Congress stages protest demanding bonus for unorganised workers in Puducherry
Beed Police Duo Booked In Bribery Case
An assistant sub-inspector and a head constable in Georai, Beed district, were booked by the Anti-Corruption Bureau on Thursday for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 1,000 bribe from an autorickshaw driver to release his seized vehicle.
'Time to raise our voice as democracy is at stake': Venugopal appeals Indians to join Nov 1 rally
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Congress MP and party's General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal on Thursday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre, while appealing every Indian to join the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In a video message posted on social media platform X, Venugopal referred to the Opposition alliance's rally as Chalo Dilli, Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao and claimed that the democracy is under attack. Thirteen crore names have been deleted from electoral rolls. There is a massive fraud happening in voter rolls in state after state, he alleged while referring to the SIR being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Criticising the Union government, Venugopal said: Our votes are being stolen and when we demand answers, we are met with cane charge and detention. We will not be silenced or intimidated, we will continue to fight for our democracy. The Congress leader also asserted that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi is leading the fight from the front, emphasising that the LoP is fearlessly raising questions and holding those in power accountable. Now it is time for all of us to stand with him (Rahul Gandhi) and join this fight, he added. Venugopal also said: On November 1, there will be a massive rally and march by INDIA bloc parties at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and holding the Modi government accountable. Mentioning that he will be present at the Ramlila Maidan, the Congress MP urged every Indian to join the Opposition alliance. This is the time to stand up, to raise our voices. The future of our democracy is at stake and we cannot afford to remain silent. Jai Hind! Venugopal said. Earlier on Thursday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the mega INDIA bloc protest was very much on track, adding that the opposition parties have taken up the task to awaken the people against the autocratic regime (NDA government). Echoing similar view, Congress MP Kumari Selja said: Rahul Gandhi ji, our other leaders and the INDIA bloc are fighting to save democracy, from the streets to Parliament. Our voices are being suppressed in Parliament. You have seen how we tried to raise our concerns during the Parliamentary session, but the Union government does not allow us to do so. They have absolutely no faith in democracy and have made every possible attempt to weaken it. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manish Tewari questioned the BJP's 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy march, saying that restoring the voting rights of 13 crore disenfranchised people would eliminate the need for rallies.
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India to Face New Zealand in Fourth T20I Tomorrow
AMN In Mens Cricket, India will take on New Zealand in the fourth T20 International of the five-match series at Eden Park in Auckland tomorrow. The match will begin at 12:30 PM. India have already clinched the series with a commanding 3-nil lead after winning the first three matches. India will now look to maintain []
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao on Thursday accused the Congress government in Telangana of corruption and failing to address farmers' concerns, alleging irregularities in the Radial Road project and demanding the immediate release of pending financial assistance to farmers. Addressing the issue, KTR referred to allegations raised by Congress MLA Rajgopal Reddy regarding the alleged Radial Road scam. He also cited claims made by builder Nama Ramesh, who, according to KTR, alleged match-fixing in the process and intimidation by the Chief Minister's Office over submitting a tender. Congress MLA Rajgopal Reddy raised the issue of the Radial Road scam... Furthermore, a builder, Nama Ramesh, who owns a construction company, has openly declared that there was match-fixing involved. He alleged that he was intimidated by the Chief Minister
68 Killed In Spain Train Crash; Anti-Government Protests Erupt Over Railway Safety
A deadly collision between two high-speed trains near Urda has triggered protests in Madrid, with demonstrators demanding accountability as investigators examine a possible signalling failure.
Justice must be ensured for youth in PSC irregularities: Kerala BJP
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 29 (IANS) A BJP delegation on Thursday met the Governor and briefed him on the alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC). Speaking to the media after the meeting, BJP state president and MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the delegation had apprised the Governor of the seriousness of the PSC recruitment scam and urged him to take strong follow-up action to ensure justice for the youth through the legal system. Governor Om Prakash Mathur said he shared the stand taken by former Governor Rajendra Arlekar on the PSC issue and would adopt a position that would provide relief to young people seeking employment, Chandrasekhar said. Arlekar had written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu recommending the removal of Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman M.R. Baiju and the commission members just before he moved out as Governor of Tamil Nadu, after a scam broke out in the rank list of the Kerala State Planning Board. Chandrasekhar was accompanied by BJP legislature party leader B.B. Gopakumar, BJP national executive member and fellow legislator V. Muraleedharan, Yuva Morcha in-charge advocate P. Sudheer and Yuva Morcha state vice-president Shijil. Chandrasekhar also criticised Lok Sabha leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying that while he travelled across the country speaking about Chhatron Ki Goonj (the voice of students), he remained silent on the PSC irregularities in Kerala and the injustice faced by students. He said the Congress leadership, which spoke up for students' rights, should adopt the same position on the problems faced by young people in Kerala. The public should recognise these contradictions in the Congress's political stand, he said, demanding urgent government intervention to address the grievances of PSC rank holders and protect their future. Chandrasekhar said the BJP would continue to take a strong stand on the issue until justice was delivered to the youth. B.B. Gopakumar, MLA, said the government led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had failed to address the demands of PSC rank holders who had shaved their heads as part of their protest to draw the government's attention to their plight. He alleged that the government had remained indifferent to the issue for nearly 150 days and acted only after the Governor recommended action to the President under Article 317 of the Constitution. From the outset, the BJP had demanded a comprehensive investigation into the PSC irregularities and action against those responsible, Gopakumar said. The BJPs move comes at a time when the PSC chairman Dr M.R.Baiju and three other PSC members were questioned by the SIT of the Crime Branch probing the Planning Board fiasco. On Wednesday, the SIT arrested a retired PSC employee and has charged another serving employee, who is presently on the run.
Indians Struggle As Laopakdee Dominates Asia-Pacific Amateur Opener
The Indian trio of Ribhav Verma, Anshul Mishra, and Arkesh Bhatia faced a challenging opening day at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand due to strong winds and a difficult course layout. While they struggled, defending champion Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand delivered an exceptional eight-under 63 to take a commanding lead. The Indians now need a significant improvement on Friday to make the halfway cut.
Jamia Issues Show-Cause Notice to Hostel Resident Over Students Union Protest
The action comes as the university extends online classes till November 24 amid 18 days of protests demanding restoration of the students union.
Malegaon Civic Chief, Aides Held In Bribery Trap
Malegaon Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ravindra Jadhav, along with his PA and an accountant, was arrested on Thursday by the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 80,000 for bill payments related to civic works. The arrests followed a complaint filed in July and a subsequent trap operation.
Netanyahu escalates claims of election fraud by Arab parties
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, October 29, intensified allegations of election fraud by Arab-led parties, describing suspected foreign interference as an earthquake and demanding an immediate investigation by the police and the countrys top internal security agency, Shin Bet. In a social media post, Netanyahu cited Central Elections Committee (CEC) chief 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 .
Rajasthan ACB arrests two govt employees for accepting bribe in Mundawar
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 29 (IANS) The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested a development officer and a junior assistant posted at Panchayat Samiti Mundawar in Khairthal-Tijara district for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 65,000. The two officials, identified as Sanjay Kumar Yadav and Ritik Kumar Singh, were caught red-handed during a trap operation conducted by the ACBs Bhiwadi outpost. According to ACB Director General Govind Gupta, the action followed a complaint alleging that Yadav had demanded Rs 65,000 to complete Measurement Book (MB) entries related to sanitation contracts and pipeline work executed by the complainants firm. The complainants firm had been awarded sanitation contracts by Panchayat Samiti Mundawar for Gram Panchayat Mataur and Gram Panchayat Nangli Oja. The complainant alleged that Development Officer Sanjay Kumar Yadav was harassing him and demanding a bribe of Rs 65,000 to process the Measurement Book entries for the contracts and pipeline work carried out by the firm. Following the complaint, the ACBs Bhiwadi outpost verified the alleged bribe demand on October 23. During verification, the demand was reportedly confirmed, and Yadav allegedly agreed to accept the amount in exchange for processing the entries. Acting on the directions of ACB headquarters, a team from the Bhiwadi outpost conducted the trap operation on Thursday at the Panchayat Samiti office in Mundawar and caught Yadav and Junior Assistant Ritik Kumar Singh while they were allegedly accepting the bribe of Rs 65,000. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Piyush Dixit, Superintendent of Police (SP-I), ACB Jaipur, and led by Police Inspector Surjit Singh, in charge of the ACBs Bhiwadi outpost. Under the supervision of ACB Additional Director General of Police Smita Srivastava and Inspector General of Police S. Parimala, the accused are being interrogated, and further legal proceedings are underway. The ACB has registered a case against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigation is in progress. The Bureau has also stated that individuals against whom cases have been registered may approach it through the prescribed procedure to ascertain the status of their cases, examine the facts on record and submit their explanations. Any further action will be taken in accordance with the law. The ACB has urged the public to report corruption and seek assistance if their legitimate work is being obstructed.
Netanyahu alleges election fraud, rules out cooperation with Arab parties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday intensified allegations of election fraud by Arab-led parties, describing suspected foreign interference as an earthquake and demanding an immediate investigation by the police and the country's top internal security agency. In a social media post, Netanyahu cited Central Elections Committee (CEC) chief Justice Noam Sohlberg's decision to ask Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspicions of foreign funding and improper influence in Tuesday's election. The Ra'amgate affair is an earthquake. They stole the elections in Israel! Netanyahu wrote, targeting the Arab-led Ra'am (the United Arab List) and the Joint List alliance. He alleged that foreign entities had interfered in Tuesday's parliamentary elections and bribed voters in favour of Arab-led parties. The allegations come amid an inconclusive election in which neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition camp led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has secured a ...
Jamia Millia Islamia Students Continue Protests Demanding Restoration of Student Union Elections
Protests at Jamia Millia Islamia continue as students demand elections for the student union and criticize the administrations authoritarian approach. Jamia Millia Islamia Students Continue Protests Demanding Restoration of Student Union Elections
Violent Protests Erupt in Spain Following Deadly Train Collision
A tragic train crash in Spain sparks violent protests, with demonstrators demanding resignations from top officials and accountability for railway safety. Violent Protests Erupt in Spain Following Deadly Train Collision
Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 29 (IANS) The federal government's decision to impose governor's rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has sparked concerns about human rights, civilian authority, and democracy in Pakistan. Aqil Shah, a political scientist at Georgetown University, stated that the emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa marks a significant escalation in Pakistans struggle between civilian authority and the military, a report has detailed. Shah said, Its an important setback because the PTI has been disempowered and dismantled, pretty much at all levels. The government's decision has deprived the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of political representation, leaving them being ruled by a governor and technocrats who act as military proxies, according to a report in Drop Site News. Shah said that Pakistan militarys political ambitions extend beyond Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munirs personal grievances, including former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans ouster of Munir as Inter-Services Intelligence chief. Pakistan military wants to stop civilian leaders from challenging its dominance over national security, internal security, and electoral politics. At least one person was killed, and more than a dozen others were injured after police opened fire during protests in Bara in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province held against the imposition of emergency rule and the removal of Khyber Pakhtunkhwas elected government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The deceased has been identified as a 13-year-old boy. Following the imposition of governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, protests were held, PTI leaders and workers were arrested, and communications were disrupted in the province, Drop Site News reported. It was a peaceful protest, Drop Site quoted Irfanullah, whose younger brother, Munir (19) was shot in the left foot. Irfanullah said that his brother and many others were injured after Khyber police fired at the protesters. Irfanullah said that they did not cause any unrest or chaos. We are not planning to abandon PTIWe are just demanding and raising our voice for our rights and for peace here, nothing else, Drop Site News quoted Irfanullah as saying. Habeel Khan (13), who was killed in the gunfire, worked at an eatery in the market. His uncle said that Habeel Khan died in the hospital four days after the protest. The hospital death summary revealed that the causes of death included gunshot injury, cardiac arrest, and septic shock. Many local residents revealed that injured protesters were not able to receive treatment at local healthcare facilities in Bara for fear of arrest, and healthcare providers did not provide them treatment as they feared police raids. Irfanullah said Munir tried to receive treatment at a local hospital on two occasions. However, the employees refused to provide treatment as they feared police would come to arrest him. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) spokesperson Maheen Pracha said that it has received reports regarding police raids in Khyber, Swat and Peshawar, curfew and military deployments, according to Drop Site News report. Pracha said, Whether it's the PTI in power now or somebody else, the same laws being made now will come back to haunt the next government in power. The violence in Bara erupted after Pakistan's federal government imposed a state of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, removing PTI-led elected government. Pakistan government's decision came after thousands of PTI supporters began marching from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa towards Islamabad to demand Khans access to medical care and his release from prison. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari condemned the Pakistan government's decision to impose governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terming it as a coup disguised as emergency. Strongly condemn the arrest of the only mandated Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and of Junaid Akbar. This coup disguised as emergency or governor rule has squashed the only little bit of democracy left in Pakistan. Further instability and collateral damage to follow. The regime must be feeling very proud, Bukhari wrote on X.
Spain's Train Crash Outrage Turns Violent; Clashes Erupt On Streets Amid 'Sanchez Resign' Cries
Spain is facing a wave of anger after a devastating high-speed train collision killed at least 68 people, triggering violent protests in Madrid and renewed scrutiny of railway safety. Around 500 demonstrators gathered outside the Transport Ministry on Wednesday, demanding the government's resignation. Some protesters threw bottles and flares at police, prompting officers to deploy tear gas and clear the roadway. The tragedy has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Snchez's government, with questions mounting over how the collision occurred and whether safety procedures failed. Snchez has vowed to investigate fully, promising that any negligence or security system failures will be addressed.
CMO Raebareli Medical Officer Recruitment 2026
Chief Medical Office Raebareli (CMO Raebareli) has invited eligible candidates to attend a Walk-in Interview for 18 vacancies, including Medical Officer Npcdcs, Medical Officer, and Medical Officer Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir posts. The walk-in interview will be held on 16 November 2026. Candidates should report at 11:00 AM.
Congress should introspect after MLC poll results, says JD(U), BJP leaders
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Janata Dal (United) and the BJP on Thursday criticised the Congress party over its performance in the recent Legislative Council elections, saying the party and its INDIA bloc allies should respond to the questions raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the use of ballot papers. The remarks came after PM Modi took a swipe at Congress over the results of the Legislative Council elections held across 28 constituencies in four states using ballot papers. In a post on X on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said, MLC elections in 28 seats across 4 big states - Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won. Speaking to IANS, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan said Congress and its INDIA bloc allies should respond to the points raised by the Prime Minister. Congress and its INDIA bloc allies should respond to the points raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweet. Congress has repeatedly demanded voting through ballot papers instead of EVMs. However, in elections held across 28 constituencies for the Legislative Councils in four states, Congress failed to achieve success anywhere except the Nagpur Graduates' constituency. In Karnataka, where Congress is in power, the BJP and JD(S) together won all four seats contested, he said. Ranjan further said Congress had failed to open its account in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections and had suffered a setback in Bihar, where it previously had one MLC. This clearly shows that instead of demanding elections through ballot papers or other methods, Congress and Rahul Gandhi should reconsider the party's strategy on public issues. Rahul Gandhi should introspect and atone for bringing Congress to such a poor state, he added. BJP MP Yogender Chandoliya also criticised the Congress for repeatedly questioning the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Congress had been demanding for a long time that votes should not be cast using EVMs, even though EVMs were introduced during the Congress government's tenure in Uttar Pradesh. Our view is that Congress managed to win one seat, opening its account with great difficulty. Now, will Rahul Gandhi accept this outcome or not? he said. Chandoliya alleged that Congress would once again raise questions about the election results, and that the party had developed a habit of making allegations over various issues. Getting even one seat seems like a huge achievement for Congress, as making allegations on everything has become a habit for them. Otherwise, the results across the country are not going to be in their favour, whether they talk about EVMs, SIR or ballot papers, he added. The BJP won 13 of the 28 Legislative Council seats contested across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka, while Congress secured only one seat.
