acid Survivors Foundation. They built a holistic response through data collection, coordination between the government and NGOs on victim support, and, most critically, survivor engagement, so that acid survivors, almost all young women and girl, themselves became the ones speaking about their pain and their need for justice, and their visibility and courage created a real impact on the public, and on justice actors. Much of the work with survivors was catalysed by Nasreen Huq of Naripokkho. That work, and Bangladesh being first on this, seems to have informed Indias later acid legislation. Because the numbers were smaller and more discrete, and the impact of the crime so visible, groups could organise around the issue of acid violence effectively, and incidents of acid attacks have fallen as a result. The initiative to draft the DV Act came with a recognition that we needed to build a victim-centred response, addressing what a woman or child actually needs, and that this is different from a punitive process. Two groups were working on drafts of their own: BNWLA, and ASK. Eventually, and after quite a lot of back and forth, everyone came together in one coalition, the Citizens Initiative on Domestic Violence (CIDV), which let us pool our experience and expertise. BNWLA, BLAST and others, had a huge client base of women who were survivors of violence , so through our reflections on our work and drawing on clients experiences, we could contribute to the drafting far more effectively. We also took an early and important decision to abandon our separate drafts and instead build on the Law Commissions draft, since it was already engaged on the issue and the Law Ministry was more likely to build upon this than purely NGO-prepared drafts. We combined the three drafts, taking useful elements from each, and once that was agreed, we went back to the comparative examples, looking at Indias legislation in much more detail to work out what we needed. Asmita: Bangladesh, like India, has a personal law regime. Do you also have a secular option, like our Special Marriage Act? Sara: Yes, we do have a civil law option for marriage, the Special Marriage Act, 1872, but very few people use this (given it still requires people to formally renounce their faith in the case of Hindus and Muslims), and of course laws like the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 or the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017 which apply to all irrespective of faith or community. We have separate Family Courts regulated by the Family Courts Act, 2023 (an updating of the earlier law), maintenance applications are made for Muslim and Hindu women under the FCA and based on personal law, and alimony for Christian women under the Divorce Act, 1869, before the Family Court, applying personal law principles. After divorce Muslim women of course can only get maintenance for the limited iddat period , which remains an issue. The initiative to draft the DV Act came with a recognition that we needed to build a victim-centred response, addressing what a woman or child actually needs, and that this is different from a punitive process. Asmita: How was family and domestic defined in the new draft, and what changed? Sara: According to the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, 'family means related by blood or marital relation or adopted or joint being members of a family who live or used to live together in a shared dwelling and family relationship means any relationship established by reason of blood relations or marital relations or by reason of being a member of an adoptive or joint family. The Act defines domestic violence as physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse or financial loss to any female or child member of the family or a person having a family relationship. The DV Act isnt used for most cases where domestic violence occurs. Practitioners still see it as not having changed the game much. Many still file maintenance applications outside the Act, since the forum under the DV Act is a magistrate, not a Family Court judge, and other applications go to Family Court judges anyway. People tend to go to the Magistrates Court mainly for protection, residence and compensation orders under the DV Act. It may be seen as less effective, or speedy than the Family Court. Asmita: What were the key features of the drafted law, and the major changes you were pushing for? In India, we got the right to residence, a broader notion of family including natal families. What did you get in Bangladesh? Sara: One big change was the definition of the household and to whom the law would apply, creating new duties and responsibilities, including to a wife and children. However, at the last stage, the definitions were changed, so that a divorced wife could no longer claim; this happened at the last stage of vetting by the Law Ministry back in 2009/2010. A second very important change was to the definition of domestic violence itself, including economic, sexual, physical and psychological aspects, none of which had been clearly articulated before as DV, and none of which would have been accepted in earlier claims. Even now, though very few claims invoke sexual violence as a form of DV. The remedies most sought are protection orders, with residence and compensation orders; maintenance and custody claims still mostly go to the Family Court. Asmita: On the form of the law, was there debate over civil versus criminal? Since domestic violence outside dowry wasnt recognised as an offence, was this Act meant to establish it as one? Sara: There was a lot of discussion. Some pushed hard for it to be a criminal offence, with the same draconian approach used for other kinds of violence against women, so restrictions on bail, and so on. Several activists, with more experience of the abusive dynamics involved in the application of criminal justice, than of trial court work, were adamant we didnt want that baggage. So we pursued an approach that the DV law would be a civil law providing protection and other ancillary orders, focused on what the victim needed, and if the situation escalates, then criminal prosecution could be triggered under the Penal Code. What we didnt anticipate