Asianet Newsable

Democracy has given a fitting reply to mobocracy, says Smriti Irani

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:00:27 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Smriti Irani on Friday hailed the party's victory in eight Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, declaring that democracy had given a fitting reply to mobocracy. Addressing a press conference, Irani said BJP workers were also seeing signs of victory in Nagaon, Assam, based on the counting rounds completed so far. She added that BJP workers had congratulated the NDA representative on the victory in Puducherry. "Today, democracy has given a fitting reply to mobocracy—specifically in the context of the Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. We are all delighted by the news of the BJP workers' victory. BJP workers also congratulate the NDA representative on their victory in Puducherry. Meanwhile, historic results are coming in from West Bengal and Assam... In Nagaon, Assam, too, BJP workers are seeing signs of victory based on the rounds of counting completed so far. At the same time, news is emerging regarding one or two seats won by political parties that are allies of the Congress rather than the BJP," said Irani.

8 BJP, 2 SP Candidates Elected Unopposed

Meanwhile, eight candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and two from the Samajwadi Party (SP) have been declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh.

The eight BJP candidates elected to the Upper House from Uttar Pradesh include state Minister Dharm Pal Singh, BJP state OBC Morcha President Prakash Pal, Shruti Gangwar, Vidyasagar Sonkar, Priyanka Singh Rawat, Radhakant Ojha, Gopi Krishna Pandey and Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan.

The two successful candidates from the SP are party General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav and industrialist Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani.

The unopposed election outcome was declared after the nomination papers of two Independent candidates were rejected during scrutiny, leaving no other contenders in the field. Consequently, the polling previously scheduled for October 16 will no longer be conducted. (ANI)

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Delhi Police on high alert for October 10 protest of 7,000 people

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:01:19 +0530

Delhi Police expects around 7,000 protesters to arrive in the national capital on October 10, with security arrangements in place to prevent any unauthorised gathering, sources said.

Police Commissioner Briefs Personnel on Conduct

According to sources, the Delhi Police Commissioner, during a briefing, instructed personnel to exercise restraint and maintain composure while dealing with protesters. He directed police personnel not to react to any provocative behaviour and to handle the situation professionally.

The Commissioner reportedly said that the previous CJP protest had provided several lessons for the force and that the handling of subsequent protests had shown improvement. He instructed personnel to maintain the same level of restraint and professionalism during the upcoming protest.

Security Plan and Detention Protocol

The top officials made it clear that no unauthorised gathering would be allowed.

Police personnel have been directed to detain protesters as they arrive and shift them to designated detention centres. Delhi Police has set up 6 big detention centres for the exercise.

The instructions also reportedly cover individuals identifying themselves as social media independent if they allegedly engage in provocative activities or attempt to incite police personnel. According to the briefing, such individuals may also be detained and treated as protesters if their conduct warrants action.

On whether protesters would be shifted to Ramlila Maidan, Delhi Police clarified that permission for the venue had not been sought so far. Sources said a formal request would first have to be submitted, following which the authorities would take a decision.

The Commissioner also emphasised that the force must function with complete professionalism, adding that senior officers would be available on the ground and could take decisions as required by the situation.

Protest Over Electoral Roll Irregularities

These directions came after the Cockroach Janta Party announced plans to hold a protest on October 10 over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. It is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. (ANI)

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Home Ministry issues alert over CJP's proposed Jantar Mantar rally

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:00:59 +0530

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has directed all states and Union Territories (UTs) to coordinate with Delhi Police and operationalise immediate preventive measures ahead of a proposed mobilisation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing concerns over law and order and public order.

Delhi Police Prohibits Assembly

In a letter, Mohan said Delhi Police, through an official order dated October 9, had categorically rejected the request submitted on behalf of the CJP, and the proposed assembly stood prohibited. The letter said the order was based on procedural non-compliance and compliance with the binding directions issued by the Supreme Court in Writ Petition dated July 23, 2018, which mandate strict adherence to established protocols governing assemblies in the area.

History of Non-Compliance and Fresh Intel

It further stated that the CJP and its supporting parties, organisations and individuals had a documented history of non-compliance with lawful directions during past events. "Their mobilisations from different States into Delhi had allegedly resulted in significant disruptions to public order and damage to public and private property," the Home Secretary mentioned in the letter.

He directed all states and UTs to coordinate with Delhi Police and operationalise immediate preventive measures within the framework of the law to pre-empt any breach of public tranquillity and safeguard critical infrastructure.

Coordinated Action Mandated

The letter also cited credible intelligence inputs indicating that, despite the prohibition communicated to the CJP, the party and its supporting groups intended to disobey statutory orders and attempt unauthorised entry into Delhi from various states and UTs to disturb public peace and order.

It further directed that continuous, real-time intelligence sharing be maintained among state and UT intelligence agencies, border transit authorities and Delhi Police to ensure coordinated action. "The Ministry views the maintenance of law and order and public order as a non-negotiable constitutional imperative," the letter stated, seeking strict and uncompromising execution of the directions to uphold the rule of law. (ANI)

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ED attaches assets worth Rs 681 cr in Nexa, Pancard Clubs cases

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:00:53 +0530

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 34.91 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with its money laundering investigation into the alleged Nexa Evergreen fraud case. The attachment has been carried out as part of the agency's ongoing probe into the alleged fraud and related money laundering activities.

Pancard Clubs Ltd Case

In a separate case, the ED on Thursday said it has attached 211 immovable properties amounting to Rs 646.58 crore under the PMLA, 2002, in the case of Pancard Clubs Ltd and others. The attached assets comprise commercial office spaces, luxury hotels, operational resorts, agricultural lands and residential properties located across Maharashtra, Keralam, Uttarakhand, Goa, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. These properties are held in the names of Pancard Clubs Ltd (PCL), Panoramic Universal Ltd, their various subsidiary concerns, as well as family members and beneficial owners.

The ED investigation was initiated under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002, based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by Dadar Police Station, Mumbai, later by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Mumbai Police, against Pancard Clubs Ltd and others. The EOW Mumbai Police subsequently filed a chargesheet on December 13, 2021, before a special court in Mumbai.

Investigation Reveals Ponzi Scheme

Investigation conducted by the ED’s Mumbai Zonal Office-I, which attached the properties, revealed that persons involved in the case established a network of 46 corporate entities under the Panoramic Group. “The accused entities floated illegal Ponzi schemes under the façade of ‘Sale of Room Nights’ and timeshare holiday memberships, inducing over 51 lakh gullible investors across India with promises of unrealistic returns,” the federal agency said in a statement.

As per the ED, PCL fraudulently collected Rs 9,577 crore from investors between 1997-98 and 2017-18. Out of the total collections, only Rs 2,858 crore was returned to depositors, while Rs 2,332 crore was paid as agent commissions, leaving Rs 4,387 crore as Proceeds of Crime retained and diverted by the accused entities and key individuals.

Layering and Integration of Funds

The ED investigation further revealed that “the illegal funds were systematically layered through various shell and dummy companies, including Shagun Tradelinks Pvt Ltd, and injected into associate entities like Panoramic Universal Ltd and its domestic and overseas subsidiaries.”

“These Proceeds of Crime were subsequently integrated to acquire high-value real estate properties, resorts, and commercial units across India and abroad in the names of group companies, directors, and their family members, projecting them as untainted properties.”

The investigation also revealed a “deliberate attempt to frustrate legal proceedings through the fraudulent alienation of assets previously attached by SEBI and MPID authorities.” (ANI)

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INDIA bloc MPs march to Rashtrapati Bhavan, demand CEC's removal

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:00:52 +0530

Protest Against ECI

INDIA bloc MPs on Friday staged a protest march towards Rashtrapati Bhavan to raise concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Shivakumar called for a ballot and demanded the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. "We want to have a ballot. We want to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar," he said.

Congress MP Rajiv Shukla said opposition MPs decided to stage a protest march after only 10 leaders from the INDIA bloc were granted time to meet the President, while Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. "There is a march because all the MPs were not granted time; only ten leaders from the INDIA alliance were given time. So, the other MPs decided to stage a protest march," Shukla said.

Criticism Over Security Arrangements

Criticising the security arrangements in the national capital, the Congress MP alleged that restrictions had caused inconvenience to the public. "I find it laughable just how terrified the government has become. People have been put to great inconvenience. The Supreme Court even had to ask why a blanket ban was being imposed and why everything was being shut down—metros, trains, and buses. Entry into Delhi is blocked. Such is the fear," he said.

The remarks came as opposition MPs sought to raise their concerns regarding the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The INDIA bloc has been seeking to collectively present its concerns before President Droupadi Murmu. According to Shukla, only 10 leaders from the alliance were granted time for the meeting, prompting the other MPs to decide to hold a protest march.

'Dismantle the structure of dishonesty'

Earlier, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha sharply criticised the poll watchdog, alleging institutional bias. "The demand is the same as that of the entire country: to dismantle the entire structure of dishonesty, and Gyanesh Kumar is standing like a shield," Jha said.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, "All patriots are engaged in strengthening the country's democracy, regardless of whether they are members of any political party or not... I salute all the patriots who have come to the streets..." (ANI)

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PM Modi thanks voters for bypoll wins in Assam, West Bengal, Puducherry

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:32:19 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked voters for their support following the bypoll results in Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry, saying the outcomes reflected the people's connection with the BJP-NDA's governance agenda. In a post on X, Modi referred to the Lok Sabha result in Assam's Nagaon and the Assembly bypoll results in West Bengal's Nandigram and Rejinagar, expressing gratitude to voters for their continued support.

PM Modi Thanks Voters on X

Gratitude to the people for their continuous blessings! The Lok Sabha result of Nagaon (Assam) and Assembly results of Nandigram as well as Rejinagar (West Bengal) show yet again that the people have a deep-rooted connect with the good governance agenda of BJP-NDA. I congratulate the victorious BJP candidates and also applaud the hardwork of our Party Karyakartas. I also congratulate our valued NDA ally, the AINRC, for their win in Thattanchavady in Puducherry. This mandate will give us added strength as we work tirelessly for the welfare of the people and to fulfil their aspirations for a brighter and more prosperous future. @BJP4Assam @BJP4Bengal — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2026

“Gratitude to the people for their continuous blessings! The Lok Sabha result of Nagaon (Assam) and Assembly results of Nandigram as well as Rejinagar (West Bengal) show yet again that the people have a deep-rooted connect with the good governance agenda of BJP-NDA,” wrote PM Modi.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the victorious BJP candidates and party workers, while extending his wishes to the All India NR Congress (AINRC), an NDA ally, for its victory in Puducherry's Thattanchavady Assembly constituency. He said the results would strengthen the alliance's efforts to work for public welfare and fulfil people's aspirations. “I congratulate the victorious BJP candidates and also applaud the hardwork of our Party Karyakartas. I also congratulate our valued NDA ally, the AINRC, for their win in Thattanchavady in Puducherry. This mandate will give us added strength as we work tirelessly for the welfare of the people and to fulfil their aspirations for a brighter and more prosperous future,” PM added.

Official Bypoll Results

According to official data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) registered decisive victories in the West Bengal Assembly bypolls, with Hasi Rani Rath winning the Nandigram seat with 1,64,427 votes and a margin of 1,22,753 votes, while Sakharav Sarkar won Rejinagar after securing 1,29,914 votes, with a margin of 75,816 votes.

In Puducherry's Thattanchavady Assembly constituency, AINRC candidate Ashok Anand emerged victorious, securing 13,358 votes and winning by a margin of 8,482 votes.

Meanwhile, in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency, BJP candidate Devasish Sharma was leading comfortably with 6,91,804 votes and a margin of 1,57,804 votes, according to the available election data.

Reason for Bypolls

Bypolls were held in the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, as well as in Chengalpattu district and Dharapuram (SC) in Tiruppur district in Tamil Nadu. The by-election was held on October 6.

The Rejinagar seat fell vacant following the resignation of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder Humayun Kabir, who had also secured victory from Nowda. The Nandigram seat fell vacant after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari won from two constituencies in the state Assembly elections earlier this year and chose to retain the other seat.

The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat, which was won by the Congress in the 2019 and 2024 general elections, fell vacant after Pradyut Bordoloi left the party, joined the BJP and later won the Dispur Assembly constituency in the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Assam workshop focuses on roadmap for self-reliant Gaon Panchayats

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:31:02 +0530

The Golap Borbora State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development (GBSIPRD), Assam, under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, organised a two-day state-level workshop on Thursday and Friday to deliberate on a roadmap for strengthening Own Source Revenue and promoting financially self-reliant and economically sustainable Gaon Panchayats in the State.

The initiative aligns with the national vision of “Viksit Panchayat to Viksit Bharat@2047” and aims to develop a comprehensive framework to enhance the financial capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions, strengthen local resource mobilisation, and enable Panchayats to respond more effectively to the development needs of rural communities. Arup Sarma, ACS, Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department of Assam, attended the inaugural session and participated in the interactive deliberations. The valedictory session on Friday was attended by Atul Bora, Assam Minister, Panchayat and Rural Development; B K Chakravarty, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department; and Oinam Sarankumar Singh, IAS, Commissioner, P&RD Commissionerate, Assam, along with other senior government officers from the Assam Secretariat and the P&RD Commissionerate.

Minister Stresses Financial Empowerment of Panchayats

Addressing the workshop, Atul Bora emphasised the need to strengthen the Own Source Revenue base of Panchayati Raj Institutions to make Panchayats more financially sustainable, accountable and responsive to the needs of rural communities.

The Minister stressed that financially empowered Panchayats are essential for strengthening grassroots governance and enabling local institutions to take greater ownership of development priorities. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond the conventional understanding of Panchayats primarily as implementing agencies for government schemes towards recognising them as capable institutions that can mobilise local resources, manage community assets and contribute meaningfully to local economic development. Strengthening Own Source Revenue, he emphasised, is an important step towards building self-reliant Panchayats that can plan and undertake development initiatives in accordance with locally identified needs and priorities.

Accountability and Transparency Emphasised

The participation of multiple departments and PRI representatives provided an opportunity to examine revenue-generation possibilities from different administrative and local-development perspectives, while emphasising the importance of accountability, transparency and community-oriented governance.

Call for a Comprehensive and Transparent Framework

In his concluding remarks, B K Chakravarty appreciated GBSIPRD’s initiative to develop a comprehensive framework for enhancing Panchayat Own Source Revenue. He observed that a Viksit Panchayat must possess the institutional capacity not only to implement government schemes and utilise grants effectively but also to plan, mobilise resources, generate revenue, manage assets, deliver services and remain accountable to the Gram Sabha and citizens.

He urged the GBSIPRD team to develop a transparent and accountable framework for revenue generation and collection in Gaon Panchayats. He also called upon representatives of Zilla Parishads, Anchalik Panchayats and Gaon Panchayats participating in the workshop to contribute their practical experience, offer feedback and identify innovative opportunities for revenue generation, keeping in view the emerging needs and changing dynamics of rural Assam. (ANI)

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Bull Knocks Down Elderly Man Carrying Child In Raipur; CCTV Captures Attack (WATCH)

Shweta Kumari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:25:04 +0530

An elderly man carrying a child was brutally attacked by a bull outside his house in Raipur, in a terrifying incident caught on CCTV. The footage captures the animal charging at the man, knocking him to the ground while the frightened child bursts into tears.

Even after the man fell, the bull continued its assault, repeatedly attacking him with its horns. The child narrowly escaped being trampled as the enraged animal came dangerously close to crushing them. In an attempt to protect himself and the child, the elderly man struggled towards an iron pillar and clung to it for support as the bull attempted to attack him again.

Moments later, two women rushed out of the house, quickly rescued the child, carried them to safety and then helped the elderly man get back inside.

Terrifying moment in Raipur

A bull suddenly attacked a man standing outside his home in the DD Nagar area while he was holding his child. The father was seriously injured in the attack.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV. https://t.co/cOdIm9kHDu

— Sachin Unfiltered (@TheSachinView) October 7, 2026

The CCTV footage has since gone viral on social media, triggering panic and sparking concerns over cattle roaming freely on the streets of Raipur and the risks they pose to residents.

Local councillor Ashu Chandrawanshi said the bull had previously been bitten by dogs and had reportedly become aggressive following the incident.

The municipal corporation launched an operation to capture the bull and prevent further danger to people in the area.

PM Modi interacts with Team India of WorldSkills Competition 2026

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:31:48 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the representatives of Team India at the WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai 2026, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, on Friday. During the interaction, the participants shared their experiences during the competition. They expressed pride in representing their country at the world stage.

The participants discussed adapting to new tools, software, technical systems and work processes during the international competition. They also spoke about the work being done by the government towards skill development, which is helping youth.

PM Modi Champions Skill Development

Prime Minister congratulated the participants for representing India on the global stage. He urged them to become ambassadors of skill development. He said that practical skills are as important as academic degrees.

Highlighting the importance of specialised skills, the Prime Minister said that as technology evolves rapidly, young people must continuously acquire new skills, upgrade their existing capabilities and adapt to emerging technologies. He urged the participants to develop skills in line with the requirements of the international market and contribute to improving India's skill training ecosystem through their experiences and suggestions.

He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts by youth, the Government and training institutions to establish India as a global hub of skilled human resources. PM Modi underlined the objective behind establishing a separate Ministry for Skill Development and said that the importance of skill training institutions is no less than IITs and IIMs.

He encouraged the participants to share their experiences and suggestions with the Government to help improve India's skill training system.