At least 16 account holders, mostly farmers, have accused employees of Punjab National Banks Aichhar village branch in Greater Noida of allegedly diverting fixed deposits worth an estimated Rs 35 crore. The bank has suspended five staffers, including the branch manager, and launched an internal probe. Police have registered an FIR and begun an investigation, while customers have protested outside the branch demanding the return of their money.
India backs UN call to end US embargo against Cuba
India has reiterated its rejection of laws that adversely affect the sovereignty of other nations while supporting a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding an end to the longstanding U.S. embargo against Cuba. Addressing the assembly prior to the vote, Soumya Nair, a counsellor in Indias Permanent Mission to the UN, stated that New Delhi []
Cong no longer relevant, should stop politicising every issue: BJP MP on MLC election results
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Thursday said that the results of the Legislative Council elections had made it clear that the Congress is no longer relevant in Indian politics, adding that the party should introspect and stop politicising every issue. His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at the Congress over the results of the Legislative Council elections held across four states using ballot papers. Speaking to IANS, Khandelwal said, This has made it clear that the Congress is no longer relevant in politics. Earlier, it used to be said that EVMs were hacked, and the blame was pinned on the Election Commission. Then allegations of vote theft were made, which had no basis. Now, the Congress was demanding elections through ballot papers, and the MLC elections were held using the same ballot papers. The Congress has now been wiped out, and the party should introspect and realise that there should not be politics over every issue. People give a befitting reply when the time comes and deliver their verdict, he added. Backing Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement regarding the MLC election results, the BJP MP said that demanding resignations had become a habit of the opposition parties. What the Home Minister said is right because demanding resignations has become a habit for them. They demand resignations over every small or big issue, turn every matter into a controversy and call for resignations. So, when will they resign over the ballot box? What Home Minister Amit Shah said is completely right, Khandelwal said. He further alleged that Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and other opposition leaders would avoid taking responsibility for the election results. Now, Rahul Gandhi and all the opposition parties will run away, hiding their faces, but the public is watching all of this, he added. Khandelwal also reacted to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's remarks targeting the BJP over the Varanasi Legislative Council election results and said that the SP chief was also gradually losing his relevance in politics. Akhilesh Yadav, too, like other parties, is gradually losing his relevance. Consequently, while he used to speak with some sense occasionally in the past, he is now making baseless statements that have no foundation, Khandelwal said. The BJP won 13 of the 28 Legislative Council seats contested across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka.
Puneet Issar Slams Naseeruddin Shah's 'Selective' Stand
Issar's remarks come amid Shah's recent support for student protests at Jamia Millia Islamia, where students have been demanding the restoration of their student union.
Tanla Platforms, HBL Engineering, Bharti Hexacom stock ideas by Jatin Gedia
Stock market outlook: Jatin Gedia of Teji Mandi expects the pullback in Nifty to continue citing positive cues from the daily and hourly momentum indicators.
Qaziabad milk farmers seek hike in procurement rates
Handwara, Oct 28: Milk farmers in Qaziabad area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district have sought an immediate revision of milk procurement rates, saying rising costs of cattle feed, fodder and veterinary care have made dairy farming increasingly unviable. The farmers said procurement rates had remained unchanged despite a significant increase in input costs over the past few years, squeezing their earnings and threatening their livelihoods. While the prices of feed, fodder and medicines have increased considerably, the rates paid to milk producers have remained stagnant, the farmers said. We are currently paid only Rs 35 per litre, while the same milk sells in the market for around Rs 50-55 per litre. We work hard but receive very little in return. The gap between procurement and market prices is too wide and is affecting our livelihoods, said Sajad Ahmad, a young farmer from Mandigam in Qaziabad. Sajad Abdullah of Yaroo said he had purchased two cows in the hope that dairy farming would help support his family, but rising expenses and low procurement rates had made it difficult to sustain the business. I bought two cows believing dairy farming would provide a stable source of income. However, with low procurement rates and increasing feed costs, it has become extremely difficult to continue, he said. He added that higher transportation and veterinary expenses had further increased the financial burden on small dairy farmers. If the situation continues, many small dairy farmers like me may be forced to abandon the profession, he said.
DGP Nalin Prabhat, GOC XV Corps review ongoing operations in south Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 28:Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, along with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Armys XV Corps, reviewed ongoing security operations with formations deployed across South Kashmir, according to a post shared by Kashmir Zone Police on X. The review assumes significance amid continued security efforts in the region, where the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Army work in coordination to address security challenges and maintain peace and stability. The review brought together the leadership of the police and the Army to assess ongoing operations involving formations deployed across South Kashmir. The engagement underscores the importance of coordination between the two forces in operational planning and the implementation of security measures on the ground. South Kashmir, comprising Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian districts, has remained a key focus of counter-terrorism efforts. Security agencies have continued to maintain operational preparedness and coordinate their activities to respond to emerging challenges. The joint review by the DGP and the GOC XV Corps highlights the continued engagement between the police and the Army in monitoring the operational situation and assessing the functioning of formations deployed in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Army have been working together on security-related operations across the Valley, with coordination between field formations remaining an important component of their efforts. Kashmir Zone Police, in its post on X, stated that Nalin Prabhat, along with the GOC XV Corps, reviewed ongoing operations with all formations deployed in South Kashmir.
Mexican TV Host Kicks Drone, Strikes Model In Face, Then His Reaction Sparks FURY | VIRAL
A Mexican TV host has sparked outrage after kicking a drone during a live broadcast, accidentally sending it flying into Colombian model Isabella Rojas face. The shocking incident unfolded on Mexican variety show Es Show, leaving Rojas injured and in tears. Host Ernesto Chavana later apologised and accepted responsibility, but footage of the live TV mishap triggered fierce backlash online. Watch the moment the drone struck Rojas and see why viewers are demanding accountability after the on-air disaster.
Cabinet expansion aftershocks continue in NC
Srinagar, Oct 28: The aftershocks of the National Conferences Cabinet expansion continued to reverberate on Wednesday, with Health Minister Sakeena Itoo defending the partys unity, supporters of veteran MLA Mubarak Gul staging a protest in Srinagars Press Colony, and Gurez legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezis reported disappointment adding to the unease within the ruling party. A day after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inducted four legislators into his Council of Ministers, the celebrations of the new entrants were accompanied by visible disappointment among several senior leaders who had hoped to find a place in the government. The reactions have brought the partys internal dynamics into focus, raising questions about how the leadership will balance seniority, loyalty, regional representation and the expectations of legislators who have remained outside the Cabinet. Itoo sought to play down suggestions of a serious rift, describing the National Conference as a family and maintaining that differences of opinion were natural in a political organisation. She argued that not every legislator could be accommodated in the ministry and that grievances could be expressed within the partys democratic framework. Her remarks came as supporters of Gul took their disappointment to Press Colony, demanding that the veteran Eidgah MLA be accommodated in the Cabinet. Protesters reportedly wore white shrouds, held placards and raised slogans in his support, with some demanding that he resign from the party rather than accept his exclusion. Gul, a six-time MLA and former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, had expressed disappointment over being overlooked. His subsequent appointment as National Conference general secretary by party president Farooq Abdullah has not prevented supporters from publicly questioning the decision to leave him out of the ministry. The discontent has also extended to Gurezi, whose absence from Tuesdays oath-taking ceremony attracted attention amid speculation over the names considered for ministerial positions. The newly inducted minister, Mir Saifullah, who went to Gurezi's residence to meet him, said: Gurezi is my close friend, and he is a basic soldier of NC; there is no question of him being angry with the party. Meanwhile, Abdul Majeed Larmi, the MLA from Anantnag West, made an emotional appeal to his supporters while addressing party workers, saying he had not cried for himself but for the people who had stood by him. Why shouldnt I cry for those who visited me and remained like a rock with me since 2014? Larmi said, referring to the loyalty and support of his workers over the years. Urging his supporters not to react in a manner that could go against the principles of the National Conference, Larmi asked them to remain committed to the party despite their disappointment. While acknowledging that he was hurt by being overlooked for a ministerial berth, he made it clear that he would continue with the party. His remarks reflected the emotional undercurrent surrounding the Cabinet expansion, with the disappointment of individual legislators increasingly intertwined with the expectations of their supporters. The leadership has sought to contain the fallout by emphasising party unity and the limitations on Cabinet strength. Omar Abdullahs adviser Nasir Aslam Wani acknowledged that every MLA aspired to become a minister but said the Union Territorys constitutional framework imposed constraints. The expansion saw Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shamima Firdous and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo inducted into the ministry. With the four appointments, the government filled the vacancies that had remained open for nearly two years and brought the Council of Ministers to its maximum permissible strength of nine, including the Chief Minister. The episode has left the National Conference leadership facing the delicate task of managing expectations without allowing disappointment to harden into a wider organisational dispute. While the party has maintained that the reshuffle was an exercise in governance, protests and emotional appeals from within its ranks have ensured that the political consequences of the Cabinet expansion continue to unfold.
The Uncomfortable Economics of Kashmiri Weddings
Weddings, once conceived as celebrations, have now devolved into spectacles. Guy Debord, in his seminal work, The Society of the Spectacle, posits that in the modern world, everything that we once lived directly has transposed into an image. The shift from expression through directly lived experiences to expression through the exchange and consumption of images has endangered a profound and pervasive erosion of both the human existence and the sanctity of marriage. Life, in general, and weddings, in particular, are no longer lived, but performed to be watched. Debord traces the development of a modern society in which authentic social life has been replaced with its representation. He argues that the history of human social life has seen a decline from being into having, and from having into merely appearing. A socio-economic equation idiosyncratic to most Kashmiri weddings is: an un/der-employed starry-eyed woman trying to live up to an image of an Instagram bride and a father/brother who is(nt) ready to squander all his savings for a curated performance. Out of Debords 221 theses, many fit perfectly in helping us comprehend the nuanced economics of Kashmiri weddings. Thesis 34, particularly, states, The spectacle is capital accumulated to the point that it becomes an image. The unemployment rate in Jammu & Kashmir among young women(aged 15-29) ranges between 46% to 53%. On the other hand, an average middle-class Kashmiri wedding minimally costs 20-25 lakh rupees. An unemployed woman who has no independent economic capital has only a spectacle in the form of symbolic capital. This is capital that could have been a house down payment, a business enterprise, a Masters degree, a rewarding future. But the capital must annihilate itself to become an image & so it does. Thesis 42 deserves mention: The spectacle corresponds to the historical moment at which the commodity has succeeded in totally colonising social life. A few decades back, a Kashmiri wedding was all about a family gathering, happy moments & a sumptuous meal. Now the list of what is visibilised & commodified includes: our emotions(one must pat to show love), our kinship(one must pay to look honourable), our bodies( one must pay to look unrealistically beautiful), our religion(one must pay for a Nikah shoot with the holy Quran as a prop). Every ritual is commodified into a service one can buy & pay for. The question is, where to place the blame? On the woman, who is an under-achiever in education and employment(by choice or by chance) and seeks recognition not by being a woman of substance but by being a maximalist ornate bride. For her, the wedding becomes the only rationally chosen social spectacle where she is allowed to be central, visible, and commanding. For her the spectacle gives the appearance of an achievement without the labor of achievement. On the patriarchal system which limits her access to public life, to meaningful employment, to spaces where she is seen and valued for her work. When there is no office to go to, no business to build, no career ladder to climb, life can feel purposeless. She plans a spectacle to compensate for an empty calendar. On the mother who makes her son spend extravagantly by making him believe that love for her sister equals expenditure, that honor of the family equals display and to say no would make him less of a brother and far less of an honourable man. On the consumer economy where conspicuous consumption becomes production. A womans self-worth doesnt come from earning money but by spending money not for use, but to signal status. On the father/brother who has fallen prey to conspicuous consumption by proxy in which he displays his wealth, economic privileges, social status not through his own direct consumption but by outfitting and provisioning his daughter/sister in luxury goods. Tragically, wherever the blame falls, it is the father/brother's wallet that becomes the brides only access to capital in a patriarchal consumer economy. When such a woman is denied self-worth, she attempts to find it in one big day because the other 364 days offer her little worth in her own eyes & in the eyes of the world. Does this mean that we should have no celebrations at our weddings? No, we don't need less celebrations. What we need is more life outside the celebration. What we need for our women is meaningful, rewarding, fulfilling jobs, start-ups, research projects, and incomes of their own so that they wouldnt make the men in the family silently carry a burden which isnt entirely theirs to bear. If their daily lives are filled with meaning, they wouldnt need to make one day unnaturally heavy with meaning. We need to give our women something more spectacular than a wedding. And if we dont, the spectacle will go on!
Kupwara DM seeks action against drug-linked contractors
Srinagar, Sep 28: District Magistrate Kupwara Abhishek Sharma has directed the R&B Department and Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) to examine allegations against government contractors allegedly linked to narcotics-related activities and initiate appropriate penal proceedings under the rules. He has also directed the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Kupwara to initiate action for cancellation of driving licences of persons involved in drug-related cases. The directions were issued during a district-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), chaired by the District Magistrate along with SSP Kupwara Sudhanshu Dhama and SSP Handwara Sajad Khaliq, to review the anti-narcotics situation and strengthen enforcement across the district. The move is likely to draw attention from people seeking strict action against drug-related activities, particularly those demanding accountability from individuals allegedly involved in the drug trade. Residents have long called for firm enforcement and coordinated efforts to protect young people from substance abuse. During the meeting, the District Magistrate reviewed the prevailing ground situation, ongoing enforcement measures and the status of rehabilitation facilities. He stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholder departments, with equal focus on enforcement, rehabilitation and community engagement. The Police Department was directed to take stringent legal action against drug peddlers. The ARTO was asked to proceed with licence cancellation in drug-related cases in accordance with applicable rules. The DM further directed the R&B Department and ACD to examine the allegations against government contractors allegedly linked to narcotics-related activities and initiate appropriate penal proceedings wherever warranted under the rules. The Health Department, in coordination with the Police Department, was asked to inspect all de-addiction centres and take action against unauthorised facilities. The Assistant Drug Controller was directed to monitor the supply and distribution of medicines to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was instructed to procure testing kits for screening commercial drivers across the district. Controlling officers were also directed to identify government employees struggling with substance addiction and facilitate their structured rehabilitation at certified de-addiction facilities. The meeting underlined the administrations focus on a coordinated approach to tackle drug abuse through enforcement, prevention, treatment and public participation. People seeking stronger action against the drug menace will now look for effective implementation of these directions, including action by the concerned departments and the ARTO in accordance with the law.