was that the underlying penal provisions on dowry-related violence would not be revised, and that there would be no complementary changes to the Penal Code at the time. The only offence under the DV Act itself is violation of a protection, residence, custody, or maintenance order which has been a major point of criticism from many trial lawyers, who see it as toothless, with no deterrent effect. In practice, the earlier pre DV Act pattern is still often repeated a survivor files a dowry-related violence case under the special law on VAW, alongside her maintenance / custody claims, and this essentially pressures the husband to settle the financial matters at the family court. One shift Ive noticed recently is that in cases where survivors are from a middle or higher income group, where DV Act proceedings may be brought alongside family court maintenance or custody proceedings,, the stigma attached to a DV case has some strategic impact. The deeper challenge is that in situations of serious power imbalance, the person perpetrating violence, in contrast to the survivor, often has the resources to resort to endless interlocutory orders to block the survivor from accessing emergency relief, y. The DV Act was meant to shift the dial for women and children who face domestic abuse, speed things up and make the law actually work for them. How effective its actually been, and what other institutional changes are needed beyond simple law reform is the real question. Even after the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010 was enacted, the main response to domestic violence in Bangladesh remains largely the same as before, since the majority of cases arise in the context of poverty and low-income households, the key concern is still economic survival, whether or not separation or divorce is involved. Unless a situation of domestic violence reached a very extreme level, women werent asking for much beyond how to survive financially without a breadwinner, even a violent one. So most legal responses were and are in the form of maintenance claims, sometimes child custody, and rarely for protection or residence orders. Asmita: On enforcement, India has protection officers, service providers, and similar mechanisms. What was envisaged for Bangladesh? Sara: We already had two institutions in place to address VAW, the police run Victim Support Centres, only eight in number, and the public hospital based One Stop Crisis Centres,. The DV Act was meant to introduce enforcement officers, but no separate cadre was actually created; for years, existing officers under the Directorate of Womens Affairs at the district level were simply tasked with the role, without dedicated resources or training. A huge problem was that no duty bearers - the judges, magistrates, enforcement officers, and police -- were oriented to the law when it came into force. NGOs were often the only ones familiar with its terms. I remember an early case that BLAST colleagues conducted where they had to hand the magistrate physical copy of the Act repeatedly because theyd never seen it. Even where its possible to secure an emergency protection order, there are real gaps in ensuring consistency of response, given limited resources and capacity.. Victim Support Centres still exist only in 8 districts, and elsewhere the victim is on their own, or dependent on NGO services, and government hotlines and the police. Theres almost nowhere for emergency shelter with less than 20 government run shelters across the country. Meanwhile a woman or child who is a victim of abuse may be juggling a DV case, a dowry case, and a family court matter simultaneously, without the financial or social support to sustain any of it. The social safety net provision that may be available is a few hundred or thousand taka , nowhere near enough. So youre thrown back onto the same social structure, only slightly modified since the Act. Ive tried to find data on the budget for implementing the DV Act which includes training for magistrates, resources for courts but havent found it. Theres a family card programme the new government launched after the elections, essentially a safety net for low-income families, entitling them to services and financial aid. Whether DV survivors are prioritised within that isnt clear. The DV Act was worked on intensely by womens groups and rights organisations, but once it had been enacted, the movements interest moved on, a bit like a baby thats arrived and now everyones attention shifts to other children needing to be fed and clothed. Years later, the main demand we still hear in reviews is to make DV non-bailable or a separate offence and the more structural issues about institutional and financial resources needed for resourcing the implementation of the Act - rarely come up. If we focus on the latter, and build collaborations, including with the social welfare and law ministries, and the judiciary, we can make the law work far more effectively. Years later, the main demand we still hear in reviews is to make DV non-bailable or a separate offence and the more structural issues about institutional and financial resources needed for resourcing the implementation of the Act - rarely come up. Asmita: That runs against what you said earlier, about not wanting a punitive framing and it sounds like weve come full circle. Sara: I dont agree with having punitive framing. But its a debate practitioners and NGOs need to have when reviewing the Act. What some are now proposing is a family support centre to be established for Family Courts, doing what a victim support centre and enforcement officer together were meant to do, coordinating referrals and support, since the enforcement officer alone cant manage all these tasks. BLAST has just started piloting an initiative with the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid on this. Asmita: So were still with the original Act. Sara: Yes. A draft law to amend the DV Act went to the interim government but wasnt approved, perhaps due to lack of prioritisation by the Womens Ministry, which held the file. Parliament is still revising legislation that was adopted by the interim government and the Anti- Sexual Harassment Act is in the same position, amendments