Mamata Banerjee slams SIR bias; questions BJP for exempting Assam from drive
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a strong warning to the central government. She stated that if the names of genuine voters are removed, the people of Bengal will be urged to remove the government at the Centre. Banerjee questioned the selective implementation of SIR in poll-bound states. She vowed to protect the Constitution and Bengal's identity.
No place for Osamas: Himanta urges voters to protect local asmita
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma urged voters in Siwan to defeat candidates like 'Osama', drawing parallels to Osama bin Laden and alleging a connection to a convicted criminal. He emphasized the need to uphold the nation's identity and warned against the spread of such elements, calling for a decisive victory for the NDA.
NCW calls for overhaul of cyber laws, seeks tougher safeguards for women online
NEW DELHI: Aimed at addressing the legal and institutional gaps in Indias response to cyber offences targeting women, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged a comprehensive review of existing cyber laws and sought stricter provisions to protect women from cyberbullying and harassment. The Commission has proposed harsher penalties for cybercrimes against women and children, penal action for threats to share private and obscene content, a mandatory victim compensation fund and the appointment of district-level psychologists and forensic experts. The NCW has submitted its report, which includes changes in IT Rules, 2021, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and others, to the Union Ministries of Law and Justice, Electronics and Information Technology, Women and Child Development, and Home Affairs. The Commission also recommended protecting the complainant's identity in cyber offences, including cyberbullying, trolling, deepfakes, and privacy violations, and requiring intermediaries to remove harmful content within 36 hours. The recommendations, which were the outcome of its year-long national consultation aimed at reviewing and reforming Indias cyber legal framework through a gender-sensitive lens, have also suggested longer user data retention (360 days) and stronger protections for victims' anonymity. The NCW said that the recommendatory report for law review 202425 represents one of the most comprehensive national reviews undertaken by the Commission to modernise legal protections for women in cyberspace. The report combines statutory review, stakeholder insights, and comparative global analysis to propose reforms that strengthen digital rights and privacy protections for women, promote platform accountability and transparency, enhance forensic and law enforcement capacities, and foster digital literacy and preventive awareness through education and community engagement, the NCW said. Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson, NCW, said, The digital world has opened infinite doors for women - of learning, enterprise, and expression - but it has also given rise to new frontiers of threat and intimidation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that technology becomes an instrument of empowerment, not exploitation. Through this report, NCW envisions a cyber-ecosystem where laws do not merely punish offenders, but protect dignity; where awareness replaces fear; and where every woman can step into the digital world without hesitation - confident, informed, and secure. The Commissions recommendations span several major legislations and digital governance frameworks, including making it mandatory to account for the verification and inclusion of AI-manipulated imagery in rules, and introducing new provisions on gender-based harassment, platform transparency, AI audits, victim support, and cross-border content regulation. The apex national organisation that protects and promote the interests of women in India has also suggested defining sensitive personal data and gender-specific damage, to adopt stricter consent norms and 24-hour breach reporting, to mandate the removal of non-consensual content within 12 hours, to implement tiered penalties for gendered data misuse, and to provide anonymous reporting options under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The Commission has also sought to extend protection against digital harassment and remote workplaces; digital evidence protocols and tech support for Internal Committees (ICs) under the Mental Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, or the POSH Act, 2013. Under the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the Commission has suggested that it should cover online and OTT content, provide swift 48-hour recourse for digital offences, hold intermediaries accountable, and establish a victim compensation fund. Under the POCSO Act, it has suggested recognising digital manipulation and online grooming as offences, increasing penalties and child anonymity protection; social media accountability for failure to report abuse. Under Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, the Commission suggested recognising metadata and temporary files as key digital evidence, ensuring fast-track forensic analysis and chain of custody for cybercrimes. It also proposed that, under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, victim statements be recorded promptly, charge sheets and judgments shared without delay, and procedures for seizing and handling digital evidence be strengthened. As part of its national consultation, the NCW held eight regional consultations in Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, followed by two rounds of national consultations at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and at the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati. The final consultation was attended by Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who appreciated NCWs proactive efforts to drive reforms that safeguard women in the digital space. Hundreds of experts, including judges, senior advocates, technology specialists, police officers, academicians, and members of civil society, participated in the consultative process. Their collective insights culminated in a comprehensive set of over 200 actionable recommendations aimed at addressing the legal and institutional gaps in Indias response to cyber offences targeting women, the Commission said.
Trumps Turkey-backed forces rush in to rule Gaza strip | Al-Qassam fighters line-up | Bibi in Shock
Assam CM Meets PM Modi, Invites Him to Inaugurate Guwahati Airport Terminal
The Prime Minister's visit to Assam for these landmark events is expected to take place soon, marking another major milestone in the state's infrastructure and industrial growth
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to inaugurate the new terminal at Guwahati's LGBI Airport and lay the foundation stone for the Namrup Ammonia-Urea complex. The new airport terminal aims to make Guwahati a major aviation hub, while the fertilizer complex will ensure a steady supply for the Northeast's agriculture.
TMCs Abhishek attacks PM over SIR, warns of mega protest in Delhi over deaths linked to exercise
Kolkata, Nov 4 (PTI) TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, alleging that the BJP-led Centre was using the exercise to intimidate and disenfranchise ordinary voters. He urged people to be prepared to hit the streets in New Delhi in protest against what he called the deaths of so many Bengalis due to SIR fear. In the last seven days, we have lost seven lives due to the fear of SIR in Bengal. All of them were eligible voters. Their family
Girl gang raped in Assams Tinsukia while returning from school
According to the victims statement, three men raped and dumped her on the roadside while she was returning home from school, an officer said
GUWAHATI: Leaders of regional parties from Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Assam came together to form a united political entity, representing the true aspirations of the people of the Northeast. Meghalaya Chief Minister and National Peoples Party (NPP) chief Conrad K Sangma, Tripuras Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder leader Pradyot Debbarma, former Congress leader and Peoples Party and Assam leader Daniel Langthasa and former BJP spokesperson from Nagaland Mmhonlumo Kikon were seen together. Notably, NPP and TMP are BJP allies. For long-time, we, the younger generation leaders of Northeast, have spoken about the same issues and concerns of our people, but from different platforms and political spaces, we have realised that our strength lies in unity, and that it is time to give our people one collective voice, the quartet said in a joint statement after announcing the initiative at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on Tuesday. They said they had resolved to carry forward their ideals by coming together under a shared vision for the future of the Northeast, taking inspiration from the vision and legacy of great leaders who fought selflessly for the identity and development of the land. Today's announcement marks the first step towards building this common platform. To take this initiative forward, we have decided to constitute a committee that will deliberate on the future course of action, including the modalities and structure of the proposed political entity, the statement read. Our united effort is guided by a simple conviction that the people of the Northeast deserve to be heard, respected, and represented through a strong, unified, and indigenous political voice at the national level. Together, we stand for a stronger, more united Northeast, the statement further stated. Taking to X, Debbarma wrote, If we speak separately, we are insignificant! If we speak together, then the nation cannot ignore our region. Petty differences and narrow interests have sent us backwards. The time for change has come! Lets fight for our next generation together.
