Rediff

US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday announced that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine has taken effect beyond Oleshky two days ahead of schedule, with the move aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to the conflict-affected area.

A survey by Indian American Impact reveals that 25% of South Asian Americans who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election plan to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. Key issues driving voters include cost of living, healthcare, jobs, and education, with discrimination also a significant concern. The survey highlights the potential influence of this demographic in closely contested states like Michigan and Texas.

India's men's and women's kabaddi teams continued their strong performance at the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The women's team defeated Uganda 41-18, led by Captain Nidhi Sharma, while the men's team secured a 37-23 victory over Malaysia, with Neeraj Narwal as the top scorer.

Former India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur scored a brilliant 126, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma added an unbeaten 106, helping India post a formidable total of 328 for 6 against Zimbabwe in the second ODI. Opener Pratika Rawal also contributed with 61 runs.

Ahmedabad, India, has been selected to host the senior Weightlifting World Championships in 2029, marking the first time India will host this prestigious event. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced the decision after its executive board meeting, also awarding the 2030 championships to Moscow and youth events to Kosovo and Venezuela.

Bangladesh has launched a diplomatic inquiry, seeking comprehensive details from Saudi Arabia regarding the recent execution of two Bangladeshi citizens in Makkah.

A murder accused, Saurabh Singh, was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Patna, Bihar, on Sunday during a weapon recovery operation. Singh, who faces multiple murder and Arms Act cases, opened fire at the police team, prompting a sub-inspector to retaliate in self-defence. He was later hospitalised, and two firearms were recovered from the scene.

United States special envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in St. Petersburg. The aim of the meeting was to advance proposals to end the war in Ukraine and establish a pathway towards broader negotiations.

A 25-year-old man, Hazarat Ali, has been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly uploading an AI-generated video falsely showing an explosion at Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka legislature building. Police have registered a case and the investigation is ongoing.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the state government's firm support for power employees, pledging to challenge the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission's (HERC) decision to grant a parallel electricity distribution licence to a private company for Gurugram and Nuh districts before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). The government is appealing to unions to defer their planned three-day strike while making arrangements to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

A second-year engineering student at Mumbai's Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Siddhesh Patil, died by suicide in his hostel room. Patil, a native of Nashik, was undergoing treatment for depression and had messaged his psychiatrist about suicidal ideation on Tuesday night, prompting an alert to his family and friends. Police have registered an Accidental Death Report and are investigating the incident.

A Delhi court has granted bail to a married man accused of deceiving a woman into sexual intercourse on a false promise of marriage. The court noted that the man had cooperated with the investigation before his arrest and no custodial interrogation was deemed necessary. The case involves BNS Section 69, which addresses sexual intercourse by deceitful means.

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the investigation into the alleged CMRL bribery case involving former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas. This decision allows them to appeal a Kerala High Court order that had previously rejected their applications to challenge a directive for an FIR. The case stems from allegations of fraudulent payments made by CMRL to Veena's company.

Delhi Police has transferred another case against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to the Crime Branch, bringing the total to two cases. The leaders were detained on October 13 for trespassing at Jantar Mantar, a denotified protest site, and were later sent to judicial custody.

A 58-year-old man was allegedly hacked to death by his son in Seraikela-Kharswan district, Jharkhand, following an argument over a domestic issue. The accused fled the scene, and police are searching for him.

Three key accused in the firing incident at actor Tiger Shroff's car were brought to Mumbai from Kota, Rajasthan, early on Wednesday for interrogation. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, injured Shroff's driver and a bystander. Police are investigating potential links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with more arrests made by Delhi Police.

Hyderabad police detained three persons for alleged deer hunting in a Karnataka forest area. A .30-06 sporting rifle, ammunition, and night-vision equipment were seized from their vehicle. The suspects reportedly confessed to the hunting, and authorities are investigating the misuse of a licensed firearm and potential destruction of electronic evidence.

A 26-year-old man, Sahil Gaikwad, was fatally stabbed by a group of five assailants, including a minor, near a school in Dombivli, Thane district. One adult suspect has been arrested and a juvenile detained, while police search for three others. The motive for the murder remains under investigation.