were drafted but a stand alone law was not ultimately adopted. However, very significant changes were made to the Bangladesh Labour Act, recognising duties to address gender discrimination and sexual harassment at the workplace and putting in place specific provisions on prevention and protection. Asmita: Whats the future agenda on domestic violence in Bangladesh. Is it reforming the existing law, new legislation, or focusing on procedure and support systems? Sara: After the DV Act, the DV rules were framed, and the Legal Aid and Services Act was reformed to prioritise DV survivors. Those remain ongoing areas of work . The priorities are training and understanding around powers and duties. A fourth feature Id flag, alongside remedies, was recognition of the roles and duties of legal aid groups and other civil society organisations, expressly set out in the Act. After the July Uprising, there was a major turnover in the police (many of whom fled the country after their role in carrying out brutal violence and mass killings of protestors) and in other relevant government offices, and now more changes in personnel after the recent elections. Judicial and police and civil service training academies need to include the DV law in their curricula. Theres also broader institutional work needed to address judicial delays, lack of timely police response, lack of institutional (particularly healthcare) support. A gap in our Coalition is that were still very focused on advocating for changes in the law, and less on institutional support or the financial interventions needed, and also very centred on the Womens Ministry, rather than for example the Law Ministry, Health Ministry or Finance Ministry. Unfortunately, the judiciary hasnt really taken up the issue - eg fast-tracking DV cases or appeals (as has recently been done by the Supreme Court for rape appeals)- and even the Interim Governments Judicial Reform Commission didnt mention relevant reform recommendations on addressing domestic violence, violence against women more generally or family courts. There is a real opportunity for the Judiciary and the Government to address this gap now and to coordinate a response on domestic violence against women and children. Asmita: Why is this so deprioritised? Have violence levels actually gone down, or is it just not getting attention? Sara: The issue of DV is not getting the attention it deserves. Post-Uprising, weve seen some highly misogynistic forces unleashed and an overt backlash against womens rights. We do have 50 women parliamentarians in reserved seats, but fewer than ten women were elected in general seats, and there are even fewer in cabinet. However, some have been active on the ground for years, including on rights issues, while others are survivors of gross violations of human rights themselves, including of disappearances of their family members. These are issues on which the womens movement has been largely silent and its important now for there to be greater connection and communication between citizens organisations and political actors on the pervasive nature of domestic violence and to treat it not just as a legal problem with technical solutions, but as an urgent political priority. Two issues are worth separating. First, theres an issue about how much of the agenda on reforms to the legal and institutional framework on violence against women is shaped by womens and human rights groups. In the last six months, there have been horrendous, high-profile rape cases involving young children, which triggered nationwide protests, resulting in fast-tracking of investigations and cases, setting up a new Supreme Court bench for rape appeals, and police completing investigations in days rather than months (of course raising its own fair-trial concerns). Nothing comparable has happened for domestic violence, even though its very possible that equally brutal DV cases occurred in the same period, but they just arent getting the same response, particularly in the media, despite higher overall incidence, perhaps precisely because the pattern of violence in such cases is so widespread and entrenched and endemic, and has a certain level of social sanction Second, the anti-discrimination movement that led the Uprising was focused on challenging discrimination in the allocation of quotas for government jobs, and many of us hoped it would necessarily extend to addressing issues of discrimination more broadly. But unfortunately it hasnt. Before the Uprising, we had fifteen years with a woman prime minister and women in senior positions, but they made very little real investment in the institutional response to domestic violence. That government could have passed any law it wanted, given it had a total majority, with its opposition subjected to severe repression. But it never chose to review the Acts operation. We assumed the DV Act would be an easy win, and so would its implementation, since theres no religious or personal-law angle to it and the issue affects all communities. What we underestimated was the depth of resistance to change in this area specifically. Its a strong, still-active bloc, and reflects deep seated patriarchal values and conservatism . Asmita: Is the caseload on domestic violence at womens organisations still high, or has it declined? Sara: I dont think client numbers have declined. Id guess the type of cases undertaken and nature of advice given have shifted somewhat given the availability of new remedies under the DV Act, but the bulk of our case load is still maintenance cases, which are resolved either through mediation, and/or litigation before the Family Court. For most women with a background of domestic violence, the ask is still: please get maintenance being paid, so my children and I can survive. Asmita: So maintenance remains the core issue. Sara: What has changed is that women and children who are abuse survivors can and do get protection and residence orders now. Residence orders in particular would be worth studying in more depth. Taslima Akhter had done a study for Action Aid on implementation of the DV Act , but theres no government study to date. Asmita: Looking at this as a South Asian issue, where do you see possibilities for collaboration