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BJP government will fall if even one eligible voter is removed in Bengal: CM Mamata
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that the fall of the BJP-led government at the Centre would be inevitable if even a single eligible voter was omitted from the electoral rolls. She accused the saffron party and the Election Commission (EC) of allegedly using the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) as a political tool to intimidate voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. Leading a massive anti-SIR rally in Kolkata, CM Mamata charged that the Election Commission was selectively conducting the revision drive in opposition-ruled states while sparing BJP-ruled ones. The EC is conducting SIR in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, but not in BJP-ruled Assam, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief alleged. Assembly elections are due next year in these four states. The Election Commission must also reply why there is no SIR in BJP-ruled Assam, Tripura and other northeastern states, she demanded, calling it clear discrimination aimed at helping the ruling party at the Centre. The last SIR in West Bengal in 2002 had taken at least two years to be completed, she said, wondering why the EC was in a hurry to finish it this time in just a month. CM Mamata branded the current exercise as hurried and politically motivated. If a single eligible voter is removed from the electoral rolls, we will ensure the fall of this BJP government, CM Mamata declared to thunderous applause from her supporters. Challenging the BJPs repeated claims of illegal voters in West Bengal, CM Mamata asked, How many Rohingyas or Bangladeshis were found in Bihar after the SIR there? She asserted that merely speaking in Bengali does not make someone a Bangladeshi and accused the saffron party of spreading fake news and communal propaganda to malign Bengalis. Taking a swipe at the ruling party, the TMC supremo said, The BJP does not want to win on the basis of votes, but on the strength of notes. If this electoral roll is fake, then how did the BJP win previous elections held on the basis of the same list? CM Mamata alleged that SIR stands for silent, invisible rigging and that the BJP is using it to instil fear among voters. Do we have to prove our citizenship before the BJP after being born and brought up in this land? she asked, evoking strong support from the crowd. CM Mamata, who was accompanied by her nephew and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during the protest march, said the TMC would take the fight to Delhi if needed.
Bihar polls: Osama Shahabs win will be a defeat for Hindus says Assam CM
Siwan: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said RJD candidate Osama Shahab shared his first name with terrorist Osama Bin Laden and his victory in the assembly polls will spell a defeat for Hindus. Sarma was addressing a rally in the Raghunathpur assembly segment of Siwan district, where Osama Shahab, the son of 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 .
TMC slams ECs special voter list revision as con job; exercise begins in 12 states, UTs
NEW DELHI: The Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list commenced on Tuesday across nine states and three Union Territories, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) dubbing the exercise a con job by what it alleged to be a compromised poll body. The electoral roll cleanup exercise has also drawn opposition from the ruling DMK and its allies in Tamil Nadu. According to the Election Commission (EC), its booth-level officers (BLOs) have begun visiting households to distribute semi-filled enumeration forms to electors and assist them in completing the required documents. As per the schedule announced by the poll authority, the SIR will begin with the enumeration stage and continue until 4 December. The EC will release the draft electoral rolls on 9 December, while the final rolls are scheduled to be published on 7 February. The 12 states and Union Territories where this second round of SIR will be conducted are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal are slated to go to polls in 2026. In Assam, another state where elections are due in 2026, the revision of electoral rolls will be announced separately as a Supreme Court-supervised exercise to verify citizenship is currently underway. A separate provision of the Citizenship Act also applies to the state. After Bihar, this marks the second round of the SIR. The final voter list in Bihar, containing nearly 7.42 crore names, was published on 30 September. The SIR began in West Bengal amid heightened political tensions surrounding the exercise in the state. It has evolved into a political battleground, pitting the BJPs call for transparency and the ECs administrative efforts against the TMCs grassroots-level opposition ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. While the BJP has welcomed the SIR as a step towards ensuring greater transparency in the electoral rolls, the ruling TMC has questioned its timing and intent, alleging that the EC is acting under pressure from the saffron party to manipulate the voter list ahead of next years state elections. With both parties viewing the SIR as a precursor to the 2026 Assembly elections, the contest has turned into what many in political circles describe as the battle of two forces the administrative and the organisational. TMC leader Derek OBrien termed the SIR exercise a con job organised by the Extremely Compromised body. Separately, the DMK, in its plea before the Supreme Court challenging the SIR, described it as a de facto NRC and questioned its constitutional validity. The ruling party in Tamil Nadu has sought to quash the ECs notification on the SIR dated 27 October 2025. However, the main opposition, AIADMK an ally of the BJP has expressed its support for the exercise. In Uttar Pradesh, the drive was launched under the theme Shuddh Nirvachak Namavali Majboot Loktantra (Clean Electoral Roll Strong Democracy).
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has targeted RJD candidate Osama Shahab in Bihar. Sarma drew a controversial comparison between Shahab and Osama Bin Laden. He stated that Shahab's victory would be a setback for Hindus. Sarma also discussed his work in Assam regarding infiltrators and madrasas. He announced plans for a law against multiple marriages in Assam.
ChatGPT Go 1-year free access rolls out in India
New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) OpenAIs ChatGPT Go subscription service went live in India on Tuesday, offering one-year free access to users in India who sign up during the limited-time promotional period. The promotion is available now for redemption from the ChatGPT web or the Google Play store, and will be available to redeem next week from the Apple App store. ChatGPT Go is OpenAIs recently launched subscription tier that offers increased message limits, image generation, and file uploads for users in India, a market ChatGPT counts as its second-largest and among the fastest-growing. The year-long free promotion coincides with
Zubeen's death: Judicial probe begins; CM Sarma extends full support
In early October, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had ordered a judicial probe into the mysterious death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore.
Encroachers Won't Live Peacefully As Long As I Am Assam CM: Himanta Biswa Sarma
On the controversy surrounding Congress MP Gaurav Gogois alleged Pakistan links, CM Sarma said that his priority remains the investigation into Zubeen Gargs mysterious death.
Shivakumar appeals to Ktaka employers to give 3 days paid leave for Bihar workers to give their vote
Bengaluru, Nov 4 (PTI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has appealed to employers across the State to extend support to voters from Bihar working in the southern state to enable them to take part in the Assembly elections there. In his message, which his office shared with media on Tuesday, Shivakumar noted that a large number of residents of Bihar are working in Bengaluru and various parts of Karnataka and wanted the workers to be given at least three days of paid leave for this purpose. The Deputy CM, who is also the Congress state president, urged companies
Trumps strength, Democrats message and the shutdown effect. What to watch on Election Day 2025
WASHINGTON, November 4, 2025 (AP) Tuesday marks the nations first major Election Day since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, and his leadership and policies dominated the debate in almost every race even though the Republican was absent from the campaign trail. The biggest contests are in Virginia and New Jersey, the only states electing governors this year. Trump lost both last fall, but voters in each have a history of electing Republicans for statewide office. The GOP candidates have closely aligned themselves with the president, betting that his big win last year can still provide
Assam CM claims singer Zubeen Garg was murdered; deets inside
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state government plans to file a chargesheet in the Zubeen Garg death case by December 8, emphasizing that the singers death is being treated as a murder, not an accident
Is it healthier to only eat until youre 80 per cent full? Japanese philosophy of hara hachi bu
Cardiff (UK), Nov 4 (The Conversation) Some of the worlds healthiest and longest-living people follow the practice of hara hachi bu an eating philosophy rooted in moderation. This practice comes from a Japanese Confucian teaching which instructs people to only eat until theyre around 80% full. More recently, its been gaining attention as a strategy for weight loss. But while hara hachi bu might emphasise eating in moderation and stopping before youre full, it shouldnt really be as seen as a method of dietary restriction. Rather, it represents a way of eating that can help us learn to have
Dont dismiss kids sadness or anger. How to minimise family conflict over social media ban
Sydney, Nov 4 (The Conversation) In just over a month Australias social media ban will begin. From December 10, those under 16 will only be able to see publicly available content on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube. They will not be able to have their own accounts. For example, they could look up Taylor Swifts latest music video on YouTube, but they would not be able to post their own content. There are no penalties for children who access an account on an age-restricted platform, or for their parents. Platforms face fines of up to
At Least Four UKNA Cadres Killed In Assam Rifles Operation In Manipur's Churachandpur
Security sources stated that the operation took place at around 6 am, targeting militants in a forested area near Khanpi.