Touchscreen MacBook Pro Guide: Release date, price and new features
Macworld Apple has announced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro lineup, officially called MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display. Available in 14.2-inch and 16.3-inch sizes with M5 Pro or M5 Max processors, the new models combine tandem OLED technology with direct touchscreen input. Touch is standard across the new range, while non-touchscreen MacBook Pros remain available. The biggest changes include Dynamic Island, a smaller and lighter enclosure, and a new 16TB maximum SSD option on M5 Max configurations. The display adds Adobe RGB support and higher peak brightness while retaining a maximum 120Hz refresh rate. Other features include up to 128GB of RAM, Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7 and audio with a claimed 50% deeper bass. The touchscreen models retain the same chip families, memory capacities and advertised battery endurance as their equivalent non-touch M5 models, making this primarily an upgrade to the display, design and how users interact with their Mac. U.S. starting prices carry a $400 premium over equivalent non-touch versions, with the 14-inch M5 Pro starting at $2,899 and the 16-inch M5 Max starting at $4,799. Whats new compared with the non-touchscreen MacBook Pro? The processor generation, maximum RAM, Thunderbolt generation, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth versions and Apples battery-life ratings havent changed, but there is a lot that is different. Change New PROLED XDR models Non-touch M5 models Display technology Tandem OLED PROLED XDR Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR Touchscreen Standard Multi-Touch input No Peak brightness 2,000 nits peak HDR and outdoor SDR; sustained full-screen brightness remains up to 1,000 nits 1,600 nits HDR; up to 1,000 nits SDR outdoors Colour and contrast P3 plus Adobe RGB; quoted 10,000,000:1 contrast P3; quoted 1,000,000:1 contrast Screen dimensions and resolution 14.2-inch, 30241986; 16.3-inch, 34722266 14.2-inch, 30241964; 16.2-inch, 34562234 Camera cutout and interface Dynamic Island Notch Portability 14-inch: 1.381.40kg; 16-inch: 1.821.84kg; both thinner 14-inch: 1.601.62kg; 16-inch: 2.142.15kg Maximum storage 16TB with either M5 Max GPU configuration 8TB with M5 Max Camera stabilisation Adds advanced video stabilisation Existing computational video features Speakers Redesigned system; Apple claims 50% deeper bass Six-speaker system Touchscreen MacBook Pro release date: When will it launch? Pre-orders : October 28, 2026 On sale : November 6, 2026 Pre-orders opened on October 28, 2026, through Apples website and Apple Store app. Deliveries and retail availability begin Friday, November 6, through Apple Stores and Apple Authorised Resellers. Apple announces an initial rollout covering 30 countries and regions. Pre-order the touchscreen MacBook Pro PROLED XDR from Apple U.S. Pre-order the touchscreen MacBook Pro PROLED XDR from Apple U.K. Touchscreen MacBook Pro price Apple has introduced a more expensive touchscreen range alongside the existing models. The new range carries a $400 starting-price premium over every equivalent non-touch M5 model. The premium does not buy a newer processor generation, more base memory or a larger entry SSD. Model Non-touch starting price PROLED XDR starting price Difference 14-inch M5 Pro $2,499 / 2,499 $2,899 / 2,899 +$400 / 400 16-inch M5 Pro $2,999 / 2,999 $3,399 / 3,399 +$400 / 400 14-inch M5 Max $4,099 / 4,099 $4,499 / 4,499 +$400 / 400 16-inch M5 Max $4,399 / 4,399 $4,799 / $4,799 +$400 / 400 Touchscreen MacBook Pro design Apple The new MacBook Pro retains a conventional laptop layout, built-in keyboard and Force Touch trackpad. It comes in Space Black or Silver, with an enclosure made from 100% recycled aluminium. Compared to the existing models, the weight reduction is more substantial than the thickness reduction: the 14-inch models lose 220g, while the 16-inch models lose approximately 310320g. Slimmer borders also allow the larger screen to grow slightly despite a reduced enclosure footprint. Apple describes a revised hinge and cooling system. It claims greater hinge stability during touch input and says the cooling design directs warm air away from the display. Well be verifying those claims in our review of the new laptop. Model Previous width depth thickness New width depth thickness Previous new weight 14-inch M5 Pro 31.26 22.12 1.55cm 31.08 21.63 1.50cm 1.60 1.38kg 14-inch M5 Max Same Same 1.62 1.40kg 16-inch M5 Pro 35.57 24.81 1.68cm 35.55 24.42 1.60cm 2.14 1.82kg 16-inch M5 Max Same Same 2.15 1.84kg Touchscreen MacBook Pro dimensions compared to non-touchscreen models. Touchscreen MacBook display The PROLED XDR Display isnt just for touching. Apple Both sizes offer M5 Pro and M5 Max configurations, and every PROLED XDR model includes touch. There is no base-M6 configuration in this touchscreen range. OLEDs benefits concern image reproduction: individually lit pixels, deeper blacks and reduced blooming around bright objects. Touch adds a separate benefit direct interaction with content. The maximum refresh rate remains 120Hz. Apple indicates that pixel compensation mitigates ageing and burn-in, rather than establishing that OLED cannot deteriorate. It quotes 1% reflectance for standard glass; nano-texture scatters reflections further. There is also an oleophobic coating to reduce fingerprints. For cleaning, Apple advises powering down and using a soft cloth appropriately dampened for standard screens; never spray liquid directly onto the display. For nano-texture, use the supplied polishing cloth and follow Apples specific care instructions. Display specification 14-inch 16-inch Diagonal size 14.2 inches 16.3 inches Native resolution 30241986 34722266 Pixel density 254ppi 254ppi Technology Tandem OLED Tandem OLED Sustained full-screen HDR/SDR brightness Up to 1,000 nits Up to 1,000 nits Peak HDR brightness 2,000 nits 2,000 nits Peak outdoor SDR brightness 2,000 nits 2,000 nits ProMotion 10120Hz 10120Hz Colour One billion colours, P3 plus Adobe RGB, True Tone Same Glass Standard antireflective glass or optional nano-texture Same Apple qualifies the sustained brightness figure for temperatures below 25C. Peak brightness does not mean the whole screen continuously operates at 2,000 nits. Which MacBook models get a touchscreen? Touch comes with the 14- and 16-inch PROLED XDR models using M5 Pro or M5 Max; the M6 MacBook Pro and Liquid Retina XDR models have no touchscreen. How does touch work in macOS? Apple Apple confirms scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, drawing, dragging and dropping, double-tapping a window to fill the screen, and flicking windows into tiled positions. Touch works alongside keyboard and trackpad input. Dynamic Island provides access to activities and controls. Spotlights relocation there requires Siri AI to be available and enabled. In everyday use, this offers a direct way to move through documents, enlarge photographs or reposition content. macOS translates taps into clicks for many existing apps; developers can use gesture APIs for more specialised controls. Apple indicated that there are forthcoming updates for Microsoft 365, Notion, Canva, Zoom, Lightroom, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, Shapr3D and djay Pro later this year. Creator Studio updates are confirmed to be coming in November. Touchscreen MacBook Pro processor M5 Pro and M5 Max As expected, the processors are carried-over M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The new models feature the same CPU/GPU options, Neural Engine and memory bandwidth as the equivalent non-touch models. All have a 16-core Neural Engine and GPU Neural Accelerators. The 18-core CPU comprises six super cores and 12 performance cores; the 15-core version has five and 10 respectively. Apple introduced these chips earlier in 2026. They use third-generation 3nm manufacturing and Apples Fusion Architecture, joining two dies into one system-on-chip through advanced packaging. Those are characteristics of the existing M5 Pro/Max generation, not manufacturing upgrades introduced with touch. For an example of Apples older-generation comparisons, it claims 10.9 faster time to first token than M1 Pro for a 14-inch M5 Pro model. Apples test used an 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD against an M1 Pro with 10-core CPU/16-core GPU, 32GB RAM and 8TB SSD. The workload was a quantised 14-billion-parameter model, an 8K-token prompt and LM Studio. Apple made no indication that there was any CPU/GPU performance increase over an equivalent non-touch M5 configuration, or a quantified improvement in whole-system power efficiency. Separately, Apple has launched the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip . Touchscreen MacBook memory: How much RAM is included? There is no increase in base or maximum memory over the equivalent non-touch M5 models. The M5 Pro starts with 24GB, the 32-core GPU M5 Max has 36GB, and the 40-core version starts with 48GB. Reaching 64GB with M5 Pro requires the 20-core GPU; reaching 128GB requires the 40-core M5 Max. More memory can accommodate larger creative projects, more demanding multitasking and larger local AI models. Touchscreen MacBook storage: What is the highest capacity? The entry capacities are unchanged. However, it is possible to upgrade to 16TB on M5 Max, up from 8TB. In order to obtain that capacity buyers need either the 32-core or 40-core GPU. Apple makes an up to twice as fast storage claim that compares a 16TB M5 Max system with an 8TB M4 Max system. Both had 128GB RAM; testing used FIO 3.43 with 1,024KB requests, a 10GB file and queue depth eight. That test doesnt demonstrate doubled SSD performance over the non-touch M5 range. We will be running our own benchmarks. Touchscreen MacBook camera, microphones and speakers The camera remains a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View and 1080p video recording. Advanced video stabilisation is new, however. Authentication remains Touch ID. Dynamic Island is an interface feature, not confirmation of Face ID or a TrueDepth camera. Apple retains a six-speaker system, force-cancelling woofers, Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support. Apple claims 50% deeper bass and adds closed-lid audio tuning. The three-microphone array retains directional beamforming, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum modes. Touchscreen MacBook battery Apple lists video-streaming ratings of 22/20 hours for the 14-inch Pro/Max and 24/22 hours for the 16-inch Pro/Max, the same as the non-touchscreen models. Touchscreen MacBook Pro connectivity and ports Both sizes include: One 3.5mm headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones. Three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, supporting charging and DisplayPort. One HDMI port. One SDXC card slot. MagSafe 3. Apple quotes Thunderbolt/USB4 support up to 120Gb/s and DisplayPort 2.1. Apples N1 wireless chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread are included, but they are not touchscreen-model upgrades. External display support The M5 Pro chip supports three external displays at 6K/60Hz or 4K/165Hz. Alternatively, it can support one 8K/60Hz, 5K/120Hz or 4K/240Hz display, plus a second at up to 5K/120Hz or 4K/200Hz. The M5 Max chip supports four external displays at 6K/60Hz or 4K/165Hz, or two displays at up to 8K/60Hz, 5K/120Hz or 4K/240Hz. Apples PROLED XDR specifications lists 165Hz for the multi-display 4K configurations, rather than the older 144Hz figure. Touchscreen MacBook Pro versus non-touchscreen specs Model / display range CPU cores GPU cores Available memory (GB) SSD options (TB) Video streaming (up to hours) U.S. included adapter Battery capacity (Wh) D isplay resolution (pixels) 14-inch M5 Pro PROLED XDR (touch) 15 16 24, 48 1, 2, 4 22 70W USB-C 72.6 3024 1986 14-inch M5 Pro PROLED XDR (touch) 18 20 24, 48, 64 1, 2, 4 22 96W USB-C 72.6 3024 1986 14-inch M5 Max PROLED XDR (touch) 18 32 36 2, 4, 8, 16 20 96W USB-C 72.6 3024 1986 14-inch M5 Max PROLED XDR (touch) 18 40 48, 64, 128 2, 4, 8, 16 20 96W USB-C 72.6 3024 1986 16-inch M5 Pro PROLED XDR (touch) 18 20 24, 48, 64 1, 2, 4 24 140W USB-C 100.0 3472 2266 16-inch M5 Max PROLED XDR (touch) 18 32 36 2, 4, 8, 16 22 140W USB-C 100.0 3472 2266 16-inch M5 Max PROLED XDR (touch) 18 40 48, 64, 128 2, 4, 8, 16 22 140W USB-C 100.0 3472 2266 14-inch M5 Pro Liquid Retina XDR (non-touch) 15 16 24, 48 1, 2, 4 22 70W USB-C 72.4 3024 1964 14-inch M5 Pro Liquid Retina XDR (non-touch) 18 20 24, 48, 64 1, 2, 4 22 96W USB-C 72.4 3024 1964 14-inch M5 Max Liquid Retina XDR (non-touch) 18 32 36 2, 4, 8 20 96W USB-C 72.4 3024 1964 14-inch M5 Max Liquid Retina XDR (non-touch) 18 40 48, 64, 128 2, 4, 8 20 96W USB-C 72.4 3024 1964 16-inch M5 Pro Liquid Retina XDR (non-touch) 18 20 24, 48, 64 1, 2, 4 24 140W USB-C 100.0 3456 2234 16-inch M5 Max Liquid Retina XDR (non-touch) 18 32 36 2, 4, 8 22 140W USB-C 100.0 3456 2234 16-inch M5 Max Liquid Retina XDR (non-touch) 18 40 48, 64, 128 2, 4, 8 22 140W USB-C 100.0 3456 2234 Should you buy the touchscreen MacBook Pro? Is touch worth the premium? Provisionally, the stronger justification is the combined OLED display, lower weight and touch capability. Buyers who regularly manipulate visual content may find direct input useful. Those who mainly type, use a mouse or work on an external display have less reason to pay the extra $400. A firm verdict needs testing of reflections, fingerprints, reach, hinge movement and app behaviour. Which model? The 14-inch M5 Pro is the most accessible and portable option. Choose the 16-inch M5 Pro for a larger workspace and Apples longest battery rating. M5 Max makes sense when GPU performance, memory bandwidth, more than 64GB RAM or storage above 4TB serves a demonstrated workload; it is unnecessary simply to obtain touch. Should existing owners upgrade? For owners of an M5 Pro or M5 Max MacBook Pro, this is principally a screen and portability decision. M4 owners should similarly assess the display benefits against the cost. Older Apple-silicon and Intel owners may gain more broadly, but performance improvements vary by application. This or an iPad Pro? Choose the MacBook Pro when desktop Mac applications, its keyboard, ports and professional workflows are essential. Choose an iPad Pro when a handheld tablet and supported Apple Pencil workflow are central. Apple has not established Pencil support, a detachable display or tablet conversion for this MacBook Pro.
Dawn Staley Raises Safety Concerns Ahead Of South Carolinas Paris Opener Against Maryland
Dawn Staley has addressed security concerns in Paris ahead of South Carolinas opener against Maryland, while both coaches prepare for a demanding start to the college basketball season.