going forward? Sara : There are many possibilities to collaborate across South Asia to learn about our best (and worst!) practices in responding to DV survivors, and also to identify common challenges in relation to addressing violence against women, and more broadly on how we navigate our work on rights and justice. Its relevant of course that Bangladeshs DV Act drew on Indias, and that Indias acid legislation drew on Bangladeshs laws and policies. But going beyond this - there are many possibilities for collaboration in terms of mapping strategies on reforms to womens rights within the family, and to personal laws, and in relation to violence. .. Given the majoritarian politics and practices across the region, there are obvious political sensitivities in each country regarding reform, and these initiatives can easily be weaponised as minority-targeting. We have made progressive changes with respect to womens Muslim personal laws and womens rights to divorce, inheritance and marriage in Bangladesh . In contrast, in Bangladesh, Hindu and Christian personal laws on marriage and divorce are effectively stuck in the nineteenth century. But we know that Pakistan has already made changes that Bangladesh hasnt, for example in Sindh on Hindu personal law. Much of Muslim personal law in India is similarly also frozen in time. Its worth building the argument, across the region, for how such reform can happen, pointing to what has actually changed, and for whom. We often hear two standard objections: that personal laws affecting the majority community cant be touched, and that minority personal laws cant be touched without trampling on minority rights. In Bangladesh, Hindu and Christian women have made demands for reform themselves and faced pushback from their community leaders, and recently from newly active conservative groups such as the Hindu Mahasabha, who seek to frame demands for reform as an attack on family and community identity. Strategising around that backlash matters in Bangladesh, and across South Asia, right now. Theres also a shared legal and organising history in the womens rights movement in South Asia thats been fractured over the past two decades, as everyone has had domestic fires to deal with, and repressive, authoritarian or highly communal governments to struggle against. We need to learn from each others different histories and stages of organising. Personal laws and violence-against-women laws matter, but so does the strategy, the organising, the navigation of legal procedure and institutions. Exchanges between our countries shouldnt only be about what the law says, but about what has actually worked in practice and also on how we keep alive a culture of respecting rights, and demanding justice and accountability.
Youth Test: Raichandani, Chauhan Star as India Rout Australia
India U-19 secured a commanding innings and 48-run victory over Australia U-19, continuing their dominant run. Lakshya Raichandani's double century and exceptional bowling performances from Yashbardhan Chauhan (6/75) and Ishan Om (4/62) were key to the win. This victory follows India's 3-0 sweep in the preceding Youth ODI series.
Man Tied To Car, Dragged For 2.5 km By Friend In UP, Dies
After the post-mortem, his body was brought to Hardoi, where his family members attempted to block the road near the Dak Bungalow demanding compensation.
ONE CANNOT HELP BUT DRAW painful parallels to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, calling into question whether systemic law enforcement mechanisms have made any meaningful progress in the decade since then, said Supreme Court on September 28 while taking a suo moto cognisance of the recent rape cases in Delhi NCR to evaluate systemic, preventive, and monitoring frameworks currently in place to ensure safety in public spaces across Delhi-NCR. The bench of Justices Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran adduced news reports of over past few weeks, including gang-rape of a 17-year old at Aastha Kunj Park , complaints of recurrent sexual harassment faced by students of Lady Shri Ram College for Women , gang rape and murder of a teenage girl in Swaroop Nagar , sexual assault of a minor girl inside a moving sleeper bus to express their distress and the systemic failure of law enforcement and civil administrative authorities to guarantee basic public safety. Senior counsel Liz Mathew was appointed as the amicus. Public spaces, including parks, roads, buses, metro stations, subways, foot bridges, etc. cannot be permitted to become zones of high risk due to grossly inadequate illumination, poor surveillance, lax patrolling, or other preventable administrative deficiencies, the bench said citing Article 21. The bench stressed upon the need for accountability fixed upon the authorities entrusted with prevention of crime, maintenance of public order and protection of vulnerable persons. The scope of the suo moto proceedings, the Court clarified, is not directed at assessing individual criminal culpability (which will be determined through trial), but at examining the broader institutional failures. The Court has asked authorities to place before it a comprehensive status report regarding (i) the measures undertaken to ensure adequate safety and security arrangements in public places and other areas frequented by women and children; (ii) the manner in which the National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO) is being utilised by the Delhi Police; (iii) the manner in which the Ministry of Home Affairs is utilising the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO); (iv) operational status of Mission Shakti programme; and (v) functioning status of mechanisms referred to by Ministry of Women and Child Development in its June 2024 report. Further, the bench also ordered immediate interim measures to be undertaken within four weeks which include the constitution of police teams to identify locations of poor lighting, lack of surveillance, insufficient patrolling, etc, preparation of a district-wise vulnerability map, deployment of patrolling and security arrangements at public parks and vulnerable areas, and audit and installment of CCTVs in vulnerable zones. The Court has also has directed the