The Mumbai crime branch has dismantled an interstate drug syndicate, seizing over two kilograms of high-grade heroin worth Rs 10.16 crore and arresting three individuals. The operation is part of a larger drive against narcotics networks in the city, with further investigations underway to trace the supply chain and apprehend more involved parties.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kick-started a three-day visit to India on Tuesday to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade and investment, defence, critical technologies, and exchange views on the West Asia crisis.

A 37-year-old engineer from Tamil Nadu, Sarath Subramanian, has been arrested in Kerala for allegedly sending fake bomb threat emails to various government offices, including the Secretariat and court complexes. He confessed to 34 of 36 registered cases, stating his motive was revenge against a Tamil Nadu political party. The emails were sent via the dark web, and investigations are ongoing.

Police in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested two alleged drug traffickers, including a woman, and seized over a kilogram of 'smack' (adulterated heroin) worth approximately Rs 2.05 crore. The arrests were part of Operation Savera, with one of the accused, Shahzad alias Kallu, identified as a habitual offender with multiple prior cases.

Police in Gorakhpur have launched a murder investigation into the death of a 38-year-old CISF jawan, Karamveer Yadav, whose body was found near an embankment with a severe head injury. A case was registered after the post-mortem findings, and authorities are examining evidence and the deceased's recent contacts.

The Chhattisgarh government has blacklisted Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) for three years on Wednesday. This action follows OICL's rejection of an insurance claim for a government helicopter that crashed in May 2022, killing two pilots. The claim was rejected in August this year after being pending for more than four years, leading the state to pursue administrative and legal remedies.

Palwal police have arrested three proclaimed offenders, including a woman, who had been absconding for nearly 18 years in connection with a 2008 dowry death case. The accused were declared proclaimed offenders in January 2010 and were produced in court on Wednesday.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has been fined Rs 1,000 by a city court for her repeated failure to appear in a 10-year-old assault case where she is an accused. The court cautioned that her absence at the next hearing on November 2 could lead to the issuance of a warrant and cancellation of bail bonds. The incident dates back to July 2016, when Tawde, then a corporator, allegedly assaulted schoolteachers.

Telangana's anti-narcotics unit, EAGLE Force, apprehended a 27-year-old man near Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, seizing 35 kg of ganja worth Rs 15.5 lakh. The accused was allegedly transporting the contraband from Odisha to Ongole, highlighting inter-state drug trafficking networks. Authorities are investigating to identify the source and recipients.

A Delhi court rejected the bail plea of Hariom, accused under the stringent MCOCA, stating that prolonged incarceration alone is not sufficient grounds for bail under special laws. The court emphasised balancing individual liberty with societal protection and legislative objectives.

National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar urged protection officers to prioritise first response in domestic violence cases, emphasising sensitive handling and immediate intervention to prevent tragedies. She highlighted that the success of protection officers lies in timely protection for women, not just file processing. Rahatkar stressed the importance of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and called for a comprehensive One Woman, One Support System appro

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of widespread corruption, claiming its downfall is imminent. His remarks follow a CBI case against an OSD to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other officials, leading to protests by BJP workers. Former Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also criticised the AAP, highlighting the high court's role in the investigation.

The NIA informed the Bombay High Court that dismissed police officer Sachin Waze planted an explosives-laden SUV near Mukesh Ambani's residence in 2021 to gain fame as a super cop by solving the case himself. The agency further alleged that Waze murdered his friend Mansukh Hiran, who owned the vehicle, fearing he would expose the conspiracy. The High Court extended its interim stay on Waze's bail, which was previously granted by a special court.

Andhra Pradesh police have revealed that female Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) are actively targeting Indian defence personnel through social media, honey traps, and financial inducements to extract sensitive information. Under Operation Firewall-2026, two individuals, including a naval staffer, were arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, with 13 naval personnel among 18 suspects involved in the espionage conspiracy.

