Rediff

The Indian Olympic Association has formed a five-member Games Technical Conduct Committee to oversee the technical aspects and sports programme of the 39th National Games, scheduled for Meghalaya in 2027. The committee, chaired by Sunaina Kumari, will ensure technical compliance and athlete-centred preparation for the event.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Liberia-flagged oil tanker, Aframax Rio, carrying 23 Indian nationals, was attacked by drone boats off Russia's Black Sea coast near Sochi. All crew members were safely evacuated, though a significant fire is burning. The incident highlights escalating risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting India to express grave concern over attacks on international waterways.

Botanists have discovered a new plant species, Didymocarpus nautiyalii, in Arunachal Pradesh's Shi-Yomi district. This small herb, found in subtropical evergreen forests, features leathery leaves and bluish-purple flowers. Named after Prof Sunil Nautiyal, the species is currently assessed as Data Deficient by IUCN, prompting calls for further research and conservation efforts.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly has passed a resolution demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood, a move that saw protests and a walkout by BJP legislators. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the Centre's repeated assurances of restoration at an 'appropriate time'.

The Congress party has launched nationwide protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his removal. Accusing him of acting in favour of the BJP and citing alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions (SIR), party workers burned effigies and clashed with police. Opposition parties plan further action, including a meeting of the INDIA bloc to strategize for his ouster.

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, visited Amritsar's Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Partition Museum, calling it a memorable day. During his visit to the Golden Temple, he was welcomed by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, who also raised concerns about a controversial Mr Singh poster issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, which was later removed. Discussions also covered the Sikh community's contributions and issues in the US.

Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) has sent a letter to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw calling for a nationwide prohibition on billboards, television, online and other advertisements for meat, beginning on October 2.

JD(U) MLA Anant Kumar Singh has publicly declared his intention to support and campaign for Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh against his own party's MLC, Neeraj Kumar, in the upcoming Bihar legislative council polls. Singh cited personal scores and past conspiracies involving Neeraj Kumar and RCP Singh as reasons for his rebellion.

Delhi Police have filed a non-cognisable report against PWD Minister Parvesh Verma for slapping a man during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar, while an FIR has been registered against AAP MLA Jarnail Singh for obstructing public servants. The incident, captured on video, occurred amidst a dispute over road quality, with the slapped individual, Sahib Singh, having a prior assault case.

The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.

The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) is set to host its inaugural women's conclave in New Delhi, aiming to advocate for increased representation of women farmers in agricultural policymaking. The event will bring together 7,000 women farmers to discuss their significant contributions to farming, livestock, and fisheries, and to push for policy changes, including a shift from MSP to MRP for produce.

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.

Shalu Manocha, daughter-in-law of murdered pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha, has been released by a Kanpur court after police filed a closure report, finding no evidence of her involvement. She was initially arrested based on an accused's statement but a detailed investigation cleared her, leading to the arrest of Vineet's son, Subrat Manocha, for plotting the murder.

Telugu actor Allu Sirish complained to Hyderabad Police about a temple playing loud music late at night, disturbing residents. He clarified his complaint was about civic sense, not religious devotion, after facing criticism from netizens.

A 40-year-old woman died after allegedly falling from the fourth floor of a building in north Delhi's Burari area. Her family has accused her husband and in-laws of killing her, citing a history of domestic disputes and assaults. Police have registered a case and an investigation is underway, awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death.

The Supreme Court has issued comprehensive directives to the Delhi Police Commissioner to enhance safety for women and minor girls in Delhi-NCR. These measures include forming dedicated police teams, conducting vulnerability audits of public spaces, improving lighting and CCTV surveillance, and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. The court also sought reports on the functioning of fast-track courts, utilisation of sexual offender databases, and the Mission Shakti programme.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Chennai has registered a new case under the POCSO Act against granite baron R Veeramani, following a complaint from the mother of a minor girl. This development comes as Veeramani's judicial custody was extended, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) announced a fact-finding visit. The case has led to significant public outcry and action against police officers for alleged inaction.