removal of black, tinted or solar-control films on vehicle windows which facilitates the commission of crimes. The Registrar General of Delhi High Court has also been asked to furnish information regarding the present status and functioning of the Fast Track Special Courts and Exclusive POCSO Courts in Delhi. The Court reminded media outlets of mindful and non-sensationalised reportage and asked for a dedicated column in the newspapers and a dedicated time in the electronic media to provide information of the protective devices and the telephone numbers, which could be accessed for immediate assistance in the event of a perceived threat. The matter has been listed on October 5, 2026 for further directions. Background As per the National Crime Records Bureau, which published its annual report of 2024 in 2026, over 1,058 cases of rape were registered in Delhi. According Delhi Police , on the other hand, the city recorded 1,901 rape cases in 2025 as against 2,076 in 2024 and 2,141 in 2023. This month itself, several stories pertaining to rape and sexual assault (of especially minors) emerged from the National Capital Region. On September 10, a 16-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped and repeatedly stabbed after going to meet an acquaintance in North Delhis Swaroop Nagar; her decomposed body was found dumped in a field. On the same day, it came to light that a four-year-old girl disclosed to her family that she had been sexually abused by her school-cab driver in West Delhis Ranhola area. On September 13, a nine-year-old girl was abducted while asleep at home and sexually assaulted by a 40-year-old neighbour in Swaroop Nagar. Around a week later, on September 17, a girl was allegedly lured into a tailoring shop in Sadar Bazar, restrained, and sexually assaulted by the 56-year-old shopkeeper. September 21, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in the Desh Bandhu Gupta Road area. That same day, a 17 year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three men claiming to be policemen near Astha Kunj Park. Of course, these are incidents only in popular media; readers are encouraged to consider the possibility of multitudes of incidents which either go unreported or are overlooked. In the immediate response to the rape ate Astha Kunj Park, the authorities curbed access to public parks and a Lady Shri Ram College, which is located close to the site of the crime, briefly moved classes online. In response, the students at LSR arranged a protest march demanding accountability. Womens safety cannot be addressed only through advisories asking women to be more careful. The focus has to be on safer public spaces, reliable last-mile transport, visible policing, accessible reporting mechanisms and timely accountability, Lady Shri Ram College Students Union president Anusha Garg told NDTV. Last week, chief minister Rekha Gupta admitted to lapses and vowed to improve the security infrastructure in the light of cases of crime against women. Case: In Re: Recent Rape Incidents in Delhi NCR Suo Moto Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 6/2026
IIT student death: Parents' hunger strike enters Day 2
The parents of Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay student who died by suicide, are continuing their hunger strike for a second day, demanding the arrest of those they hold responsible. They allege caste discrimination and seek justice for their son, with Union Minister Ramdas Athawale assuring support.
INDIA bloc announces Odisha Bandh on Oct 8 over MMDR Act, other demands
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 29 (IANS) The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on Tuesday announced a statewide strike Odisha Bandh by the political parties of the India Bloc on October 8 over various demands, including the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, the resignation of state School and Mass Education (S&ME) minister Nityananda Gond and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking to media persons, the OPCC president said, The political parties of the INDIA bloc are protesting over three demands, including the repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, the resignation and arrest of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, and Odishas education minister Nityananda Gonds resignation. He further said that the INDIA bloc had planned to gherao the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday. Das alleged that the state government, fearing the protest, adjourned the session sine die, even though it was scheduled to continue until October 3. So, the agitation will intensify further, and Odisha, from the capital Bhubaneswar to every village, will remain shut down on October 8. Thousands of workers of all the INDIA bloc political parties will court arrest, said the OPCC president. Meanwhile, the political parties of the INDIA bloc, led by the Odisha Congress, on Tuesday held a massive protest rally, 'Parivartan Rally' in Bhubaneswar against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, the resignation of state School and Mass Education (S&ME) minister Nityanand Gond over the school textbook error issue and the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) over alleged electoral process irregularities. The members and leaders of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP-Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party and RJD from across the state participated in the Parivartan Rally. After a huge protest meeting at the Lower PMG, the protestors marched towards the Chief Ministers residence to stage a gherao to register their protest. Senior leaders from Congress and other political parties addressed the workers at the protest meeting. Tension prevailed at Lower PMG as protesters clashed with police after they were stopped from marching ahead. To bring the situation under control, security personnel later detained several senior leaders and workers of the India bloc and took them away from the protest site. It is worth mentioning here that the opposition Biju Janata Dal also organised a massive protest rally in Bhubaneswar demanding the repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 on Monday.