Shafali Named North Zone Captain As BCCI Name Squads For Sr. Women's Inter Zonal T20 Trophy
Inter Zonal T20 Trophy: The Board of Control for Cricket in Indias (BCCI) zonal selection committees announced the squads for the Senior Women's Inter Zonal T20 Trophy on Tuesday, with Indias World Cup champion Shafali Verma named captain of the North Zone team. Six teams, namely the Central Zone, East Zone, West Zone, North Zone, North East Zone, and South Zone, will participate in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Nagaland from November 4 to 14. Verma is the only player from Indias World Cup-winning squad participating in the Senior Women's Inter Zonal T20 Trophy. The 21-year-old played only two games in the global tournament after being added to the squad before the semi-final clash against Australia as injury replacement for Pratika Rawal. However, she put up a match-winning performance in the summit clash against South Africa and was named the Player of the Match for her all-round performance, where she scored 87 runs in the first innings before picking two key wickets in the next. Another notable inclusion in the squads is Niki Prasad, Vermas Delhi Capitals teammate and the 2025 U19 World Cup-winning captain, who will be leading the South Zone in the tournament. Squads Central Zone: Nuzhat Parween (C & WK) (RSPB), Nikita Singh (VC) (MPCA), Simran Dilbahadur (RSPB), Neha Badwaik (CSCS), Anushka Sharma (MPCA), Vaishnavi Sharma (MPCA), Shuchi Upadhyay (MPCA), Ananya Dubey (MPCA), Mona Meshram (VCA), Suman Meena (RCA), Disha Kasat (VCA), Sampada Dixit (UPCA), Anjali Singh (UPCA), Amisha Bahukhandi (CAU), Nandani Kashyap (WK) (CAU) East Zone: Mita Paul (C) (CAB), Ashwani Kumari (VC) (JSCA), Priyanka Luthra (JSCA), Dhara Gujjar (CAB), Tanushree Sarkar (CAB), Rashmi Gudhia (WK) (JSCA), Jintimani Kalita (Assam CA), Rashmi Dey (Assam CA), Tanmayee Behera (OCA), Sushree Dibyadarshini (OCA), Titas Sahu (CAB), Saika Ishaque (CAB), Arti Kumari (JSCA), Mamta Paswan (JSCA), Priyanka Acharjee (TCA) North East Zone: Debasmita Dutta (C) (MECA), Nabam Yapu (VC) (ARCA), Kiranbala Haorungbam (MNCA), Lalrinfeli Pautu (CAM), Riticia Nongbet (MECA), Najmeen Khatun (WK) (NCA), Samayita Pradhan (SICA), Priyanka Kurmi (SICA), Vipeni (NCA), Nandika Kumari (SICA), Nabam Abhi (ARCA), Pranita Chettri (SICA), Solina Jaba (MECA), Primula Chettri (SICA), Ranjita Koijam (MNCA) North Zone: Shafali Verma (C) (HCA), Shweta Sehrawat (VC) (DDCA), Deeya Yadav (HCA), Ayushi Soni (DDCA), Taniya Bhatia (WK) (UTCA), SM Singh (HPCA), Bharti Rawal (DDCA), Bawandeep Kour (JKCA), Mannat Kashyap (PCA), Amandeep Kaur (HCA), Komalpreet Kour (PCA), Ananya Sharma (JKCA), Soni Yadav (DDCA), Nazma (DDCA), Nandini (UTCA) North East Zone: Debasmita Dutta (C) (MECA), Nabam Yapu (VC) (ARCA), Kiranbala Haorungbam (MNCA), Lalrinfeli Pautu (CAM), Riticia Nongbet (MECA), Najmeen Khatun (WK) (NCA), Samayita Pradhan (SICA), Priyanka Kurmi (SICA), Vipeni (NCA), Nandika Kumari (SICA), Nabam Abhi (ARCA), Pranita Chettri (SICA), Solina Jaba (MECA), Primula Chettri (SICA), Ranjita Koijam (MNCA) Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score South Zone: Niki Prasad (C) (KSCA), Sabbineni Meghana (VC) (ACA), Kamalini G (WK) (TNCA), Vrinda Dinesh (KSCA), Yuvashri K (CAP), Asha Sobhana (KCA), Challuru Prathyusha (CAP), Pranavi Chandra (KCA), Sahana Pawar (KSCA), Sayali Anil Lonkar (CAP), Madiwala Mamatha (WK) (HYCA), Sajana Sajeevan (KCA), Monica Patel (KSCA), Shabnam Shakil (ACA), Anusha Sundaresan (TNCA) Article Source: IANS
Citys theatres go housefull for Zubeens Roi Roi Binale
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Nov 3: Assamese legendary singer Zubeen Gargs final movie Roi Roi Binale is drawing massive crowds across multiplexes and cinema halls in Shillong. From Anjalee Cinema to Bijou Cinema, every show has been going houseful as people from all walks of life flock to watch the legendary musicians last cinematic creation. []
Polls first, SIR later: Assam government, CEO tell EC
Assam's government and Chief Electoral Officer have asked the Election Commission to conduct a special revision of electoral rolls after the 2026 assembly polls. This is due to the ongoing National Register of Citizens process. They believe this will simplify voter registration. The Election Commission is considering this request. A regular summary revision is suggested before the elections.
Bihars Madrasas on the Brink: The Silent Collapse of a Century-Old System
Government crackdowns on madrassas in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Assam have sparked nationwide debate in India. But the situation in Bihar stands in stark contrast. Here, there are no demolitions, no closures, and no laws directly targeting madrassas. They remain open, and classes continue yet a quiet crisis is unfolding within. This decline is [] The post Bihars Madrasas on the Brink: The Silent Collapse of a Century-Old System appeared first on BeyondHeadlines .
Gaurav Gogoi 100 per cent Pakistani agent, Himanta Biswa Sarma claims again
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has again called Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi a Pakistani agent. Sarma stated Gogoi's links with Pakistani agents are absolute. He welcomed any legal action Gogoi might take. The Chief Minister also mentioned plans to reveal Gogoi's activities after a charge sheet filing in another case.
Assam CM Himanta Says Singer Zubeen Was Murdered, Chargesheet Before December 17: Report
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he wont refer to the renowned singer Zubeen Gargs death as mishap.
ECI set to begin SIR exercise in nine states, three UTs amid opposition pushback
NEW DELHI: Even as opposition-ruled states move courts against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to launch the massive voters list cleanup drive across nine states and three Union Territories from Tuesday. According to the ECI, the SIR in these states and UTs, covering 51 crore voters, will begin with the draft roll release on December 9 and conclude on February 7, 2026, with the publication of the final electoral roll. This marks the second phase of the voters list clean-up, after Bihar, where the final roll with 7.42 crore voters was published on September 30. The nine states, where the SIR will be conducted, are Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, whereas among the UTs include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Pudducherry. Incidentally, the ruling parties and alliances in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal are opposed to the SIR and have either approached or are planning to approach the courts against the ECIs planned SIR in their respective states. Notably, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to polls in 2026. In Assam, which is also slated for elections next year, the ECI has not announced the SIR, stating that it will be conducted separately as a Supreme Court-monitored citizenship verification exercise is already underway. The state also falls under a distinct provision of the Citizenship Act. Under the Citizenship Act, there are separate provisions for citizenship in Assam. Under the supervision of the Supreme Court, the exercise of checking citizenship is about to be completed. The June 24 SIR order was for the entire country. Under such circumstances, this would not have applied to Assam, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said on October 27 while announcing the second phase of the SIR. The ongoing SIR is the ninth such exercise since independence, with the last one conducted in 2002-04. The last SIR in these states will serve as the cut-off reference, similar to how the 2003 voter list of Bihar was used by the EC for intensive revision. Most of these states had their last SIR between 2002 and 2004 and have nearly completed mapping current electors against those records. The primary aim of SIR is to weed out illegal foreign migrants by checking their place of birth. The move assumes significance in the wake of a crackdown in various states on illegal migrants, including those from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Tweaking the rules followed during Bihar SIR, the EC has now instructed its field machinery that electors do not have to submit documents at the enumeration stage itself. People who cannot be linked with the previous SIR of their respective state will have to provide documents once they are served notice by the electoral registration officer.
