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Politics / The Times of India
Parliament's winter session faces disruption as opposition demands a debate on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities. Despite the government's non-committal stance, parties are united, threatening to stall proceedings if their concerns aren't addressed. Other issues like national security and air pollution were also raised.
The Indian government will back the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) in a Supreme Court battle against Delhi and Mumbai airport operators. The case concerns a Rs 50,000-crore claim for hypothetical regulatory asset base, which could lead to significant hikes in passenger charges if awarded to the operators.
The BJP has demanded an account of alleged loot by its leaders in the National Herald case from the Congress. This comes after Delhi Police filed an FIR against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others on criminal charges. The BJP stated the case predates the current government and involves the acquisition of significant assets for a nominal sum.
The Congress party has strongly refuted the National Herald case, labeling it a politically motivated attempt by the Prime Minister and Home Minister to intimidate them. They argue the fresh FIR aims to fabricate a money laundering charge where no financial transactions or property transfers occurred, questioning the basis of the PMLA offense.
Prime Minister Modi lauded India's youth and the cultural bond forged by the Tamil Sangamam, seeing them as vital to a 'Viksit Bharat'. He highlighted recent achievements in space, defence, farming, and sports, attributing them to the energy of young Indians and the nation's deep roots. The PM also celebrated cultural milestones and encouraged participation in the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam.
A 41-year-old report by the Tribhuvan Prasad Tewary Commission, recently made public by the Assam government, reveals that successive administrations allowed the state's land and identity crisis to worsen. The report, which investigated the 1983 Nellie massacre, identified illegal immigration and land disputes as key drivers of violence, not just communal clashes.
New government orders mandate communication apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to enforce stricter login protocols. Users will face automatic logouts from desktop versions every six hours, requiring QR code re-authentication. Smartphone access will also be restricted to the original SIM card used for registration, aiming to curb cyber fraud and enhance security.
The Election Commission has extended the SIR Phase 2 timeline by a week across 12 states and UTs to ensure electoral roll transparency. This move follows reports of alleged malpractices, allowing booth level officers more time to share elector lists with political parties. The extended period aims to prevent errors and build trust before the final roll publication.
Indian airlines IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express successfully reverted flight-control software on 323 Airbus A320 jets to a safer 2022 version. This rapid rollback averted widespread groundings after Airbus identified a potential loss of control issue during intense solar storms. Carriers experienced minimal disruption, with only minor cancellations and delays.
Union minister Chirag Paswan claimed several opposition MLAs are in touch with the NDA, citing growing disenchantment with the opposition's constructive inaction. This comes amid speculation about Congress MLAs switching allegiances after the NDA's landslide victory in the Bihar assembly polls.
Sri Lanka is facing a severe crisis as Cyclone Ditwah has caused devastating floods and landslides, resulting in at least 334 deaths and nearly 400 people missing. Over a million individuals are affected, with low-lying areas in Colombo still inundated. India has dispatched an additional 10 tons of disaster response aid, including a medical team, to assist the nation.
Despite Operation Sindoor destroying several terrorist launching pads across the LoC, the BSF reports that some remain active, with Pakistan attempting to infiltrate terrorists ahead of winter. These shifting launchpads, now located in depth areas away from the border, are reportedly used for pushing terrorists into India, with groups now mixed.
Two Booth Level Officers died in Uttar Pradesh amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of poll rolls. Sarvesh Singh died by suicide, citing work pressure. Shobharani died of cardiac arrest after working late. The Election Commission has extended the revision schedule by one week. These incidents highlight the strain on BLOs across several states.
A teenage girl in Nanded performed symbolic wedding rituals with her murdered boyfriend's body after her father and brothers were arrested for his killing over their inter-caste relationship. The girl, Aanchal, stated her family opposed their union due to caste differences and vowed to live with her deceased lover's mother.
Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi expressed confidence that India's relationship with Bangladesh will improve, referring to the nation as a friend despite current political strains. He recalled warm hospitality during his visit and hopes for a positive turn after Bangladesh's February 2026 parliamentary elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast on Sunday, expressed his special affection for Uttarakhand and highlighted the immense potential of winter tourism, adventure sports, and wedding destinations in the state, according to an official release.
The Election Commission of India has criticized the West Bengal government for delaying increased honorariums for booth level officers (BLOs) and payments for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. This comes as the TMC delegation accused the ECI of having lood on their hands over the revision process.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Indian Chetak helicopters deployed from INS Vikrant conducted search and rescue missions in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. India has reaffirmed its solidarity, delivering 27 tonnes of relief material and standing by Sri Lanka through its Neighbourhood First policy.