India rejects laws affecting national sovereignty; votes at UN against US embargo on Cuba
Digital Desk | United Nations, Oct 28 (IANS) India on Wednesday reiterated its rejection of laws that adversely affect the sovereignty of other countries as it voted for a General Assembly resolution demanding an end to the US embargo on Cuba. Soumya Nair, a counsellor in India's UN Mission, said New Delhi backs the Assembly's call to all countries to reject laws and regulations with extraterritorial effects that adversely affect the sovereignty of other states and the progress and prosperity of their peoples. Speaking before the Assembly voted on the resolution asking the US to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, she said, India reiterates the Assembly's call to all states to refrain from promulgating and applying, and to repeal and invalidate such laws and measures in conformity with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and International Law. The resolution was carried with 130 votes to 17, with 25 abstentions, after a drama on the floor of the Assembly chamber on Tuesday when Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla charged up to the dais to confront US Permanent Representative Mike Waltz as he was speaking. Assembly President Khalilur Rahman briefly suspended the proceeding to restore order. The drama continued on Wednesday when the US expelled the Cuban mission's First Secretary Richard Tur de la Concepcion for allegedly physically tangling with a US diplomat during the confrontation, according to Waltz. He said, If you lay a hand on an American diplomat in this body, there will be consequences. That so-called diplomat today will be put on a plane back to Havana, he said without identifying the diplomat, who was identified by Cuba. The confrontation took place as Waltz was speaking of the alleged corruption by Cuba's leaders. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, was critical of the Cuban conduct. He said at his Wednesday briefing, We expect every delegation to respect the decorum of the General Assembly's hall and to respect the rules and procedures of the General Assembly. UN Safety and Security deployed more personnel than usual, and They did a great job in ensuring that the situation did not get out of hand, he added. Nair said, India's commitment to multilateralism is rooted in our belief that international challenges are best addressed through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the UN Charter. It is in this spirit that India hopes that the embargo will be lifted at the earliest, to help create an environment that would enable the people of Cuba to participate more fully in international cooperation and pursue their legitimate development aspirations, she said. She noted that because of the embargo Cuba's health system faces shortages of over 60 per cent of essential medicines, while food production has declined by more than 50 per cent over the past five years. The recently tightened restrictions on fuel exports to Cuba have disrupted essential services, including healthcare, education, water supplies, food distribution and transportation, she said.
MLC Election: BJP protest during counting at Pahadiya Mandi
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 28 (IANS) Kenya and Bangladesh cemented the top two spots in Men's Group B with commanding victories on the sixth day of the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. While Kenya defeated previously unbeaten Canada 49-20, Bangladesh breezed past Australia 69-30 to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Led by Viduranga (11 points) and Lakshita (nine points), Sri Lankan men, too, scored a facile 50-22 win over England to book their place in the semi-final. Sri Lanka plays India in the last clash to decide Group A topper on Thursday. The Kenyan men's all-round game proved too much for Canada. Contributions from eleven players were central to their win, with Stephen Adongo scoring six points and Rodgers Atieno and Samuel Wafula chipping in with five points each. They outscored Canada 24-13 and won 15 tackle points compared to seven bagged by Canada, apart from inflicting four all-outs on them. Meanwhile, Bangladesh relied on Dipayon Golder's 21 points and Md Liton Ali's 14 points to trounce Australia by 39 points. Ibrahim Khaleel and Amol Roy scored seven points each as Bangladesh outraided Australia 41-30. Bangladesh scored 15 tackle points to Australia's one. Twelve all-outs were inflicted on Australia, with three of them coming in the first 15 minutes, as Bangladesh put in a dominant display to cement second place in Group B. Malaysia and Uganda also enjoyed victories on the day, but in contrasting manners. While Malaysia eased past Nigeria 78-13 in a Group B clash, Uganda pipped Tanzania (35-28) by seven points in a thrilling encounter, which ebbed and flowed. Uganda held a slender 16-14 lead at half-time. However, the former turned it on in the second half, inflicting a crucial all-out in the last moments to widen the gap, which their East African neighbours were unable to bridge. Uganda outscored Tanzania 19-16 in raid points and 15-11 in tackle points in their victory. Earlier, Ugandan women put on a fabulous show to register a comprehensive 65-22 victory over Nigeria and march into the semifinals of the competition. Their victory sets up a semifinal showdown against fellow African counterparts and Group B topper Kenya, while hosts India, who topped Group A, lock horns with South Asian neighbour Sri Lanka in the other semifinal. Uganda, who needed a victory to consolidate the second spot in the group, were neck-and-neck with Nigeria in the initial phase of the match. Uganda was leading 16-9 when the Nigerian coach called a timeout. After the timeout, Uganda asserted themselves and went on a 18-0 run. At half-time, Uganda led 35-12, a lead that all but ensured their entry into the last four. Nalwoga Nahia with 22 points and Nalubega Olivia with 11 points were pivotal to Uganda's win. The latter outscored Nigeria 44-15 in raid points and 12-5 in tackle points, apart from inflicting eight all-outs en route to the triumph. In the day's first match, Bangladesh women, riding on Sraboni Mollick's 27 points and Bristhi Biswas's 12 points, hammered England 79-13 in a lopsided clash. Bangladesh ended the group assignments with two victories and two losses. Bangladesh outscored England 48-12 in raid points and 16-2 in tackle points in addition to winning 12 all-out points on their opponents. Their defeats to Kenya (by nine points) and Sri Lanka (by 11 points) put paid to their hopes of reaching the last four.
Rajasthan Panchayat polls: 64.32 pc voter turnout; Batadu records highest
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 28 (IANS) The second phase of the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj General Elections-2026 recorded a voter turnout of 64.32 per cent by 6 pm on Wednesday, with Batadu Panchayat Samiti in Barmer district registering the highest participation at 78.30 per cent. Desuri Panchayat Samiti in Pali district recorded the lowest turnout at 49.11 per cent. Polling began at 7 am across 2,549 wards in 22 Zila Parishads and 124 Panchayat Samitis. Voting continued beyond 6 pm at several polling stations, where queues of voters were visible, raising the possibility of a further increase in the final turnout. The second phase covered 352 Zila Parishad wards and 2,197 Panchayat Samiti wards. The electoral contest involved 8,404 candidates, whose political fortunes were sealed in electronic voting machines (EVMs) following polling. According to district-level figures, Barmer recorded an overall turnout of 72.08 per cent across seven Panchayat Samitis. Of the district's 3,53,235 eligible voters, 2,54,627 exercised their franchise. Batadu led the district with 78.30 per cent polling, while Barmer Panchayat Samiti recorded the lowest turnout in the district at 64.87 per cent. Despite the overall enthusiasm among voters, polling was disrupted briefly at some locations due to technical issues with EVMs. Approximately 30,000 machines were deployed across 11,799 polling stations. During the process, 105 ballot units and 71 control units reportedly malfunctioned, temporarily affecting voting before operations were restored. In Bikaner's Ganpatsinghpura 4 MM area under Bajju, villagers staged a sit-in outside a polling station after finding its main gate locked. Meanwhile, residents of Umkali village in the Rohat area of Pali district boycotted the elections, demanding the creation of a separate Gram Panchayat. In other areas, polling proceeded peacefully amid tight security and administrative monitoring. Officials and police personnel visited polling stations to oversee arrangements and maintain law and order. The second phase forms part of Rajasthan's ongoing Panchayati Raj electoral process, with voters electing representatives to rural local governance institutions. Elections for Panchs and Sarpanchs were scheduled for the following day, on Thursday.
Top security officials review ongoing operations in Kashmir Valley
Srinagar, Oct 28: Top security brass in Kashmir on Wednesday reviewed the ongoing operations in the Valley, police said. The operations in south Kashmir were reviewed at a meeting attended by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based XV Corps (also known as Chinar Corps) Lt Gen Balbir Singh, and others, they said. Sh Nalin Prabhat, DGP, along with GOC XV Corps, reviewed the ongoing operations, with All Formations, deployed in South Kashmir, Kashmir Zone Police said on X.
Telangana ACB catches Legal Metrology Inspector with Rs 20K bribe
Hyderabad: A government officer and a private individual were arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a petrol bunk owner at LB Nagar in Hyderabad. According to Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials, Inspector K Venkateswarlu, working in the Legal Metrology Department, demanded the bribe money for verifying certificates already issued 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 .
Meghalaya CM sets target of NPP winning majority on its own in next polls
Digital Desk | Shillong, Oct 28 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) president Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday set a target of securing a majority on its own in the 2028 Assembly elections, urging party workers to combine sustained grassroots efforts with smart and strategic campaigning. Addressing a party induction ceremony in Shillong, Sangma welcomed former United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators Paul Lyngdoh and Renikton L. Tongkhar into the NPP, describing their entry as significant in view of their longstanding political association and personal ties with the party leadership. Recalling the NPP's formation in Meghalaya on August 24, 2012, the Chief Minister referred to an old photograph taken at the time, in which Tongkhar was present, underlining his long association with the party. Sangma said the party's immediate focus would be on the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, followed by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections and the 2028 Assembly polls. He expressed confidence in D.R.L. Nonglait as a strong candidate for Parliament and called upon party workers to mobilise support and work consistently towards victory. Emphasising the importance of election preparedness, Sangma cautioned workers against complacency and said electoral success required continuous engagement with voters, even when campaigning became demanding. He stressed that the party's performance would depend not merely on the volume of work undertaken but also on the effectiveness of its outreach and the ability to connect with people. Mookaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh, the third former UDP legislator to join the NPP, could not attend the ceremony due to ill health. Supporters of all three legislators also joined the ruling party. The induction follows the Meghalaya Assembly Speaker's recognition, on October 23, of the merger of the three UDP legislators with the NPP. Earlier, eight UDP MLAs had merged with the BJP, reducing the UDP's strength from 12 legislators to just one in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly. The latest political developments mark a significant realignment within the state's Opposition ranks as the NPP prepares for its upcoming electoral challenges.
Ranji Trophy: Bhut's Six-For Puts Saurashtra on Brink of Victory
Left-arm spinner Parth Bhut's exceptional six-wicket haul for just seven runs has put Saurashtra in a commanding position against Assam in the Ranji Trophy. Saurashtra secured a significant first-innings lead and then reduced Assam to 65 for seven on day three, nearing an outright victory.
Bibis Ouster Confirmed? Israels Arab Parties Emerge As Kingmakers, Join Oppn Call To Topple Govt
Could Israels Arab parties hold the key to Benjamin Netanyahus political future? As Israel gears up for a closely contested election, Arab-majority parties are emerging as potential kingmakers, with projections suggesting they could play a decisive role in determining the next government. Yair Golan, leader of The Democrats, has called on opposition leaders to unite with Arab parties to challenge Netanyahus ruling coalition. With the opposition and Arab parties potentially commanding enough seats to form a parliamentary majority, the push for a united front is gaining attention. But will Israels divided opposition overcome its differences to challenge Netanyahu?
Why is Rahul Gandhi troubled by electoral roll purification? asks BJP chief Nitin Nabin
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday led the Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) padyatra in Delhi. He called upon party workers to protect democracy, counter anarchic thinking and strengthen public confidence in the party. The march commenced near the historic Jain Lal Mandir, with Delhi BJP President and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Lok Sabha MPs Praveen Khandelwal and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, BJP National Secretary Jaiprakash and other leaders in attendance. Addressing party workers, Nabin said BJP karyakartas serve the people and raise their voices on the streets, whether the party is in power or in opposition. He asserted that democracy is safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and that the faith of the countrys 140 crore citizens remains with him. Accusing the Congress of promoting dynastic politics, the BJP chief said that the party continued to prioritise one familys wishes over national interests. Referring to the Emergency and the dismissal of more than 90 elected state governments during Congress rule, he said the people had repeatedly responded democratically and punished the party. He also alleged that Congress MP Rahul Gandhis leadership is weakening the party and that his party leaders should reflect on their repeated electoral defeats. On electoral roll revision, Nabin compared voter lists to account books that must be regularly audited and corrected. He alleged that the rolls contained deceased voters, duplicate entries and names of people whose whereabouts could not be established. He said the exercise aimed to ensure that every eligible Indian citizen was included and ineligible entries, including those of alleged infiltrators, were removed. Questioning Rahul Gandhis opposition to the process, he accused the Congress of seeking to preserve irregularities for political advantage. The BJP president also highlighted the partys nationalism, recalling the 2011 Tiranga Yatra to Srinagars Lal Chowk and alleging that the Congress-led government had failed to respond adequately to the situation there. He said BJP workers had struggled to uphold the national flag and maintained that Indias unity, development and heritage would continue to advance under Prime Minister Modis leadership. Nabin said the BJPs ideology and expansion could not be stopped, noting that the party governs 22 states. He argued that the countrys youth have moved from the atmosphere of uncertainty prevailing in 2013 towards hope and optimism. He reiterated the goal of making India a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi would hoist the national flag from the Red Fort in 2029 also. Criticising the Aam Aadmi Party, Nabin credited Chief Minister Rekha Guptas leadership with the BJPs political success in Delhi and vowed to eliminate the remaining influence of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party. He also questioned the silence of Rahul Gandhi and opposition leaders over alleged misconduct involving a JNU professor who is a Congress MP. Nabin urged BJP workers to continue visiting households after the padyatra, expose what he described as anarchic politics, respond to opposition arguments both on the streets and in Parliament, and strengthen public trust in the BJPs commitment to democracy, national development and good governance.
Jamia extends virtual classes till Nov 24, shifts to online examination
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) The Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University on Wednesday directed the extension of the ongoing online classes till November 24 and announced that all practical and theory examinations of Odd semester students will be held via virtual mode, considering that the situation at the campus is ot conducive for an academic environment. Further, JMI declared that the winter vacation for the academic session 2026-27 will begin from December 25 till January 12, 2027. Students at the university have been staging a hunger strike since October 12, demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU) and the removal of the University's Chief Proctor over a crackdown on protestors. All classes were shifted to online mode on October 24 as a precautionary measure amid the students' protests. An official statement from JMI said: To assess the situation, a meeting of all Deans/Heads/Directors/Officials was held today at 4.30 pm in the FTK FT, and after detailed discussion it has been unanimously agreed that the situation of the University Campus is not conducive to an academic environment. Therefore, to ensure the safety and security of bonafide students of the University, the Competent Authority, JMI, has passed the following orders: The Online classes shall now be held till 24th November, 2026; Teaching (Odd Semester) through online mode shall end on 24th November, 2026; The End Semester Exam of all Practical, Field Work, Project Viva, Minor Project Viva etc., through online mode shall be conducted with effect from 25th November, 2026 to 30th November, 2026, the statement read. End Semester Exams of theory papers shall be conducted through online mode with effect from 1st December, 2026 to 24th December, 2026; The Winter Vacation for the academic Session 2026-27 shall be observed with effect from 25th December, 2026 to 12th January, 2027, the varsity said, adding that even semester classes shall commence from January 13, 2027. Further, JMI ordered all Deans, Heads and Directors, to ensure the compliance of the said orders and make necessary steps for the smooth conduct of online classes, mid-term examinations, End-Semester Examination and maintain students' attendance and other records regularly. Earlier on Wednesday, the university expressed deep shock, disappointment, and concern regarding the incidents that took place the previous night, which involved vandalism and damage to University property.