Association urges extension of Vizag-Mahabubnagar, Tungabhadra Expresses
Train Travellers Association requests diversion of some trains from Secunderabad Railway Station through Sitaphalmandi-Malkajgiri-Moula Ali chord line
Association urges extension of Vizag-Mahabubnagar, Tungabhadra Expresses
Train Travellers Association requests diversion of some trains from Secunderabad Railway Station through Sitaphalmandi-Malkajgiri-Moula Ali chord line
IIT Delhi Seeks New Director: Application Deadline Approaches
IIT Delhi is inviting applications for the position of Director, with a deadline set for October 31. Candidates must hold a PhD and have significant teaching and administrative experience. The role offers a competitive salary and a five-year term. Interested applicants should prepare a detailed rsum and vision statement. This opportunity also includes similar positions at IIT Mandi and IIT Indore. For more details on eligibility and application procedures, read the full article.
IFA Shield: Punjab FC aim to top group against East Bengal after dominant debut
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 29 (IANS) Punjab FC will look to carry the momentum of their emphatic opening victory when they take on East Bengal FC in their final Group II fixture of the IFA Shield 2026-27 at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Wednesday. The match, scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m., will decide the group toppers, with both Punjab FC and East Bengal having already secured their places in the semifinals after winning their respective opening matches against Calcutta Customs Club. Punjab FC announced their arrival in the competition in emphatic fashion, thrashing Calcutta Customs 7-0 on Sunday in Pavlos Dermitzakis first match as head coach. The result also saw new signing Raphael Messi Bouli make an immediate impact, with the Cameroon international scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists. Boulis three-goal haul has put him level with Mohun Bagans Lallianzuala Chhangte at the top of the tournaments scoring charts. Punjabs attacking options were further underlined by goals from Diego Raposo, Konsam Sanathoi Singh and Bishu Sharma in the opening fixture. The Shers will also be encouraged by the contribution of their academy graduates. Manglenthang Kipgen impressed in midfield against Customs with his pressing and distribution, while Muhammed Uvais, Suresh Meitei and Nikhil Prabhu formed part of a young core that helped Punjab maintain control of the game. Dermitzakis expects a more demanding test against an East Bengal side playing on home turf. We had a fantastic start to the tournament, and the 7-0 victory showed the attacking quality and tactical discipline we possess. However, East Bengal is a historic club playing in front of their home fans, so it will be a completely different test. I am incredibly proud of how our Roundglass Academy graduates, particularly young players like Kipgen, stepped up and controlled the tempo. We will need that same intensity and teamwork tomorrow to secure the top spot in our group. East Bengal, meanwhile, entered the contest after beating Calcutta Customs 3-1 in their opening game. Despite conceding in the 12th minute, Bino Georges side recovered strongly to register a comfortable victory. With East Bengal juggling commitments in the AFC Champions League Two and the ISL, the club has used the IFA Shield to give opportunities to several reserve and emerging players. Akash Hemram and Rohit Danu were among those to find the net against Customs and will again be expected to provide attacking impetus. Punjab FC and East Bengal last met in the ISL in May, when the two sides played out a goalless draw at the Salt Lake Stadium. With a semifinal berth already assured for both teams, Wednesdays encounter will instead determine who finishes at the summit of Group II and gains the corresponding semifinal draw advantage.
'Situation now worse than during British era': CPI and CPI-M protest outside ECI office over SIR
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Members of Left parties, including the CPI and CPI-M, gathered outside the Election Commission of India (ECI) office on Tuesday and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Speaking to IANS, CPI-M leader Brinda Karat noted that nearly 13 crore citizens had been removed from the voter list. Right now, almost 13 crore citizens of our country have been removed from the voter list. The situation made right now is worse than during the British era, she said. CPI-M General Secretary M.A. Baby also targeted the CEC, saying: Gyanesh Kumar cannot continue; we will not allow him to continue. The protest comes amid a broader Opposition campaign against the SIR exercise and demands for action against the CEC. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday demanded the immediate removal of Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the SIR, and also sought Prime Minister Narendra Modis resignation on moral grounds over alleged pressure on the poll panel chief. Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Kharge said the party would intensify its campaign against the CEC and the government, including by taking up the issue on the streets and in Parliament. On September 25, the Congress had led nationwide protests demanding Gyanesh Kumars resignation, accusing him of compromising the integrity of the electoral process. Civil society groups and other organisations also held parallel protests in Delhi and several states. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear next week a petition challenging the functioning of the CEC and questioning the legality of the nationwide SIR. The controversy intensified after an Indian leading daily reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over decisions and orders concerning the SIR during the past 10 months. According to the report, the two commissioners had alleged that some decisions were taken without their knowledge or recommendation. The ECI, however, has maintained that its decisions on the SIR were taken in accordance with the law and has characterised differences within the Commission as part of its internal deliberations.
