Rediff

The Indian Navy is enhancing its operational capabilities across all domains, including air, underwater, AI, and quantum technology, to become a multi-domain network force. Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, highlighted lessons from recent conflicts, the exploration of directed-energy weapon systems, and significant procurement plans, including 42 new platforms on order and RFPs issued for LPDs and next-generation frigates. The Navy's focus on indigenous innovation and technol

A 29-year-old software employee from Bengaluru allegedly died by suicide in Hyderabad after jumping from the 30th floor of an apartment complex. Police found a suicide note where he apologised to his parents, but the reason for his death was not specified.

Atomic Energy Commission chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty stated that India is on the verge of a significant technological transformation, driven by advancements in AI, quantum technologies, and other fields. Speaking at BIT Mesra's convocation, he emphasised the need for strong indigenous capabilities, skilled professionals, and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve a developed India. Other speakers, including BIT Mesra's Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, echoed the importance of continuous learn

A man has been arrested in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl. The accused, Pramanand Dhruv, was known to the victim's family and was apprehended after the girl's father filed a complaint. He faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.

A 30-year-old woman in Meerut was arrested on Friday for allegedly attacking her husband with a knife and attempting to sever his genitals. The accused, Shabnam, injured her husband Nadeem. Police registered an FIR on Thursday and recovered the weapon, stating she will be produced before a court soon.

A woman, her son, and daughter were arrested in Odisha's Kendrapara district for allegedly murdering the husband, who was an alcoholic and frequently assaulted his family. The trio reportedly strangled him to death after he attacked his wife on Wednesday night.

Delhi Police have arrested Harish Kumar alias Piluwa, a proclaimed offender who had been absconding since 2021 in connection with a murder case. Kumar was apprehended on October 8 near Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar. The murder, which occurred on November 21, 2021, involved the assault of Abhishek alias Monu over a Rs 10 lakh debt.

A special POCSO court in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has sentenced a man to death under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for the brutal murder and torture of his seven-year-old niece in 2025. The accused also received life imprisonment under the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting the minor, in what was deemed a 'rarest of rare' case.

A Special POCSO Court in Amroha has sentenced a man named Bunty to life imprisonment for raping a minor girl. The verdict was delivered within eight months of the trial, and a fine of Rs 50,000 was also imposed, with 90% directed to the victim.

The CBI has filed a closure report in the 2002 disinvestment of Hindustan Zinc Ltd, stating that allegations of irregularities could not be substantiated. This comes despite a 2022 Supreme Court directive by then-CJI D Y Chandrachud to register a regular case, citing sufficient material and concerns over undervaluation and the role of a global advisor. The special court will now decide on the report.

Indian lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, currently in London on sexual assault charges, now faces accusations of rape and facilitating exploitation. His assistant and another individual are also implicated. Aggarwal, known for representing Mehul Choksi, was denied bail due to flight risk and concerns over a sinister recruiting campaign. The trial is scheduled for March 2027.

The CBI has issued fresh summons to Rajbir Ghuman, OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in an alleged corruption case involving pecuniary benefits for managing postings of IAS and IPS officers. Ghuman failed to appear for questioning on Friday, leading CBI teams to paste summons on his premises. The case, registered on Tuesday following Punjab and Haryana High Court orders, also led to raids at eight locations.

A Latur court sentenced Kiran Ashok Kushbhage to 20 years in jail and fined him Rs 5,000 for sexually assaulting a minor girl in 2023. The case was registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A 25-year-old bouncer, Wali Mohammad, was allegedly beaten to death during a clash between two groups in Tilpat village, Faridabad, on Thursday night. Police have registered a murder case against 24 individuals and are conducting raids to apprehend the accused. The incident, which stemmed from a motorcycle collision, was captured on CCTV.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that his government will comply with the High Court's directive to register an FIR against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas in the alleged CMRL bribery case. Satheesan stated there would be no appeal against the verdict. The High Court deemed the government's earlier decision to form an SIT without an FIR illegal and ordered immediate registration of a case based on ED's information.

The West Bengal Anti-Corruption Branch arrested an RTO official and a middleman in Kolkata for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 90,000 bribe to renew a bus permit. The arrests followed a trap operation based on a bus owner's complaint.