A 30-year-old woman was stabbed to death by her husband, Pradeep, in southwest Delhi's Palam area. The incident occurred at his biryani shop after she confronted him about an alleged affair. Police have registered a murder case and are searching for the accused.

The CBI has filed its 21st chargesheet in an alleged homebuyer fraud case related to the 'Acme Boulevard' housing project in Mumbai. Five former promoters/directors of Acme Realties Private Limited and Acme Housing India Private Limited are accused of inducing homebuyers through false assurances and fraudulent representations. The agency is also investigating 32 other similar cases involving various builder companies and financial institutions.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav visited Lovely Professional University (LPU) after student protests erupted over an alleged rape and vandalism. He stated that police used maximum restraint but would take strict action against those involved in violence. An FIR has been registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the rape allegation, while police also facilitated dialogue between students and university authorities to resolve administrative grievances.

Five British nationals arrested on suspicion of terror charges related to an explosives threat near RAF Fairford have been released on police bail. The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation is ongoing, with stringent conditions placed on the suspects. Iran has denied any involvement, while former US President Donald Trump claimed US intelligence assisted in the arrests.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has disposed of writ appeals concerning the partial demolition of Ujjain's Shahi Masjid for road widening ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028, following an agreement between the Muslim side and the Ujjain Municipal Corporation. The agreement involves removing a smaller portion of the mosque than initially planned, relocating its minaret, and providing alternative shops. This resolution comes after earlier protests and arrests.

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to explore a statutory framework to ensure social media intermediaries comply with Indian laws regarding minors, particularly concerning their inability to independently enter into contracts. The court highlighted the need for safeguards to protect children from potential harms on digital platforms, including exploitation and misuse of data, and asked the Solicitor General to examine incorporating these requirements into intermediary rules.

Prashanth Rajan Babu, the alleged kingpin of an interstate counterfeit drug racket, has been arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after absconding to Azerbaijan. He is accused of leading a network that refilled cheap bulk drugs into new vials and relabelled them as premium imported brands, with a previous raid seizing fake medicines worth Rs 5 crore.

Prashanth Rajan Babu, the alleged kingpin of an interstate counterfeit drug racket, has been arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after absconding in Azerbaijan. He is accused of leading a network that refilled cheap drugs and relabelled them as premium brands, with drugs worth Rs 5 crore seized earlier.

Delhi Police have arrested Shantaram Barku Shelke, the alleged mastermind behind a Rs 40 lakh visa fraud conspiracy that duped 41 individuals seeking overseas jobs in Russia and Israel. Shelke, proprietor of M/s SS Overseas Travels Agency, issued fake documents and evaded authorities before being apprehended in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued a Belize-flagged vessel, MT Seagull 9, with 23 crew members off the coast of Paradip, Odisha. The vessel, carrying palm oil, suffered engine failure and rapid ballast tank flooding, leading to a dangerous tilt. Swift action by ICG ship 'Vishwast' and a specialist damage control team prevented a major maritime incident and potential environmental disaster.

Actress Florence Pugh has voiced strong support for a Cornell University student who was allegedly gang-raped, criticising the university's lenient handling of the accused. Pugh expressed her outrage at the systemic failure to protect women and the disproportionate consequences faced by victims versus perpetrators.

Police in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, used tear gas to disperse protesters demonstrating against the proposed demolition of a portion of the Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project. The project is aimed at easing pilgrim movement for Simhastha Kumbh 2028, and despite initial protests, local authorities and the city Qazi claim the issue was resolved through mutual consent, with the Chief Minister also setting an example by demolishing part of his ancestral home.

The Delhi government has announced a series of stringent measures to combat air pollution in the national capital ahead of winter. These include prohibiting construction activities, restricting entry of non-BS-VI vehicles, doubling parking charges, implementing staggered office timings, and strengthening public transport, alongside public awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements.