India's Performance at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

WorldSkills is the world's leading international skills competition, bringing together young professionals from participating countries and regions to demonstrate excellence across a wide range of vocational and technical skills.

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the 48th WorldSkills Competition, was held from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. Team India secured 10th position at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai 2026, winning 6 Silver Medals and 20 Medals for Excellence. India was represented by its largest-ever contingent of 70 competitors participating across 63 skills.

The interaction was also attended by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Minister of State for Education and senior officials of the Government of India. (ANI)

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Delhi: Mobile Internet Shut in 4km Radius of Janpath for 24 Hours

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:31:15 +0530

Mobile internet services will remain temporarily suspended within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing in the national capital from 10 pm on Friday to 10 pm on Saturday, following authorisation from the Union Home Secretary, according to an official order.

The temporary suspension comes amid heightened security preparations ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, with demonstrators seeking accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR exercise.

In an order dated October 9, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell (Headquarters), Manishi Chandra, IPS, informed telecom service providers about the suspension. “The Union Home Secy., has considered our request for suspending internet services under sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 read with Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act 2023 to suspend mobile internet services (all technologies) at and around a radius of 04 kms from Janpath-Kartavya Path Crossing from 2200 Hrs. of 09/10/2026 to 2200 Hrs. of 10/10/2026 and has conveyed the authorization vide order No. 22016/12/2019-CIS-IV dated 09.10.2026,” the order stated.

Kejriwal Calls for Protest, Alleges Vote Deletion

The letter further directed telecom operators to implement the suspension in accordance with the authorisation. Earlier in the day, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal urged citizens to participate in the proposed demonstrations, alleging that votes were being deleted on a large scale under the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Kejriwal accused the Centre of undermining democracy, alleging that votes belonging to people who did not support the BJP were being deleted while fake votes were being added. These allegations were made by the AAP leader and were not independently established in his remarks. "I appeal to all the people across the entire country that the way the BJP government at the Centre is playing with our democracy, people's votes are being deleted on a mass scale. Those who don't vote for the BJP have their votes deleted, while fake votes are added. This was happening openly under Gyanesh Kumar,” Arvind Kejriwal told reporters.

Police Deny Permission, Activists to Proceed

The remarks come after Delhi Police rejected an application seeking permission for the proposed demonstration on October 10 over demands for accountability from the CEC. Police cited the short notice given for the application, alleged non-compliance with directions during an earlier demonstration and prevailing law-and-order concerns.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke reiterated that the organisation would proceed with its proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 despite not receiving permission from Delhi Police.

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INDIA bloc marches to Rashtrapati Bhavan over ECI's functioning

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:31:09 +0530

Members of Parliament belonging to the opposition INDIA bloc on Friday began a march from the Parliament House towards Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, raising concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The opposition leaders, carrying placards and raising slogans, sought an intervention from the President regarding electoral integrity and the conduct of the poll body.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the march, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha sharply criticised the poll watchdog, alleging institutional bias. "The demand is the same as that of the entire country: to dismantle the entire structure of dishonesty, and Gyanesh Kumar is standing like a shield," Jha said.

A delegation of senior leaders from various constituent parties of the INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet President Murmu to formally submit their representation outlining their grievances regarding the Commission.

Kharge Accuses Govt of Fear, Slams ECI Conduct

Earlier, ahead of the INDIA bloc leaders’ meeting with President Droupadi Murmu over alleged irregularities in the electoral process, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of acting out of fear while referring to the closure of metro stations and cancellation of train services. Speaking to the reporters, he said that "They are afraid. A person who is afraid will die tomorrow, if not today".

He claimed that other Election Commissioners had also flagged the alleged mistakes and written letters 10-15 times, but no corrective action had been taken. “Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns over ‘vote chori’ and irregularities in EVMs. We have been raising these issues for a long time, not just today. We are doing this for the betterment of the nation,” he said.

Protest to Continue

Meanwhile, INDIA bloc MPs gathered at the Central Hall of Parliament before beginning their march.

Congress MP KC Venugopal said the opposition would announce its future course of action after discussions, adding that the agitation would continue. “Whatever course of action we decide on, we will let you know. As we said yesterday, we will continue the agitation. We will continue with our decision until the day after tomorrow,” Venugopal said. (ANI)

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Delhi Police denies CJP protest, Home Secy alerts all states on law

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:30:55 +0530

Home Ministry Issues Nationwide Alert

The Delhi Police has denied permission for a protest proposed by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on October 10, following which Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has directed police chiefs of all States and Union Territories to maintain law and order and strengthen security arrangements.

In an official letter, the Home Secretary asked all States and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and take preventive measures in view of the proposed mobilisation, citing concerns over a possible attempt by CJP and its supporters to enter the national capital despite the denial of permission. It stated, "I write to draw your immediate attention to the grave law & order and public order implications arising from a proposed mass mobilization by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, scheduled for 10.10.2026. Vide an official order issued by the Delhi Police, dated 09.10.2026 (copy enclosed), the request submitted on behalf of the CJP has been categorically rejected, and the proposed assembly stands prohibited."

Reason for Protest Denial

The letter stated that Delhi Police had rejected the request for the demonstration through an official order issued on October 9. It cited procedural non-compliance and the need to adhere to the Supreme Court's directions dated July 23, 2018, in W.P. (C) No. 1153 of 2017, governing assemblies in the area.

"This order is grounded in procedural non-compliance as well as to strictly comply with the binding directions issued by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in W.P. (C) No. 1153 of 2017 dated 23.07.2018, which mandate strict adherence to established protocols governing assemblies in the area which are in place, the statement reads."

The Home Secretary's letter also alleged that CJP and its supporting parties, organisations and individuals had previously failed to comply with lawful directions during mobilisations, leading to disruptions of public order and damage to public and private property. He wrote, "Furthermore, it also mentions that the CJP and its supporting parties/ organisations/ individuals, during past events, have a documented history of non-compliance with lawful directions. Their past mobilizations from different states into Delhi have resulted in significant disruptions of public order and damage to public property/ Private property."

Intelligence Inputs and Preventive Measures

It further referred to intelligence inputs suggesting that, despite the prohibition, CJP and its supporters might attempt to enter Delhi from different States and Union Territories to disturb public peace and order. To prevent any breach of public tranquillity and safeguard critical infrastructure, the letter directed all States and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and implement immediate preventive measures within the framework of the law.

It stated, "To pre-empt any breach of public tranquility and to safeguard critical infrastructure, all States and UTs are hereby directed to coordinate with the Delhi Police and operationalize immediate preventive measures under the broad statutory and operational parameters, within the framework of the law."

It also called for continuous, real-time intelligence sharing among State and UT intelligence agencies, border transit authorities, and Delhi Police to ensure coordinated action. "Continuous and real-time intelligence sharing must be maintained between State/UT intelligence agencies, border transit authorities, and the Delhi Police to ensure coordinated action," the letter reads. The letter stressed that maintaining law and public order was a constitutional imperative and called for strict implementation of the directions to uphold the rule of law. It said that "The Ministry views the maintenance of law & order and public order as a non-negotiable constitutional imperative. Strict and uncompromising execution of the above is solicited to uphold the rule of law." (ANI)

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Indian delegation at IPU Assembly discusses climate change, governance

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:30:50 +0530

The Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, continued its participation in the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, on the fourth day of the Assembly. Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, and Members of the Delegation attended the debate on the emergency item, “Urgent parliamentary action to address climate-related disasters and strengthen resilience in the Himalayan region and other vulnerable regions”, which was proposed by Nepal and adopted on the third day of the 153rd Assembly of the IPU. The Indian Delegation also attended the continuation of the General Debate on the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all”.

Indian MPs Participate in Key Committee Meetings

Anurag Singh Thakur, MP, Lok Sabha, participated in the debate on the aforesaid emergency item and spoke in its support, placing on record India’s point of view. He thereafter participated in the meeting of the Bureau of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights and conveyed the position of the Indian Parliament on the future subject items to be considered by the Committee for presentation of a resolution to a future Assembly. He also attended the meeting of the said Standing Committee and contributed to the adoption of the Resolution.

Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra attended the meeting of the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs and participated in the panel discussion on “The UN machinery for conflict prevention and resolution: How does it work?”. He also attended the hearing with the candidates for the position of IPU President, ahead of the election scheduled for 09 October 2026, the last day of the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.

Lata Wankhede, MP, Lok Sabha, attended the meeting of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development and participated in the panel discussion on “Artificial intelligence and the future of work”.

The Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha, attended the meeting of the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments (ASGP) and participated in the informal discussion group connected with the General Debate on “How is Parliament funded, and what are the processes for allocating and approving the budget?”. The Secretary-General apprised the participants of the budgetary processes of the Indian Parliament.

New IPU President Elected

The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, Milton Dick, was declared elected today, the 9th October 2026, as the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union at the 153rd IPU Assembly held in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania. Immediately after the announcement of the result, Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha and other Members of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Arusha personally congratulated him and wished him a successful tenure as the President of the IPU.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

INDIA bloc steps up offensive against ECI over electoral roll row

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:30:38 +0530

Recalling India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's iconic 1947 address, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday rallied Opposition lawmakers at the Central Hall of Parliament. The gathering comes amid a political row over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The address recalled the foundational promises of Indian democracy as the INDIA bloc stepped up its joint offensive against the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging institutional bias and political partiality. "Jawaharlal Nehru gave a very famous speech. It was given from the Central Hall of Parliament on 14 August 1947. I want to quote a little bit from it. It is a fateful moment for us in India, for all Asia and for the world. A new star rises, the star of freedom in the East, a new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished materialises. May the star never set and that hope never be betrayed..." Rahul Gandhi said.

Opposition Accuses ECI of Bias

The INDIA opposition bloc and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of large-scale voter disenfranchisement, alleging that over 13 crore names were deleted in the SIR draft roll phase to target citizens opposed to the ruling BJP. The row deepened after reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded internal objections over voter additions, deletions and administrative anomalies in the electoral software. The ECI rejected claims of an institutional breakdown, stating that 13.39 crore electors were flagged under the standard ASD: Absent, Shifted, Dead and duplicate categories. It maintained that final SIR decisions were unanimous and involved thorough verification.

INDIA Bloc to Meet President Murmu

The INDIA bloc has launched a nationwide campaign and is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu on the evening of Friday, October 9, to formally demand the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Earlier, ahead of the INDIA bloc leaders’ meeting with President Droupadi Murmu over alleged irregularities in the electoral process, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the government of acting out of fear while referring to the closure of metro stations and cancellation of train services. Speaking to the reporters, he said that "They are afraid. A person who is afraid will die tomorrow, if not today."

Kharge said opposition leaders would apprise the President of their concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral process and the conduct of the Election Commission. “The mistakes committed by Gyanesh Kumar have created a situation of fear in the country and put democracy in danger. That is why we are going to meet the President and apprise her of the things he has done,” Kharge said. He claimed that other Election Commissioners had also flagged the alleged mistakes and written letters 10-15 times, but no corrective action had been taken. “Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns over ‘vote chori’ and irregularities in EVMs. We have been raising these issues for a long time, not just today. We are doing this for the betterment of the nation,” he said.

Protests Intensify, Legal Challenge Filed

Amid intensifying protests, the government has strengthened Kumar's Z+ security cover. Nationwide detentions of thousands of political volunteers have been reported ahead of a mega protest planned at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on October 10. On the legal front, the Delhi High Court has listed for Monday, October 12, a plea by the Indian Youth Congress challenging Delhi Police's refusal to permit peaceful assembly at designated protest sites. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi HC orders virtual courts ahead of CJP protest against CEC Kumar

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:30:27 +0530

Delhi HC Orders Virtual Proceedings Amid CJP Protest

Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) planned protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, the Delhi High Court has directed that all proceedings at the Patiala House and Rouse Avenue court complexes be held virtually on Saturday, October 10, even as all seven district court complexes in the capital remain open. The CJP, led by its founder Abhijeet Dipke, has called for a march to Delhi demanding Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral processes and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, maintaining that the proposed demonstration will be peaceful.

Details of High Court Notification

According to a notification issued by the Delhi High Court on Friday, judicial officers at the two court complexes who are unable to reach their respective courts may also conduct proceedings online. The notification further states that across all district courts in Delhi, no adverse orders shall be passed due to the non-appearance of litigants, advocates, witnesses or accused persons. Urgent matters are to be adjourned for a short date. It also directs that all undertrial prisoners be produced through virtual mode only. The notification was signed by Registrar General Reetesh Singh and issued by the High Court's General Administration-I Branch.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

'Cops Took Rs 2,000 And Let Us Go': Viral Video Shows 16 People In 7-Seater Car From Delhi To Uttarakhand

Divya Danu — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:05:06 +0530

A video showing 16 people travelling in a seven-seater car from Delhi towards Uttarakhand has sparked outrage on social media, with users raising concerns about road safety and alleged police corruption. The vehicle, a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, is seen carrying several passengers, including children, while an excessive amount of luggage is tied to its roof. The luggage includes a metal trunk gunny bags filled with belongings and objects wrapped in blankets.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Uttarakhand Now (@uttarakhand_now)

Driver Claims He Paid Cops To Avoid Action

In the video, a man questions the driver about how he managed to travel with so many passengers in a seven-seater vehicle and whether Delhi Police had stopped him.

The driver claims that police personnel stopped him while he was passing through Delhi. He alleges that they initially demanded Rs 5,000 but that he paid Rs 2,000, after which he was allowed to continue his journey.

The allegation has not been independently verified, and there is no confirmed information about any action taken against the driver or the police personnel mentioned in the video.

Social Media Users Demand Strict Action

The video has triggered criticism online, with several users tagging Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police, Uttarakhand Traffic Police and political leaders while demanding stricter enforcement.

One user alleged that the incident reflected corruption and called for action against those responsible. Another urged the authorities to introduce stricter rules to prevent such unsafe journeys.

However, some users also argued that passengers must take responsibility for their own safety instead of blaming the authorities alone.

A person jokingly asked how much the driver would charge to transport a bed from Noida to Uttarakhand, highlighting the unusual amount of luggage being carried.

Overloading Raises Road Safety Concerns

Taxis are an important mode of transport for people travelling to Uttarakhand's hill districts. However, carrying more passengers than a vehicle's permitted capacity puts lives at risk.

Overcrowding can leave passengers without proper seating and seat belts, while excessive roof luggage can affect vehicle stability. On winding mountain roads, such practices can increase the danger of serious accidents.

UP Teacher’s Suspension Sparks Online Debate: Netizens Call Him a ‘Fun-Loving Teacher’ After Viral Tabla Video

Shreya Tinkhede — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:31:24 +0530

A primary school teacher in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, Dinesh Kumar Mathur, has been suspended after a disturbing video showing him tapping a child's shaved head like a tabla went viral on social media. The incident, which reportedly took place at a primary school in Birauli village, Saifai block, within the Etawah district, has sparked widespread outrage and drawn significant attention to the conduct of educators.

Mathur, who served as an in-charge headmaster at the school, is alleged to have recorded the video himself. The clip depicted him laughing hysterically while performing the act on the child's head. Crucially, other children present in the classroom were also seen laughing, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The viral footage vividly showed Mathur seated comfortably on a chair while a young child sat on the floor directly in front of him. With a dismissive air, Mathur repeatedly tapped the child's head as if playing a drum, oblivious or indifferent to the potential distress caused.

The Video's Journey to Virality

Initially, the controversial video was reportedly shared by Dinesh Kumar Mathur himself on his personal Facebook account. However, its reach exploded after it was picked up and shared more widely across other platforms. However many came out in support of the teacher calling him, ‘fun loving’ and 'nice.'

Swift Disciplinary Measures

Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Dr. Rajesh Kumar ordered the immediate suspension of Dinesh Kumar Mathur shortly after the video gained prominence. This swift decision was made as authorities in the Etawah district considered Mathur's reprehensible conduct a grave act of indiscipline, severely compromising the trust placed in an educator. The rapid spread of the video online, particularly following its wider distribution, compelled the Basic Education Department to take immediate and decisive disciplinary action, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to such behavior.

Comprehensive Investigation Underway

Following the initial suspension, the Basic Education Department has initiated a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the matter. This inquiry aims to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the duration of such behavior, whether there were any prior complaints, and the overall environment in the classroom. Further action against Dinesh Kumar Mathur is expected to be determined based on the detailed findings of this inquiry, which will involve statements from other staff members and potentially the children present. The incident has drawn significant attention to teacher conduct in schools not just in Etawah, but across Uttar Pradesh, prompting discussions on child safety and pedagogical ethics.

Pushkar Singh Dhami's Global Employment Scheme Opens Oversea Job Opportunities for Uttarakhand Youth

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:43:50 +0530

Youngsters belonging to Uttarakhand have found new jobs abroad through the programme initiated by the state government, which intends to prepare them for international job markets. According to the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Unnayan Evam Vaishvik Rozgar Yojana launched by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, 106 young people have already found jobs abroad, with Japan becoming the most popular destination.

Out of these young people, 75 find themselves employed in Japan while 30 youngsters are working in Saudi Arabia, and there is one person who managed to secure a job in Germany. They are working in the field of healthcare and hospitality among others. The government is also developing new language training centres for increasing the number of people ready for work abroad.

Uttarakhand Global Employment Scheme: 106 Youths Find Work Abroad

This scheme was approved back in May 2023 due to an initiative of Chief Minister Dhami. A Foreign Employment Cell was set up within the Skill Development and Employment Department for implementation of the programme.

The main aim of the programme is to provide the young people of Uttarakhand with the necessary skills and language proficiency for getting jobs abroad.