Karnataka authorities conducted a three-day statewide crackdown on illegal diversion of subsidised Public Distribution System (PDS) foodgrain, seizing 5.65 lakh kg of rice and 24 transport vehicles worth a total of Rs 4.76 crore. Six criminal cases have been registered against nine individuals, and two officials have been suspended for dereliction of duty.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Mohd Ismail Sheikh, an absconder wanted in fake Indian currency note (FICN) cases, after more than 14 years. Sheikh was allegedly involved in using and exchanging counterfeit Rs 1,000 notes in Puducherry.

Odisha Police have arrested four individuals in Ganjam district for allegedly laying live wires to hunt wild animals, which resulted in the electrocution death of a 38-year-old man on October 7. The accused were apprehended on Thursday night, and electric wires and bamboo sticks were seized. Investigation revealed the wires were intended for hunting wild boars.

Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a Disproportionate Assets case against a Civil Supplies department official in Mahabubabad district. Searches at seven locations revealed assets worth approximately Rs 9.41 crore, including immovable and movable properties. The investigation is ongoing, with further verification of assets and their sources underway.

Navi Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian origin, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The announcement came as she was in Nuremberg, a symbolic location given her career's focus on international justice. Pillay dedicated the prize to survivors and those working for justice, warning against political attacks on international law and institutions like the ICC. Her extensive career includes roles in the International Criminal Tribu

Security has been significantly increased at the Noida-Delhi borders, with police and BSF personnel deployed, ahead of a major protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Saturday. The protest demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged election irregularities. Vehicle checks and barriers are in place, while some activists claim house arrest. Noida Metro services will operate normally, despite Delhi Metro closures.

Mizoram police have successfully recovered over Rs 1 crore for cybercrime victims this year and arrested nine alleged cybercriminals. The state has also established a dedicated State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (S4C) to enhance its efforts in detection, investigation, and public awareness against cybercrime.

Police in Navi Mumbai arrested a Nigerian national, Anyi Ikechukwu Darlington, and seized mephedrone and cocaine worth Rs 3.57 crore. The accused, previously arrested in a drug case, was out on bail and is now under investigation for his role in a drug distribution network.

A Dalit woman in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly sexually exploited for three years under the false promise of marriage. She became pregnant and was forced to abort the child. Police have registered a case against the accused, Tinku Gupta, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and SC/ST Act, and are searching for him.

The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta, an accused in the Zubeen Garg death case, against a bond of Rs 50,000. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar stated that the grounds for bail are not yet known, but the court deemed it a fit case. The prosecution, which presented arguments for several days, cannot challenge the order but will inform the government. Mahanta is currently lodged in Haflong jail, while other accused are in Tamulpur jail. The case involves the my

In a shocking incident from Gujarat's Surendranagar, a woman was forced by her husband and others to undergo a 'punishment-cum-purification ritual' involving sexual assault by her live-in partner. Police revealed the husband had previously chained her to prevent her from fleeing. Ten people, including the husband and the woman's stepson who uploaded a video of the incident, have been arrested. The accused claimed this was a 'common practice' in their community for eloping women.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced plans to strengthen the state police's Cyberdome to combat cybersecurity threats and deploy indigenously developed robots for traffic management and disaster response. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to address growing cyber challenges and protect critical infrastructure, while also highlighting the role of the CoCoN conference in sharing knowledge.

Researchers have outlined five crucial actions to help the world prepare for a potentially strongest-on-record El Nino, aiming to reduce its severe health consequences like infectious diseases, malnutrition, and heat-related conditions. These recommendations, published in The Lancet, emphasise a comprehensive risk overview and early preparatory measures.

Delhi is under an unprecedented security clampdown ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10. Police have denied permission for the demonstration, citing short notice and past rule violations. Measures include deploying 25,000 personnel, closing 57 metro stations, and intensifying checks at borders, railway stations, and hotels, impacting daily commuters.

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest under anti-terrorism laws in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. This appeal follows the dismissal of his previous petition by the Court of Appeal and an existing overseas travel ban.

Northern Railway has clarified that only 38 trains arriving at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 have been cancelled due to anticipated severe road traffic congestion, while operations at other Delhi stations will remain normal. This comes as the Cockroach Janata Party plans a protest at Jantar Mantar, leading to police requests for metro station closures.

Police in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested a father-son duo and an associate for allegedly running an elaborate job scam. They defrauded job seekers of lakhs of rupees by promising overseas employment using fake visas, flight tickets, and other forged documents. The accused operated a cyber centre and used online advertisements to lure victims, collecting money in instalments before providing fraudulent paperwork.