ED freezes Anil Ambani Group properties Rs 3084 crore
NEW DELHI, Nov 3 (Reuters) The ED (Enforcement Directorate) has provisionally frozen Rs 3084 crore ($351 million) worth of real estate assets linked to Reliance Anil Ambani Group as part of a money-laundering investigation, it said in a statement on Monday. The case relates to loans from Indias YES Bank in excess of $569 million taken out by the group between 2017 and 2019 and involves what the Enforcement Directorate alleges was the diversion and laundering of public funds. Reliance Group, owned by the younger brother of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, did not immediately respond to a request for comment
A medieval tower in Rome partially collapses during renovations, injuring a worker
ROME, November 3, 2025 (AP) A medieval tower in the heart of Italys capital, near the famous Roman Forum ruins, partially collapsed on Monday during work to renovate the structure, seriously injuring at least one worker, Italian media reported. Hundreds of tourists watched as firefighters used a mobile ladder and brought a stretcher to the upper level of the Torre dei Conti. Three workers were rescued, while one remained blocked inside the structure, the newspaper Corriere della Sera said. During the rescue operation by firefighters, another part of the tower collapsed, sending up a cloud of debris. Firefighters who
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that music icon Zubeen Gargs death was not accidental but a case of murder. I wont call it an accident but murder. The charge sheet in Zubeen Gargs murder case has to be filed before December 17. I have set a December 8 target, Sarma told media persons. The chief minister said that since the incident occurred on foreign soil, approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was required before filing the charge sheet. If something happens on foreign soil, we need the MHAs approval before we file the charge sheet. I met Union Home Minister Amit Shah yesterday so that we get the approval early, he said. Sarma added that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case would write to the MHA within the next three to four days to seek approval. He expressed hope that the SIT would be able to file the charge sheet by December 8. Reacting to the statement, Congress MP and Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi urged the chief minister to share the evidence if it was indeed a murder. The chief minister said it was murder, but he did not tell us how it happened. If Garg was murdered, the chief minister should tell people how it happened, Gogoi said. Sarmas remark came days after the Assam Police received the post-mortem and toxicology reports from Singapore authorities. Two days earlier, the chief minister had said that those who doubted justice in the case would have to change their opinion once the charge sheet was filed. They will be compelled to say that the SIT has done a good job. I proved people wrong in the past, and I will prove them wrong again, Sarma said. He added that all facts would be brought before the court and the public. When I say this, you must understand how confident I am, he told reporters, adding that people would soon come to know about many sad and painful stories surrounding Gargs life. Zubeen Garg had died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. He had travelled there to participate in the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF). So far, seven persons, including NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, have been arrested by the SIT in connection with the case.
Bangladesh Nationals Confront Border Police In Assam's Sribhumi
A video has surfaced online showing a confrontation between Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and a group of Bangladeshi nationals near the Bhanga-Harinagar sector in Assam's Sribhumi district.
Zubeen Garg Murdered, Chargesheet By December 17, Says Himanta Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the state government is aiming to file a chargesheet in the Zubeen Garg death case by December 8.
New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) The Supreme Court said on Monday it will issue certain directions following a plea urging the Election Commission to ensure that every political party publishes its memorandum, rules and regulations on its website. A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and Joymalya Bagchi, which issued notice to the Centre and the Election Commission (EC) on an application filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, said, Unless there are very strong impediments, we would like to issue certain directions. The bench asked Upadhyay, who appeared in-person, to remind the court about it on the next date
Sensex inches up 40 pts in muted trading; snaps two-day falling streak
Mumbai, Nov 3 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex edged up nearly 40 points while Nifty ended above 25,750 points in a lackadaisical trade on Monday, snapping the two-day declining streak on buying in select auto and banking shares. The 30-share BSE Sensex inched up by 39.78 points or 0.05 per cent to settle at 83,978.49 as 14 of its constituents advanced and 16 declined. During the day, it hit a high of 84,127 and a low of 83,609.54. The 50-share NSE Nifty eked out a marginal gain of 41.25 points or 0.16 per cent to end at 25,763.35. Profit taking at
Assam CM Dubs Zubeen Gargs Death As Murder
Himanta announces SIT will file chargesheet by Dec 8 after MHA nod
Truck rams into bus in Telangana, killing at least 20
HYDERABAD, India, November 3, 2025 (AP) A truck loaded with concrete stone chips rammed into a passenger bus in Telangana early Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring about two dozens, local authorities said. The state-run transport bus was carrying around 70 passengers en route to Hyderabad city in Telangana state when a truck coming from opposite direction collided with it near the town of Chevalla, local district official K. Chandrakala told The Associated Press. The front of the bus was badly mangled, trapping several passengers inside. Rajendra Prasad, superintendent at Chevalla hospital said 20 bodies have been
Sensex and Nifty decline in early trade
Mumbai, Nov 3 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday, amid profit-taking and foreign fund outflows. The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 261.39 points to 83,677.32 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 62.9 points to 25,659.20. From the Sensex firms, Maruti, Bharat Electronics, Titan, Eternal, Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv were the major laggards. However, Mahindra & Mahindra and State Bank of India were the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 6,769.34 crore on Friday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth Rs 7,068.44 crore, according to exchange data. Smart
How much salary and pension will increase in 8th Pay Commission?
The central government has given the green light to the terms of reference (TOR) for the 8th Pay Commission. They have also named Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, a former Supreme Court judge, as the chairperson of the Commission. The commission will now start preparing its report and will submit it in the next 18 months. The report will go to the Union Cabinet for review and approval. When the Cabinet approves a pay commissions recommendations, it also signs off on the fitment factor, which is a multiplier for salary and pension revisions for central government employees and pensioners. Terms of
DyCM DK Shivakumar asks Biharis in Bengaluru to vote for INDIA bloc
BENGALURU: With the assumption that the Bihar assembly polls could have a bearing on power transfer in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar interacted with Bihar people living in Bengaluru at Coffee Board Layout in Byatarayanapura on Sunday evening. He asked them to take 3-4 days leave to go to their hometowns and vote for Mahagathbandhan. He promised them that a civic amenity site will be allotted to their association in Bengaluru. When those attending the meeting wished that he would become CM, Shivakumar said, Let Gathbandhan come to power first, and Tejashwi Yadav become Bihar CM. He said making Tejashwi the CM and Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister are the foremost priority. As most Biharis are working in the construction industry, he urged Credai to ensure holidays to these workers to vote. Vote for Mahagathbandhan for the development of Bihar. Tell your relatives too to vote for us, he told members of the Bihar origins Bengaluru Residents Association. Bihar is not in Nitish Kumars hands like before as he is at the end of his political career. Rahul Gandhi should be made PM as the Nehru family has contributed a lot to this country, he added. In another month, a notification will be issued on allocating civic amenity sites to organisations from other states. You too should apply. When I went to Assam to attend the memorial programme of singer Zubeen Garg, people from Assam living in state asked us to give a site to conduct their activities. We will consider giving CA sites to all, he said.