India Women completed a commanding 3-0 white-ball ODI series sweep against Zimbabwe Women, securing an eight-wicket victory in the third match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Driven by 20-year-old spinner Vaishnavi Sharmas maiden international five-wicket haul and rapid, unbeaten half-centuries from openers Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma, the hosts comfortably chased down a target [] The post Vaishnavi Sharmas Maiden Five-For and Rapid Fifties from Pratika Rawal, Shafali Verma Seal 3-0 Series Sweep for India Women appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Apple Announces iMac With M6 Chip Highlighting Major AI Performance Boosts
Apple has officially announced the launch of its latest iMac model powered by the new M6 processor , following the recent rollout of updated iPad mini , Mac mini, and Mac Studio devices . The new desktop machine promises significant performance enhancements and a massive leap in artificial intelligence processing, driven by additional processor cores and newly integrated Neural Accelerators embedded within each core. The M6 chip architecture equips the entry-level desktop with up to a 12-core CPU, a 12-core GPU, and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine . Combined with a memory bandwidth of 170GB/s, these hardware upgrades deliver graphics performance that is twice as fast as the preceding M4 model . Base configurations start with 16GB of unified memory, with optional upgrades available for 24GB and 32GB. Optimized primarily for daily productivity, Apple reports that the new iMac operates up to 50 percent faster in applications like Microsoft Excel compared to its predecessor, and up to 2.5 times faster than original M1 versions. Furthermore, the hardware handles demanding creative applications efficiently, offering up to double the ray-tracing gaming performance alongside accelerated photo and video editing capabilities. A primary focus for the hardware release centers on on-device machine learning capabilities. According to benchmark figures provided by Apple , the device achieves up to five times faster prompt processing speeds in LM Studio compared to the M4 , and up to 12 times the speed of the M1 series. Operating on macOS 27 , the desktop integrates the next generation of Apple Intelligence and an upgraded Siri , allowing users to query information across personal emails and photos, alongside deep integration into Spotlight . Externally, the physical design remains consistent with a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display featuring 500 nits of brightness and P3 wide color support. Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 7 , Bluetooth 6 , and 2.5Gb Ethernet, though the system supports Thunderbolt 4 rather than the faster Thunderbolt 5 standard. Users can connect up to two external 6K displays. Additional hardware components include a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera , color-matched accessories with Touch ID , and a selection of seven aesthetic finishes. Pre-orders begin at $1,499 for the 10-core configuration with 16GB of RAM, while the 12-core variant starts at $1,699. Apple Announces iMac With M6 Chip Highlighting Major AI Performance Boosts , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Siddharth says 'thank you for been born' as wife Aditi Rao Hydari celebrates her birthday
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Actor Siddharth thanked his better half, Aditi Rao Hydari, for being born in a sweet birthday wish on Wednesday. He treated the netizens to a couple of candid clicks of the 'Heeramandi' actress and called her 'sweetest, brilliant, and kindest'. Siddharth wrote on his official Instagram handle, its that time of year again the day i say thank you veryyyy much to the universe and everything in between my crucial half that counts was born today heres some pictures to tell you where we've been always the sweetest, always so brilliant always the kindest, there's really nobody else like you! (sic) Happy Birthday Adu Jaan ( glowing star emoji) lets go on another trip around the sun together (red heart emoji) thank you for taking the time and care to be born ma'am. your biggest fan, i love you. (Kiss emoji), his warm birthday wish for his wife went. Talking about Siddharth and Aditi's love saga, their romance bloomed on the sets of the Telugu film 'Maha Samudram'. If the reports are to be believed, when Siddharth first met Aditi, he greeted her with, Hello, beautiful girl. Their friendship soon transformed into romance. On March 28, 2024, these two announced their engagement on social media with a sweet post. Later, Siddharth and Aditi got married in an intimate traditional ceremony on September 15, 2024. The couple tied the knot at a historic family temple in Telangana, in the company of close family and friends. Work-wise, Siddharth and Aditi shared screen space in the recently released anthology 'Lust Stories 3'. Backed by Ronnie Screwvala of RSVP Movies and Ashi Dua Sara of Flying Unicorn Entertainment, the project has 4 stories by Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra, and Vishal Bhardwaj. 'Lust Stories 3' enjoys an ensemble cast including Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Gurfateh Pirzada, Sana Thampi, Ali Fazal, and Radhika Madan. Aditya and Siddharth were a part of Bhardwaj's story titled 'Erotica', where the two play a married couple.
Northern army commander reviews operational preparedness in Kargil, Batalik sectors
Leh, Oct 28: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Wednesday visited Kargil and Batalik sectors of Ladakh and reviewed the operational preparedness of troops deployed in the strategically important areas. Lt Gen Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, visited the Forever in Operations Division on October 28-29 and reviewed the operational preparedness of troops deployed in Kargil and Batalik Sectors, Northern Command said on X. The two sectors, characterised by challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, are guarded by battle-hardened troops of the Indian Army. Interacting with the personnel, the Army Commander appreciated their professionalism, high morale and unwavering commitment to the nation, it said. He exhorted the troops to continuously refine their tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) while harnessing cutting-edge technology to maintain operational superiority, the Army said.
I Never Charged for Public Service, Says Dia
This comes after HC raps celebs demanding fee for anti-pollution campaign
MP Congress targets BJP over Hardeep Singh Puris RS nomination
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 28 (IANS) The Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday criticised the BJP for nominating Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for the Rajya Sabha bypoll from the state, alleging that the decision had brought disrepute to Madhya Pradesh and demanding answers over questions surrounding his alleged links to the Jeffrey Epstein case. State Congress president Jitu Patwari questioned the BJPs decision to nominate Puri and alleged that the party was under some compulsion to keep him in a position of power. The compulsion to keep Hardeep Singh Puri in power raises questions about whether there is something that has left the BJP vulnerable. The BJP must answer the questions raised over the Epstein case linked to Puri. When will the country get answers? Patwari said. He accused the BJP of insulting Madhya Pradesh by choosing Puri as its candidate for the Upper House and said the Congress would oppose the decision. The BJP, intoxicated by the power of votes, is openly insulting both Madhya Pradesh and the mandate given by the people of the state. The Congress strongly opposes this, he said. Former Union minister and former Madhya Pradesh Congress president Arun Yadav also criticised the nomination, alleging that it had brought disgrace to the state. He linked his criticism to concerns over crimes against women and minor girls in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh already ranks number one in the country in cases of sexual abuse of minor girls. Now, sending a friend of an international sex offender to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh has brought disgrace to the state. This exposes the BJPs mindset towards women and young girls, Yadav said. The BJP has nominated Puri for the Rajya Sabha bypoll in Madhya Pradesh to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Union minister L Murugan on October 14. Murugan resigned to focus on strengthening the party in Tamil Nadu. Puris existing Rajya Sabha term from Uttar Pradesh was due to end on November 25. The bypoll is scheduled for November 12, with members of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly voting to elect a member to the Upper House. Counting will take place the same evening. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal congratulated Puri on his nomination and extended his best wishes following the partys Central Election Committee decision to field him for the bypoll. The nomination has triggered a political exchange in the state, with the Congress questioning the BJPs choice of candidate while the ruling partys state leadership has welcomed the decision.
Institutional Defiance: How Modi Government Overturned Judicial Authority Through the CAPF Act 2026
THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT'S directive to progressively reduce IPS deputation in Central Armed Police Forces was meant to be transformative. On 23rd May 2025, in the case of Sanjay Prakash & Ors. v. Union of India , the orders directed the recognition of CAPF Group A officers as Organised Group A Services (OGAS), a status that should have guaranteed them parity with IAS and IFS peers. The court's judgment directed a two-year timeline for phasing out the IPS Deputation from the Senior ranks up to Inspector General. Seven Months later, the government did what many had anticipated, rather apprehended. It basically bypassed the Courts intent through legislation by enacting The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act 2026 which was passed on 2nd April and got the assent of President of India on 9th April 2026. The Act now officially reserves 50 per cent of Inspector General posts, at least 67 per cent of Additional Director General positions and 100 per cent of posts of Special Director General and Director General exclusively for IPS officers on deputation. Responding to the enactment 3000 CAPF officers have challenged it, arguing that it is unconstitutional. The crisis is not merely about rank and promotion. It reflects a deeper problem in the system- treating those who guard its internal security and tough terrains of the border with less dignity than those who work in relative comforts in other parts of the country. The Constitutional Violation The Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution of India, which states equality before the law. CAPF officers and armed forces personnel in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force perform mostly identical roles, face the same risks and even sign the same oath of service, yet one gets the benefit of assured pensions while the other one faces market volatility. One gets career progression, like becoming the head of the Army, Navy, Airforce the other one does not get promotions. The government does not provide any compelling reason for this differentiation, which itself is inconsistent with the constitutional principles. Second, it violates Article 16(1), which provides for equal opportunity in public employment. The CAPFs are classified as Union forces and their personnel are recruited through a competitive CAPF examination. Yet they are not getting the chances of promotion as their counterparts in IPS are brought on deputation to occupy higher ranks which CAPF personnel should have legitimately got. Instead, it creates a structural hierarchy in which the highest posts have been reserved not for merit or seniority but for membership in another service. This discrimination is disguised as administration. Thirdly, it violates the doctrine of parity in public service. The Honble Supreme Court has long recognised that officers who are performing equivalent duties in equivalent hierarchies must have equivalent conditions of service. The court has noted this principle when it granted OPS (Old Pension Scheme) benefits to CAPF personnel who were recruited before 2004, while acknowledging that these are armed forces deserving of armed forces protections. The aforementioned 2026 Act attempts to overturn this recognition through legislation. But the constitutional crisis runs even deeper. By enacting the 2026 Act after the Supreme Court's clear directive and even after dismissing the government's own review petition on 28th October 2025 , the Ministry of Home Affairs has effectively argued that Parliament can overturn any Supreme Court judgment through back-door legislation. What has been done is not based on the principle of separation of power; rather it represents the defiance of the judgement of the apex court of the country. Therefore, contempt petitions have already been filed against the Union Home Secretary. The Career Stagnation Crisis Data concerning CAPFs reflects career stagnation. It shows that out of 10lakh personnel across CAPFs only about 13000 hold Group A officer positions. The structure itself creates a bottleneck as the officers recruited as Assistant Commandants face the promotion cycles of 15-18 years just to reach the rank of Deputy Inspector General. Even many retire at the rank of DIG without ever reaching the higher administrative tiers where key policy decisions are taken. Now compare this with the officers of the armed forces who get opportunities for promotions to occupy higher ranks. It is worthwhile to draw a parallel between promotional opportunities available for CAPF with similar opportunities available to IPS officers. Governments own data reflects that there are approximately 4594 IPS officers across India , a significant proportion, advancing rapidly to higher ranks by going on deputation to CAPF positions, often staying there only for 2-3 years before returning to their parent organisations. These IPS officers gain seniority in both the organisations simultaneously which is impossible for CAPF officers. The Human cost is visible and devastating. According to multiple reports from retired CAPF associations the rate of premature resignations, suicides, and stress related casualties among CAPF personnel has risen as career prospects stagnated. The morale which is the invisible but invaluable strength of any armed forces has been severely undermined. The CAPF officers who spent 25-30 years in the field, earning commendations and managing crises at the border and in counter insurgency operations, retire as DIGs while outsiders get parachuted for the short tenures and become Director General. This is not just unfair, it is demoralizing for an organisation which is responsible for securing India's internal security and defending international borders. The Pension and Welfare Disaster The issue of promotions for CAPF officers constitutes only half of the crisis. The other half, tragically, is their systematic impoverishment. The CAPF personnel who are recruited after 1st January 2004 do not qualify for the Old Pension Scheme as they are governed by the National Pension System, a contributory scheme with market dependent returns bereft of guaranteed minimum pension amount. In the Armed Forces those who are recruited after 2004 received the exemptions and continue under the Old Pension Scheme with assured lifelong pensions. The Delhi high court even recognised this disparity in 2023 and mandated OPS benefits for CAPF personnel . Sadly it has not been implemented. On 9th April 2026, families of CAPF personnel even protested at the Raj Ghat demanding the simple parity under the banner Equal risk should mean equal security. In all fairness their demand is just and proportionate. The research by senior CAPF officers has documented that CAPF personnel get postings in difficult terrains and disturbed areas exactly in the same manner as armed forces personnel get posted in remote borders and dangerous zones. Yet they retire early typically in their 40s and 50s after 20-25 years of service. The uncertain pension amount they get is dependent on market returns and annuity calculations. Why the Governments Argument Fails The MHAs justification stating that the IPS officers are necessary for higher posts in CAPF for Centre -State coordination needs to be scrutinized. First the CAPF officers manage inter service coordination without any outsider commanding them. Secondly these officers themselves possess the bureaucratic sophistication to coordinate with the States; many of them having worked closely with the State police and administrative machinery. Lastly if the concern is coordination, then why to reserve 100 per cent of SDG and DG posts? Coordination could be achieved through rotation i.e. one term for IPS, then two for CAPF officers. The real issue is not coordination, it is a pure control of CAPF by IPS officers who while on deputation to CAPFs maintain informal links with their parent organisations and the bureaucracy of the ministry of home affairs. They become the government intermediaries which are easier to manage and quicker to rotate back to their parent service. A CAPF promoted officer would bring accountability and reform based on intimate knowledge of the organisation. In contrast, an external IPS chief can return to his parent cadre after 2-3 years without truly understanding the organisation to which he is sent on deputation to serve. What the Supreme Court and Parliament Must Do The Supreme Court should examine the constitutional validity of CAPF Act 2026. In the event of any of its provisions violating the constitutional principle it should be declared unconstitutional by the apex court. However, courts alone cannot fix systemic discrimination faced by CAPF personnel. The parliament must act to address the problem. Statutory Parity : Guarantee 70-80% of IG and ADG posts for CAPF officers, with limited deputation reserved for specialised roles such as training and liaison) Pension Equity : Extend the Old Pension Scheme to all CAPF personnel immediately. The argument that fiscal sustainability requires NPS for paramilitaries (CAPF) is untenable when armed forces have been exempted from NPS. Cadre Review: Commission an independent review of CAPF recruitment, promotion and training structures. Mental Health and Welfare: Address the crisis of resignations, suicides and stress. This requires not merely administrative shift but also cultural shift. Treating CAPF personnel as extensions of armed forces, not as extensions of police and bureaucracy. Conclusion The CAPF Act 2026 represents a failed policy and a betrayal of trust. Many CAPF officers and Jawans joined these forces under the impression that they will get the same treatment which personnel of armed forces are entitled to. They have guarded international borders, fought insurgencies and managed crises under conditions as severe as those faced by armed forces. The SC has begun to correct this injustice, but the government shows no intention of accepting the verdict of SC. If this crisis remains unresolved, if the judgment in Sanjay Prakash is allowed to be nullified by Parliament, it will give a signal to every minority, every disadvantaged group, every citizen that the Supreme court orders are negotiable when the government does not agree with them. CAPF officers are not asking for charity. They are asking for the same respect, pensions, and career paths as those with uniforms render services for defending the country. This is not a radical demand. It is the bare minimum of justice.
Indian Army conducts high-altitude training in Ladakh to enhance mechanised forces' readiness
The Indian Army is currently focusing on enhancing the operational readiness of its mechanised forces. Training is being conducted in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, which poses numerous challenges. Key training includes battlefield movements, surveillance setups, and effective equipment management practices. This effort aims to improve combat preparedness and ensure successful operations in demanding environments. The Army emphasizes its commitment to train hard, operate smart, and strike decisively.
Dhadi Darshan Soon at Srimandir: Law Minister Inspects Infrastructure
To ensure a hassle-free and disciplined pilgrimage experience for millions of Lord Jagannath devotees, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan personally inspected the ongoing construction of the special queue-based Darshan system at the iconic Srimandir in Puri. Accompanied by key state officials, the Minister visited the project site to evaluate the progress of the infrastructure, barricading, [] The post Dhadi Darshan Soon at Srimandir: Law Minister Inspects Infrastructure appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Police SI Arrested In Hyderabad Bribe Scandal
A Sub Inspector of Police in Hyderabad was caught by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a complainant. The bribe was sought to avoid arrest, accept replies to notices, and prevent new cases. A case of criminal misconduct has been registered, and the matter is under investigation.