Germany and Japan Language Training Centers in Uttarakhand

There are a total of 158 German and Japanese language training centers in the state. As per the data shared by the Foreign Employment Cell, there are 75 German language centers and 45 Japanese language centers in Dehradun. There are 22 German language centers in Almora and 16 Japanese language centers in Bageshwar.

There are also ongoing trainings in batches. In Dehradun, there are currently four batches training for Germany and two batches training for Japan. In Almora, there is one batch of training for Germany and one for Japan. In Bageshwar, there is one batch of training for Japan.

There are also plans to set up foreign language training centers in Uttarkashi and Tehri to make these opportunities available for other districts.

Dhami Government Seeks Employment Opportunities in More Countries

Apart from jobs in Japan, Germany and Saudi Arabia, the government is exploring job opportunities in other foreign countries.

Recently, the Chief Minister Dhami has met with India's High Commissioner to Jamaica Mayank Joshi, Ambassador to Ethiopia Devesh Uttam and High Commissioner to Zambia Alok Ranjan Jha.

Dhami asked the officials to draw up a roadmap for training based on the manpower needs of these global markets. This is done to give the candidates appropriate skills before placing them in the overseas marketplaces.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Stresses Importance Of Global Skills

According to Dhami, the success of the initiative has resulted in the establishment of more foreign language training centres. Dhami stressed the need to prepare youngsters with the appropriate skills for the international job market.

Through the establishment of new training centres and seeking employment opportunities in other nations, the government hopes to provide more career avenues for the youth of Uttarakhand.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Praises Young Artists From Government School After Their Special Lucknow Visit

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:35:10 +0530

Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met some talented students from Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya who were back in Delhi after coming from Lucknow due to an event meant to inspire their creative skills and build their confidence. The students gave their paintings and sketches of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and were appreciated by the Chief Minister for their artistic skills.

Sharing information about the event on social media, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the talents of these students and highlighted the skills of children studying in government schools of Delhi. She stressed upon the need to give these children platforms to show their skills and achieve their dreams.

Delhi News: 20 Government School Students Visit Lucknow

As per Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, 20 students from Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya were given a unique opportunity on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday with the help of some organizations.

These students traveled to Lucknow via airplane and met Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel.

For the students, the visit to the other city was not just a simple tour, but an opportunity to have new experiences and connect with important persons and show off their creative work. This is how students build confidence and widen their views.

PM Narendra Modi Paintings: Students' Artistic Work is Presented

One of the interesting aspects of Rekha Gupta's visit was the presentation of the paintings and sketches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the students themselves who had come back from Lucknow.

It was evident from their creations that the students are interested in and good at art. In addition, the project showed the diversity of skills among students studying in government schools.

Thus, with adequate direction and exposure, the students can cultivate their interests and discover new areas of interest.

Rekha Gupta on Importance of Opportunities for Govt School Students

Gupta stressed that the children studying in Delhi's government schools have great talent and huge potential. She also stressed that they deserve the right opportunities for developing their skills and realizing their dreams.

Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of such experiences that help build the confidence of the pupils and allow them to discover their potential.

Delhi Government Schools: Development of Young Talents

This particular experience shows that through such an experience, a student can explore his/her own interest and gain more confidence. The journey by air, meeting the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and showing their art work to the Chief Minister of Delhi was a chance for the 20 students to move out of their comfort zones.

It is noteworthy that Gupta stressed the dedication of the government in making sure that the pupils at the Delhi government schools get opportunities to develop their talents.

UP SHOCKER! Bijnor Bank Manager Kicks Colleague During Heated Argument, CCTV Footage Goes Viral | WATCH

Gargi Chaudhry — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:23:34 +0530

A video purportedly showing a bank employee kicking a colleague inside a bank in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district has gone viral on social media. One worker is seen kicking another, which makes the second worker fall to the floor and supposedly lose consciousness. The incident has led to conversations about the claimed attack that happened inside the bank.

The incident is said to have happened at the Indian Bank branch in Najibabad on October 6, 2026. Assistant Branch Manager Gaurav Singh said that Branch Manager Sudhir Kumar hit him, used racial slurs, and threatened to kill him. After what happened, Singh went to the police and made a report. Based on what he said, a FIR has been filed, and the case is being looked into by the Najibabad Circle Office

Gaurav Singh said that he works as an assistant bank manager at the Najibabad Indian Bank branch. It was said that he was on joining leave when he was called to the branch on October 6 to be questioned about a charge that had been made against him. Singh said that Branch Manager Sudhir Kumar was rude to him and made him feel bad during the conversation. Additionally, he said that Kumar had made sexist comments and gotten into a fight with him.

Watch Viral Video

Workplace Harassment Shocker: Branch Manager Kicks Staff Inside Branch

A shocking video from Uttar Pradesh has surfaced online highlighting intense workplace toxicity

A heated argument between a branch manager and a bank officer escalated into physical violence inside the premises at the Indian Bank branch in Najibabad, Bijnor.

— Ramesh Speaks (@rameshofficial0) October 9, 2026

Following the alleged incident, Singh filed a police complaint detailing the accusations against the branch manager. The police subsequently registered an FIR based on the complaint. The Najibabad Circle Officer is investigating the matter. The allegations against the branch manager are yet to be established through the investigation.

Gold Prices Today in Hyderabad: Festival Season Shock as Rates Surge by Rs 1,140 in Single Day

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:57:17 +0530

Gold buyers received a massive shock right in the middle of the festival season. Gold prices suddenly shot up after dropping for the past few days. The market recorded a jump of over one thousand rupees per tola in just one day.

Gold prices are climbing up once again. The market is seeing a big shift after a recent drop in rates. International events and tensions in West Asia are directly impacting investor decisions. Many investors are moving back to gold as they consider it a safe investment. This sudden demand gave wings to gold prices again.

Tensions in West Asia and worries about Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are creating uncertainty in the market. The ongoing crisis around the Strait of Hormuz is also affecting global markets. Investors are shifting their money into gold under these conditions, and this is a major reason for the price hike.

This sudden increase is disappointing people who planned to buy gold during the price drop. Gold prices always change based on global market conditions, dollar value, and investor demand. You can never easily predict when the rates will go up or down.

Hyderabad recorded a massive jump in gold prices on October 9. The price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold reached Rs 1,50,710. The rate went up by Rs 1,140 in a single day. The 22-carat gold price also increased at the same time. The price for 10 grams of 22-carat gold touched Rs 1,38,150, showing a jump of Rs 1,050 in one day. Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam are also seeing the exact same prices. Buyers must check the latest rates before planning their festival purchases. You should also keep making charges and applicable taxes in mind while buying jewellery.

Silver prices are showing different trends across various cities even as gold prices go up. Delhi recorded a silver price of Rs 2,34,900 per kilo. The rate stood at Rs 2.35 lakh on the previous day. Hyderabad is seeing a silver price of Rs 2.45 lakh per kilo. Chennai is also recording silver sales at this exact same price level. Buyers must check the latest market rates before making a purchase as gold prices are rising again. The prices might see more changes in the coming days based on international developments.

Rs 20 Crore! Rahul Gandhi Net Worth: How Rich Is Congress Leader? Here’s How Much He Owns

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:46:35 +0530

Delhi is currently buzzing with massive protests. Rahul Gandhi is playing a major role in these street fights. But have you ever wondered how much wealth the Gandhi family scion actually holds?

People always want to know about Rahul Gandhi's personal wealth and investment portfolio. The Congress leader submitted his election affidavit during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He declared total assets worth over Rs 20.39 crore in this document. He previously showed assets worth Rs 15.88 crore during the 2019 elections. His overall wealth jumped by around Rs 4.5 crore in just five years.

Rahul Gandhi keeps most of his money in shares, mutual funds, and other market investments. He had just Rs 55,000 in cash on hand according to his election affidavit. He holds Rs 26.25 lakh in deposits across two bank accounts. He invested around Rs 4.33 crore in shares of various Indian companies. He also parked Rs 3.81 crore in seven different mutual funds. He owns gold bonds worth Rs 15 lakh and holds Rs 61.52 lakh in Public Provident Fund (PPF) and insurance schemes. He declared gold jewellery worth Rs 4.20 lakh. His total movable assets stand at roughly Rs 9.24 crore.

Rahul Gandhi owns a massive 5,538 square feet office space in a multi-story commercial building in Gurugram, Haryana. He valued this property at Rs 9.05 crore in his 2024 election affidavit. He also co-owns agricultural land in Delhi's Mehrauli area with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He declared total immovable assets worth Rs 11.15 crore. He does not own any personal residential house or car in his name. These numbers reflect the 2024 election data, and current market values might differ today.

Uttan Viral Video: Man Calls Himself ‘Boss’, Threatens Person As Cop Stands Nearby (WATCH)

Gargi Chaudhry — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:08:33 +0530

A viral video purportedly from Uttan in Mira-Bhayandar near Mumbai shows a man allegedly under the influence of alcohol hurling abuses and threatening another individual in public, with a police personnel and a police jeep visible nearby. Questions have been raised on social media over the purported lack of police assistance when the man, who calls himself 'Abrar Bhai' in the video, uses harsh language against the individual capturing the confrontation.

At the time of writing, the video has over 100,000 views after being published on Instagram by the Sakal Hindu Samaj Malad page. It is said in the caption that the incident occurred in Uttan, which is under the jurisdiction of the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police. The individual is accused of abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and threatening members of the Hindu community.

In the video, the man is frequently heard shouting nasty comments against the individual filming him. He also presents himself as 'Abrar Bhai' and alleges that others refer to him as a 'boss'. The guy capturing the situation keeps shooting while criticising the apparent lack of action despite the police presence.

“This man is abusing me in such an obscene manner in front of the police. The police personnel and their vehicle are right here, yet he is speaking to me like this,” the person recording the video says, calling for action against the man.

The person further alleges that the encounter occurred during a police raid on alleged unlawful activity, and that the man was acting aggressively in response to the action. However, the circumstances that led to the incident could not be determined just from the footage.

Watch Viral Video

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by सकल हिंदू समाज (मलाड/कांदिवली) (@sakal.hindu.samaj.malad)

The post on Instagram also makes assertions on the demographic make-up of the region and asserts that the individual was making threats against Hindus. These assertions, along with the allegations that surround the occurrence, have not been validated by an independent source. The video has prompted responses on the internet, with many questioning the conduct of the police after seeing a uniformed staff and a police truck in the tape.

Train Manager Allegedly Attacked With Stick By Station Superintendent After Dispute Over Train Movement

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:41:34 +0530

A dispute over train operations at Lohian Khas railway station in Jalandhar district escalated into a violent clash on Wednesday. Station Superintendent Yashwant allegedly attacked Train Manager (Guard) Ravi on the head with a stick.

The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media. During the altercation, the train manager's mobile phone fell from his hand.

Taking serious note of the matter, Divisional Operational Manager (DOM) Gursharan Pathak of the Firozpur Rail Division has summoned both employees. The Government Railway Police (GRP) has recorded statements and started an investigation.

According to information, a BTPN train loaded with fuel and heading to Jammu arrived at Lohian Khas railway station around 11 AM. There was confusion over whether the train should proceed or be stopped, as clear instructions were not being received. Train Manager Ravi and loco pilot Gyan Prakash tried to communicate via walkie-talkie but received no response, leaving the situation unclear.

BREAKING: Train Manager allegedly assaulted while on dutySerious concerns raised after Train Manager Shri Ravi Kumar (HQ Firozpur) was allegedly assaulted at Lohia while performing his duty. pic.twitter.com/ZFP8I4SBjA

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) October 8, 2026

The train manager then approached Station Superintendent Yashwant to seek official information regarding stopping the train. Allegedly, the station superintendent lost his temper over this and attacked him with a stick.

Following the incident, chaos erupted at the station, and the BTPN rake bound for Jammu remained stationed at Lohian. A departmental inquiry into the matter is currently underway.

Rs 14 Water Bottle Sold At Rs 20? Train Passenger's Clash With IRCTC Vendor Sparks Online Debate

Divya Danu — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:40:59 +0530

A dispute between a train passenger and an alleged IRCTC vendor over a water bottle has triggered a debate on social media about overcharging and passenger rights on Indian Railways. The argument apparently began when a passenger questioned why the vendor was charging Rs 20 for a water bottle carrying a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 14. The disagreement soon escalated, with both men exchanging heated words and eventually hitting each other as the video disrupts suddenly.

₹20 for a water bottle marked ₹14? A passenger calls out an IRCTC vendor for overcharging inside a train.

The argument quickly turns ugly, with the passenger accusing the vendor of removing his uniform to avoid identification.

The situation escalates as both exchange heated words, forcing other passengers to step in and separate them.

If the bottle is ₹14, why charge ₹20?

— Gems Of Railway (@GemsOfRailway) October 8, 2026

In the video, the passenger also accuses the vendor of trying to hide his identity as he removes his uniform in the viral video. The confrontation becomes increasingly tense, prompting other passengers to intervene and separate the two.

The incident has drawn attention to complaints about the prices charged by vendors selling food and beverages on trains.

Passenger questions Rs 6 extra charge

The passenger appears to challenge the alleged overcharging, questioning if a water bottle is marked at Rs 14, why should a passenger pay Rs 20 for it and the exchange turns into a heated argument.

However, the video and the claims made during the confrontation do not independently establish what happened before the recording began or whether any official complaint has been filed.

How social media reacted

The video has prompted several users on X to demand stricter monitoring of railway vendors and action against those found charging more than the permitted price.

One user said charging Rs 20 for a Rs 14 bottle amounted to overcharging and called for tighter checks on vendors serving railway passengers.

Another user, Jayakumar, appealed to the Railway Ministry to take immediate action and introduce stricter rules. Others tagged railway authorities, including IRCTC, and questioned why complaints about pricing continued to surface.

Some users also alleged that overcharging was common on trains, citing their own experiences with water bottles, cold drinks and tea. These remain individual claims and have not been independently verified.

The reactions also included criticism of railway services more broadly, with some users raising concerns about food quality, cleanliness and accountability.

Not everyone agreed with the passenger though

While many supported stricter enforcement, some urged people to consider the working conditions of vendors.

One user argued that vendors carry heavy loads through crowded coaches and work in the heat, suggesting that passengers should approach such disputes with empathy. Another comment offered a more practical view, advising passengers to ask politely about the displayed price.

Indian Railways Arranges Diapers For 6-Month-Old Baby After Father Seeks Help On RailMadad

Shweta Kumari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:33:35 +0530

Indian Railways has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, from expanding electrification across its broad gauge network to introducing Vande Bharat trains on several routes. Now, a heartwarming passenger experience has highlighted how its grievance redressal system can make a difference during unexpected situations.

A father travelling with his six-month-old baby recently shared how Indian Railways came to his rescue after he unexpectedly ran out of small-sized diapers during the journey. He turned to RailMadad, the official grievance redressal platform for railway passengers, and received a prompt response.

In a post on X, the passenger, identified as Debiprasad, described how the railway authorities arranged diapers for his infant after he submitted a complaint.

"This is what transformation looks like. Ran out of small-size diapers for my 6-month-old baby. Raised a RailMadad complaint at 10:07 AM," the passenger wrote.

This is what transformation looks like.

Ran out of small-size diapers for my 6-month-old baby. Raised a RailMadad complaint at 10:07 AM.

Within 10 minutes, RailMadad and the Pantry Car Manager called. At the next stoppage, the diapers were arranged.

From digital grievance redressal to faster, accountable passenger services, this is a very different railway experience.

Complaint → Response → Solution.

A glimpse of the changes seen in the Modi government era.

@RailwaySeva @RailMinIndia

#IndianRailways #RailMadad

— Debiprasad (@AskLipun) October 7, 2026

Indian Railways Responds To Passenger's RailMadad Complaint

Following the complaint, the father said he received a response from RailMadad and the Pantry Car manager, assuring him that diapers would be arranged at Gaya Junction.

"You will be provided with baby diapers upon arrival at Gaya Junction. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. We are temporarily closing your complaint and are working on it offline. Voluntary assistance will be provided to you through the relevant mechanisms," read the closing remarks on the RailMadad app.

The railway staff acted swiftly, with the required diapers arranged at the next stoppage. He also revealed that both RailMadad officials and the Pantry Car manager contacted him within minutes of filing the complaint.

"Within 10 minutes, RailMadad and the Pantry Car Manager called. At the next stoppage, the diapers were arranged. From digital grievance redressal to faster, accountable passenger services, this is a very different railway experience," he said.

Father Clarifies He Paid For The Diapers

The passenger also clarified that he had carried diapers for his baby but had run out unexpectedly during the journey. He stressed that he paid for the diapers himself and did not seek any complimentary supplies or special treatment.

“I already had diapers with me, but they ran out unexpectedly during the journey. I raised a RailMadad complaint and paid for the diapers myself. I didn't ask for anything free or misuse any resource. I simply used a service when I genuinely needed help.”

UP Teacher Plays 'Tabla' on Child's Head, Laughs; Viral Video Gets Him Suspended (WATCH)

Deevika NM — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:14:54 +0530

A classroom incident in Uttar Pradesh has sparked outrage after a video showed a primary school teacher tapping a young student's head as though it were a tabla, laughing as other children watched. The clip went viral on social media, prompting the education department to suspend the teacher and launch an investigation.

The incident took place at a primary school in Etawah. According to India Today, the teacher, Dinesh Kumar Mathur, had the video recorded and later uploaded it to his Facebook account.