Russia has expressed gratitude for India's readiness to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict, while Ukraine's Foreign Minister praised India's ceasefire proposal as the roadest among those received. President Putin also acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's very good ideas for a mutual settlement, highlighting India's intensified diplomatic efforts focusing on Black Sea safety, grain exports, and energy supplies.

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to consider a representation for standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding the mandatory use of 'always-on' body-worn cameras by police and Rapid Action Force personnel during crowd control and protest management. The court asked the government to respond within six months, emphasising accountability in situations involving allegations of excessive force.

An IndianOil officer, Mahesh Shelke, was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon while inspecting a petrol pump in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Indian Oil Corporation have called for swift and strict action against those responsible. The incident draws parallels to the 2005 killing of another IOC officer, S Manjunath.

The Bombay High Court affirmed the right of students to protest alleged malpractices in MPSC examinations, stating they are not anti-social elements. The court stressed the state's duty to ensure impartial exams and asked the government to submit a roadmap within three weeks, while also urging students to return to their studies.

Delhi High Court Justice Prateek Jalan recused himself from a case concerning the Centre's eviction proceedings against the Delhi Gymkhana Club. The case involves separate lawsuits filed by a club member and the staff welfare association challenging the termination of the club's lease and a subsequent eviction notice.

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, protesting alleged 'vote chori' and demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This protest followed an eight-hour dharna on Tuesday, where MPs sought a meeting with election commissioners. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge asserted their unity and resolve to fight for people's rights despite FIRs being registered against them.

Today, October 7, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit called on Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, following the announcement of his appointment as the next Chief of the Air Staff.

Delhi Police have apprehended four juveniles, all aged 17, for a firing and knife attack in Shahdara. The incident, which occurred on October 5, injured 21-year-old Javed and his aunt. The attack was allegedly carried out to avenge the murder of Akbar in Seemapuri last year, a friend of the juveniles' deceased mentor, Wasim.

Police recovered a mobile phone, SIM cards and documents described as incriminating from his possession.

From 2001 to 2025, Iraq accounted for the highest share of deaths globally at 22 per cent, followed by Afghanistan at 20 per cent, and Nigeria at 9 per cent.

The Supreme Court advised actor Rajpal Yadav to make good movies and entertain people to rebuild his image, as it acknowledged his payment of Rs 1.15 crore in a long-running cheque-bounce case. The court also noted a prospective buyer for his property willing to deposit Rs 85 lakh. Yadav expressed financial losses from his film 'Ata Pata Laapata' and the impact on his career.

Indian-origin filmmaker Arafat Sheikh was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Dulles International Airport. Sheikh, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, was taken into custody on September 24 despite having a student visa and a pending immigration application, according to the Free Arafat Sheikh campaign. ICE is responsible for detaining non-citizens for suspected immigration violations.

The body of a 67-year-old woman, Lakshmamma, was discovered stuffed in a plastic bag and dumped in the Hemavathi canal in Hassan, Karnataka. Police have registered a murder case and are investigating potential motives, including robbery or the involvement of an acquaintance, after she went missing on October 3.

BJP president Nitin Nabin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey as a leader, asserting that Modi is India's first prime minister to be directly chosen by the people through a public mandate, unlike previous PMs like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi who were initially selected by their party. Nabin highlighted Modi's rise based on organisational experience and public support, not political dynasty.

A 51-year-old taluk surveyor, Hanumanthappa, was arrested by Lokayukta police in Ballari, Karnataka, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 18,000 to provide a layout road sketch. He was caught in a trap and booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Iranian woman volunteers receive military training at a military training center for ordinary citizens at the Imam Hussein Square in central Tehran.

Two more individuals, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the recent gangrape of a woman in Kalamassery, Kochi. The accused, Saranya and Sanju, were apprehended in Wayanad. Police state that Saranya played a prime role in the assault, which involved four people and occurred on October 2. Two other accused have already been remanded, and the survivor's partner revealed harrowing details of the incident.

The Indian government has ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from app stores, citing law-and-order concerns due to its ability to bypass communication restrictions. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the takedown demand under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000. The government also addressed the issue of banning minors from social media, indicating a search for a better solution than outright bans.