Banjara Hills Sub-Inspector caught by Telangana ACB for demanding 1 lakh bribe
Digital Desk | Nairobi, Oct 28 (IANS) In a step towards deepening maritime cooperation between India and Kenya, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Varaha undertook joint training and professional exchanges with Kenya Coast Guard Service personnel at Mombasa, focusing on maritime safety, law enforcement and coastal security in line with India's vision of MAHASAGAR. Day 2 of ICGS Varahas Operational Turnaround at Mombasa focussed on professional engagements with Kenya Coast Guard Service personnel. A Maritime Search and Rescue tabletop exercise and training in Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Nuclear, Biological, Chemical and Damage Control (NBCD) focused on enhancing coordination, maritime law enforcement and safety at sea, the Indian Assistant High Commission in Mombasa posted on X on Wednesday. The ship also welcomed members of the local community and Indian diaspora onboard, strengthening bonds of friendship. Sharing expertise and training together for safer seas and secure coastal communitiesin keeping with Indias vision of MAHASAGAR, it added. On Tuesday, a special Yoga session was conducted onboard ICGS Varaha with enthusiastic participation from members of the ships crew and the Indian diaspora. Strengthening shared cultural heritage and fostering regional harmony, the Indian mission posted on X. During the ships port call, Commanding Officer Comdt Ramanjeet Singh Rana, accompanied by the Defence Advisor at the Indian High Commission in Nairobi, called on Bruno Shioso, Director General, Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS). Discussions focused on strengthening ICGSKCGS cooperation through training and joint exercises. Joined by the Assistant High Commissioner, they also called on Capt William Ruto, Managing Director, Kenya Ports Authority. Discussions covered port security, maritime safety, maritime connectivity and facilitating bilateral trade, the Indian High Commission in Nairobi posted on X following the meeting. ICGS Varaha arrived at Mombasa on Monday for a port call as part of its overseas deployment, marking the third visit by an Indian Navy or Coast Guard ship to the East African port city this year, the Indian High Commission in Nairobi said. Strengthening maritime ties and bonds of friendship. ICGS Varaha of the Indian Coast Guard arrived at Mombasa today for a port call as part of her overseas deployment. This marks the third visit of an Indian navy/coast guard ship to Mombasa this year, following visits of INS Trikand and INS Tarkash, the High Commission posted on X. The frequent port calls by Indian ships to Kenya is symbolic of the growing bilateral maritime partnership as part of BAHARI Joint vision and Indias MAHASAGAR vision, it added.
NHRC orders probe into Punjab mans suspicious death, police action against protesters
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging human rights violations in connection with the suspicious death of Daljit Singh, a resident of Bhamme Kalan village in Punjabs Mansa district, and the subsequent police action against protesters demanding accountability. A Bench presided over by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo has issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), directing them to get the allegations enquired into and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks. The action was initiated under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, after a complaint filed by Harmandeep Singh Mehta was placed before the apex human rights body on Wednesday. The complaint alleged that Daljit Singh was found dead under suspicious circumstances, with his family raising concerns over the cause of death, including a suspected connection with drugs. It further alleged that family members and supporters staged a protest seeking answers and accountability, following which police stopped a procession near Ramdittewala Chowk and took custody of the deceaseds body. According to the complaint, a confrontation subsequently took place, with allegations of police use of force and detention of protesters. The police reportedly justified their actions on the grounds of maintaining law and order and stated that some protesters had assaulted police personnel. The complainant sought an independent enquiry into Daljit Singhs death and the subsequent police action to ensure the protection of human rights, a fair investigation and accountability of the authorities concerned. Taking cognisance of the matter, the NHRC observed that the allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victim. The apex human rights body directed its registry to issue notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the DGP, asking them to get the allegations looked into and submit their respective reports within two weeks for its perusal.
Delhi lawyers have extended their strike indefinitely over alleged threats by an ACP, demanding his suspension and an impartial inquiry as police file a counter-FIR against 1520 advocates.
Maharashtra Governor urges youth to lead campaign against addiction
Speaking at an event under the Sashakt Yuva, Sashakt Bharat (Empowered Youth, Empowered India) campaign at Mahakavi Kalidas Kalamandir in Nashik, the Governor stressed the importance of discipline, concentration and good habits in shaping young peoples character
Mansa Death: Drug Overdose Claim Vs Police Murder Case
The death of 35-year-old Daljit Singh in Mansa has sparked controversy, with his family claiming he died of a drug overdose and demanding an end to drug supply, while police have registered a murder case against three individuals. The incident has led to protests and strong criticism from opposition leaders against the Punjab Police and the state government.
Akaash Wins at 2nd Karnataka State Ranking Tenpin Bowling Tournament
The top-seeded Akaash produced a commanding performance in the final, defeating third seed Antony R by 67 pins, with a two-game cumulative score of 406339 to secure the Title
ACB nabs Banjara Hills SI for demanding Rs 2 lakh bribe
Hyderabad: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday, October 28, arrested a Sub-Inspector of Police attached to Banjara Hills police station for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 2 lakh from a complainant. According to ACB officials, the complainant was facing a cheating case registered in 2026. He was also facing two other cheating cases 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 .
Classified material missing from Epstein files, documents suggest
Attorney General Todd Blanche has long maintained that the so-called Epstein files, even those kept from the public, contain no secret information related to national security. When the document releases began last winter, Blanche noted that the Epstein Files Transparency Act authorized withholding information in the interest of national security or foreign policy, but said, no files are being withheld or redacted on that basis. There's not some tranche of super-secret documents about Jeffrey Epstein that we're withholding, we're actually not withholding anything based upon [national defense information], said Blanche, who was deputy attorney general at the time. But the contents of at least three documents in the massive tranche of files indicate classified information was included in files collected by the DOJ. One of the documents shows Blanche's Office of the Deputy Attorney General itself received classified material related to Epstein in March 2025. By law, material can only be classified for national security purposes. What exactly was classified and why remains a mystery. The Department of Justice says it collected 6 million pages of material and ultimately released over 3 million of those pages after reviewing for duplication, attorney-client privilege and relevance to Jeffrey Epstein. Congressional challenges and a lawsuit are casting doubts on the DOJ's claims and demanding the release of more documents that were held back. Clues about classified material Included among the Epstein files is an eight-page timeline of the FBI's New York office's initial efforts last year to track down and deliver its voluminous files to the Justice Department's Washington headquarters. On March 25, 2025, one document shows delivery of 16 Epstein items to ODAG, referring to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. Among them, items No. 2 and No. 6 are described as Epstein Transparency Project - Classified Material and CDs with classified materials (x2). The Epstein Transparency Project refers to the Justice Department's effort to review the files and redact , withhold or clear them for release. It is not clear what exactly was identified as classified. Each CD was likely capable of holding hundreds of megabytes of material. Also in the files is an email sent that same day from the unit chief of the National Security Classification Operations Unit an office whose role is to review FBI documents for classification or declassification. The email includes an attachment labeled Epstein - Classified Document Memo.docx. The body of the email says there were three documents identified that remain classified. One was described as an FBI document which is classified when see-through. A redaction obscures the unit chief's description of the other two documents. The identity of the email's recipient is also redacted. It's also not clear whether the two documents the email and the list are referring to the same classified material. Coding system reveals missing pages A CBS News analysis of a numerical coding system used by the DOJ to organize the Epstein files offers clues about some of the documents the department has withheld. The codes don't reveal what's missing, but they do show where gaps exist, raising questions about the DOJ's explanation for why documents were withheld. Among the missing documents are pages from Epstein's own financial records collected as evidence in a federal prosecution. Here's how it works: Documents from the Epstein files are labeled with a string of numbers beginning with the letters EFTA stamped on the bottom right-hand corner; EFTA stands for Epstein Files Transparency Act. Those are called Bates numbers a common way of organizing massive document batches in legal cases. Every page receives its own number. In the Epstein files, the sequence goes from 1 to 2,858,498, which is the tally of approximately how many pages of documents were released. According to the DOJ, other documents including court records and investigative files they've previously released bring the total to over 3 million. Alongside the Epstein files' Bates numbers are other, older coding numbers that appear on many documents. This indicates that those documents had previously been used in federal legal cases, potentially collected as part of an earlier subpoena. For instance, Bates coding on some of the documents is from the Ghislaine Maxwell criminal case and was used to organize files given to Maxwell's legal team ahead of her 2021 trial as part of the discovery process. Other Bates numbers indicate documents were collected from Epstein's banks, including JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank, during the FBI's investigation into his trafficking activities. Similar gap analyses have been done in the past by independent researchers. Missing financial documents Finding gaps in these documents is a simple process of counting. In tens of thousands of instances, the main EFTA number will advance by one but the other Bates numbers advance by two or more. Those gaps indicate pages that had been there before were likely removed at some point after the DOJ obtained them. Take the images below: The EFTA number advances by one but the JPM-SDNY and SDNY_GM numbers advance by 2, as do the page numbers from the original document. In another example, a series of around 4,500 images of checks from Epstein's accounts has gaps where 66 of those check images should be. Oftentimes the missing image is only the front or the back of the check, although in several cases both are missing. Comparing all of these numbers against the final EFTA page numbers, it is possible to calculate that there are tens of thousands of pages of documents that are missing from these sections, with no clear reason why. Financial records were not a permissible category for removal, Barbara McQuade, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, told CBS News. Like every federal prosecutor, she says she is very familiar with Bates numbers. It's the reason you have Bates numbers, so you notice something like that, she said. The DOJ hasn't responded to CBS News' recent inquiries about the Epstein files, but it has previously said that every document required to be released by the Epstein Files Transparency Act has been released, and the remaining files were unrelated, privileged, or were duplicative. Email gaps Another sequence of Bates numbers that provide a map to where documents were removed appears to be from a preliminary processing of the files. One large sequence of those have R1 in between EFTA and the page number. This R1 numbering is found across approximately 995,000 released pages, between p. 61 and p. 2,214,171 in the files. Each page is also labeled with an EFTA page number. While the EFTAs are sequential, the R1s have gaps which range from 1 page to hundreds of pages. Each time a gap appears for example, if the EFTA advances by 1 but the R1 advances by 2 it's evidence that pages were removed. By comparing these sequences it's possible to identify gaps where documents, mostly emails, were removed between that earlier review and the final release. No partial emails turned up in the thousands of documents we examined, so the removals appear to be entire email exchanges. Here's what a section of that looks like: The emails are not sequential in date and jump by days, months and years, so knowing what was removed from context is simply not possible. But the results of calculating the differences between the first and last of the numbers in this earlier sequence versus the later sequence is 1.2 million pages, which is the total number of identified gaps from just this one section. Most of the documents in this section are emails to or from Jeffrey Epstein, including communication with young women who would later accuse him of abuse; email exchanges with his business associates; messages to or from his assistant, Lesley Groff; or emails sent or received by Ghislaine Maxwell. De-duping There is one possible explanation for many of the email gaps. Instructions given to DOJ attorneys working on processing the redactions state: If the document is an email chain and the most-inclusive email (i.e., containing all the back-and-forth) has already been reviewed and redacted as appropriate for production, the interstitial back-and-forth can be marked as duplicates. In other words, all emails exchanged prior to the last email in a chain can be considered a duplicate, because the last one should include all of the messages, and eliminating the duplicates will speed up the redaction process. Once a document is marked as a duplicate, it would likely be excluded from the files. If that was the case, this was only partially accomplished because duplicate emails still exist throughout the files. There's also the possibility that errors in the process could have resulted in crucial emails mistakenly being deleted. Lack of transparency The review and redaction process was conducted by hundreds of DOJ attorneys working under a compressed timeline. Given the scale of the task, it's possible that pages were withheld as a result of honest mistakes. But without a roadmap to the redactions and removals, it's impossible to make that determination. Independent journalist Katie Phang is suing the Justice Department, seeking the release of more files as well as an explanation of redactions and removals. A federal judge has made several rulings in her favor and the DOJ is appealing those rulings. As part of her lawsuit, Phang is asking the court to appoint a special master to review the files. If it wasn't intentional, then was it gross negligence? Were you just lazy? If it was intentional then I think there's [expletive] there that they don't want people to see, Phang told CBS News. My speculation runs an entire spectrum of reaction but at the end of the day it just makes the DOJ look bad. The DOJ has acknowledged making several mistakes. It admitted to removing, and then restoring, a photo of now Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on a 2012 visit to Epstein's island , contradicting claims Lutnick had previously made about his contacts with Epstein . Last year, DOJ officials claimed a minute was missing from prison security video from the night Epstein died, which turned out to not be true . This is a case where the process has inhibited public trust in what is ultimately released, and there's a long tradition of this, whether it's the Pentagon Papers or the Epstein files, said attorney Stanley Brand, a veteran litigator and distinguished fellow in law and government at Penn State Dickinson Law. This is just another piece where the government process, where making this stuff available just fuels suspicion that there's something we're not seeing, and I don't know that ever gets resolved. This article originally appeared on CBS News at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/epstein-files-classified-material-missing-documents-suggest/
Mubarak Guls supporters protest in Srinagar over cabinet snub
Srinagar, Oct 28: Supporters of National Conference leader Mubarak Gul on Wednesday staged a protest at Press Colony in Srinagar, demanding a cabinet berth for the Eidgah MLA following his exclusion from the government. Wearing white shrouds, the protesters held placards demanding that Gul be given a cabinet berth or resign from the party. Do justice to Eidgah, make Mubarak Gul a cabinet minister, the protesters chanted, expressing resentment over the partys decision. Gul Sahab, resign, the protesters shouted. One of the protesters said Gul had contested seven elections and won every time, alleging that the party had failed to honour its commitment to him. Farooq Sahab had promised us. His name was on the list until yesterday, but he was not given a ministerial berth, the protester said. It is worth mentioning that Mubarak Gul, a six-time MLA from Eidgah, was left out of the Cabinet during Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs expansion on Tuesday. Gul was subsequently appointed the National Conferences general secretary, but the appointment did not immediately satisfy all his supporters.(KNO)
Macworld On Wednesday at 1 pm ET, Apple is expected to cap off its Pro and Tell week of announcements with the launch of its first truly new laptop in years and a milestone for the Mac: the first-ever touchscreen MacBook Pro with a new design, a new display, and a new price tag. As with the past few Apple announcements, Bloombergs Mark Gurman has spilled some final details about the new device, most notably the price. According to his sources, Apple has discussed charging as much as $2,899 for the new 14-inch model with an M5 Pro chip, essentially a $400 premium over current M5 Pro model, which comes with 24GB and 1TB. Apple offers two varieties of the M5 Pro chip, with an 18-core variant commanding a $200 premium. Rumors suggest the options for the new laptops will be the same as the current crop but wont replace them. Rather, theyll exist as premium options alongside the existing models. Its not clear whether theyll offer the same RAM and storage tiers, however. Gurman has previously reported that the touchscreen MacBook Pro will offer several upgrades over the current model, including: An OLED display with thinner bezels; A new design thats significantly lighter than the current crop; A new hinge that doesnt move when tapped; and A new cooling system that improves airflow through the hinge. The new laptops will also feature a new version of macOS Golden Gate that includes dial-like menus that appear around a users finger. However, Gurman says Apple will market the touchscreen as an option rather than a replacement for the trackpad. In a follow-up post on X , Gurman wrote that Mac fans should Get excited for the new laptop. And believe me, we are.