In the footage, Mathur is seen sitting on a chair while a child sits on the floor in front of him. He repeatedly taps the child's head with his hands, mimicking the rhythm of a drum. The teacher laughs during the act, while other children seated nearby also appear to join in.

Watch the viral video here:

#VIRAL: Teacher seen playing tabla on a student's head, laughing and dancing.

Teacher suspended!

Etawah, Uttar Pradesh https://t.co/goTIqIl0K5

— Karan Singh / करन सिंह (@Journo_Karan) October 9, 2026

The video drew attention online and eventually reached the Basic Education Department, which acted against the teacher. Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Dr Rajesh Kumar suspended Mathur with immediate effect, treating his conduct as an act of indiscipline.

The department has begun investigating the incident, with further action expected to depend on the findings.

The episode has raised concerns about how students are treated inside classrooms and the responsibility teachers have to protect children's dignity. Schools are meant to provide a safe environment where students can learn without being made uncomfortable or turned into the subject of a joke.

The fact that the video was reportedly posted on the teacher's own Facebook account has also drawn attention to the role social media can play in bringing incidents from classrooms into public view.

While the department's investigation is still underway, the suspension signals that officials have taken the incident seriously. Further details about the inquiry and any additional disciplinary action are expected to emerge as the process continues.

The incident has also prompted wider questions about professional conduct in schools and the boundaries teachers must respect when interacting with students. For parents, the episode is a reminder of the importance of accountability and ensuring that children are treated with respect in the classroom.

Japan Ambassador Visits Mumbai Film City, Gets Taste Of Indian Cinema

Shweta Kumari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:14:10 +0530

Japan's Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, recently stepped into the vibrant world of Bollywood during his visit to Film City in Mumbai, where he witnessed the filmmaking process up close. The visit offered him a glimpse into India's thriving film industry and underscored the growing scope for entertainment collaboration between Japan and India.

Sharing his experience on X, Ono expressed excitement at watching Bollywood film production firsthand, describing the experience as an opportunity to discover the essence of Indian cinema.

He wrote, "Thrilled to witness firsthand the production of Bollywood films and experience the very essence of Indian cinema."

Visited #FilmCityMumbai

Thrilled to witness firsthand the production of Bollywood films and experience the very essence of Indian cinema.

Looking forward to deepening our cooperation in the entertainment industry as we mark the 75th anniversary of relations next year! https://t.co/f7zEkGUPWd

— ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) October 7, 2026

The ambassador also highlighted the potential to strengthen ties between the two countries through the entertainment industry. As Japan and India prepare to mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year, he expressed hope for deeper cooperation in this field.

Ono's visit to Film City reflected his interest in exploring India's cinematic landscape while building stronger cultural and creative connections between the two nations. With both countries looking ahead to the milestone anniversary, closer collaboration in entertainment could offer another avenue to deepen their longstanding partnership.

'Keep Checking Your BP': Abhijeet Dipke Mocks PM Modi Over Delhi Curbs Ahead Of CJP Protest

Divya Danu — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:11:54 +0530

Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over train cancellations and metro restrictions ahead of the party’s October 10 protest in Delhi. Telling PM to keep checking his blood pressure, he slammed the curbs.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over security measures introduced ahead of the party’s proposed protest in Delhi on October 10, sarcastically telling him to keep checking his blood pressure. Dipke, along with party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, criticised the government over train cancellations and proposed restrictions on metro services ahead of Saturday’s demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Get well soon paw-paw https://t.co/48w6eyzKXH

— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) October 9, 2026

In a video shared on social media, Dipke mocked the government’s decision to cancel trains and shut the metro stations, questioning why such measures were needed ahead of a protest.

Referring sarcastically to PM Modi as Vishwaguru and a 56-inch mahaamanav, Dipke said the Railways had been shut because young people were preparing to protest. He then addressed the Prime Minister, saying, “Sir, keep checking your BP every now and then.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeetdipke)

Das joined in the criticism, sarcastically comparing the situation with the Emergency. He said even Indira Gandhi 'the dictator' had not shut down trains during that period.

Ranka questioned the contrast between claims that people were not turning up for protests and the extensive security measures being introduced ahead of the demonstration. Das also remarked that he wanted to see the reaction of 'DCP Sachin Sharma'.

The remarks came amid a wider political dispute over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the opposition’s allegations of irregularities in the exercise.

Speaking to reporters a day before the proposed demonstration, CJP's Ranka said the government should shut down the entire country if it was afraid of young people taking to the streets. Dipke, meanwhile, emphasised that 'come what may, the protest will go on as planned at the Janatar Mantar, which is a designated demonstration site.' He added that Article 19 of the Constitution gives fundamental right to protest.

Dipke also raised questions about alleged irregularities in the elections and the removal of 13 crore votes, asking whether 'permission had been sought for this'. Dipke said that a movement is essential to question the electoral process and that CJP will hold the demonstration to save the country.

Shut metros. Shut trains. Shut roads. Shut everything.

But we will NOT stop!

https://t.co/Yz71BKj903

— Cockroaches of India (@CJP_for_India) October 9, 2026

दिल्ली में 10 अक्टूबर को होने वाले CJP के प्रदर्शन को लेकर पार्टी के संस्थापक अभिजीत दिपके ने कहा कि आंदोलन होकर रहेगा। मुंबई में उन्होंने कहा कि जंतर-मंतर निर्धारित प्रदर्शन स्थल है और संविधान का अनुच्छेद 19 विरोध करने का मौलिक अधिकार देता है। उन्होंने चुनावों में कथित गड़बड़ी और 13 करोड़ वोट हटाए जाने का आरोप लगाते हुए सवाल उठाया कि क्या इसके लिए अनुमति ली गई थी। दिपके ने कहा कि चुनावी प्रक्रिया पर सवाल उठाने के लिए आंदोलन जरूरी है और CJP देश को बचाने के लिए प्रदर्शन करेगा।

#CJP #AbhijeetDipke #JantarMantar #DelhiProtest #Article19 #ElectionCommission #ATReel #AajTakSocial

— AajTak (@aajtak) October 9, 2026

The Railway Board cancelled select Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10. The Railways cited anticipated traffic congestion around the stations as the reason.

Delhi Police has also asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to close 57 metro stations ahead of the protest, citing concerns about crowd movement towards sensitive locations.

The CJP has also challenged the denial of permission for its proposed gathering. Dipke argued that Jantar Mantar was a designated protest site and questioned why the party needed permission to demonstrate there.

The controversy reached the Supreme Court on Friday, where senior advocate Kapil Sibal urged the court to take up an urgent challenge to the restrictions imposed ahead of the protest.

Appearing for CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby, Sibal questioned the cancellation of trains, proposed metro closures, alleged internet curbs and reported restrictions on hotel bookings.

“What is happening to my country?” he asked, arguing that the proposed demonstration was peaceful and questioning the scale of the measures being taken.

Sibal told the bench that trains to New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin were scheduled to be cancelled during the 4 am to 2 pm window on October 10. He also referred to reports concerning hotel accommodation and other restrictions, describing the overall situation as a crackdown ahead of the protest.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, questioned why the petitioners had not approached the Delhi High Court.

Sibal responded that a similar plea filed by the Indian Youth Congress was pending before the High Court but had been adjourned until Monday.

Justice Bagchi repeatedly questioned why a protest organiser was not before the court, observing that a gathering held without permission could be unlawful. The bench also indicated that any intervention would have to consider competing interests, including whether the proposed gathering itself should be restrained.

Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that the extensive restrictions required judicial scrutiny.

Singhvi referred to the deployment of 221 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), preparations for 10 detention centres, train cancellations and other policing measures.

Sankaranarayanan argued that the government could not shut down an entire city because it was unable to manage protesters.

Advocate Vrinda Grover said Delhi Police had denied the CJP permission to demonstrate, while the Indian Youth Congress had sought permission to protest at a designated site. She also argued that heavy barricading could undermine the purpose of a demonstration.

The Chief Justice suggested that the Delhi High Court could be asked to hear the matter at 3 pm on Friday. Sibal and the other lawyers agreed to return at 2 pm with further details and a petition filed by an organiser.

The planned demonstration comes amid opposition criticism of the Election Commission and allegations of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. The CJP has made Kumar’s resignation a central demand.

The dispute has now expanded beyond electoral issues to questions about the limits of security restrictions, access to public transport and the right to protest.

Dipke’s remarks have added a political edge to the debate, while the Supreme Court proceedings have brought the restrictions under judicial scrutiny. The immediate focus remains on the arrangements for October 10 and whether the proposed demonstration will go ahead under the existing restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Health Secy Pushes to Expand NML's Reach to All Medical Colleges

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:00:34 +0530

The National Medical Library (NML), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, organised the 5th One-Day National Training-cum-Conference on the ERMED Consortium today at the National Medical Library, New Delhi. The conference was held on the theme “Digital Health Resources: Redefining Access Through Libraries”, highlighting the growing importance of digital knowledge resources in strengthening healthcare delivery, medical education and evidence-based clinical practice. The inaugural session was attended by Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. (Ms.) Vinod Kotwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Dr. Lovneesh G. Krishna, Director General of Health Services.

Strengthening Medical Education and Research

Addressing the gathering, Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, underscored the pivotal role of the National Medical Library (NML) in facilitating access to knowledge and information and strengthening the foundations of medical education, research and healthcare delivery. She highlighted the expansion of the NML network to 93 medical colleges and emphasised the need to extend its reach to all medical colleges across the country, particularly those in underserved areas, to ensure equitable access to quality medical literature and digital learning resources.

Emphasising that continuous learning and professional development are indispensable in the medical field, she observed that healthcare is evolving rapidly, with new diseases being identified, innovative therapies emerging and clinical practices continually advancing. She noted that well-equipped libraries and accessible digital resources are essential to strengthening professional competence and enabling healthcare practitioners to provide the best possible care to patients.

Emphasis on Indigenous Research Capabilities

She further emphasised that digital health resources are not merely tools for accessing information but also vital enablers of a strong research culture in the country. Referring to the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she stressed the importance of developing India’s indigenous research capabilities and cultivating a scientific temper that encourages innovation and original inquiry.

She also observed that while India may draw upon research conducted elsewhere, its larger aspirations cannot be realised without developing its own research capabilities and mindset. As she emphasised, “We may be able to manage with research conducted elsewhere, but that alone cannot fulfil our resolve to build a strong research ecosystem of our own. For this, we must develop a research mindset, and access to digital health resources is crucial to nurturing that mindset.”

In this context, she highlighted the complementary role of the One Nation One Subscription initiative and the ERMED Consortium in broadening access to scholarly publications, facilitating evidence-based learning and creating an enabling environment for research and innovation. She described the National Medical Library as a legacy institution with the responsibility of serving as a gateway to knowledge and contributing meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

A Call for a Future Roadmap

Looking ahead, Srivastava called upon the National Medical Library to develop a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening access to digital health resources, including exploring the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare education, research and professional development. She emphasised the importance of extending guidance and support to States and Union Territories by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the adoption of good medical library practices across institutions. She encouraged the organisation of focused seminars and professional engagements to identify effective models, share best practices and improve the accessibility and utilisation of digital educational resources nationwide.

Expressing confidence in the deliberations of the conference, she urged librarians, healthcare professionals and other participants to contribute their experiences, insights and actionable recommendations towards building a more accessible, inclusive and research-oriented medical knowledge ecosystem. She emphasised that empowering medical institutions with reliable knowledge resources and fostering a culture of lifelong learning would be instrumental in advancing medical education, strengthening research and improving patient care across the country.

Knowledge Grows When Shared

Speaking at the Occasion, Dr. (Ms.) Vinod Kotwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the unique nature of knowledge, noting that while material wealth diminishes when spent, knowledge grows when shared. She observed that libraries are rooted in this very ethos of knowledge-sharing and emphasised the importance of leveraging digital resources to make quality medical and educational content more accessible to all. She noted that the three essential pillars of a medical college are its faculty, infrastructure and knowledge resources, including books, journals and other scholarly materials, all of which play a vital role in strengthening medical education and research. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Gujarat: Minister visits personnel with dengue, 50 of 87 recovered

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:30:52 +0530

Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya visited Gandhinagar Civil Hospital to review the health of personnel undergoing dengue treatment. He inquired about their well-being and boosted their morale. He also met with doctors and the hospital Superintendent to review their treatment and provide guidance to ensure the best possible medical care.

Health Status of Security Personnel

Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya stated that around 87 personnel from the BSF, CRPF and ITBP, who had arrived from Odisha, Jharkhand, Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh for the parade, were shifted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital after reporting fever and other health problems. The personnel have shown significant improvement with intensive treatment and proper medical care. Of the 87 personnel admitted over the past 10 days, 50 have recovered and been discharged, while the remaining 37 are still receiving treatment at Civil Hospital. The Minister added that the condition of all 37 personnel is stable and improving, and none is in critical condition.

Minister's Directives for Enhanced Care

During his review of security personnel undergoing treatment at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya expressed concern for their well-being. He said that since these personnel protect the nation’s borders, ensuring their proper care during this difficult time is a moral responsibility of the doctors.

To ensure the best possible treatment, the Minister issued specific instructions to Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Meeta Parikh and the team of doctors. He directed them to ensure that the personnel drank adequate water and received timely, nutritious meals, including breakfast, fresh fruits, fruit juice and salads, as recommended by doctors. The Minister also reviewed the availability of adequate blood and platelet stocks in case any personnel required an urgent platelet transfusion during dengue treatment. He directed the hospital to ensure medical assistance whenever needed.

Tragic Death of a Personnel

He expressed deep grief over the sudden and tragic death of a personnel who was undergoing treatment at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital. Expressing his condolences over the tragic incident, the Minister said that the loss was deeply saddening and shocking. He said that the loss of a personnel serving the nation was a great loss for everyone. On behalf of the entire State Government, he extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with them in this difficult time.

Details of the Incident

Providing further details about the unfortunate incident at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, the Minister said that the condition of all admitted personnel was initially stable. However, one personnel suddenly complained of severe chest pain. The team of doctors immediately conducted the necessary cardiac examinations, including an ECG, and shifted the personnel to the ICU. Despite intensive treatment, the personnel could not be saved.

Sharing the doctors’ preliminary findings, the Minister said that the personnel had continued strenuous exercise despite suffering from fever and physical discomfort. This may have contributed to a cardiac arrest or heart attack. However, the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the final post-mortem (PM) report is received. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Gujarat to boost biofertilizers amid global supply chain concerns

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:30:42 +0530

The ongoing conflict and instability in West Asia have highlighted the vulnerability of global fertilizer supply chains, underscoring the need to strengthen domestic agricultural-input security, the Department of Science & Technology Directorate of Information said on Friday.

Gujarat's Bio-Manufacturing Initiative

In response to these challenges, Gujarat, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is planning an integrated bio-manufacturing ecosystem to promote biofertilizers and biopesticides, support innovation and reduce dependence on conventional agricultural inputs.

The Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM), under the Department of Science and Technology, is developing the proposed ecosystem with an estimated outlay of Rs 50 crore over five years. The initiative aims to connect the state's microbial resources, agricultural universities, biotechnology institutions, startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives and farmers. It will establish an integrated pathway covering microbial discovery, research, product formulation, manufacturing, field validation and farmer adoption, the department said.

Geopolitical Impact on Fertilizer Security

The West Asia crisis has demonstrated how geopolitical tensions can disrupt energy markets, shipping routes and agricultural-input supplies. These developments underline the close relationship between fertilizer security, energy supplies, mineral resources, shipping and geopolitics.

Natural gas is a key input in nitrogen fertilizer production, while phosphate and potash fertilizers depend on mineral resources concentrated in particular regions. For farmers, timely availability is critical because fertilizers must be applied at specific stages of crop growth. Delays can affect productivity and increase cultivation risks.

Building a Resilient Agricultural System

India has established systems to assess fertilizer demand, coordinate domestic production and imports, and ensure the distribution of subsidised fertilizers such as urea, DAP, muriate of potash (MOP) and NPK. The challenge, therefore, is not simply to secure larger quantities of fertilizer but to build a more resilient agricultural-input system.

Biofertilizers, biostimulants, microbial consortia and other biological technologies can provide additional options for farmers while supporting nutrient-use efficiency and soil health. Conventional fertilizers will remain important, but biological alternatives can contribute to diversifying agricultural-input sources.

Leveraging Existing Research and Capabilities

Gujarat's proposed initiative builds on existing research and commercialisation capabilities. Anand Agricultural University (AAU) has developed and commercialised biofertilizer technologies using microorganisms such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Rhizobium, phosphate-solubilising bacteria and potassium-mobilising bacteria. The university has also developed microbial consortia, including Bio-NP and Bio-NPK.

AAU has produced and sold around 42 lakh litres of biofertilizer products up to 2024–25, covering nearly 42 lakh hectares. AAU also maintains a repository of more than 1,000 microbial cultures relevant to biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biodecomposers. DNA sequence data of 148 microbial strains have been deposited with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). These resources will provide a scientific foundation for the proposed statewide ecosystem.

Formalizing the Partnership

An MoU will be signed between the GSBTM, Department of Science and Technology, and Anand Agricultural University on October 9 (Friday) in Bhavnagar for establishing biomanufacturing facilities for biofertilizers and biopesticides. The MoU will be signed in the august presence of Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Minister for Science and Technology, and Jitubhai Vaghani, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Cooperation, and Animal Husbandry. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Inside Vande Bharat Sleeper 2AC Coach: Premium Berths, Panoramic Windows And Aircraft-Style Toilets

Gargi Chaudhry — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:21:31 +0530

Apeek inside India's newest sleeper train is giving travellers plenty to talk about. A content creator recently shared a walkthrough of the Vande Bharat Sleeper's Second Class AC coach, offering viewers a closer look at its interiors, berth configuration and passenger amenities. According to the video, the 2AC coach is just as pleasant as other sleeper trains and luxury planes. Cushions and easy-to-climb staircases to top beds are some of the ergonomic features that the designer highlighted. Every cabin includes its own power outlet for electronics, a place to rest your phone, and additional room for your bags.