BJP perhaps cannot bear SIR heat in Assam
When there is already a huge number of voters excluded in the State, more deletions from the electoral rolls is the last thing the ruling dispensation can ill-afford to at the moment
Push for Ramsar site tag for wetlands in Assam wildlife sanctuary
The Rowmari-Donduwa wetland complex in the Kaziranga-Orang landscape has been recording more birds than the only two Ramsar Sites in the northeast Assams Deepor Beel and Manipurs Loktak Lake
LDF to seek speedy legal steps for staying SIR in crucial election year in Kerala
LDF convener says ECI has shown political bias by dismissing a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly against SIR, while giving reprieve to Maharashtra and Assam
Assam CM meets Rail Minister, seeks improved connectivity through new trains and faster Bhutan link
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to expedite the Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line to Bhutan. Sarma also requested three new Amrit Bharat trains, a new rail route from Umrangso to Lanka, and additional stoppages for major trains, all of which the minister reportedly consented to.
Meghalaya shine at 4th NE Masters Table Tennis tourney in Pasighat
By Our Reporter Shillong, Nov 1: The three-day 4th North East Masters Table Tennis Tournament 2025 concluded on Friday at Pasighat with spirited performances and friendly competition among veteran paddlers from across the region. Arunachal Pradesh made history by winning its first-ever medal in the 60+ category, while Assams Kaushik Phukan emerged champion in the []
Assam CM Sarma claims Congress using Zubeen Gargs name for political gain
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that Congress and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi are politicizing Zubeen Garg's death by bringing non-fans to his cremation site, disturbing peace. He also stated that some sections from the Miya community disrupted the cremation site.
EC Delays SIR In Assam For Final NRC
The ECI had on Monday announced Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for 12 states and union territories, including four states and an UT that will have an assembly election in the first half of 2026: Reports
Need for on-campus reptile conservation in urbanising world, studies show
An average of approximately 25 species of serpents have been recorded across four higher education institutions in India over two years; the latest study on snake diversity was conducted at Tezpur University in Assam
Projects worth 1.78 lakh crore to be launched by December: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
With the pouring in of investments and projects, youth will find more employment opportunities within the State, CM Himanta said
Projects worth 1.78 lakh crore to be launched by Dec: Assam CM
He said that a thermal power project worth 40,000 crore will soon commence in the State
Zubeen Garg's death: Assam police receive post-mortem and toxicology reports from Singapore
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Singapore authorities have sent singer Zubeen Gargs post-mortem and toxicology reports to the state police. He stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing Gargs death, has made substantial progress and will submit the chargesheet in court within the stipulated timeframe. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme on Friday, Sarma said, When our SIT visited Singapore, they assured full cooperation. Today, the Singapore authorities have formally sent the post-mortem and toxicology reports along with guidelines related to the sea under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). The 52-year-old singer-composer died while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. Tears, tributes and packed halls as Zubeen Gargs last film Roi Roi Binale shatters records across Assam The 10-member SIT has arrested seven individuals, all of whom are currently in judicial custody . Sarma, who is also the states Home Minister, emphasised that the SIT will submit the chargesheet within the stipulated 90-day period. They have already made substantial progress. As per my brief, the SIT is confident about ensuring justice for Zubeen. When it submits the chargesheet by 17 December, people will appreciate their work, he said. The Chief Minister also asserted that while the state government remains fully committed to probing Gargs death, it will not allow attention to be diverted from other state issues. Taking a swipe at the Congress, Sarma claimed, They want Assam to be a part of Bangladesh. That is why they sing Bangladeshs national anthem and try to justify it. The Assam government had recently instructed authorities to investigate the alleged singing of Bangladeshs national anthem at a Congress Seva Dal meeting in Sribhumi district. Sarma added that issues such as Love Jihad and encroachment remain priorities for the state government, alongside Gargs case. SIT working to hide CM Himantas relation with accused in Zubeen Garg death case: MP Gaurav Gogoi
Zubeen death case: Post-mortem, toxicology reports from Singapore received by Assam Police
When our SIT visited Singapore, they had assured of cooperation. Today, the Singapore authorities have formally sent the post-mortem and toxicology reports and their guidelines related to sea under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), says Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
HC acquits Assam native rape, murder charge of elderly widow
Planted By Foreign Power: Himanta Sarma Says Gaurav Gogoi Is 100% Pakistani Agent
The Assam Chief Minister has repeatedly targeted Gogoi and his wife, Elizabeth Coulburn, in the past over alleged links with Pakistan.
Fans get emotional as Zubeen Gargs last film Roi Roi Binale hits theatres
Fans paid an emotional tribute to cultural icon Zubeen Garg as his last Assamese movie, Roi Roi Binale, premiered with early morning screenings. The film's widespread release across India and the Chief Minister's pledge to donate GST share highlight the profound impact of Garg's legacy.
Assam's healthcare and hospitality boom: Foundation laid for major projects in Sarusajai
Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma initiated three major projects in Sarusajai. These include a Medanta Super-Speciality Hospital, a Cocoon Mother and Childcare Hospital, and a Lemon Tree Premier Five-Star Hotel. These ventures represent an investment of around Rs. 800 crore. The projects are expected to significantly boost the state's healthcare and hospitality sectors and create numerous employment opportunities.
Assam inks industryacademia pact at India Industrial Fair to boost job-ready skills
Assam's Directorate of Technical Education and Laghu Udyog Bharati have signed an MoU to bridge the education-industry gap. This collaboration will provide technical students with internships, live projects, and mentorship, aligning academic learning with industrial needs. The initiative aims to transform education into employability and innovation into entrepreneurship across Assam.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi 10% Pakistani agent, alleges Assam CM
He has been planted by foreign power in our country, Himanta Biswa Sarma said
Cong MP Gaurav Gogoi 100 pc Pakistani agent, planted by foreign power: Himanta
In a heated political exchange, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has labeled Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi a potential Pakistani spy, claiming his connection is orchestrated by foreign influences. Sarma urged Gogoi to seek legal action if the statement lacks truth. He has promised to unveil supporting evidence once the investigation into Zubeen Gargs tragic demise reaches a conclusion.
Supreme Court to hear plea against Assam BJPs communal video on X
The video allegedly shows men and women in skullcaps and burqas in the backdrop of Assam's major landmarks with a message at the end to electors choose your vote carefully; petitioners say the video openly targets, vilifies and demonises Muslims
GUWAHATI: Fans could not hold back their tears, both inside and outside theatre halls, after watching Roi Roi Binale , the last film featuring music icon Zubeen Garg, who died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The movie, directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and released on Friday, ran to packed houses across Assam and broke all opening day records, with most theatre halls scheduling up to five shows a day. The screening started as early as 4.25 am at several theatres. Tickets for all shows for the first week were sold out, and fans had booked the first three days tickets within an hour last week. The state is still grieving Gargs untimely demise, and there was an outpouring of emotion as fans thronged single-screen and multiplex theatres. In viral videos, some were seen seated long after shows were over, sobbing. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. For the first time in the history of Assamese films, a movie is being released in different parts of the country. It was screened in Patna, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Mysore, Vellore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vapi (Gujarat), Indore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Raniganj, Maldah, Siliguri, Agartala, Dharmanagar, Cooch Behar, Raipur and Nagpur, said Siddharth Goenka, the films distributor. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. In cities like Bengaluru, Assamese films were earlier screened in only one or two theatres, but this time, it premiered in 17 theatres simultaneously. There will be 600 shows daily in Assam and the rest of the Northeast alone, which is unprecedented. Outside the Northeast, 96 halls would screen the movie with 170 shows daily, Goenka added. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a constituent of Assams ruling coalition, booked all 218 seats for a show at a multiplex in Guwahati. AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta watched the film along with party leaders and workers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he would watch it privately. If I go to a cinema hall, it will cause inconvenience to people as I will be accompanied by my security personnel, he said. Garg plays the lead role of a blind musician in Roi Roi Binale , a musical love story that recounts the life and struggle of a visually impaired artist who experiences the world through sound, imagination and love. The film features 11 songs, all composed by Garg himself.