Woman Files Police Complaint Over Alleged Secret Recording on Bengaluru Metro
A woman has alleged that a fellow passenger secretly recorded her during a Bengaluru Metro ride, prompting her to confront him and lodge a police complaint.An FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway, police said. In a video shared on social media, the woman appears distressed and recounts confronting the man and demanding that he unlock his phone.
Delhi circle rate update: Farmers in the national capital are demanding a circle rate of Rs 10 crore per acre, with the Delhi Panchayat Sangh urging the government to implement this circle rate for agricultural land. Current estimates suggest that land rates in the capital region could zoom by around 650%, causing prices to go over Rs 15 crore per acre from Rs 2 crore now.
2026 has been a remarkable year for Mona Singh, with the actor delivering six diverse projects that have found success and further showcased her versatility as a performer. From exploring different characters to taking on new challenges on screen, Mona has continued to push her boundaries, with Kohrra Season 2 emerging as one of the notable projects in her impressive year. While Mona has consistently demonstrated her ability to slip into varied roles, Kohrra Season 2 presented her with a challenge she had never experienced before. The series saw her take on an action sequence for the first time in her life, with the shoot becoming an unforgettable experience owing to the extreme weather conditions and the physical demands of the scene. Reflecting on the most challenging scene she has ever filmed, Mona shared, Most challenging scene I've ever filmed I guess would be in my series Kohrra Season 2 where we did the action sequence and I was also like doing action for the first time in my life and it was freezing cold. It was almost one degree at night, so it was pretty challenging and action was even more challenging. So yeah, that is one night I will never forget. The experience highlights Mona's willingness to step outside her comfort zone and embrace demanding roles that require her to explore new aspects of her craft. Shooting an action sequence for the first time, especially in temperatures dropping to almost one degree at night, made the experience particularly demanding, turning it into a memorable milestone in her journey as an actor. With six projects to her credit in 2026, each offering a different creative experience, Mona Singh has had a year marked by variety, consistency and successful screen outings. Kohrra Season 2 stands out as another example of her continued evolution as a performer, reinforcing her ability to take on unfamiliar challenges and bring something new to every project she undertakes. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Vikas Bahls next stars Jimmy Shergill, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mona Singh, Alizeh Agnihotri; based on the explosive rise of Punjabi music in 90s UK
NC facing internal rift, family rule under challenge, says BJPs Sunil Sharma
Srinagar, Oct 28: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Wednesday claimed that the National Conference was facing an internal split, asserting that the party's discontent would eventually lead to its breakup and the collapse of the government. Reacting to protests following the oath-taking ceremony, Sharma said a section of the party was opposing dynastic politics. There is a discontented group within the party that has consistently been demanding that family rule will no longer continue. Dynasty will no longer continue, he said. I said that a split has already taken place within them. The party will also split, and the government will also fall, Sharma added. He denied allegations that the BJP had approached NC MLAs to explore government formation. When I am telling you that the BJP will not form the government, why would we approach anyone? What is the need for us to approach them? This is their own fight. Why should we jump into it? he said. Sharma also criticised NC president Farooq Abdullah over his remarks concerning Pakistan, accusing the Abdullah family of supporting Pakistan and demanding action by investigating agencies. Anyone, regardless of age, whether young or old, who makes such statements against the country should face action. Farooq Abdullah should also face action, he said.
22-year-old killed after DTC bus hits motorcycle in Delhi's Punjabi Bagh
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) A 22-year-old biker was killed after a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus allegedly ran over his motorcycle on Wednesday morning, officials have said. According to the officials, a PCR call at about 07.23 a.m. regarding a road accident was received at the Punjabi Bagh Police Station. Upon receipt of the said call, the IO reached the place of occurrence, where it was revealed that a DTC bus had run over a motorcycle rider, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Sonu, a resident of Indira Colony in Delhi's Punjabi Bagh. According to the officials, he was residing with his family in the slums. CCTV footage is being examined to identify and trace the offending DTC bus. Further necessary proceedings are being carried out as per law, police said. After the accident, locals and family members of the deceased arrived at the spot and staged a protest, demanding the arrest of the DTC driver. DTC buses have been involved in several accidents in recent months. On October 19, a DTC bus claimed the life of a motorcyclist in southwest Delhi's Vasant Kunj. Earlier on October 17, one person was killed, and two others were injured after a DTC bus hit vehicles and pedestrians in Delhi's Anand Parbat area. According to the officials, an e-rickshaw, two bikes, and a scooter rider were hit by the bus, which was heading towards Tikri Border. One person died on the spot, while two others were seriously injured and were shifted to the hospital. In September, a 19-year-old youth was killed while another person was injured after a DTC bus allegedly collided with a scooter on Najafgarh-Nangloi road in front of Rathi Hospital in the national Capital. Police officials further said that an unidentified male, aged around 19-20 years, was found lying unconscious near the DTC bus. He had suffered severe head injuries and was bleeding profusely. The injured youth was immediately shifted to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Mangol Puri, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased was subsequently identified as Himanshu, 19, a resident of Bahadurgarh in Haryana. His father, Dharmender, identified the body at the hospital. The DTC bus driver, Amit Dahiya, 33, was found at the spot following the accident and was taken to the police station for questioning. He was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.
FIR Against DMK Leader Sekar Babu, 11 Others for Abusing Police During Anbil Mahesh's Arrest
DMK members and supporters had gathered in large numbers to protest Poyyamozhi's detention, demanding to meet the former minister and raising objections over lawyers not being permitted to accompany him during the arrest process
A Gurugram woman accused an Uber driver of demanding an inflated fare after her airport ride. The driver reportedly locked her luggage in the car until she paid the higher fare he requested. Following the confrontation, the driver allegedly followed her to her home, verbally abusing and threatening her. She raised concerns about Uber's safety support being unavailable during the incident.
Family seeks justice after Punjab man's suspected overdose death, Oppn targets govt over drug menace
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) After the suspected death of a 35-year-old man due to a drug overdose in Punjab's Mansa district triggered a protest by his family, Opposition leaders also targeted the ruling party over its alleged failure to curb the drug menace in the state. The family of the deceased, Daljit Singh, placed his body on a main road on Tuesday and blocked traffic, demanding strict action against those allegedly involved in selling drugs in the area. The family suspects that Daljit died of a drug overdose, while police officials have said the exact cause of death will be established only after the postmortem examination. Daljit's wife, Paramjit Kaur, and his mother, Sinder Kaur, along with other relatives, alleged that drug-related deaths continue to claim lives in Punjab despite repeated assurances from the government that the menace would be brought under control. They demanded that the police identify and arrest those supplying narcotics in the locality, warning that the easy availability of drugs was putting more lives at risk. Tensions escalated during the demonstration when protesters clashed with the police. Amid the confrontation, police took away the deceased's body, further intensifying the family's anger and raising questions over the handling of the situation. Heavy police deployment was made along major roads to prevent protesters from reaching the ongoing protest site of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota at Tinkoni, near the Deputy Commissioner's residence. Police set up pickets in neighbouring districts to prevent people from mobilising for protests on Wednesday. Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh, speaking to reporters, criticised the political leadership over the prevailing situation and demanded accountability from senior officials and the state government. The real issue is that Punjab is being turned into a spectacle. Both these parties are responsible for creating this situation; one is the B-team and the other is the A-team. I have always said this. The SSP should be dismissed immediately, and Bhagwant Mann and the DGP should resign, he said. At the same time, Singh appealed to people to ensure their protests remained peaceful and did not result in further harm. Meanwhile, members of the deceased's family questioned the police action and alleged that they had been pressured to sign documents without their consent. Speaking to IANS, a family member said, They are now portraying it as murder. The police have taken my father along and are conducting a postmortem. Why are they doing it without our consent when no one in our family has agreed to it? They came to our house and pressured us to sign documents. Another family member, speaking to IANS, said the family had been struggling for years and did not want any other member to experience a similar tragedy. Where is so much drug coming from, and where is this chitta (drug) being sold? There should be an investigation; that is all we want. We hold no grudge against anyone. Our only resentment is that the body was taken away from us. What right did the police have to stop the vehicles? the family member questioned. The family also questioned the manner in which the police were handling the case, particularly the decision to take away the body and separate relatives during the proceedings. If the police believe it was a murder, is this how they conduct an investigation -- by hiding the body, fleeing with it and taking family members to separate police stations? Is this what a police investigation looks like? a relative questioned. The relative added that even if the police had taken the body away to prevent the law-and-order situation from worsening, the action did not justify detaining the deceased's family members. Even if the police took the body to prevent the law-and-order situation from deteriorating, that is understandable. But that does not justify detaining the deceased's family, she added. Meanwhile, according to the police, an investigation into the case is underway, and the cause of death will only be confirmed after the postmortem report comes. Further details are awaited.
SFI stages protest demanding certificate verification of contract lecturers
The protest comes amid allegations of irregularities and corporate favouritism in the intermediate education system
Hit-and-run: Kochi police commissioner transferred after crash involving judges son
The Kerala government took action against police officials after lapses in investigating a fatal accident in Cheranallur. Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has been transferred, along with the suspension of four personnel. Initial charges related to negligence were altered to culpable homicide as evidence of overspeeding emerged. Victim Jayabalakrishnan's family is demanding further actions against the teenager's father, who is a judge.
Oppn moves 'public impeachment' of CEC to Kharge's home
The INDIA bloc plans to hold a 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on October 30. This decision follows alleged denials of permission to host the event at the Ashok Hotel and Ramlila Maidan. The event is a precursor to a larger rally on November 1, protesting alleged electoral irregularities and demanding Kumar's resignation.
WBBL 12: Yastika Bhatia Replaces Jess Jonassen In Brisbane Heat Sqaud
Big Bash League: India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia will return to Australias Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) after Brisbane Heat signed her as a replacement for injured veteran Jess Jonassen, finalising their squad ahead of the new season. Yastika, who previously represented Melbourne Stars during WBBL 10, became Brisbanes third overseas signing for WBBL 12 and the only Indian cricketer in this years competition. The 25-year-old is expected to link up with the team before their second fixture against Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday and will remain available for the rest of the tournament. Jonassen, Brisbanes most-capped player and former captain, has been sidelined by a hip complaint, prompting the franchise to turn to Bhatia for additional batting depth. The Indian left-hander has played six matches in the competition and brings international experience across all three formats, with 58 appearances for India. Heat head coach Mark Sorrell welcomed the late addition, highlighting Bhatias familiarity with Australian conditions and her potential contribution to the batting order. Being able to sign such a quality, experienced international player so close to the tournament is great boost for us. We will miss Jess (Jonassen) of course, but it is reassuring to bring in another strong scoring left-hander into our batting line-up. Yastika (Bhatia) has good experience playing in Australia and at Allan Border Field, so we are confident she will fit in nicely with the group, said Sorrell. Yastika returned to competitive cricket following a lengthy rehabilitation period after she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September last year. The injury ruled her out of nearly 18 months of action, including Indias maiden ODI World Cup title campaign. She made a remarkable comeback in July, scoring a century in her first Test appearance since surgery. The innings against England at Lords saw her become the first woman to register a Test hundred at the iconic venue, helping India secure a commanding 270-run victory. She was also part of Indias T20 World Cup squad earlier this year and has twice won the Womens Premier League with Mumbai Indians, in 2023 and 2025. Yastika will join England spinner Sarah Glenn and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast as Brisbanes overseas contingent for the campaign. The Heat will open their WBBL 12 campaign against the Sydney Sixers in Brisbane on Friday night, with new captain Georgia Redmayne leading a side looking to bounce back after going winless last season. Their last victory came in 2024. Yastika will join England spinner Sarah Glenn and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast as Brisbanes overseas contingent for the campaign. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
GMC Handwara PG residents protest, demand stipend hike
Srinagar, Oct 28: Postgraduate (PG) residents of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara held a peaceful protest, demanding a hike in their stipends and urging the government of Jammu and Kashmir to address their long-pending concerns. If PG residents in other states are receiving more than 1 lakh, why are we being paid significantly less? The protesting residents questioned the disparity in stipends. The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has extended its full solidarity and support to the protesting doctors, calling for fair and equitable stipends for PG residents across Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President of AIMSA, expressed strong support for the residents and urged the government to address their genuine demands without further delay. He warned that if the government fails to listen to the protesting doctors, PG residents from other Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir may also join the protest in solidarity. AIMSA reiterated its commitment to supporting PG residents in their fight for fair stipends, dignity, and recognition of their demanding services to the healthcare system. The association urged the government to initiate timely action to resolve the issue
A woman has alleged that a fellow passenger secretly recorded her during a Bengaluru Metro ride, confronting him inside the train and demanding that he unlock his phone. The incident, which reportedly took place in...
GMC Handwara PG Residents Hold Protest Over Stipend Hike Demand; AIMSA Backs Doctors
Srinagar, Oct 28 : Postgraduate (PG) residents of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara held a peaceful protest today demanding a hike in their stipends, urging the government to address their long-pending concerns. The protesting residents questioned the disparity in stipends, stating, If PG residents in other states are receiving more than 1 lakh, why are we being paid significantly less? The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has extended its full solidarity and support to the protesting doctors, calling for fair and equitable stipends for PG residents across Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President of AIMSA, expressed strong support for the residents and urged the government to address their genuine demands without further delay. He warned that if the government fails to listen to the protesting doctors, PG residents from other Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir may also join the protest in solidarity. AIMSA reiterated its commitment to supporting PG residents in their fight for fair stipends, dignity, and recognition of their demanding services to the healthcare system. The association urged the government to initiate timely action to resolve the issue
Cuba's foreign minister disrupts UNGA meeting in dramatic confrontion with US envoy
Digital Desk | United Nations, Oct 28 (IANS) In a drama at the General Assembly, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla charged up to the dais yelling to confront US Permanent Representative Mike Waltz, disrupting a meeting on Washington's sanctions against his country. Assembly President Khalilur Rahman pleaded for calm, asking the Cubans to go back to their seat and let Waltz speak on Tuesday, and briefly suspended the meeting. As Waltz was criticising the Havana government, the Cuban delegation thumped their desk and yelled. They left their seats and marched towards the dais, as he accused the Cuban elite of corruption, saying, Havana would have you believe everything in Cuba has just disappeared. Well, we know, we know where it went. Rodriguez kept interrupting Waltz, demanding to speak on a point of order. Both of them got into a staring match, Waltz up from the black marble rostrum, and Rodriguez and his troops down in front of the podium. Rahman pleaded, Please help me in conducting the business in a smooth manner, and you will have that right, to a point of order. Waltz shouted at Rodriguez, Back away! This isn't Havana. Meanwhile, Rahman, like a teacher trying to keep order in an unruly classroom, said, Please sit down. Sit down, before suspending the meeting. I'm here to administer the rules of procedure in a fair manner, in an independent manner, he said. When the meeting resumed within minutes, Rodriguez raised his point of order, which was more of a response, that Waltz was lying grossly and offending the dignity of the people and government of Cuba. When Waltz resumed his speech, he said that Rodriguez had tried to silence him in front of cameras and ambassadors, but imagine what happens if you dare to speak out under the iron fist of this regime. He displayed photographs of what he said was a Castro wearing two Rolex watches worth $40,000. He was probably referring to former president Raul Castro, the brother of Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban revolution. The Assembly was discussing a resolution to be voted on Wednesday that would call for an end to the US embargo on Cuba, which has been tightening in recent months with a blockade on oil. Most of the nations that spoke opposed Washington's embargo and spoke in support of Cuba. Uganda's Permanent Representative Adonia Ayebare, speaking on behalf of the Nonaligned Movement, said the group expresses its deep concern regarding the measures announced by the government of the United States this year, which tightened [the embargo]to unprecedented and extreme levels. Amid rumours of President Donald Trump planning an attack on Cuba, he said, The Nonaligned Movement urges the General Assembly, as the most representative body of the United Nations, to mobilise efforts to prevent the military aggression against Cuba, a founding member of the Nonaligned Movement, and preserve peace. Singapore's Permanent Representative Burhan Gafoor, speaking on behalf of the ASEAN, said the organisation is particularly concerned about the impact of the embargo on the Cuban people, especially their access to food, medicines and other essential supplies.