The most eye-catching feature is the unique air-circulation vents for each bed, which are reminiscent of automobile design. Each bed has its own reading light and privacy drapes.

Large sealed panoramic windows next to the sleeper provide superb views of the outside. The creator also demonstrated a GPS-based passenger information screen that displays the current train speed, the next station, and other information.

Watch Viral Video

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dolesh Agrawal (@200journeys)

The creator provided a glimpse inside the vacuum-sealed, aircraft-style toilets. These new bio-toilets are roomy and equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as sensor-based flushes and higher cleanliness requirements.

A large wash basin and mirror are located just adjacent to the toilet. There is also a contemporary pantry area to support planned IRCTC lunch services on the ride. There is a total capacity of 823 persons that may be accommodated on the 16-coach train. The AC First Class category is assigned 24 berths, the AC 2-Tier category is assigned 188 berths, and the AC 3-Tier category is assigned 611 berths.

There is a wide variety of prices, beginning at Rs 960 for a 3AC ticket for travels up to 400 kilometres and going all the way up to Rs 13,300 for a 1AC ticket for the very largest distance of 3,500 km.

Take a look at the price breakdown:

Base fares (before GST):

AC 3-Tier: Rs 2.4 per km
AC 2-Tier: Rs 3.1 per km
AC First Class: Rs 3.8 per km

Minimum fares (up to 400 km):

AC 3-Tier: Rs 960
AC 2-Tier: Rs 1,240
AC First Class: Rs 1,520 As journey distances increase, fares rise proportionally. On long routes, ticket prices exceed those of Rajdhani Express services.

'Those Were the Best Days': Man’s Nostalgic Post on College Life Strikes a Chord, Says Happiness Faded After 20

Deevika NM — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:04:34 +0530

Sometimes, it takes a trip down memory lane to realise how much life has changed. A man’s heartfelt social media post about his college days, his father’s support and the happiness he once took for granted has struck a chord with people online, prompting conversations about adulthood, money and the little things that make life meaningful.

The post was shared by X user Sunderdeep, who looked back on a time when his father paid his college fees and he could enjoy life without worrying about the responsibilities that come with growing older. For him, those years were about music, friendships and the simple pleasures that seemed ordinary back then.

“When Dad was paying my college fee, those were my best days,” he wrote.

Check the viral post here:

When Dad was paying my college fee, those were my best days.

I used to enjoy music, elite playlists, I built an aura in my hostel to be only student getting placed with just 63% aggregate percentage. Me & my Brother used to listen comedy from Bhagwant Mann & Bhottu Shah on DVD player.

After 20, I couldn’t get to know when I turned 39 but life has been miserable after 20. Money can’t get you happiness & that sukoon that your Dad is there to feed you.

— Sunderdeep - Volklub (@volklub) October 2, 2026

Sunderdeep recalled listening to his favourite music and playlists while building a reputation in his hostel. He said he was the only student there to secure a job placement despite scoring an aggregate of 63 per cent.

His memories also included spending time with his brother, listening to comedy by Bhagwant Mann and Bhotu Shah on a DVD player. These small moments, which might have seemed unremarkable at the time, now appeared to hold a special place in his memory.

Looking back, he reflected on how quickly the years had passed. “After 20, I couldn't get to know when I turned 39 but life has been miserable after 20,” he wrote.

The most poignant part of his post was his reflection on money and the comfort of having a parent to depend on. “Money can't get you happiness & that sukoon that your Dad is there to feed you,” he added.

His words resonated with social media users, several of whom shared their own thoughts on how life changes after college.

“Something switched post-2007. I don't know what, but it did,” one user commented.

Another summed up the experience in two words: “That's called adulting.”

A third offered a more encouraging response: “You won in your life.”

The reactions reflected a feeling many adults recognise: growing older brings independence and responsibilities, but it can also mean losing the carefree comfort of earlier years. For Sunderdeep, the memories were a reminder that happiness is not always about money or achievements, but also about feeling supported and secure.

‘What is happening to my country?’ Sibal on Delhi curbs before protest

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:01:10 +0530

‘What is happening to my country?’ Sibal questions Delhi lockdown

The Supreme Court on Friday heard an urgent mention challenging restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the October 10 protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with senior advocate Kapil Sibal asking the apex court, “What is happening to my country?”

Sibal, appearing for CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby, flagged the cancellation of trains to Delhi, closure of metro stations, internet curbs and restrictions on hotel bookings. “What is happening to my country?” he asked, urging the court to take up the matter urgently. He said a petition has been filed regarding the issue and urged the CJI bench to hear it today along with other matters relating to the CJP protest held in July.

“All trains have been cancelled, 57 metro stations are shut, people are being denied accommodation in hotels, and Nizamuddin has been closed. RWAs are reportedly being told not to allow people to step out. What is happening to my country? This is a peaceful protest. How can this be allowed to happen?” said Sibal.

He further said that trains to New Delhi and Nizamuddin have been cancelled tomorrow between 4 am and 2 pm; Howrah, Shalimar, and Rajdhani Express trains have been cancelled. “Trains, Metro, Uber, OYO hotels, stadiums. The crackdown for Delhi on October 10,” said Sibal, adding that hotels have been asked to stop taking guests.

Bench questions petitioners, suggests High Court hearing

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymlaya Bagchi and V Mohana questioned why the petitioners had not approached the Delhi High Court. Sibal said a similar plea by the Indian Youth Congress was pending there but had been adjourned until Monday.

Justice Bagchi repeatedly questioned the absence of a protest organiser, observing that without permission, the proposed gathering could be unlawful. The bench also indicated that any intervention would have to account for competing interests, including the possibility of restraining the gathering itself.

Lawyers argue against 'disproportionate' measures

Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that the sweeping measures needed judicial scrutiny for proportionality. Singhvi cited the deployment of 221 CAPF companies, preparations for 10 detention centres, restrictions on train services and other policing measures. Shankarnarayan said that the government can't shut down an entire city because it can't handle protestors.

Advocate Vrinda Grover said Delhi Police had denied the CJP permission to protest, while the Indian Youth Congress had sought permission to demonstrate at a designated site. She argued that heavy barricading could render the proposed protest ineffective.

The CJI suggested that the Delhi High Court could be asked to hear the matter at 3 pm on Friday. Sibal and the other lawyers agreed to return at 2 pm with further details and a plea filed by an organiser.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Modi govt promoting monopolies to favour capitalists: Mallikarjun Kharge

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:00:59 +0530

Kharge accuses Modi govt of promoting monopolies for BJP's profit

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of promoting monopolies and duopolies across sectors of the economy, alleging that its economic policies favoured select capitalist groups and benefited the BJP. In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the objective of the government's economic policy was to hand over control of the economy to its favoured capitalists in return for maintaining the BJP's share in the profits.

"The objective of Modi ji's economic policy is to hand over control of the economy to his favoured capitalist cronies. So that, in return, the BJP maintains its share in the profits. By ending Competition and imposing Monopoly and Duopoly, they have only worked to fill the BJP's coffers and have ruined the foundation of economic liberalisation," he said. Citing the telecom sector, Kharge claimed that there were 13 players before 2014, while only three major private players remain today. He also referred to the domestic aviation sector, claiming that the number of major players had fallen from seven before 2014 to two. "Whether it's Digital Payments, Cement, or Food Delivery Apps, the government's priority everywhere has been to eliminate competition," Kharge said.

Claiming that the Congress was responsible for economic liberalisation, he accused the BJP of pursuing what he termed "economic terrorism" for its own profits. He further alleged that the government's policies had hurt micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other small and medium industries, while contributing to severe unemployment among the country's youth. "The BJP only implements economic terrorism (Economic Terrorism) for its own profits, as a result of which MSMEs and other small and medium industries have been completely locked down, and our youth are enduring the curse of severe unemployment," Kharge added.

Congress MP alleges US influence on Indian policies

Earlier today, on the US government's suspension of the Permanent Labour Certification Programme and its effect on major Indian IT companies, Congress MP Jebi Mather alleged that American interests were influencing India's policy decisions. She linked the issue to changes involving UPI payment charges and exemptions for certain sectors.

She claimed that the US had attempted to influence India's UPI payment system as domestic platforms such as UPI and RuPay gained strength. She also alleged that concessions had been extended to major Indian business groups in sectors such as telecommunications and power."This is the same situation of where the US tried to influence our UPI payment system because the US giants, which were considered to be at the top in the world as the payment giants, whether it is Mastercard or whether it is Visa, they were the payment giants, but when UPI was becoming strong in India, and RuPay was becoming, President Trump dictated terms from there and started saying that this should not be charged. That's how UPI was charged: it started for anything other than personal use or any industry, not industries; even officially, any business transactions were made chargeable, also keeping that this must be the amount. Now, this exemption was given to whom? For the telecom sector, and who is in the telecom sector? Reliance. Who is the exemption given to power? Who is heading power? Adani is heading power. So, whether it is this UPI, what we are seeing is that from there they dictate terms, but here exemptions or concessions are given to Reliance," she added. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

BJP deleting votes, join Jantar Mantar protest: Arvind Kejriwal

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:00:48 +0530

Kejriwal Alleges Mass Vote Deletion, Urges Protest

Amid strict security preparations across the national capital, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday urged the citizens to join upcoming October 10th demonstrations at Jantar Mantar while alleging that under the rule of the BJP and Gyanesh Kumar, votes are being deleted on a mass scale. Kejriwal stated that the Centre is playing with democracy, while alleging that the BJP deleted the votes of those who did not vote for them and instead added fake votes. "I appeal to all the people across the entire country that the way the BJP government at the Centre is playing with our democracy, people's votes are being deleted on a mass scale. Those who don't vote for the BJP have their votes deleted, while fake votes are added. This was happening openly under Gyanesh Kumar,” Arvind Kejriwal told reporters.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor further urged the citizens to join upcoming demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in maximum numbers and emphasised that this is not about any single individual or party but for the whole country. He said, “The entire country is demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. I appeal to everyone, all citizens across the nation, to gather in maximum numbers at Jantar Mantar. This is not about any single individual or party; it is about the country.”

AAP convenor confirmed his personal plans to take part Kejriwal and urged others to join as well. “Protest is beginning at Jantar Mantar. I will be going, my entire family will be going, and I urge all of you to join as well," Arvind Kejriwal added.

Activists Defy Police, Vow to Proceed with Demonstration

These remarks come after the Delhi Police rejected the application seeking permission for a planned demonstration on October 10 regarding the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), citing short notice, past non-compliance, and prevailing law-and-order concerns.

On Friday, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke reiterated that the organisation would hold a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on October 10, despite not receiving permission from Delhi Police. Dipke asserted that the protest would go ahead regardless of whether police permission was granted and said activists were prepared to face arrest.

Questioning the measures taken ahead of the protest, Dipke said, "What is this fear? Why are you this scared? You are scared of the youth in the country. You shut down trains, you shut down metro, what should one do?" He also questioned the inconvenience caused to passengers, alleging that restrictions on public transport and roads would themselves cause hardship to ordinary people.

"Is Delhi a property of Narendra Modi or Amit Shah? Is this their ancestral property? Is this their paternal property? On one hand, you say that due to the protest, people are facing inconvenience, and on the other hand, you shut down all the metro, you shut down all the railways, you block all the roads. Now, won't there be inconvenience for people?" he said.

Dipke said CJP activists were prepared to face detention or arrest over the proposed demonstration. "How many people will they detain? Arrest me, detain me! Saurabh is ready, Ashutosh is ready. Arrest me, detain me!" he said.

Questioning the need for police permission, he referred to Article 19 of the Constitution and said Jantar Mantar was a designated protest site. "Did Gyanesh Kumar take permission? Before deleting 13 crore votes, did Gyanesh Kumar take permission? The Supreme Court didn't even give approval for the Form 6 modification. So, when Gyanesh Kumar, without telling anyone, without asking anyone, deletes 13 crore votes, then to protest against him, the constitutional right we have according to Article 19, what is the need for permission?" he said.

Dipke also questioned the Delhi Police's statement that applications for protests at Jantar Mantar must be submitted at least 10 days in advance, linking the restrictions to the proposed demonstration. "The government is very serious. I think Narendra Modi and Amit Shah should keep checking their blood pressure. The kind of fear this government is showing," he said. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi HC orders suspension of 126 websites using 'Jio' trademark

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:00:45 +0530

The Delhi High Court has directed domain name registrars to suspend 126 websites allegedly using Reliance Industries Limited’s ‘Jio’ trademark for lottery and gaming-related services, while restraining the operators of the websites from using the company’s trademark or any deceptively similar mark.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav passed the interim order on October 7 while hearing a trademark infringement suit filed by Reliance Industries Limited.

Court's Directives on 'Rogue Websites'

The court also directed Google, which operates the Blogger platform, to disable access to and take down an allegedly infringing webpage hosted on its platform.

The court directed domain name registrars to ensure that the websites listed in an annexure to the order remain suspended until further orders. The list includes websites using variations of names such as ‘Jio Lottery’, ‘Jio Lottery Game’ and other similar combinations.

The court observed that the websites, upon examination, prima facie appeared to satisfy the test of a “rogue website” laid down by the Delhi High Court in an earlier judgment concerning online piracy and infringement.

Reliance's Arguments in Infringement Suit

Reliance Industries told the court that it holds exclusive statutory and common law rights over its registered ‘Jio’ trademark. It alleged that the defendants were using the mark in its entirety as a prominent feature of their domain names, websites and other identifiers in connection with lottery, gaming, payment-related and allied services.

The company contended that such use was likely to cause confusion and deception, dilute its trademark and harm its commercial interests. It sought interim protection and blocking of the objectionable websites during the pendency of the suit.

Interim Injunction and Legal Proceedings

The court noted that the domain name registrars had been impleaded to facilitate the preservation and disclosure of registrant, account, contact, billing, payment and other identifying details relating to the websites. The Union government, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications, was also arrayed as a defendant.

While granting interim relief, the court restrained defendant number one from registering, operating, controlling, administering, maintaining, promoting, advertising or otherwise dealing with the impugned marks, including ‘Jio’, ‘Jio Lottery’ and ‘Jio Lottery Game’, or any mark identical or deceptively similar to Reliance Industries’ trademark in a manner amounting to infringement.

The court also directed Google to disable access to and remove the webpage along with the allegedly infringing content.

The court relied on its 2019 decision, which explained that the determination of whether a website is a rogue website depends on a qualitative assessment of its primary purpose and effect, rather than merely the quantity of infringing material it contains.

The suit has been registered as a commercial suit, and summons have been issued to the defendants. Those represented through counsel have been directed to file their written statements within 30 days, while the remaining defendants are to be served through permissible modes.

The court directed the defendants to file their replies to the interim injunction application within four weeks, with rejoinders, if any, to follow within three weeks thereafter. The matter has been listed for further consideration on November 30. The suit will also be placed before the Joint Registrar on December 10 for marking of exhibits.

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IAF's evolution to global air power highlighted on 94th anniversary

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:00:35 +0530

IAF's Evolution to Global Power

Marking the Indian Air Force's 94th anniversary, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Friday highlighted the Indian Air Force's (IAF) evolution into a major global air power following the ‘Tarang Shakti' exercise held in Jodhpur. The Air Chief Marshal emphasised that the Air Force began in 1932 with just four Wapiti aircraft and now it is leading globally.

Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS), which coincided with ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti drills, the Air Chief Marshal noted the significance of Exercise Tarang Shakti following the IAF's 94th anniversary celebrations. "This event becomes very important. Sitting here while Exercise Tarang Shakti is going on, and this seminar is a part of Exercise Tarang Shakti. Also, we just completed our 94 years as the Indian Air Force yesterday, and we celebrated our 94th anniversary,” AP Singh said.

Reflecting on the force's trajectory since its inception, he recalled that the IAF began with just four Wapiti aircraft in 1932 before growing into one of the world's premier aerial forces. “This is a very important event for us as the Air Force that started with just four Wapiti aircraft in 1932 and today is considered one of the major Air Forces in the world," Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said.

Multinational Exercise 'Tarang Shakti'

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Air Chief-designate Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit reviewed operations at the ongoing multinational air combat exercise 'Tarang Shakti and witnessed the aerial drills of various indigenously built and global aircraft taking part in the complex joint manoeuvres of the Indian Air Force.

The skies over the Jodhpur desert sector witnessed striking formations as the 'Tarang Shakti' exercise showcased global airpower on full display, as Dixit witnessed high-octane manoeuvres at the multinational air combat drill.

'Tarang Shakti 2026', the Indian Air Force's multinational air combat exercise, is underway at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12, with the theme 'Power in Partnership'.

Sarang Team: 'Brand Ambassadors' of IAF

Earlier, IAF Group Captain Abhijit Kumar, commanding officer and team leader of the Sarang display team, said the team acts as the "brand ambassadors" of the Indian Air Force by showcasing its professionalism and India's advancement in the aviation industry.

Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, "We call ourselves the brand ambassadors of the Indian Air Force. We conduct displays across India and the world, showcasing the professionalism of the Indian Air Force, India's advancement in the aviation industry, and attracting youth to join the defence forces as a career option."