No proof of violence: Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha tell SC in 2020 Delhi riots case
NEW DELHI: Claiming innocence in the 2020 Delhi riots case, student activists and former JNU students Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and Gulfisha Fatima on Friday told the Supreme Court that there was no evidence linking them to violence and denied the conspiracy charges levelled against them in the 2020 Delhi riots case. There are 751 FIRs. I am charged in one, and if its a conspiracy, its a bit surprising. There is no proof of violence against me, Khalid told the bench of the top court headed by Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice N V Anjaria. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khalid, said that on 26 dates, the matter could not be taken up due to paucity of time in the trial court, while on 59 dates, the matter could not be reached due to the unavailability of the Special Public Prosecutor. Questioning how his client could be charged in the case when he was not even present in Delhi when the riots took place, Sibal said there was no recovery of weapons or incriminating material linking Khalid to any act of violence. There is no allegation of Khalid raising any funds for violence or making appeals for violence. The only overt act alleged against Khalid is a speech which he gave in Amaravati in Maharashtra on February 17, argued Sibal, while seeking bail for his client. The court on Friday adjourned the matter till Monday, November 3, to hear further arguments from other co-accused, including Meeran Haider, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shifa Ur Rehman, as well as from the Delhi Police. The police had arrested Khalid, Imam and Fatima in the larger conspiracy case linked to the Delhi riots, charging them under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and with criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Fatima, submitted that she has been in custody for over five years and five months since April 11, 2020. He pointed out that while the chargesheet was filed on September 16, 2020, supplementary chargesheets have continued to be filed every year. The larger issue is, can filing chargesheets be generated indefinitely? he asked. Questioning the slow pace of the proceedings, Singhvi remarked, Why has the trial not commenced yet? Fatima is the only woman in custody in the case now, as the other women have already got bail. If you get bail after six or seven years, what is the point? 2020 Delhi riots case: Accused involved in 'deliberate attempt to destabilise State,' police claims in affidavit He further pointed out that the charges were yet to be framed, and more than 800 witnesses were listed. This is a distortion of the criminal justice system. The concept of liberty is that you dont keep me in jail without trial, Singhvi contended. Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Imam, argued that till last year the police kept filing supplementary chargesheets until September 2024, meaning the investigation continued for at least four years. He said this clearly showed that there was no delay on the part of the accused, at least until 2024. He questioned how Imam could be held liable for conspiracy when he had been in custody since January 25, 2020, in connection with other cases, nearly a month before the Delhi riots took place. Imam is also not an accused in any of the other riot cases. In the other cases for alleged inflammatory speeches, he has been given bail and is in jail only because of this case, Dave said. On September 6, the former JNU student Imam had moved the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court rejected his bail plea. He sought bail in the larger conspiracy case under the UAPA in relation to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots case. Similarly, former JNU student Umar Khalid had approached the Supreme Court on September 10 challenging the Delhi High Courts order rejecting his bail plea under the UAPA in the case related to the alleged criminal conspiracy in the February 2020 riots in the national capital. According to the prosecution, the Delhi Police had booked Imam under the stringent UAPA. On January 28, 2020, he was arrested by the Delhi Polices Crime Branch from Bihars Jehanabad in a sedition case for allegedly making inflammatory speeches at Jamia Millia Islamia University and Aligarh Muslim University. The riots took place in February 2020 following clashes over the then-proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). According to the Delhi Police, the riots resulted in the death of 53 persons and injuries to hundreds. The prosecution alleged that Imam had hatched a larger criminal conspiracy to cause multiple riots. The FIR in this case was registered by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police under various provisions of the IPC and the UAPA. Imam was booked in multiple FIRs across several states, mostly under sedition and UAPA charges. Besides Delhi, he faces FIRs in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Imam was granted bail by the Delhi High Court last year in connection with the alleged speeches he gave at Jamia Millia Islamia University and Aligarh Muslim University. In sedition cases registered in Aligarh and Guwahati, he was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court in 2021 and by the Gauhati High Court in 2020, respectively. He was also booked in FIRs in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. 2020 riots case: Delhi HC rejects petition to reconstruct Jafrabad case diary The Delhi High Court had, on September 2, rejected the bail pleas of nine persons, including Khalid and Imam, in the case, saying conspiratorial violence under the garb of demonstrations or protests by citizens couldnt be allowed. The High Court had also rejected the bail pleas of other accused, including Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima and Shadab Ahmed. Social activist and former JNU student Khalid has been in jail since his arrest by the Delhi Police on September 14, 2020, for his alleged involvement in the Delhi riots case. He was booked under the stringent UAPA for his alleged role in the larger conspiracy behind the riots. He has denied the charges and claimed innocence in the case. Khalid had earlier approached the top court challenging an October 2022 Delhi High Court verdict that had denied him bail. Since then, he has remained in jail and has never been granted bail, despite repeated appeals and efforts before various courts. He had initially sought bail in the Delhi High Court on the grounds that he neither had any criminal role in the violence in the citys North-East area nor any conspiratorial connect with other accused in the case. The Delhi Police had opposed his bail plea in the High Court. The police had also arrested Imam, activist Khalid Saifi, JNU students Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita, Jamia Coordination Committee member Safoora Zargar, former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and several others under the stringent law in connection with the case. According to the prosecution, the violence had erupted following protests against the CAA and NRC, leaving 53 people dead and over 700 injured. Khalid was charge-sheeted in the case along with other accused persons.
Sensex declines 466 pts on profit-taking in pvt banking, metal shares; Nifty ends below 25,750
Mumbai, Oct 31 (PTI) Declining for the second consecutive day, benchmark Sensex retreated by nearly 466 points on Friday following selling in private banks, metal and power shares and a weak trend in global markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 465.75 points or 0.55 per cent to settle at 83,938.71 as 25 of its constituents fell and five advanced. During the day, it dropped 498.8 points or 0.59 per cent to 83,905.66. The 50-share NSE Nifty fell by 155.75 points or 0.60 per cent to 25,722.10. Foreign fund outflows, mixed corporate earnings and the lack of clarity on the US
How Zubeen Garg's Final Film Sparked Assam's Single-Screen Theatres' Revival
When the first show of 'Roi Roi Binale' began at 4:25 am in Guwahati on Friday, queues stretched down the street.