Lyon sparks Australia fightback as South Africa lose four wickets
3rd test| day 1 | tea Cape Town, Oct 27: Nathan Lyon led Australias fightback as South Africa squandered a commanding opening partnership to reach 221 for four at tea on the first day of the decisive third Test at Newlands on Tuesday. South Africa openers Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram put on 158 runs []
DC Shopian visits Aglar Fruit Mandi, reviews infra dev
Shopian, Oct 27: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Charandeep Singh, on Friday visited Aglar Fruit Mandi, Shopian and took stock of the developmental projects aimed at strengthening the infrastructure and improving facilities at the fruit mandi. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by ADDC, Dr. Nasir Ahmed Lone, CHO, CAO, CAHO, DSHO, Xen, R&B, ARTO, DIO and other district officers. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with members of the Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Traders Association, Shopian, who apprised him of various issues and demands concerning the development and functioning of the mandi. The President and other members of the Association raised several demands, including the early construction of a flood protection bund to safeguard the mandi from potential flood-related damage, besides the establishment and allotment of shop sites to facilitate traders and strengthen commercial activities. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that the issues and demands raised by the Association were genuine and would be examined for appropriate consideration. He emphasised the need to develop Aglar Fruit Mandi as a state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern infrastructure and essential amenities to cater to the needs of fruit growers, traders and other stakeholders. The DC assured the Association that the concerns raised regarding the development of the mandi, including the provision of shop sites, would be taken up with the concerned authorities for necessary action. He added that the district administration commitment to strengthening the infrastructure of Aglar Fruit Mandi and ensuring better facilities for the horticulture sector, which plays a vital role in the district's economy. The meeting was attended by President, Fruit Growers Association, Traders Association, Transporters, Members of Fruit and Vegetable Growers and other concerned.
Woman Arrested for Demanding 1 Crore After Siphoning 80 Lakh From Local Businessman
Mumbai: Family seeks compensation after college student dies amid CR disruption
Family of 21-year-old student killed while crossing tracks in Bhandup to catch a train, are demanding compensation from railways
Abhishek Sharma scripts history, breaks Rohit Sharma's all-time world record
Abhishek Sharma dazzled in the third T20I against New Zealand, smashing 85 sixes in 2026 and breaking Rohit Sharma's former record of 80 sixes from 2023. His scorching performance, scoring 113 runs off 38 balls, led India to a swift victory, as they chased down New Zealand's 199-run target in just 13.2 overs, securing a commanding 3-0 series advantage.
Women groups continue protest on 6th day, demand ban on liquor in Ladakh
Srinagar, Oct 27:The protest by various women organisations against the liquor policy in Leh entered its sixth day on Tuesday, with protesters blocking the highway after the first round of talks with the administration failed to reach an agreement. In a powerful demonstration, hundreds of women representing various social, religious organisations, took to the streets of Leh to register a strong protest against the Union Territory administrations decision to grant new bar and liquor licences. Raising slogans to protect Ladakhs socio-cultural fabric and fragile community life, the protesters demanded an immediate rollback of the excise policy and urged the government to declare Ladakh a completely dry state. Addressing the crowd, speakers emphasised that the influx of new bar licences, guest house alcohol permissions and commercial outlets threatens the social harmony, youth well-being and peaceful traditional lifestyle of Ladakh. The introduction of widespread liquor vends and bar permissions will have a devastating impact on local families and our younger generation. Women are often the first to suffer the social costs of alcohol expansion. We urge the administration to prioritise social responsibility and declare Ladakh a dry state, said one of the prominent women leaders present at the rally. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a meeting with women representatives of various religious organisations including LBA to discuss issues relating to excise policy. The meeting was also attended by Romil Singh Donk, Excise Commissioner, UT Ladakh, representative of All Ladakh Gompa Association, president, Ladakh Buddhist Association, president Anjuman Imamia, Leh and representatives of ALGAHA and ALTOA including others. During the meeting, the women representatives put forth their views and concerns while demanding complete prohibition of liquor in Ladakh, highlighting the social and cultural considerations associated with the issue. They expressed concern over the large number of bar licenses issued. The meeting was informed that, in response to public sentiment, the Excise Policy 202627 had been rolled back and now the Excise Policy 202526 was in force. The participants were apprised of the status of liquor licences under the reinstated policy. It was informed that the number of retail liquor vends was two till last year but this year only one retail vend was functional. Similarly, the number of functional bars attached to restaurants offering retail sale of liquor, which was earlier 23, had increased by 17 newly issued licences, taking the total to 40. The Chief Secretary acknowledged the concerns expressed by the women representatives and emphasised the importance of giving due consideration to the views and sentiments of the people of Ladakh. He observed that the demand for declaring Ladakh a completely dry UT was a significant matter that required careful deliberation and consultation with all concerned stakeholders for which all agreed to. He cited the experience of other states like Bihar and Haryana where complete prohibition had led to serious consequences of spurious liquor and drugs being proliferated. He suggested that this was also a cultural issue and the community needed careful consideration of the consequences of declaring Ladakh as a dry territory. There are also issues of employment, tourism and economic activity and consultation with the hotel industry is also crucial in this regard, particularly given that tourism is the primary economic activity in the territory, he said. He stated that any decision on the matter would need to be taken through a broad-based consultative process involving religious organisations, hotel associations, tour and travel operators associations, and other relevant stakeholders, keeping in view the social, cultural and economic dimensions of the issue. He suggested that in the first instance, president LBA should convene a wider consultation and build consensus on the way forward, with an endeavour to find a middle ground. The Chief Secretary reiterated the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding in addressing the concerns raised by the women representatives while ensuring that the perspectives of all affected stakeholders are duly considered. The meeting provided an opportunity for the representatives to present their views and underscored the need for continued engagement and dialogue towards a balanced and informed consideration of the issue. He also assured that the administration was flexible in its approach of public policy and would be amenable to a middle path solution in the matter. If required another meeting with a larger set of stakeholders would be convened soon.
No representation to Paharis matter of concern: MLA Thanamandi
Rajouri, Oct 27:Independent MLA from Thanamandi assembly constituency in Rajouri, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan has asked National Conference (NC) leadership to introspect as no representation to Pahari community in Jammu and Kashmir cabinet and under-representation to Jammu province is a cause of serious concern. Talking to Greater Kashmir, MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, who supports Omar Abdullah government, said that the Pahari community of Jammu and Kashmir has a handsome political as well as population base and most of the Assembly constituencies having Pahari population have MLAs either from NC or alliance partners. Unfortunately, the Pahari community once again was ignored at a time when we were expecting that one legislator from Paharis would be included in the cabinet, said Khan. He stated that a strong wave of displeasure has spread among the Pahari population of Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, he said, The fresh cabinet expansion led to imbalance vis-a-vis Jammu province which has not been given its proper share. Now there are only two ministers from Jammu province and remaining all are from Kashmir which shows regional imbalance, he further said. Khan hoped that at least one more face from any part of Jammu province should have been given place in cabinet expansion.
Trump announces plan to weaken methane rules for oil and gas companies
The Trump administration is moving to weaken a regulation that requires oil and gas companies to limit leaks of methane, a more potent driver of climate change than carbon dioxide. President Donald Trump announced the Environmental Protection Agencys proposed regulation at an event in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday evening. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said earlier this month that the agency was days not weeks away from issuing the proposal, roughly outlining its contents . Weve been working on this for a long time, Trump said at the rally. We were working on this before the war broke out, he added, referring to the Feb. 28 attack on Iran. Get Climate Coach newsletter News and guidance on climate, science and technology. Sign up for free The move comes even as several major oil companies, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, have long supported direct federal regulation of methane, arguing that industry-wide rules are needed to curb leaks. But that support has not always extended to every provision: The companies have at times pressed regulators to narrow monitoring and reporting requirements. Smaller independent producers and their trade groups have more aggressively fought methane rules as burdensome and costly. Executives at some of those firms including several major donors to Trump have pushed to roll them back . Methane, which traps about 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, accounts for roughly 12 percent of greenhouse gases, according to an EPA webpage that the agency removed from its site after Trump took office. Another EPA report says methane emissions represent the greatest opportunity for low or no-cost mitigation of climate change. Last year, Zeldin said the rule aimed at curbing methane leaks and dozens of other regulations were being reconsidered in what he has called the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history, aimed at saving businesses and consumers money. Environmental advocates say any savings are more than outweighed by public health costs and damage to the economy caused by climate change and increasing weather extremes. Americans must be able to afford to heat their homes in the winter and fill up their car and drive to work, Zeldin said in a statement earlier this month , before the proposals release, while attending the New Mexico Oil and Gas Associations annual meeting. They cant do that when the people producing the energy are weighed down by unnecessary burdens. The 2023 Biden-era rule requires companies to reduce methane emissions from new and existing oil and gas infrastructure, demanding monitoring and retrofitting old equipment to reduce leaks. The standard also instituted curbs on volatile organic compounds, which can cause air pollution that is harmful to breath or warm the climate. The oil and gas industry says its a good-faith partner eager to help craft regulations, but time and time again its worked behind the scenes to delay and weaken them. As a result, the United States today emits more methane from its oil and gas sector than any other country in the world, Julia Kane, a researcher with Fieldnotes, an oil and gas watchdog group, said in a statement. Now, Lee Zeldins EPA is giving oil and gas corporations exactly what theyve long wanted: a toothless methane standard they can use to pretend theyre well-regulated, all while they continue to knowingly leak and flare dangerous amounts of the heat-trapping gas. Most Read From The Washington Post Boomer women are dating after divorce. Men dont always meet their standards. I went to Mexico to test-drive the cars Americans cant buy At 80, hes a top dementia expert. Heres how he keeps his brain healthy. Grand jury declines to indict Cassidy Hutchinson over Jan. 6 testimony Trump defends White House redecorating and Cheesecake Factory from Obamas mocking The Trump EPA proposal is expected to reverse the 2023 rules ban on routine flaring, allowing companies to burn off excess gas rather than capturing it. The draft policy would also eliminate the Super Emitter Program, which required companies to take action on major methane leaks when detected by third-party watchdogs. Methane has accounted for about 30 percent of global temperature rise since the industrial revolution, according to the International Energy Agency, and the rollback is alarming environmental advocates. The proposed regulation would also change standards for marginal wells, which produce only 6 percent of U.S. oil and gas but account for about half of the sectors methane emissions . Zeldin said in October that the old rules wrongly lumped together mom and pop oil and gas producers, which he said could be put out of business by the rules, with multinationals such as Exxon and Chevron. Part of this process has been to keep the concerns that are coming in from the application of [the regulations] to these far smaller operations and how to get the regulation right for them, Zeldin told reporters in a briefing at EPA headquarters. Myron Ebell, who ran the EPAs transition team going into Trumps first term, praised the potential regulation change for trying to level the playing field between Big Oil and independent producers. The EPA weakened enforcement of existing methane regulations last year, saying the agencys enforcement and compliance will no longer focus on methane emissions from oil and gas facilities in a memo on March 12, 2025. The Environmental Defense Fund, an advocacy group, estimates that additional gas released or flared in the first year under that policy could have otherwise supplied nearly 19 million households . In November, the EPA also delayed deadlines to comply with many of the 2023 standards until 2027. This article originally appeared on Washington Post at https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2026/10/27/trump-announce-relaxed-rules-oil-firms-methane-leaks/
Hill Roads Cannot Be Death Traps
The hill roads of Kashmir are more than routes carved into mountains. They connect villages to hospitals, children to schools, farmers to markets and families to the wider world. Yet for thousands who travel them every day, these roads remain a source of fear. Sharp bends, steep slopes, falling debris, overloaded vehicles, poor visibility and reckless driving combine to turn ordinary journeys into life-threatening ventures. Accidents on hill roads are often described as unfortunate incidents. That language, however, hides the deeper failure. A crash on a mountain road may be triggered by a moment of human error, but its consequences are made far worse by weak infrastructure, inadequate protection and poor emergency response. A missing crash barrier, an unmarked bend or a road surface damaged by rain can decide whether a vehicle stops safely or plunges into a gorge. Road safety in hilly areas cannot be treated as a seasonal concern. Every year, the onset of winter, heavy rainfall and snowfall exposes the same weaknesses. Roads become slippery, visibility falls and landslides block important stretches. In many places, drivers receive little warning about dangerous curves, black ice, falling rocks or sudden narrowing of the carriageway. The absence of proper signage and reflective markings is not a minor technical lapse; it is a direct threat to life. The authorities must move beyond post-accident inspections and temporary repairs. A comprehensive hill-road safety audit should identify vulnerable stretches, damaged retaining walls, weak bridges, blind curves and locations where protective barriers are urgently needed. Such audits should be made public, with clear timelines for corrective action. Roads carrying regular traffic must be inspected before and during the winter months, not only after tragedy strikes. Enforcement is equally important. Speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence, and overloading are especially lethal on mountain roads. Commercial vehicles must be checked regularly, and drivers operating on difficult routes should receive specialised training. Fitness certificates cannot remain a paperwork exercise. A vehicle carrying passengers on a narrow mountain road must meet the highest standards of mechanical safety. Emergency response also needs urgent strengthening. Ambulances, rescue equipment and trained personnel should be stationed near accident-prone corridors. In remote areas, every minute lost can cost a life. Better communication networks and clearly marked emergency points can make the difference between survival and death. Citizens, too, have a responsibility. Drivers must respect weather warnings, avoid unnecessary overtaking and never treat mountain roads as racing tracks. But public responsibility cannot become an excuse for administrative inaction. Safe roads are a basic public obligation. Kashmirs hills will always be demanding. They need not, however, be deadly. The measure of governance is not merely the construction of roads, but the protection of those who use them. Every blind curve made visible, every barrier installed, and every reckless driver stopped is an investment in life.
UTAA plans state-wide campaign for ST political reservation
Margao: The United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) will hold a meeting on Saturday to plan a state-wide campaign demanding political reservation for Goas Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, UTAA president Prakash Velip, executive members advocate John Fernandes, Vishwas Gaude and Joseph Vaz, and other members said the organisation would visit []