He said the Sarang team was formed in 2003 when indigenously built ALH helicopters were being inducted into the Indian Air Force. "The team was formed in 2003, when the indigenously built ALH helicopters were being inducted into the Indian Air Force. An evaluation flight was built to test the capabilities of these helicopters before formal induction," he said.

New Air Chief Appointed

The government appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, with effect from the afternoon of October 31.

Leaders Extend Greetings on Air Force Day

On Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to air warriors, veterans and their families on the occasion of Indian Air Force Day, lauding their courage, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the nation.

In a post on X, President Murmu said the Indian Air Force had rendered exemplary service to the nation while upholding high standards of professionalism, discipline and preparedness. Greetings to all air warriors, veterans and their families on Air Force Day. The Indian Air Force has rendered exemplary service to the nation, upholding high standards of professionalism, discipline and preparedness,” she said.

The President highlighted the role of the IAF in Operation Sindoor, saying it demonstrated the courage, precision and operational preparedness of air warriors in safeguarding the country's security. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the courage, precision and operational preparedness of our air warriors in safeguarding the nation’s security," she added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while sharing a video of the Indian Air Force, also paid tribute to the air warriors. India is proud of our Air Warriors. On Air Force Day, we salute their courage and commitment to protect our skies!” Modi said in a post on X.

Indian Air Force Day is observed every year on October 8 to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Air Force in 1932 and honour the service, courage and contribution of its personnel in safeguarding the nation. (ANI)

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Jewar Airport to be renamed after PM Modi, announces CM Yogi Adityanath

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:30:29 +0530

Jewar Airport to be Named After PM Modi

The Uttar Pradesh Council of Ministers on Friday passed a resolution to name the Jewar International Airport in Gautam Buddha Nagar after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the Airport will officially be named 'Narendra Modi International Airport'.

The decision coincides with a resolution passed by the UP Cabinet honouring PM Modi on completing 25 years of continuous public service as the head of a government. Announcing the renaming of the Jewar Airport, the Chief Minister said, "The Uttar Pradesh Council of Ministers is grateful to the Prime Minister for gifting the state the Noida International Airport (Jewar); this is set to become Uttar Pradesh's largest airport and, in the future, the country's largest aviation hub. Consequently, the Council of Ministers has also passed a proposal to rename the Noida International Airport as the 'Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar'."

Decision Honours PM Modi's 25 Years in Public Service

CM Yogi described October 7 as a "glorious chapter in the nation's history," marking PM Modi's 25-year journey as Chief Minister and Prime Minister. "The Cabinet has resolved that October 7th marks a glorious chapter in the nation's history. The Council of Ministers of UP extends its heartfelt congratulations to PM Modi on the completion of 25 years of continuous, dedicated service as the Head of Government. This is a moment of special pride for UP, as PM Modi leads the nation from the sacred soil of this state, serving as a popular public representative and Member of Parliament," he said.

He further emphasised that the bond between Uttar Pradesh and the Prime Minister is very personal and under his leadership, the State has entered a new era of development. "Under his leadership, India has established a new identity on the global stage while preserving its civilizational values; simultaneously, UP has entered a new era where heritage and development go hand in hand. The bond between PM Modi and Uttar Pradesh is deeply personal," he said.

CM Yogi Hails 'Karmayogi' PM Modi

Terming PM Modi as "Karmayogi", CM Yogi Adityanath credited Uttar Pradesh's growth and renewed self-confidence to him, adding that the State Council will consistently prioritise development. "Under the guidance of 'Karmayogi' PM Modi, Uttar Pradesh is scaling new heights of all-round progress with renewed self-confidence. The UP Council of Ministers will always remain grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consistently prioritizing the state's development," he said. (ANI)

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Defamation suit filed against boxer Mary Kom by her ex-husband in Delhi

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:30:28 +0530

Renowned boxer Mary Kom's ex-husband has filed a defamation complaint against her in Delhi's Saket Court. It is alleged that during a TV interview, Kom made false, malicious and defamatory statements concerning the complainant, with the intention of harming.

The complaint was filed on October 6, and the same is pending before the court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Shivam Gupta for pre-summoning evidence. The matter will be heard by the court on November 19.

Complainant's Background and Claims

Complainant Karong Onkholer said that he was married to accused Mary Kom on March 12, 2005, and they thereafter resided together at Faridabad. The said marriage was dissolved by a Customary practice on December 20, 2023.

The complainant has moved the court through advocates Akash Krishna and Pragati Sharma. It is stated that the Complainant, prior to and during the subsistence of the marriage, sacrificed his own career and professional pursuits in order to support and enable the professional career of Mary Kom. This is stated as the true factual position between the parties, and directly contradicts the imputation made by her in the statements set out that the complainant has no career and has never been gainfully employed.

Details of the Defamation Allegations

The complainant said that Mary Kom is an internationally renowned boxing champion and public figure of very substantial standing, who has a wide public following and regularly appears on national television and other media platforms. It is alleged that on January 11, 2026, after the said divorce, she appeared as a guest on the television programme of long standing which commands a viewership running into millions of persons across India.

The complainant has alleged that, in the said TV programme and interview conducted before a live studio audience and thereafter telecast to the general public, she made the false, malicious and defamatory statements concerning the complainant, with the intention of harming, and with the knowledge and reason to believe that such statements would harm, the reputation of the complainant, each of which was published to the public at large by the channel by broadcasting the same, the same having been made and published after the dissolution of their marriage.

The complaint asserted that an ordinary, reasonable viewer of the said broadcast would understand from her statements, taken individually and collectively, that the complainant is a dishonest, unfaithful, unemployed, financially parasitic, alcohol dependent individual who has misappropriated money from her bank accounts and has abandoned all responsibility towards his own children; these imputations, which directly and severely lower his moral character, credit, and standing as a spouse and as a parent, within the meaning of Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. (ANI)

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ED raids tech firms in Odisha, WB over SI recruitment paper leak

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:30:25 +0530

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out a search operation at 10 premises located in Odisha and West Bengal in connection with the alleged leakage of the question paper of the SI recruitment Exam-2024 in Odisha, officials said. During the search, they said, the role of agencies and associated persons is being examined.

Companies Under Investigation

Silicon Techlab Pvt Ltd and Panchsoft Technology Pvt Ltd and their directors, along with other persons, are being searched, said the officials, privy to the operation being carried out by the federal agency.

Background of the Case

ED's Bhubaneswar zone has been conducting the search operation since early morning in close coordination with state police and other security forces, based on certain inputs against some suspects linked to the case, which emanates from a First Information Report filed by Odisha Police in October 2025. Odisha Police registered the case after it intercepted three buses on September 30, 2025, carrying 114 candidates near the border area of Ichhapuram (Border town of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha) for leaking the question paper of the SI recruitment exam scheduled to be conducted on October 5, 2025 and October 6, 2025, in lieu of cash ranging between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 30 lakh per candidate. The case was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Modus Operandi Revealed

Officials said the question paper was allegedly leaked by the persons associated with the entities to whom the work of conducting the exam was assigned. "Candidates were approached by the associates, and they were lured into providing the question paper in lieu of money, and their original certificates were taken as a guarantee," said the officials. (ANI) (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

INDIA bloc MPs to meet President amid protests against CEC Kumar

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:30:24 +0530

INDIA Bloc to Meet President Amid CEC Protest

INDIA Bloc MPs will assemble at 5 pm at Central Hall, Parliament. The delegation has an appointment with the President at 8 pm, according to the sources.

On Thursday, INDIA bloc members visited Raj Ghat, as protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar entered their third consecutive day in the national capital. Opposition leaders have been demanding his resignation, alleging irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission and BJP have rejected the Opposition's allegations.

The protests extended beyond Delhi, with senior RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav leading a parallel demonstration in Patna, Bihar and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that she will join the INDIA bloc protests in Delhi.

FIRs Against Rahul, Priyanka; Police Detail Clashes

Following Wednesday's intense demonstrations, Delhi Police said they have registered three FIRs, with more cases likely. The FIRs cite alleged assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing and manhandling, and misbehaviour with police. The names of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra figure in the details. Gandhi was detained on Wednesday and taken to Barakhamba Road Police Station after he was seen trying to open a barricaded gate.

Security Heightened, Further Protests Denied

Amidst the row, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has deployed "additional reserve" personnel to strengthen 'Z+' category security for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, officials said.

Delhi has also ordered all retail liquor shops to shut on October 9 and 10 "as a preventive measure aimed at maintaining public order," citing inputs from Delhi Police and planned protests by the Cockroach Janta Party against Kumar.

Meanwhile, earlier today, Delhi Police rejected the application seeking permission for a planned demonstration on October 10 regarding the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), citing short notice, past non-compliance, and prevailing law-and-order concerns, officials said. Police also warned that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remains in effect across the New Delhi district, prohibiting any unlawful assembly or protest.

Speaking to ANI, Joint Commissioner of Police (Joint CP) Nupur Prasad said the intimation seeking permission was received without the mandatory 10-day prior notice required under established police guidelines. "An application was submitted in the New Delhi district giving intimation that they intend to hold a demonstration-a protest-on October 10 regarding the accountability of the CEC. This intimation was examined and considered, and it was found that first of all, it was received at very short notice. As per our laid-down guidelines, we require this at least 10 days prior to the dharna/protest, which was not the case here," Prasad said. (ANI)

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J&K: PDP leader detained for calling terrorist Burhan Wani a 'martyr'

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:03:03 +0530

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Abdul Kabir on Friday has been detained at Kishtwar Police Station for questioning after referring to slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani as a “martyr” during a PDP event.

Kabir had earlier said that calling Wani a “martyr” was his personal view, adding that people in a democratic country were free to express their opinions. He has been detained at Kishtwar Police Station for questioning following his reference to Burhan Wani as a "Martyr" in his speech at a PDP event Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Kabir said, “I had stated that when Burhan Wani was killed, BJP leaders visited his home and provided compensation. It is our freedom to decide whether or not to call him a martyr. We live in a democratic country. This is my personal view.”

He claimed that BJP leaders had visited Wani’s family and provided compensation following his death.

Burhan Wani, a self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed along with two other terrorists in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district in June 2016.

LeT Terrorist Involved in Pahalgam Attack Killed

Meanwhile, last month, Security forces recovered the body of a Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, along with war-like stores during a search operation in the general area of Palmaidan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district.

The killing of Moosa was confirmed by the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, which said, "During the search early morning in General Area Palmaidan, body of Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, recovered along with war-like stores."

The Army and other security agencies launched OP KORAG in the Yousmarg area based on specific intelligence input. A Joint Search Operation was launched when vigilant troops observed suspicious activity, and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which Hashim Moosa was neutralised.

According to the update issued by the security forces, the operation remained underway, with personnel continuing search operations in the area.

Hashim Moosa was named as one of the key suspects involved in the Pahalgam attack of 2025, which killed 26 tourists.

JK Police had announced a reward of Rs 20 lakhs for information leading to the arrest of Pakistan nationals and LeT terrorists Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa in the wake of the terror attack.

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CPI(M) slams ED's 'political game' against Pinarayi Vijayan

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:01:28 +0530

CPI(M) State Secretariat member P Jayarajan on Friday alleged that KM Shahjahan’s petition against former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was part of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) “political game”. He said legal action would be taken against the Kerala High Court order. Speaking to ANI, Jayarajan said, "KM Shahjahan’s petition is part of the ED’s political game. Shahjahan is part of the anti-Pinarayi Vijayan syndicate. Shahjahan is someone who tried to persecute Pinarayi Vijayan in the Lavalin case. The basic principle of justice that the person facing allegations should be heard has been denied to Pinarayi Vijayan. The High Court order has come in a situation where justice has been denied. Legal action will be taken against it."

CPI(M) Vows Legal and Political Challenge

Another CPI(M) leader, MV Jayarajan, said the court should have heard the affected parties, including Vijayan and Riyas, before passing the order. He said the party would challenge the matter through legal and political means. "Legally, the court should hear the aggrieved parties—that is, Pinarayi Vijayan and PA Mohamed Riyas, etc. But in this case, they were not heard by the judge, so we will fight legally and also politically. There is no evidence at all. The ED already recorded the statements from four persons by threatening them. The CMRL MD, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief General Manager, and K. Varis... threatened him and his family so that he signed that statement. Those four persons already, in writing, gave the actual matters in an affidavit,” he said.

Jayarajan alleged that four officials associated with CMRL had been threatened into signing statements and that they had later submitted affidavits stating the actual facts before the ED Director and Regional Director. He claimed the case was fabricated and said the party would challenge the matter both legally and politically. “That is, before the ED, the ED Director, and the Regional Director. So this case was a fabricated one, and the ED registered the report with the Police Chief and the High Court. Fabricated evidence was given to both of them, so legally this was not proper, and we will fight against the legal position and also politically,” Jayarajan said.

Government to Examine Verdict

Meanwhile, Keralam Minister AP Anilkumar said the government would examine the High Court's judgment before deciding on its next course of action. He added that the government had maintained from the beginning that it had no preconceived position on the case and would study all the details before taking a decision. "I came to know about the High Court verdict through the media. As far as the government is concerned, we will examine the court’s verdict and take appropriate action. We can comment on the matter only after studying the judgment in detail. From the very beginning, the government has maintained that it has no preconceived position on this case. Even when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) asked the government to investigate the case, and during the subsequent actions taken, the government did not act with any preconceived notion. We will study all the details thoroughly before deciding on the appropriate course of action,” Anilkumar said.

High Court Orders FIR

The Kerala High Court had earlier ordered state law enforcement to register the FIR against Vijayand, his daughter and his son-in law under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The judgment was delivered while allowing a writ petition filed by activist Advocate KM Shahjahan. Earlier, the Keralam government had ordered a probe in the case after the ED shared findings with it. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NGT issues notice to DDA over encroachment of 28-bigha water body

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:02:24 +0530

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on a plea alleging encroachment on a 28-bigha water body in Mustafabad village in northeast Delhi. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad observed that the application raises a substantial issue concerning compliance with environmental norms.

Details of the Petition

The tribunal passed the order on October 6 while hearing a petition filed by Save India Foundation, which claimed that the water body, recorded as a Johar, is situated on Khasra No. 368/1 in the revenue estate of Mustafabad village, under the Yamuna Vihar sub-division. The water body measures 28 bighas and 2 biswas. During the hearing, counsel for the applicant referred to a document showing that the water body was handed over to the DDA following a joint inspection. The document identifies the land as a Johar or water body. The applicant also relied on the DDA’s list of water bodies in northeast Delhi, where the site is recorded at serial number 27 with the same area. The foundation alleged that the water body has been encroached upon and placed photographs before the tribunal in support of its claim. It also relied on a response dated May 15, 2025, issued by the Office of the Block Development Officer (North-East), Government of Delhi, under the Right to Information framework. According to the applicant, the response stated that the land had not been allotted for a graveyard and that Mustafabad was an urbanised village. The applicant further submitted that complaints had been made to various authorities, but no action had been taken.

Tribunal's Directives

Taking note of the nature of the matter, the tribunal directed that notice be issued to the respondents. It also asked the applicant to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next hearing. The NGT noted that the broader issue of protection and preservation of water bodies in Delhi is already pending before it in another case, Original Application No. 633/2024, and connected matters. Accordingly, it directed that the present application be listed along with the pending case on January 11, 2027. (ANI)

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US Green Card suspension: Indian IT firms must be better prepared, says Kharge

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:02:19 +0530

Kharge on Green Card Suspension

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday reacted to the suspension of the US Permanent Labor Certification (Green Card) programme for major IT firms, saying Indian IT companies will have to be better prepared. Speaking on the issue, Kharge said, “The American administration’s decision to suspend Permanent Labor Certification for major IT companies is a complex issue. While temporarily they might not have many repercussions, I think the IT companies of India will have to be better prepared for the way forward, and this will result in higher skill retention rates. It will definitely be more expensive to operate overseas.”

Highlighting a possible upside, he said, “But I see a flip side of possibly climbing up the value chain, with more high-end jobs coming to where talent is, that is India, and more particularly Bangalore.”

Kharge also targeted the Centre over its foreign policy. “The most underlying point that needs to be addressed here is the continued failing diplomacy of Mr. Modi,” he said. Referring to the India-US trade deal, he added, “The India-U.S. trade deal has not been fair to us. I don’t understand how the deep friendship of Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump is actually helping India.”

US Suspends PERM Program

His remarks came after US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling on Thursday announced the suspension of major technology companies from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme (PERM). The companies include Indian IT firms Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro and HCLTech, along with Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe.

The US Labour Department attributed the suspensions to multiple active federal investigations. The action freezes new and pending PERM-based green-card sponsorship applications at the affected companies.

The programme is a step through which employers can sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. The move has created uncertainty for employees seeking permanent residency in the US and companies planning their long-term staffing.

H-1B Visa Program Scrutinised

US Vice President JD Vance also criticised the H-1B visa programme, saying it was intended to bring the best foreign workers into the country for positions that could not be filled by American workers. "Unfortunately, the program has become rife with fraud," he said.

The green-card sponsorship freeze does not itself stop H-1B applications under the usual rules. (ANI)

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WB bypolls: BJP's Hasi Rani Rath leads in Nandigram by over 1 lakh votes

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:00:44 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Hasi Rani Rath is leading by a margin of 1,02,712 votes in the Nandigram Assembly constituency, as per official ECI trends. Congress' Milind Pradhan and Communist Party of India's (CPI) Santi Gopal Giri are trailing with 21,905 and 3,951, respectively. Earlier, BJP party workers celebrated as Hasi Rani Rath secured a lead in the electoral race. Speaking to ANI, Rath said, "I am grateful to our organisation, our leadership, and our BJP workers who didn't rest day or night and worked for the party. My party is grateful. They fought this battle for Suvendu Adhikari. Victory to the people of Nandigram, and victory to Suvendu Adhikari."