Gold climbs Rs 2,200 to Rs 1,25,600/10g in Delhi markets
New Delhi, Oct 31 (PTI) Gold prices climbed by Rs 2,200 to Rs 1,25,600 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday on fresh buying by stockists and jewellers, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,23,400 per 10 grams on Thursday. In the local bullion market, gold of 99.5 per cent purity jumped by Rs 2,200 to Rs 1,25,000 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from the previous close of Rs 1,22,800 per 10 grams. Gold advanced on the last trading day of the week,
Not allowing Nitish to speak at NDAs manifesto release insult to Bihar, claims Congress
Patna, Oct 31 (PTI) The Congress on Friday slammed NDA leaders for not allowing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to speak at the release of the ruling coalitions manifesto for the state assembly polls, claiming it was an insult to Bihar and Biharis. Talking to reporters here, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot also claimed that the NDAs manifesto release programme lasted only 26 seconds, as the leaders were afraid of facing questions from journalists about their 20-year rule. CM Nitish Kumar, his deputy Samrat Choudhary, BJP president JP Nadda, Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan and other leaders
Zubeen Garg's final film, 'Roi Roi Binale,' premiered across India, transforming theatres into a grand tribute following his untimely death. The movie, a 19-year dream project, saw unprecedented fan enthusiasm, with housefull screenings and a historic statewide exclusive release, showcasing Assam's deep devotion to the beloved artist.
Roi Roi Binale: Zubeen Garg's last film opens to packed house across Assam
Roi Roi Binale, the final film of the legendary singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in September, hit theatres across Assam to a thunderous reception
Gold futures slip to Rs 1,21,290/10g as US-China truce temper safe haven demand
New Delhi, Oct 31 (PTI) Gold prices fell by Rs 218 to Rs 1,21,290 per 10 grams on Friday in a volatile movement in futures trade, as investors assessed the impact of the Federal Reserves cautious stance on rate cuts and a temporary truce in US-China trade tensions. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), the yellow metal futures for December delivery declined by Rs 218, or 0.18 per cent, to Rs 1,21,290 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 13,223 lots. Similarly, silver futures for December delivery decreased by Rs 410, or 0.28 per cent to Rs 1,48,430 per
Adani Power emerges as lowest bidder for 3.2 GW coal tender in Assam
Adani Power has emerged as the lowest bidder for a 3.2 GW coal power supply tender floated by Assam, the company said in a post-earnings call. The bid has received approval from the state electricity commission, and the firm expects the official award soon.
New Delhi, Oct 31 (PTI) The Congress on Friday paid rich tributes to former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying she was fearless and unwavering while facing the powerful and taught us that nothing is more important than Indias self-respect. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi along with a host of other senior leaders paid floral tributes to Indira Gandhi at the Shakti Sthal here and also visited the former prime ministers memorial on 1, Safdarjung Road. In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said,
Amol Muzumdar, a former Mumbai and Assam cricketer and record-breaking Ranji Trophy batsman, has transitioned into coaching, culminating in his 2023 appointment as head coach of the India women's cricket team. He continues to mentor young talent and shape India's cricket future.
Rupee gains 5 paise to 88.64 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai, Oct 31 (PTI) The rupee showed some recovery and traded 5 paise higher at 88.64 against the dollar in early trade on Friday, tracking lower crude oil prices and weaker American currency. According to forex traders, the outflow of foreign funds amid selling pressure in the equity markets prevented a sharp gain in the domestic unit. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 88.60 rose slightly to 88.59 before trading at 88.64 against the greenback, up 5 paise from its previous close. On Thursday, the rupee had crashed 47 paise to settle at 88.69 against the US
'Zubeenda Amar Haok': Fans Turn Assam Cinema Halls Into Shrines For Zubeen Gargs Final Film
Emotional scenes were witnessed across Assam as fans paid heartfelt tributes to late singer-actor Zubeen Garg during the release of his final film Roi Roi Binale.
When Mumbai was held hostage: From double-decker bus to flat
Mumbai, Oct 31 (PTI) Mumbai on Thursday witnessed a tense situation where several children were held captive, perhaps for the first time, but the metropolis is no stranger to hostage crises, which in the past have pushed it to the edge and tested police efficiency in non-terror cases. Police successfully concluded a nearly three-hour-long dramatic hostage situation, safely rescuing 17 children and two adults held at a studio in the Powai area by a person who died from a bullet injury sustained during police action. The tense drama unfolded around 1:30 pm after the Powai police station received an alert
Indian Oil buys Russian crude from non-sanctioned entities, sources say
NEW DELHI/SINGAPORE, Oct 31 (Reuters) Indian Oil Corp, the countrys top refiner, has bought five cargoes of Russian oil for December arrival from non-sanctioned entities, traders said, resuming purchases despite pressure from Washington on India to stop buying Russian oil. Washington last week imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russias two largest oil companies, stepping up efforts to pressure President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. IOCs head of finance, Anuj Jain, however, has said his company will continue to buy Russian oil if the barrels are in compliance with sanctions. The European Union, the UK and
Assam: Nonai multi-village water supply scheme brings potable water to border households
Udalguri: For decades, thousands of families living along the Indo-Bhutan border in Udalguri district struggled with the most basic need access to clean drinking water. That reality is finally changing with the inauguration of the Nonai Multi-Village Water Supply Scheme (MVWSS) under the Tangla PHE Division, a ?170-crore project sanctioned under the Jal Jeevan [] The post Assam: Nonai multi-village water supply scheme brings potable water to border households appeared first on NorthEast Now .
4:45 AM Premiere, 18-Hour Marathon Shows: Assam Goes All Out For Zubeen Gargs Final Film
Fans are flocking to book tickets for the late Zubeen Gargs final film, with over 15,000 tickets sold in the first hour of sales alone
Congress leader sings Bangladesh national anthem at Assam meet; CM Himanta orders treason case
GUWAHATI: A Congress leaders rendition of the Rabindra Sangeet Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobasi, which is the national anthem of Bangladesh, has stoked a controversy in Assam which will go to elections in six months from now. At a Seva Dal meeting of the Congress at Sribhumi in southern Assams Barak Valley two days ago, partys local leader Bidhu Bhushan Das, said to be in his seventies, started his address by singing the song. Bengalis are in a large majority in Barak Valley which adjoins Bangladesh. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore penned the song in 1905 during the first partition of Bengal. The BJP reacted sharply after a video of the Congress leaders rendition of the song went viral. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, The meeting of the Congress started with the singing of Bangladeshs national anthem. We cannot accept it in Assam. He also said that he had instructed the Assam Police to file a case of treason against Congress members in Sribhumi district. We will lodge an FIR and the police will take actions under appropriate sections of law, he added. The BJP said Bangladesh-obsessed Congress proudly sang Bangladeshs national anthem in Assam, just days after Bangladesh dared to publish a map swallowing the entire Northeast. If after this, someone still cant see the agenda at play, then theyre either blind, complicit or both, the BJP said. The Congress shot back, slamming the BJP for its ignorance. Jorhat MP and Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi said it is a song composed by Tagore one that conveys the sentiments of Bengali culture. He alleged the BJP always insulted the Bengali language, Bengali culture and the people of Bengal. Their IT Cell in the past also insulted the people of Bengal. They have shown their ignorance. They have shown that they do not know the history of Rabindranath Thakur and his philosophy, Gogoi said. I think the people of Bengal and Bengali-speaking people in different parts of India have realised that the BJP only uses them for votes but never cares to understand their culture, language and sentiments, he further stated.