RU teachers receive death threats, extortion demands from callers claiming
At least five Rajshahi University teachers received threatening calls from individuals demanding money
Thackeray Brothers Announce Protest Against Election Commission on October 4
Raj and Uddhav Thackeray plan a protest in Mumbai against the Election Commission, alleging electoral misconduct and demanding voter integrity. Thackeray Brothers Announce Protest Against Election Commission on October 4
Smriti Irani Criticizes Congress for Demanding Restoration of Deceased and Duplicate Voter Names
Smriti Irani questions Congresss push to restore deceased and duplicate voter names, highlighting electoral integrity concerns. Smriti Irani Criticizes Congress for Demanding Restoration of Deceased and Duplicate Voter Names
Rights body slams Pakistan over mass evictions in Balochistan's Gwadar, calls it 'state assault'
Digital Desk | Quetta, Sep 29 (IANS) Human rights body Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) strongly condemned the Pakistani authorities for evicting thousands of people in Balochistan's Gwadar district under the pretext of a security threat, describing the move as an occupation of Baloch land and a state assault on Baloch survival. Sardasht area located near Shadi Kaur region in Gwadar, is an ancient Baloch settlement where nearly three thousand people have lived for generations. This entire area, including Reke Bazaar, Syed Muhammad Bazaar, and Tolgo, serves as the centre of the local people's social and economic life. Today, the state is displacing precisely these people from their homes, lands, and ancestral territory under the guise of a security threat, the BYC stated. This justification of security is merely a pretext. The very state constitutionally obligated to protect citizens' lives and property is the one evicting them from their land. If there is a genuine threat in the area, it is the state's duty to provide protection to the people, not to render them homeless. Evicting three thousand people from their homes does not make them safe; rather, it turns them into refugees, unemployed, and displaced within their own homeland, it added. According to the BYC, labelling an entire population as a threat and displacing them from their homes amounts to collective punishment. The rights body said that when communities are displaced and their land cleared in the name of security, under the banner of protection, it becomes clear that the state's target is not some threat, but Baloch land itself. What is happening in Sardasht is not an isolated incident but a link in the chain of a systematic state policy underway in Balochistan, particularly along the Makran coast. The land and coastline of Gwadar are being sacrificed to so-called development projects and the interests of powerful lobbies, while the Baloch people are seen as obstacles and systematically removed, the BYC stated Sometimes it's plans to fence off Gwadar city, sometimes checkpoints at every step, sometimes depriving fishermen of their own sea, sometimes restrictions on border employment, and now evicting people from their homes -- these are all different phases of the same policy, it noted. Expressing grave concern, the BYC said that Pakistan's policy is aimed at gaining complete control over Balochistan's land and resources, reducing the Baloch people to a minority in their own homeland and eroding the economic and social foundations of Baloch society. It called for an immediate halt to the evictions in Sardasht and withdrawal of all related orders, while demanding that displaced families be allowed to return home with dignity and receive full compensation for their losses.
INS Tarkash arrives in Mombasa to boost India-Kenya maritime ties
Digital Desk | Nairobi, Sep 29 (IANS) In a significant step towards deepening maritime cooperation between India and Kenya, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash, a frontline guided-missile frigate, arrived at Mombasa Port in the East African nation on Tuesday for an operational turnaround, which will run until October 2. The port call will feature professional exchanges, interactions between the crews, and community outreach. INS Tarkash will be open to visitors on 01 October from 11 am4 pm. On departure, the ship is scheduled to undertake a Passage Exercise with the Kenya Navy, the Indian High Commission in Nairobi posted on X. The visit advances India-Kenya maritime cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean and reflects India's MAHASAGAR vision, it added. On September 19, Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, Adarsh Swaika, met the African nation's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'Oei, and reviewed potential outcomes from forthcoming high-level exchanges. High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika met Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei. They reviewed key aspects of bilateral relations, including progress on ongoing initiatives and potential outcomes from forthcoming high-level exchanges, the High Commission of India in Kenya stated on X. High Commissioner highlighted the growing bilateral trade and investment ties and underscored the importance of an investor-friendly business environment, it added. Earlier in April, INS Trikand, a frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, concluded a highly successful Operational Turnaround (OTR) in Mombasa, which included professional exchanges and community outreach, while strengthening maritime cooperation with the Kenyan Navy. According to the Indian Assistant High Commission in Mombasa, the ship's OTR witnessed a blend of wellness, engagement and professional exchanges. An early morning yoga session saw enthusiastic participation from local residents and Kenya Navy personnel. The Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, along with the Defence Advisor at the High Commission of India, called on Brig. MS Shemote, Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet, at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe. Specialist officers also visited the Kenya Navy Training College, sharing insights on training curriculum and infrastructure development, the Indian Assistant High Commission posted on X. The port call by INS Trikand aligned with India's vision of MAHASAGAR and aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and bilateral ties between India and Kenya.