The Kerala High Court has ordered a further probe by the CBI into the death of renowned violinist Balabhaskar and his daughter in a 2019 car accident. The court criticised the CBI for its casual and lackadaisical manner in handling the previous investigation, which concluded it was an accident. The court directed the CBI to appoint an officer not below the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police for the new investigation.

Police in Nanded district, Maharashtra, seized five brass of illegally excavated river sand and apprehended the truck driver on Friday. The driver failed to produce valid permits, leading to a case registered under the BNS and Maharashtra Land Revenue Code for theft and unauthorized resource extraction.

A court in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced four men to life imprisonment for a 2012 murder stemming from a property dispute, with each also fined Rs 25,500.

A court in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced five men to life imprisonment for the 2016 murder of farmer Fatte Khan. The murder stemmed from a dispute related to a village head election, intensifying after another murder in which Fatte Khan was an accused. The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 1.55 lakh on the convicts, with a portion directed to the victim's family.

Delhi Police have dismantled an inter-state truck theft and dismantling racket, arresting three individuals including the alleged mastermind. The operation led to the recovery of dismantled parts of a stolen truck from a Punjab godown. The investigation involved technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and digital payment tracking, revealing the accused's involvement in multiple truck thefts across Delhi.

Mumbai Police have arrested five individuals, including two constables from Jharkhand and Bihar, for their involvement in an inter-state syndicate illegally procuring and supplying Call Detail Records (CDRs), Subscriber Detail Records (SDRs), and live location data. The racket was uncovered after the arrest of a suspect who impersonated a police officer to track lost phones using illegally sourced data.

A 17-year-old Class 10 student was found hanging at a female classmate's house in Faridabad, leading to protests, vandalism, and injuries to police personnel. The student's family alleges murder, while the girl's family claims harassment and suicide. Police are investigating the conflicting accounts.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the state's ambitious shift from mobile phone assembly to advanced microchip manufacturing, data centres, and artificial intelligence. He highlighted significant investments and growth in the digital economy, attributing the transformation to the double-engine government's alignment with national initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Adityanath also criticised previous administrations for hindering the state's potential

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, have developed an innovative nature-based wastewater treatment system utilising taro plants and an engineered zig-zag flow design. This low-energy, compact technology offers a promising solution for treating highly polluted swine wastewater in decentralised livestock farms, particularly in rural and resource-limited regions.

The CBI has registered an alleged bank fraud case against Mumbai-based Hanjer Biotech Energies Pvt. Ltd for causing a loss of over Rs 93.44 crore to Punjab National Bank. The company is accused of diverting a Rs 135 crore term loan, leading to searches at its Mumbai premises.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation to review progress in bilateral cooperation across various sectors including trade, defence, and critical technologies. They also discussed regional and international developments, reaffirming their commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

The Delhi government has approved real-time monitoring of PM2.5 and PM10 sources in collaboration with IIT-Delhi and the procurement of 30 EV-based mechanical road sweepers to combat winter air pollution. These measures aim to strengthen ground-level dust removal and scientifically identify pollution sources throughout the year.

Experts at a national symposium in Shillong discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence in tourism, emphasising that AI should support human judgment, local knowledge, and cultural values rather than replace them. Discussions highlighted the need for robust policies to address ethical concerns, safeguard livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage while leveraging AI for innovation and sustainability in the tourism sector, particularly in Meghalaya.

Madhya Pradesh police conducted a large-scale operation, 'Operation Prahar', in Khargone district, seizing cannabis plants worth nearly Rs 3 crore. Drones were instrumental in locating the illegal cultivation sites in remote tribal areas, leading to the confiscation of over 15,000 plants. Four accused are currently absconding, and cases have been registered under the NDPS Act.

A senior Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) technician was apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Beed for allegedly accepting a Rs 13,000 bribe. The technician demanded money to replace a faulty electricity meter and restore power supply to a complainant's residence.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged significant investment in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and quantum technology, identifying them as India's next major growth frontiers. Speaking at an IIT Madras Alumni Association event, she emphasized the need to build hardware, skills, and institutional ecosystems to harness these technologies, countering perceptions that India is lagging in AI. Sitharaman also highlighted the potential for increased investment in defence production, p

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed confidence that India can achieve over 10 per cent economic growth, emphasising the critical role of technology and innovation across all sectors. She highlighted the potential of startups and technological interventions in agriculture, such as precision mapping and efficient fertiliser distribution, to drive this growth and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat initiatives.