Ahead of Parliament's Winter Session, an all-party meeting saw the Opposition demanding detailed discussions on national security, the SIR issue, pollution, farmers' concerns, and democracy. They expressed worries about the government's handling of key national matters and insisted on parliamentary debates. The government stated its readiness to listen to the Opposition's concerns during the session.
A pervasive uniform aesthetic in consumer culture reflects a decline in individuality, driven by insecurity and the desire to belong. Brands and creators exploit this by selling ready-made identities, leading to overconsumption and environmental strain. This trend prioritises perception over utility, turning curated identities into disposable consumption.
A viral video of a littered Amsterdam street sparked debate on civic sense, with some users defending the city's overall cleanliness and blaming tourists for the mess. Despite the clip, global rankings indicate the Netherlands excels in environmental standards, with Amsterdam noted for its good air quality.
Cyclone Ditwah has prompted a high alert in South India, with Tamil Nadu and Puducherry bracing for potential rain and thunderstorms. The cyclone's path runs parallel to the coast, posing a threat after claiming 159 lives in Sri Lanka. India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying relief and rescue teams to assist the island nation.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted technology as the armed forces' greatest future asset at the NDA's 149th Passing Out Parade. He emphasised that military strength secures peace, quoting Prime Minister Modi. Admiral Tripathi also commended the second batch of women cadets, urging them to focus on duty over awards, as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts.
Maulana Mahmood Madani has ignited controversy with his remarks on the Supreme Court's handling of key cases and his views on 'jihad' and 'ghar wapsi'. His statements have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP and differing opinions within the Muslim community, highlighting a divided political landscape.
India's annual groundwater recharge saw a slight increase in 2025, yet nearly a quarter of assessment units remain in stressed categories. This is due to declines in recharge in several states, despite overall improvements in some regions attributed to good rainfall and conservation efforts.
The BJP has sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of sympathizing with Maoists and potentially endorsing urban naxals. This accusation stems from Gandhi sharing a video that reportedly featured individuals raising pro-Naxal slogans, including support for a slain commander, during a protest. The ruling party's attack comes as the government intensifies its efforts to combat Naxalism.
IndiGo has fully updated its entire A320 fleet, becoming the first Indian carrier to complete mandatory software enhancements. This rapid upgrade, prompted by an Airbus global warning about solar radiation affecting flight-control systems, saw Air India and Air India Express also making significant progress. While minor delays occurred, cancellations were largely avoided as airlines raced to meet regulatory deadlines.
Central agencies are scrutinizing the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) process for alleged rigging and misuse. The ED arrested Amit Katyal, Lalu Prasad Yadav's aide, in a real estate fraud case involving undervalued land sales and bid manipulation. Investigations reveal collusion between bank officials, resolution professionals, and buyers, leading to significant financial irregularities.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran stated that Air India represents a responsibility for the Tata Group, not just a business opportunity. He highlighted the significant growth potential in India's aviation sector, driven by economic expansion and increasing consumer aspirations. Despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and geopolitical factors, the commitment is to build a world-class airline.
Jamiat-Ulama-Hind chief Maulana Mahmood Madani accused the Supreme Court and government of undermining minority rights, suggesting judicial verdicts are made under government pressure. He also defended Jihad as a noble duty against injustice, while the BJP condemned his remarks as inflammatory and divisive, particularly his opposition to Vande Mataram.
Indian airlines swiftly addressed a critical software issue affecting Airbus A320s, linked to solar flare risks. Operators worked through the weekend to roll back flight-control updates on 338 aircraft, preventing potential pilot control loss. This rapid fix, under DGCA supervision, avoided mass cancellations during peak holiday travel, with minimal delays reported.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled cross-LoC trade as intra-state, asserting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is part of the Union Territory. The court dismissed petitions from traders challenging GST notices, stating the trade was internal. This ruling comes after the Indian government suspended cross-LoC trade in 2019 due to misuse concerns.
Journalist Arafaz Ahmad Daing's home demolition in Jammu has ignited a political firestorm. Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary is demanding an inquiry, questioning who ordered the action. Former BJP President Ravinder Raina also visited, claiming the LG's administration wasn't involved. CM Omar Abdullah accused Raj Bhavan-posted officers of selective demolitions, undermining the elected government.
Leh Apex Body (LAB) has urged a judicial probe panel to obtain medico-legal reports of civilians injured in alleged security forces firing on September 24. LAB also demanded scrutiny of CCTV footage and investigation into delayed medical reports of police personnel, emphasizing these as crucial for a fair inquiry.
Following fatal bus fires, the National Human Rights Commission has ordered chief secretaries to immediately recall buses violating safety norms. This includes removing driver partitions, installing fire detection systems, and stricter checks on bus builders. The NHRC stressed accountability for officials who approved unsafe vehicles, deeming the accident preventable.

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