'Peaceful dissent is not terrorism': Activists slam Pakistan over PoK crackdown at Geneva meet
Digital Desk | Geneva, Sep 29 (IANS) Several Kashmiri political leaders, international human rights defenders, journalists, civil society representatives and activists on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistan over escalating human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during an international conference held at the Geneva Press Club. The conference was organised by United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on the sidelines of the ongoing 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. According to the UKPNP, the participants sharply criticised reported extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, communications blackouts and allegations of excessive use of force by Pakistani security forces in PoK. They also expressed solidarity with the civil society group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and its peaceful people's rights movement in the region. During the meeting, the UKPNP called for independent international investigations, accountability for those responsible for unlawful killings, justice for victims' families, the release of arbitrary detainees and the restoration of fundamental freedoms in PoK. The conference also highlighted the demands for democratic self-rule, ownership of natural resources, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, stability and the rule of law in the occupied territory. The UKPNP reiterated its opposition to terrorism, extremism, political violence and the use of PoK as a weapon for geopolitical interests. On Monday, addressing the UNHRC session, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Representative of the African Development Association (ADA) and Chairman of the UKPNP, expressed grave concern over reports of escalating repression by Pakistani authorities in PoK since June 5 this year. He cited deaths, injuries, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, restrictions on peaceful assembly, communications blackouts and the increasing militarisation of civilian life in the occupied territory. He called for an immediate, independent and impartial investigation into reported violations and urged the international community to press Pakistan to ensure accountability and protection for civilians exercising their fundamental democratic rights. Peaceful dissent is not terrorism, and demanding rights is not a crime, Shaukat Ali told the Council. He called on Pakistan to immediately end the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, release all individuals arbitrarily detained, establish the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, and restore unrestricted internet and mobile communications throughout PoK.
CWC meet: Cong calls SIR fraud exercise; plans pan-India stir against compromised poll panel
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Tuesday deliberated on a host of burning issues concerning the 'irregularities' in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and vowed to launch nationwide protests against alleged malpractices by the Election Commission (EC). Addressing a press conference after the CWC meet, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal launched a scathing attack on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his immediate sacking while alleging that he was acting at the behest of the Centre to deprive crores of voters their democratic right to cast a vote. The SIR is a complete fraud exercise. The CEC is completely compromised, the Election system is rigged, both the EVMs and the voters' lists are compromised -- designed to favour the BJP in elections, Venugopal claimed. He said that the Congress party will aggressively resist the design to hijack the democracy and launch a pan-India protest soon, after consultation with the INDIA bloc partners. The democracy and the country are under threat under prevailing circumstances. We will fight tooth and nail and wont let EC succeed in its designs, he noted, while highlighting the Congress stir at more than 800 places in the last two-three days. Notably, a meeting of the INDIA bloc allies is scheduled for Wednesday, where all opposition parties are expected to close ranks against the irregularities and formalise a plan to protest, seeking Gyanesh Kumars ouster. The Congress leader, during the press conference, put forth two demands. We are demanding immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, as he has no moral right to continue in the chair for a single day, he said. Congress partys other demand is immediate suspension of SIR, restoration of 13.30 voters, whose names have been illegally struck off from the voters list, he added. Escalating his attack on the Centre, he said that all the CWC members echoed the view that CEC Gyanesh Kumar was not alone but a tool in the hands of his political masters in altering the SIR process unilaterally. Whenever dictators lose confidence, they try to find extraordinary tools to continue in power. This cannot happen without the concurrence of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The two CECs purportedly wrote to the Cabinet Secretary, and that this must have been brought to the Prime Ministers notice, he said. Jairam Ramesh, citing Rahul Gandhis comments at the CWC meet, said that the Congress party has been raising issues of vote chori and unfair manipulation of electoral rolls, but no one paid heed, and these revelations have exposed the malpractices within the poll panel. Rahul Gandhi told the CWC members that it was because of the Congress party that such disclosures are being made. From the Karnataka to Haryana elections, Rahul cited multiple instances of electoral malpractice and made detailed presentations, but people didnt believe him. Today, the disclosures show that what he was saying was right, he told the press. Venugopal, while spelling out the Congress strategy on protests against the EC, said the party will protest in the Parliament and resist on the streets. However, a clear and designed roadmap for pan-India protest will be taken up after the INDIA bloc meeting on Wednesday, he added.