A collaborative study by Indian and South Korean scientists has provided new genetic, anatomical, and ecological insights into the wide-ridged Indo-Pacific finless porpoise. The research, based on a stranded specimen in Kerala, revealed distinct genetic differences from Pacific populations and highlighted significant conservation challenges, including limited protected habitats and anthropogenic pressures.

Two men, including alleged mastermind Adeeb Khan, have been arrested in Delhi for cheating a person of Rs 15 lakh by posing as Direct Selling Agents (DSAs) of private banks and offering low-interest loans. Police recovered Rs 6.95 lakh in cash, and efforts are underway to apprehend a third absconding associate and trace the full money trail.

Bengaluru Customs officials arrested two passengers from Bangkok at Kempegowda International Airport for smuggling hydroponic ganja worth Rs 6.33 crore. This incident is part of a series of recent seizures, including more ganja and gold, highlighting ongoing efforts against contraband.

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood, a move that saw the opposition BJP stage a walkout. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved the resolution, which also referenced previous calls for greater autonomy and special status. The BJP vehemently opposed the resolution, calling it an insult to the Constitution.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka has reiterated the outfit's demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, alleging the exclusion of 13 crore names from electoral rolls and questioning the BJP's defence of Kumar. The CJP plans a nationwide protest starting October 2, vowing not to back down until Kumar resigns, and has launched the 'Election Commission Thik Karo' campaign. Ranka also accused the CEC of fraudulently redrawing constituencies in Assam to benefit the ruling party.

Actors Raghubir Yadav, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Zoya Hussain discuss their JioHotstar series 'Hunkkaar: The Roar', which addresses sexual assault and victim-shaming. They express hope that the show will encourage viewers to speak out against such crimes and awaken the collective conscience of society.

A resident of Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, filed an unusual complaint against Lord Indra, the Hindu god of rain, blaming him for incessant rainfall and its disruptive effects. The complaint, submitted through a public grievance portal, requested district authorities to use their divine contacts to control the downpour. The heavy rains have caused significant damage, including deaths, injuries, and property destruction across Hardoi and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.

The Supreme Court has stayed the Bombay High Court's order granting bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who is accused of assaulting doctors at a Thane hospital. The apex court emphasised that the medical fraternity must not be attacked, directing Mhatre to surrender within three days.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to resolve the dispute between rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress regarding the party name and election symbol. The EC has been given three months to decide after the factions complete their pleadings within four weeks. This follows a plea by Mamata Banerjee against the EC's interim decision to freeze the party's name and symbol.

The Supreme Court has agreed to list a review plea concerning its May 2025 verdict on the ownership of the Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru. The original verdict had ruled in favour of ISKCON Bangalore, but a subsequent split verdict by a review bench led to the matter being referred to the Chief Justice for further directions. The legal battle involves ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai over control of the temple and educational complex.

A recent study indicates that dogs possess the ability to segment human speech into individual words, a skill previously thought to be unique to humans. This consonant bias in speech processing appears to develop through regular exposure to human language, suggesting that efficient speech processing is not solely dependent on complex human linguistic capabilities. The findings, published in Science, highlight how brain function can be reshaped by speech exposure even in evolutionarily distant sp

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and others regarding a petition challenging the imposition of a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. While agreeing to hear the plea, the court refused to grant an interim stay on the decision, which introduces a 0.4% fee from October 15, with specific caps and exemptions for various transaction types and sectors.

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a plea challenging the Bombay High Court's order that acquitted 22 accused, including 21 police personnel, in the 2005 alleged fake encounter case of gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi, and aide Tulsiram Prajapati. The court noted the concern over 92 prosecution witnesses turning hostile and indicated it would review selected witness statements.

Police are investigating the suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who died hours after being caught allegedly copying in an exam. The probe includes examining his phone calls expressing remorse and allegations of caste discrimination made by his family against a professor. Digital evidence and CCTV footage are being analysed to reconstruct the sequence of events.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes as BJP members protested a resolution seeking the urgent restoration of statehood. The BJP opposed the resolution, calling it an insult to the Constitution, and moved a motion for the Speaker's removal, leading to disruptions and mock proceedings in the House.