Rejijinagar Assembly Bypoll

In Rejijinagar Assembly constituency, BJP candidate Shakaharavh Sarkar is leading with 48,101 votes, followed by Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party candidate Golam Nabi Azad with 13,600 votes, and Mamata All India Trinamool Congress candidate Rabiul Alam Chowdhary with 2,516 votes. Congress' Abdullahil Kafi has garnered 2,407 votes, followed by Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate Mohd. Sayeed with 1,212 votes.

Vote counting is underway in West Bengal's Nandigram and Rejijinagar after by-elections conducted on October 6. Notably, the Nandigram seat fell vacant after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari won from two constituencies in the State Assembly elections earlier this year and chose to retain the other seat. The Rejinagar seat fell vacant following the resignation of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder Humayun Kabir, who had also secured victory from Nowda.

Nagaon Lok Sabha Bypoll

Meanwhile, BJP's Devasish Sharma is leading in the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam by 3,16,570 votes. All India United Democratic Front's Badruddin Ajmal is trailing with 2,20,833 votes and Congress' Sibamoni Bora with 57,364 votes.

The results for five Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, as well as a Lok Sabha seat in Assam that went to bypolls on October 6th, will be declared on Friday after counting of the votes. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rahul Gandhi acts against India's interests, supports foreign critics: BJP

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:02:06 +0530

Telangana BJP State President N Ramchander Rao on Friday accused the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, of endorsing foreign voices and acting against India's national interests.

'Surrendered to Anti-India Views'

Speaking to ANI, Rao alleged that Gandhi gets excited whenever an external critic from the United States, such as Donald Trump or Elon Musk, comments on India but remains silent when the same critics speak against the country. "When any person speaks against India from America, Donald Trump or Elon Musk or whoever it may be, Rahul Gandhi gets more energy and immediately jumps in to support them. He doesn't speak when Trump speaks about a 100 per cent tariff on India. But when Elon Musk says that Starlink is not being allowed in India, Rahul Gandhi comes in support of Elon Musk and Trump," he said.

Further, the BJP leader claimed that Gandhi surrenders himself to anything "Anti-India," adding that all his views and statements are against the country. "It is very clear that Rahul Gandhi has surrendered himself to Trump. He is supporting him very clearly. Whatever is anti-India, he comes forward and supports those views. He is acting against the country's interests, because all his views and statements are against India," he said.

Context: The Starlink Controversy

The remarks come in the backdrop of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk calling the situation surrounding Starlink's efforts to enter the Indian market "troubling."

Rahul Gandhi had earlier replied to Musk's post, which claimed that Starlink was unable to secure a licence despite complying with Indian laws and requirements for five years. "Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy," Gandhi wrote on X.

In response, Musk posted, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling. "The exchange comes amid a public debate over the regulatory process for Starlink, SpaceX's satellite-based internet service, and Musk's allegations that vested interests were obstructing the company's entry into the Indian market. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Sting op scare in K'taka: CM warns ministers, DyCM hints at plot

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:01:51 +0530

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said Chief Minister DK Shivakumar warned cabinet ministers to be cautious of potential undercover sting operations based on state intelligence reports and alleged that it could be a conspiracy against the government. Parameshwara emphasised that the Chief Minister, who oversees the state intelligence portfolio, likely acted on credible information regarding private agencies involved in sting operations.

"When intelligence information came to the CM, he gave a warning to whoever needs to be warned. Information might have come that some sting agencies are doing stings. For that reason, he has told ministers to be careful and cautious,” Parameshwara told reporters. While declining to confirm the masterminds of the operation, Parameshwara did not rule out the possibility of a conspiracy against the administration. “This could be a conspiracy against the government. I will not say exactly about this," G Parameshwara added.

JDS questions government's motive

The remarks came after the JDS Youth Wing hit out at the Karnataka government over alleged sting operations inside Vidhana Soudha, questioning why ministers were cautioning against such operations. On Wednesday, Youth Wing state president Nikhil Kumaraswamy hit out at the Karnataka government over alleged sting operations, saying that "something is going on inside" if such warnings were being issued.

Speaking in Channarayapatna in Hassan district, Nikhil said senior ministers from the ruling party had themselves expressed concerns about sting operations inside the legislature and said the matter should be left for the public to judge. "The world knows who has the most knowledge about sting operations. You have seen senior ministers from the same party - veterans who have frequently walked the halls of Vidhana Soudha expressing concern about sting operations inside the House. There is a record of this within the House. Let us leave this for the public to judge," Nikhil said.

Questioning the warnings allegedly being issued to ministers, he said such statements raised questions about what was happening inside the state legislature. "If ministers warn, 'Be careful, they might conduct a sting operation,' it implies something is going on inside. Shouldn't the ministers realise that instead of working for the public's benefit, they are prioritising their own interests?" he said. Nikhil further said the Intelligence Department comes under the Chief Minister and maintained that those responsible for the department should clarify the allegations. "The Intelligence Department comes under the Chief Minister. It is their government; they are the ones who should speak - can we? Whoever holds charge of the Intelligence Department should speak," he said.

BJP alleges 'system' of corruption

His remarks came after BJP Karnataka president BY Vijayendra alleged that a "system" of corruption was operating in the state, claiming that ministers were being asked to switch off their mobile phones, close doors and accept bribes. Vijayendra had demanded that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar identify those allegedly running such a system and clarify which agencies were conducting sting operations. The BJP state president had also alleged that a highly influential leader recently called real estate businessmen, asked them to switch off their mobile phones and allegedly demanded an increase in payments.

Vijayendra further alleged that the history of conducting sting operations and blackmailing in Karnataka belonged to the Congress and challenged the state government to clarify the allegations before the people. Vijayendra demanded that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar clarify before the people of the state which agencies were conducting sting operations, saying that ruling party MLAs were themselves speaking about the issue.

“A situation has been created in the state where ministers are being told to switch off their mobiles, close the doors and take bribes. The Chief Minister should clarify who is running such a system,” he said. The BJP state president also alleged that a highly influential leader had recently called some real estate businessmen, asked them to switch off their mobile phones and held talks with them.

'Pay Rs 150 or leave state'

“Why was it asked that till now you were giving Rs 75, from now on you should give Rs 150? When the businessman said it is not possible to give this much, he was told to leave the state. The Chief Minister should find out who that influential person is and tell the people of the state,” Vijayendra told the reporters.

Vijayendra also alleged that attempts were being made to intimidate BJP workers, Hindu activists and seers. "The Chief Minister, who was under the illusion that he would be the Chief Minister after 2028, has now realised the reality. Out of that frustration, he is resorting to such acts,” he alleged.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

SC to host national consultation on Juvenile Justice Act implementation

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:01:36 +0530

The Supreme Court will host a two-day national consultation this weekend to assess the implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, over the past decade and identify priorities for strengthening child protection and juvenile justice mechanisms in the coming years.

Event Details and Key Participants

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will inaugurate the consultation on October 10, organised by the Supreme Court’s Juvenile Justice Committee in association with UNICEF India. The consultation, titled “Ten Years of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Progress, Challenges and Priorities for the Next Decade”, will bring together Supreme Court and High Court judges, senior government officials and child protection experts to review the law’s implementation and deliberate on gaps in the existing system. Justice BV Nagarathna, Supreme Court judge and chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, will deliver the opening remarks, followed by introductory remarks from UNICEF India Country Representative Cynthia McCaffrey. A key highlight of the inaugural session will be the release of a compendium of landmark Supreme Court and High Court judgments concerning the Juvenile Justice Act. The compilation will cover decisions delivered between 2015 and September 2026.

Core Agenda and Technical Sessions

The discussions will address a range of issues, including the rights of children in conflict with the law, preliminary assessments conducted by Juvenile Justice Boards in cases involving heinous offences, adoption procedures, institutional care and the rehabilitation of vulnerable children. Dedicated technical sessions will examine the implementation of the Act across States and Union Territories, with representatives from Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Delhi, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal scheduled to share their experiences and best practices. The deliberations will also focus on improving coordination among institutions, strengthening child-friendly justice mechanisms and ensuring the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of children.

Concluding Session and Objectives

The consultation will conclude on October 11 with special remarks by UNICEF India Chief of Child Protection Milen Kidane and a special address by Anil Malik, Secretary, Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. Justice JB Pardiwala, Supreme Court judge and member of the Juvenile Justice Committee, will deliver the closing remarks. The consultation is expected to inform priorities for the next decade, with a focus on strengthening institutional accountability and ensuring that children receive appropriate care, protection and access to justice. (ANI) (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Odisha Dy CM Pravati Parida at WCD summit, meets Annapurna Devi

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:01:34 +0530

Odisha Dy CM Attends National WCD Summit

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida met Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi in New Delhi during the Ministry’s two-day Departmental Summit on October 8–9. The summit brings together ministers and senior officials from states and Union Territories to strengthen Centre-State coordination in women and child development. The discussions focus on improving nutrition and early childhood education through Anganwadi Centres, strengthening child protection systems, ensuring women’s safety and enhancing women’s empowerment initiatives. The Deputy CM participation underscores Odisha’s commitment to sharing its experiences and innovations while learning from best practices across States and UTs, with a focus on translating policy interventions into measurable improvements in the lives of women and children, an official statement said.

PM Modi to Address Concluding Session

PM Modi will participate in the valedictory session of the Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development on October 9, 2026 at around 4:30 PM at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. The two-day Departmental Summit, being held on October 8-9, 2026, will witness the participation of political leadership and officials dealing with the women and child development sector from all States. It is the second in the series of Departmental Summits envisioned by the Prime Minister to strengthen cooperative federalism, foster collective ownership of national priorities, and accelerate outcomes through closer Centre-State collaboration. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

CJP to protest at Jantar Mantar despite no police permission

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:01:02 +0530

CJP Vows to Protest Despite Lack of Permission

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke on Friday reiterated that the organisation would hold a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on October 10, despite not receiving permission from Delhi Police. Dipke asserted that the protest would go ahead regardless of whether police permission was granted and said activists were prepared to face arrest.

Delhi Police Denies Permission, Cites Public Safety

Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 citing short notice, past non-compliance with directions and concerns related to public safety, law and order and traffic regulation.

Reasons for Denial

Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Nupur Prasad said an application was received in the New Delhi district on October 7 from Saurabh Das, co-convener of CJP, informing the police about the proposed protest. "We have received an application from Saurav Das, Co-Convener of Cockroach Janta Party. The application is regarding an intimation for a protest on 10th October at Jantar Mantar. The protest was regarding the accountability of the CEC. This intimation was considered, and it was found that the intimation was given in a very short span of time, whereas as per the prescribed guideline, the intimation has to be received 10 days prior to the protest that is planned. Further, it is also important to mention that on an earlier occasion, when the Cockroach Janta Party was given permission to hold a protest there, they did not follow the lawful directions and did not follow their own undertakings given at that point in time. Therefore, because of not following the legal directions, their own undertaking, and the prevalent law and order situation, and to maintain public safety, law and order, and traffic regulation, this time the permission is rejected; it is not approved," the Jt CP said.

Warning of Legal Action

"It is important to mention that in the New Delhi area, Section 163 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) is in operation, under which, to maintain public order and safety, a reasonable preventive restriction is in place. It is further important to mention that if anybody violates the provisions of Section 163 of the BNSS, then proper legal action will be taken against them," she added. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi: 13-year-old boy weighing 186 kg undergoes bariatric surgery

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:00:29 +0530

Ganga Ram Hospital’s Department of Laparoscopic, Laser & General Surgery successfully performed a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on a 13-year-old boy with severe obesity and associated health concerns.

Patient's Condition and Background

The child also has a strong family history of obesity, with both parents having struggled with obesity and subsequently undergoing bariatric surgery. This family history may indicate a familial or genetic contribution to his obesity, alongside environmental and lifestyle factors.

The young patient had experienced progressive weight gain over the years, reaching approximately 186 kg, and was experiencing breathlessness, joint pain, backache, increased snoring, sleep apnea, disturbed sleep, and anger-related behavioural issues. Despite attempts to manage his weight through dietary restrictions and lifestyle modifications, he could not achieve adequate, sustained weight loss.

The Surgical Procedure and Recovery

Following a comprehensive evaluation and detailed assessment by a multidisciplinary medical team, bariatric surgery was considered as part of the patient’s overall management plan. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed on August 13, 2026.

Following the procedure, the patient’s diet was gradually advanced under medical supervision. He has since lost more than 20 kg, with the family reporting improvements in breathing, snoring, sleep quality, mobility, and joint discomfort.

Long-Term Outlook and Expert Guidance

The medical team expects the patient’s weight to continue reducing progressively over the next 12 to 18 months. The long-term outcome will depend on adherence to dietary recommendations, physical activity, nutritional support, and regular medical follow-up.

Lead Surgeon's Statement

Dr Tarun Mittal, Consultant, Department of Laparoscopic, Laser & General Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, led the surgical care.

The hospital emphasises that bariatric surgery in children and adolescents requires careful patient selection, comprehensive medical and nutritional evaluation, involvement of parents or guardians, and long-term multidisciplinary follow-up. Continued nutritional counselling, lifestyle modification, and regular monitoring remain important components of postoperative care.

The patient will continue to be monitored by the Surgical, Paediatrics, and Chest Medicine teams as advised. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Man Accidentally Hits Boy With Car, Stops To Check On Him And Hugs Him; Internet Praises Kind Gesture

Gargi Chaudhry — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:54:38 +0530

A split-second accident turned into a touching moment of humanity when a man accidentally hit a young boy with his car and immediately stepped out to check on him. Instead of driving away, the man approached the young person, made sure he was okay and apologised with a warm hug, leaving a heartwarming message about kindness and compassion.

The incident has drawn attention for the man's response, which highlighted the importance of taking responsibility when something goes wrong. While accidents can happen unexpectedly, the way people react in such moments can make a significant difference to those involved.

A Simple Gesture That Spoke Volumes

According to the account shared alongside the incident, the man did not ignore the young boy after the collision. He got out of his vehicle to check on the boy and ensure he was alright.

His apology and reassuring hug transformed an otherwise frightening moment into one that highlighted empathy and concern. The gesture served as a reminder that, beyond the circumstances of an accident, a person's willingness to show care and acknowledge their actions matters.

For anyone, an unexpected collision can be a frightening experience. A calm and compassionate response from an adult can help reassure them, although checking for injuries and seeking medical assistance when necessary remain essential.

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Why Taking Responsibility Matters

Road accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, but what follows is equally important. Stopping to check on someone who has been hit, offering assistance and taking appropriate steps to ensure their safety are essential responses.

A kind gesture can provide emotional reassurance, but it should always go hand in hand with practical action. Anyone involved in a collision should check for injuries, contact emergency services when needed and follow the appropriate procedures.

The man's reported response has resonated because it places concern for another person ahead of the impulse to move on from an uncomfortable situation.

A Reminder That Humanity Still Matters

In a world where everyday acts of kindness often go unnoticed, moments like these can remind people of the value of empathy. A sincere apology, a reassuring word or a simple effort to help someone in distress can make a difficult experience less frightening.

The incident also offers a broader lesson: being responsible is not just about acknowledging a mistake, but about making sure the person affected receives the care and attention they need.

Sometimes, it is the smallest gestures that leave the strongest impression. This encounter is a reminder that compassion, accountability and basic human decency still matter, especially when circumstances take an unexpected turn.

Nagaland State Lottery Dear Spark Friday Result Today 1 PM: Who Won Rs 1 Crore Jackpot? Full Winners List Here

Deevika NM — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:43:07 +0530

The much-awaited Nagaland State Lottery Dear Spark Friday weekly lottery results for October 9, 2026, have officially been announced. Thousands of participants across the country eagerly awaited the winning numbers, as the weekly draw offered a bumper first prize of Rs 1 crore.

According to the officially released results, ticket number 74D 06139 has won the coveted first prize worth Rs 1 crore. The draw was conducted under the Dear Government Lotteries banner and attracted massive participation from lottery buyers hoping to secure life-changing prize money.

Apart from the grand jackpot, several other winners secured prizes across multiple categories, including the second, third, fourth and fifth prizes. The results quickly gained attention among lottery enthusiasts searching online for the complete winners list and prize numbers.

Nagaland State Lottery Dear Spark Friday Winning Numbers

1st Prize – Rs 1 Crore: 74D 06139

Consolation Prize – Rs 1,000: 06139 (All remaining series of 1st prize number)

2nd Prize – Rs 10,000: 13508, 18216, 22366, 54848, 62875, 70291, 79711, 85919, 88782, 99244

3rd Prize – Rs 500: 0413, 0896, 2717, 4179, 4202, 5333, 6349, 7816, 9196, 9469

4th Prize – Rs 250: 1994, 2002, 3627, 5714, 6830, 7032, 7731, 8138, 8540, 8680

5th Prize – Rs 120: 0081, 0972, 2005, 3110, 4375, 4999, 5605, 6247, 7905, 9274, 0127, 1012, 2185, 3277, 4397, 5055, 5652, 6665, 7941, 9323, 0229, 1047, 2278, 3399, 4438, 5098, 5728, 6713, 8247, 9377, 0458, 1236, 2448, 3499, 4547, 5116, 5756, 6720, 8670, 9547, 0510, 1243, 2489, 3708, 4622, 5165, 5928, 6924, 8688, 9575, 0535, 1245, 2501, 3755, 4691, 5195, 5950, 6959, 8804, 9634, 0655, 1589, 2571, 3761, 4722, 5218, 6110, 7063, 8992, 9650, 0703, 1666, 2753, 3820, 4899, 5227, 6200, 7710, 9021, 9702, 0869, 1760, 2929, 3928, 4965, 5360, 6210, 7819, 9226, 9707, 0872, 1843, 2972, 3997, 4978, 5384, 6221, 7899, 9232, 9930

Results from the uploaded Dear Spark Friday Weekly Lottery sheet dated October 9, 2026.