Government wants to turn soldiers into 'security guards' posted at colonies: Congress on Agniveers
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday targeted the BJP government saying its patriotism and love for the Army could be seen in how it has turned soldiers guarding the country's borders into security guards posted outside residential colonies. The opposition party's criticism follows a Ministry of Home Affairs' communication asking states and Union territories to help with ex-Agniveers' smooth career progression by ensuring they get hired by private security firms after they complete their term with the armed forces. The government wants to turn the soldiers guarding the border into 'security guards' standing outside a colony, Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said in a post on X. This is their patriotism! This is their respect for the army! The home ministry communication has been sent to all states and UTs. They have been asked to ensure the recruitment of ex-Agniveers into private security agencies and training institutes as they have experience working in the armed forces. In June 2022, the government rolled out the Agnipath recruitment scheme with the aim of bringing down the age profile of the three services. The Agnipath scheme provides for recruiting youths between 17-and-a-half years and 21 years into the armed forces for a four-year term, with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. The first batch of Agniveers will end their four-year term next year. In June, the government had issued a notification tasking the Union home ministry with coordinating activities for further progression of Agniveers after their term with the armed forces ends. The government had reserved 10 per cent of vacancies for ex-Agniveers in the recruitment to the post of Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman in the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles, including CISF and BSF. A provision has also been made for relaxation in the upper age limit and exemption from the Physical Efficiency Test. Various central government agencies and departments have already announced plans to recruit former Agniveers.
Nalanda/Sheikhpura (Bihar), Oct 30 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi lacks the courage to confront US President Donald Trump over Americas assertion that it stopped the India-Pakistan conflict. Addressing a poll rally in Nalanda, Gandhi alleged that Bihar has now become synonymous with paper leaks and poor health infrastructure. The US President has claimed several times that it was because of him, the conflict between India and Pakistan stopped.But, our prime minister does not have the courage to confront him, the former Congress chief asserted. Criticising Home Minister Amit Shah for his comments
Justice Surya Kant appointed as next Chief Justice of India, will take charge from November 24
President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) with effect from November 24, 2025. In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India as the Chief Justice of India with effect from 24th November, 2025. I convey my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to him, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tweeted on Thursday. On October 27, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai had recommended the name of Justice Kant to the Centre as his successor. The CJI's recommendation came after he received a letter from Meghwal who asked him to nominate his successor. It is a convention that the sitting CJI recommends the seniormost judge after himself as the next CJI. The incumbent CJI Gavai will step down on November 23. Justice Kant will be taking charge at a time when the judiciary is grappling with huge pendency of cases. Elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Kant will retire on February 9, 2027 after one year, three months and 15 days. He will also be the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, with effect from November 12, 2025. As per the Supreme Court website, the 63-year-old Justice Kant was born in Hisar in Haryana and graduated from the Government Post Graduate College there in 1981. He acquired his Bachelor's degree in Law in 1984 from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. He started practising law at the District Court, Hisar, in 1984, and shifted to Chandigarh in 1985 to practise in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Specialising in Constitutional, service and civil matters, he represented a number of universities, boards, corporations, banks and also the High Court itself. He was appointed as Advocate General (AG) of Haryana on July 7, 2000, and was designated as Senior Advocate in March 2001. He held the office of Advocate General, Haryana, till his elevation as a permanent judge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004. Justice Kant was nominated as a member of the governing body of the National Legal Services Authority on February 23, 2007, for two consecutive terms till February 22, 2011. He is presently a member of various committees of the Indian Law Institute, a deemed university under the aegis of the Supreme Court. He earned another distinction of standing first in his Master's degree in Law in 2011 from the Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra University. He assumed charge as Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh with effect from October, 5, 2018. Justice Kant has pronounced several landmark verdicts and orders. He was part of the bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir and the bench that struck down the electoral bonds scheme, citing a violation of citizens' right to information. Justice Kant also authored the majority opinion validating Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, part of the Assam accord. He also upheld the validity of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for the armed forces. Justice Kant was part of the bench that appointed an expert panel in the Pegasus spyware case, stating the state cannot use national security as a free pass for surveillance. He has been involved in cases concerning the appointment of the Delhi Police Commissioner and the protection of public water bodies, emphasizing they are public utilities and their takeover is illegal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was on a bench that directed authorities to consider releasing prisoners to alleviate overcrowding in jails.
Assam Awaits As Zubeen Garg's Last Film 'Roi Roi Binale' To Hit Screens On Friday
With massive emotional outpouring for the release, exhibitors have increased the number of shows. Some hall owners have decided to project seven shows of the film in a day, starting from as early as 4.45 am and the last show at around midnight, which will end at around 2.30 am
Gold falls Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,23,400/10g on Feds cautious tone, US-China trade progress
New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Gold prices fell by Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,23,400 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday amid a firm dollar after the Federal Reserve hinted at a slower pace of rate cuts and progress in US-China trade talks. The precious metal of 99.5 per cent purity depreciated by Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,22,800 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Wednesdays close of Rs 1,23,800 per 10 grams, according to the All India Sarafa Association. In the local bullion market, gold of 99.9 per cent purity had settled at Rs 1,24,400 per
A 57-year-old man died by suicide on Tuesday in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, a day after the Election Commission announced the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state. In his final note, the man identified as Pradeep Kar blamed anxiety over the voter roll revisions and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for his decision. According to police, Kar's body was found hanging in his room in the Agarpara apartment in Khardah on Tuesday morning. A diary was found in the room, and one of its pages reportedly contained a suicide note in which Kar blamed the NRC for causing anxiety, which led him to take his life, PTI reported, citing police sources. The note contained Kar's name and address along with references to NRC. The handwriting on the note, however, is now under forensic examination to verify its authenticity, according to police. The police have also not officially confirmed its contents. Meanwhile, the sister-in-law of the deceased has filed a complaint alleging that Kar was mentally disturbed after the announcement of the voter list revision, which he reportedly linked to the NRC. The deceased's family has lodged a written complaint at Khardah Police Station, alleging abetment of suicide against unknown persons, a senior police officer said. According to police sources, after dinner on Monday night, Kar went to bed in his room and did not respond to repeated calls the next morning. When the door remained locked from inside, his family members alerted neighbours and later informed the police, who broke open the door and found his body hanging, the police sources said. Kar's death has triggered a fresh political storm in West Bengal, with the ruling Trinamool Congress blaming the Centre's National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise for creating panic and fear among citizens. This is what happens when the BJP plays politics of fear. The NRC has already killed people in Assam, and now its ghost is haunting Bengal, a senior TMC leader said. The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations, terming the suicide note suspicious. Some people are trying to politicise a personal tragedy. We have serious doubts whether the suicide note is genuine, given that Kar reportedly studied till Class 3 and did not have fingers on four of his right-hand digits, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said. He claimed that there is no evidence that he could write with his left hand. Let there be a forensic probe by a central lab under the supervision of the court. The truth will come out, said the leader of the opposition in the assembly. (With inputs from PTI)
Rupee plunges 48 paise to close at 88.70 against US dollar
Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) The rupee depreciated 48 paise to close at 88.70 (provisional) against the American currency on Thursday on a strong US dollar, weak domestic markets, and a hawkish US Fed. Forex traders said the US Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by 25 bps in its Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powells commentary was hawkish, trimming rate-cut expectations for December. Moreover, month-end dollar demand from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and foreign fund outflows may also weigh on the rupee. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 88.37, and later fell
The Assam government has announced that it will donate its entire share of GST collected from Roi Roi Binale, Zubeen Gargs last film, to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation.
Gold, silver futures drop as Fed tone, trade progress erode safe haven demand
New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Gold and silver futures declined on Thursday as traders reacted to the Federal Reserves cautious stance on further rate cuts and comments from US President Donald Trump hinting at progress in trade talks with China. After closing higher in the previous session, gold futures for December delivery decreased by Rs 941, or 0.78 per cent, to Rs 1,19,725 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 12,987 lots on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). Silver futures also witnessed steep losses, with the December contract depreciating by Rs 1,029, or 0.7 per cent, to Rs 1,45,052