Lottery officials have advised winners to carefully verify ticket numbers with official government lottery publications before claiming prizes. Winners must also submit original tickets along with valid identity proof and required documents within the stipulated claim period.

The Dear Lottery draws remain popular among participants due to their frequent prize announcements and attractive jackpot rewards.

3 Women Attack Molestation Accused's Father With Slippers In Jhansi, Constable Struggles To Protect

Asianet News — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:25:00 +0530

In Jhansi, three women severely beat the father of a man accused of molesting a girl. They chased him and struck him with their fists, feet, and slippers. A video of the incident emerged on Wednesday.

The assault took place in the Kotwali police station area on Tuesday. According to the footage, the women hit the man with slippers around 17 times in 20 seconds. A constable kept trying to shield him throughout the attack. When the constable warned that a counter-case would be filed, one of the women replied, “Seven have been filed; the eighth is fine too.”

In the video, the women can be heard saying that the man's son had molested and misbehaved with a girl. They claimed they had complained to police seven days ago, but whenever officers visited the accused's house, they found it locked.

The women alleged that when they reached the accused's house, his father misbehaved with them. Angered by this, they began assaulting him. The commotion continued for around half an hour before police brought the situation under control.

In a 37-second clip, the women are seen confronting the accused's father after an argument escalates. The constable tries to lead him away to safety, but the women chase him and hit him with slippers. They knock him to the ground and beat him with kicks, punches, and slippers. When he gets up, a woman pushes him down again. The women leave when other people arrive.

According to social worker Shweta Parashar, the student attended coaching classes with the accused. He would call her on the pretext of extra classes, tell her not to inform her mother, and threaten to fail her if she did. The accused is married and has children. He allegedly told the student he loved her. The student went home and told her mother everything.

Parashar said that after hearing what her daughter had told her, the mother assaulted the accused. The student was then beaten with a belt, sticks, and an iron rod. The student subsequently called Parashar and sought help.

Parashar took the student to the police station, where a complaint was lodged. They initially asked that the accused be called in front of them so his side could be heard. Police were given seven days to arrest the accused, but he had fled from home.

Parashar also said that some people suggested settling the matter for ₹50 lakh, which they opposed. She said a case involving the alleged exploitation of a girl cannot be settled for money. They have demanded a fair investigation and strict action if the accused is found guilty. The accused is the student's maternal uncle by relation.

Delhi CJP Protest On October 10: Why Trains And Metro Services May Be Hit, What Commuters Must Know

Divya Danu — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:15:29 +0530

Delhi is on high alert ahead of CJP protest on October 10. Railway officials said over 5,000 passengers missed trains because of restrictions on routes leading to New Delhi railway station. Police asked DMRC to shut 57 metro stations temporarily.

The CJP has announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, with participants expected to seek the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar among other demands.

The planned demonstration comes amid allegations of irregularities in the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. Kumar has faced accusations of voter-list tampering under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and of bypassing his two colleagues to alter Form 6, an important document used to register as a voter.

According to sources, permission for the proposed protest had not been granted at the time of reporting. Nevertheless, the authorities have stepped up preparations to prevent any law-and-order problems.

The heightened security is also intended to manage potential gatherings linked to calls circulating on social media. Security agencies are monitoring these messages to assess the possibility of large crowds or clashes.

The security measures have created difficulties for railway passengers, particularly those travelling through New Delhi railway station.

Railway officials said more than 5,000 passengers missed their trains because restrictions on roads leading to the station prevented them from arriving in time. The disruption has affected people trying to begin their journeys as well as those relying on rail connections through the capital.

Around 5,000 passengers missed their trains today due to the protest and heavy traffic jams in and around New Delhi after 12 PM. Several passengers could not reach railway stations on time, while IRCTC group bookings were also cancelled. The protest and traffic disruptions caused significant inconvenience to passengers: Railway sources

— IANS (@ians_india) October 8, 2026

Several trains scheduled to reach New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations have also been cancelled from their originating stations. This means some passengers travelling towards Delhi may face disruption even before reaching the city.

The cancellations and access restrictions have increased problems for commuters.

Passengers travelling to or through Delhi should check their train's running status and any cancellation notices before leaving home. They should also allow extra time for reaching railway stations, as access routes and traffic arrangements may change according to the security situation.

Delhi Police has requested DMRC to close 57 metro stations from 9 pm on October 9 until October 10, the day of the planned protest.

In a letter dated Thursday, Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport Range) Rajneesh Gupta said the restrictions were being considered because of the likelihood of unruly crowds moving towards sensitive locations.

Delhi Police requests DMRC to shut 57 metro stations.

In a letter, Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport Range) Rajneesh Gupta, said, "In view of the proposed protests at Jantar Mantar and other locations in New Delhi District on 10.10.2026, and likelihood of unruly mob movement towards sensitive locations, frequency of Metro trains passing through the following Metro stations may be reduced and their entry/exit gates may be closed from 09:00 PM on 09.10.2026, continuing on 10.10.2026 till the situation normalizes:"

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 9, 2026

The police have also indicated that the frequency of metro trains passing through the affected stations may be reduced on October 10, depending on the prevailing situation.

The proposed restrictions cover several important stations and interchange points across Delhi. These include Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Indraprastha, Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, INA, Hauz Khas, Azadpur, Jamia Millia Islamia, Shaheen Bagh, Welcome and Rohini West.

The list includes stations used by office workers, shoppers, students and people travelling between different parts of the city. Any closure or reduction in train frequency could therefore affect journeys well beyond the immediate protest site.

The police request for closures at all 57 stations is yet to be confirmed. Commuters are advised to check official DMRC announcements for the final list of affected stations, timings and service changes.

According to sources, around 23,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed across the national capital between October 8 and 12.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided the Delhi Police with additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to strengthen security arrangements ahead of the protest and other possible gatherings.

The New Delhi area is expected to see extensive security deployment on October 10. The arrangements include multiple layers of barricading, CCTV surveillance and cameras equipped with Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) to monitor movement.

Police will maintain a strict watch at Delhi's borders, railway stations and bus terminals. Authorities are also monitoring the possibility of individuals with criminal intentions entering protest gatherings while posing as demonstrators, sources said.

Ahead of CJP's protest, neighbouring states, particularly Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, have also been alerted. Officials have been directed to keep additional vigil in view of calls for protests and gatherings around October 10.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force, and gatherings that violate the restrictions will not be allowed. Depending on the situation, the police may also regulate access to metro stations and markets in the New Delhi area.

The deployment is intended to prevent clashes, control crowd movement and respond quickly to any security incident.

People planning to travel within Delhi on October 10 should be prepared for possible delays, diversions and restrictions around sensitive locations.

Railway passengers should confirm whether their trains are operating and check the latest information about station access. Those travelling to New Delhi railway station should allow additional time to account for barricades and traffic restrictions.

Metro users should verify the status of their intended stations through official DMRC updates before setting out. If a station is closed or services are reduced, commuters may need to change their route or use another available mode of transport.

People travelling by road should also expect possible checks and diversions, particularly near railway stations, bus terminals and the New Delhi area. Visitors heading to markets or public places in areas affected by the security arrangements should check for local restrictions.

As conditions may change during the day, information shared on social media should be checked for official announcements before making travel decisions.

The planned CJP demonstration comes amid wider condemnation from opposition parties against the Election Commission.

Over the past few days, Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has held meetings with opposition MPs. On October 7, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several other opposition leaders moved towards Jantar Mantar to protest against the Election Commission after a lunch meeting hosted by Kharge.

Police detained several leaders during the demonstration. They were released around two hours later.

On October 8, Kharge hosted opposition MPs for another lunch meeting at Moets in Connaught Place. The consecutive meetings fuelled discussion about the opposition's next steps on electoral-roll issues and its criticism of the Election Commission.

These developments form part of the wider political backdrop to the planned October 10 protest.

Nevertheless, the railway disruption and proposed metro restrictions stem from the security arrangements for the demonstration and the authorities' assessment of potential crowd movement.

Transport situation on October 10 in Delhi will depend on the final security arrangements and any changes made by the police or transport authorities.

The key concerns for the public are access to railway stations, the operating status of trains and metro services and possible road restrictions around sensitive locations. With thousands of passengers already reported to have missed trains, commuters should not assume that their usual route will remain unaffected.

Authorities are monitoring developments ahead of the protest, while security personnel are expected to remain deployed across the capital through October 12. The scale of disruption will depend on how the situation develops and whether additional restrictions become necessary.

Passengers should check official railway and DMRC updates before travelling, allow extra time for their journeys and follow instructions issued by the authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Uttarakhand Dairy Farmers: New Government Programme Targets 2 Lakh Farmers With Income Boost

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:19:00 +0530

Uttarakhand is preparing to launch a special programme to strengthen small and marginal dairy farmers, improve milk production and increase their earnings. The initiative aims to benefit more than 2 lakh dairy farmers across the state by improving livestock services, expanding market access and introducing technology-driven solutions.

The state government has prepared the programme's action plan at the administrative level. A meeting to discuss its implementation was held this week under the chairmanship of Dr BVRC Purushottam, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department. The Gates Foundation will provide financial support, while GDI Partners will offer advisory assistance.

Uttarakhand Dairy Programme to Focus on Milk Production

The initiative will prioritise better livestock breeding, nutrition and animal healthcare to improve milk productivity. The government plans to expand the use of Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) technologies to improve breeding practices.

Strengthening dairy cooperatives, animal nutrition services and veterinary healthcare will also be important components. The programme will focus on improving Aanchal's cooperative societies and marketing systems to help farmers connect with buyers more effectively.

Mini Feed Mills to Improve Cattle Nutrition

The establishment of mini feed mills is another key feature of the programme. These facilities are expected to support the production of balanced animal feed, helping improve livestock nutrition and potentially increase milk yields.

The government also plans to improve access to veterinary services and expand cooperative milk collection and processing networks. Better infrastructure and market connections are intended to help dairy farmers sell their produce more efficiently.

Over 2 Lakh Dairy Farmers to Benefit

The programme aims to reach more than 2 lakh dairy farmers, with particular attention to small and marginal livestock owners. Support will cover breeding techniques, animal nutrition, healthcare and access to markets.

Beyond increasing milk production, the initiative seeks to strengthen the dairy value chain, connecting farmers with services and buyers to create better opportunities for income growth.

Technology-Based Dairy Services for Farmers

Technology will play an important role in delivering dairy services. Plans include providing animal health advisories, pregnancy detection kits and affordable Artificial Insemination services.

These measures are intended to make essential livestock services more accessible, helping farmers obtain timely information and improve breeding and animal management practices.

Gates Foundation to Provide Financial Support

The Gates Foundation will provide financial assistance for the programme, while GDI Partners will contribute advisory support.

Officials attending the planning meeting included Animal Husbandry Director Dr Uday Shankar, Dairy Development Director Ila Giri, Livestock Development Board CEO Dr Rakesh Singh Negi, and Gates Foundation representatives Nidhi Jain and Priyanka Kakadu.

The initiative seeks to build a stronger dairy ecosystem in Uttarakhand by combining improved livestock care, modern breeding technologies, better nutrition and expanded market access for farmers.

Kolkata Weather Update: Rain Likely On Durga Puja's Chaturthi And Panchami? What IMD Forecast Says

Zetan Kumari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:04:26 +0530

Kolkata weather forecast for Durga Puja 2026: Will rain affect Chaturthi and Panchami pandal hopping? Check the latest forecast for Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal before planning your celebrations.

Shoppers crowd the streets as Durga Puja approaches. The weather lacks the festive vibe right now. Cloudy skies replace bright sunshine across the region. Kolkata and its neighbouring districts face scattered rain showers.

The monsoon usually leaves South Bengal by the second week of October. The Alipore Weather Office has not announced the official withdrawal yet. Meteorologists state the withdrawal process started on October 8 and will continue until October 10. Citizens will not get relief from the rain even after that.

Almost all districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata, might experience scattered thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday, the day of Mahalaya. The region will see light to moderate rain along with lightning strikes.

Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius today. You must carry an umbrella if you plan to go Puja shopping. The weather situation will remain similar on Saturday. Rain will continue to bother the festive crowds.

South Bengal districts will not face any thunderstorms from Sunday to Tuesday. The weather will remain mostly dry across the region during these days.

North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, and Paschim Medinipur might get scattered thunderstorms on Chaturthi and Panchami. The weather office has not issued any special alerts for southern districts after Mahalaya. The sea has not formed any new cyclonic circulation or low-pressure area. The state faces no threat of a major disaster right now.

Goddess Durga arrives on a horse this year according to the scriptures. This arrival signifies no major rainfall. She departs on a boat, which indicates heavy rain. Scripture experts believe this combination might bring rain during the Puja days.

The weather office issued a scattered rain and thunderstorm alert for all northern districts, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, on Friday. Some places might also receive light rain on the day of Mahalaya.

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North Bengal will not see any rain from Sunday onwards. The southern districts might get rain from Chaturthi, but the northern region has no such forecast.

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The monsoon has withdrawn from parts of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The withdrawal process might complete in more parts of East and North-East India, including West Bengal, in the next three to four days. A high-pressure cyclonic circulation over Bihar and a trough from North-East Bihar to Telangana will cause scattered rain for a few more days.

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'What The Hell': Man Claims Coffee Machine Uploaded 1 TB Of Data In 10 Days; Internet Reacts

Shweta Kumari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:04:14 +0530

A techie has sparked an online debate after discovering that a smart coffee machine purchased by their parents had reportedly uploaded one terabyte (TB) of data in just 10 days. Alarmed by the data surge, the techie immediately unplugged the appliance to prevent further uploads.

The user, who has around 10 years of experience in technology, revealed that their parents had recently bought a Keurig Smart single-serve coffee maker. According to the product description, the appliance was designed to work with home 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks secured using WPA2-PSK.

However, the coffee maker's unusually high data activity left the techie baffled, prompting them to call out the brand on social media platform X.

"Hey uh, @Keurig, what the hell is a coffee machine uploading? Let me double-check: one f*cking terabyte of data in 10 days!?!? Immediately unplugging that. Getting my parents a new coffee machine," the user wrote in an X post.

Hey uh, @Keurig - what the hell is a COFFEE MACHINE uploading, let me double check...

ONE FUCKING TERABYTE OF DATA IN 10 DAYS!?!?

Immediately unplugging that. Getting my parents a new coffee machine. https://t.co/tTHMYC7hND

— Nomad (@NomadsGalaxy) October 6, 2026

Techie suspects bug in coffee machine

The techie suggested that the massive data spike was likely caused by a bug in the particular coffee machine rather than normal device operations. The excessive traffic had also overwhelmed their network access point (AP), affecting its performance.

"I looked further into this; it did broadcast 1TB of data, but most of that didn't escape my network. This is likely a bug with this unit. It did saturate my AP, that sucked," they said.

The user also clarified why the coffee maker was connected to their network, explaining that the appliance belonged to their parents and that they helped manage the household's internet connection rather than control their purchasing decisions.

“For those wondering why this is on my network. This belongs to my parents. I don't police what they buy. I just help with their network, and unifi is just good for having detailed info for when I'm away. But this is a learning experience for them.”

Social media users questioned why a coffee machine would need to transmit such a massive volume of data.

One user wondered how much information a coffee maker could possibly generate, writing, "I am wondering what kind of "coffee brewing" data amounts to a terabyte in just 10 days?"

Another wrote, “They are transmitting data for every microliter of water it dispenses.”

Govt policy clear on Starlink, Congress confused: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:01:15 +0530

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday criticised the Congress over its stance on Starlink's licence to operate in India, saying the government was clear about its policy and that three companies had been granted licences. He said the government would assign spectrum to the companies on a revenue-sharing basis once the framework was decided.

Scindia Slams 'Confused' Congress Stance

Speaking at the 10th Edition of India Mobile Congress 2026 in the national capital, Scindia said, "I have already defined the government's stand, the government's policy, and I have mentioned to you that there are three parties who have the license. There's not a single party. And as far as the Congress party is concerned, I don't understand. I don't think they themselves know whether they are going left or right. They first had a problem initially with a certain person getting a license.”

He added that the companies could begin operations after individually fulfilling the security conditions. “Now they have a problem, and they have allied with that person in terms of why he's not getting the license. So I don't know whether they have clarity in terms of where they are going. But that is the case with the Congress, which is to be expected. We are very clear on our stand. There are three parties that have got a license. As and when the government decides the charge system on the revenue basis, that spectrum will be assigned to them, and as and when they individually fulfill the security conditions, then they can start operations,” he further said.

Musk-Gandhi Exchange on X

His remarks come in the backdrop of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk calling the situation surrounding Starlink's efforts to enter the Indian market "troubling."

In response, Musk posted, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling."

The exchange comes amid a public debate over the regulatory process for Starlink, SpaceX's satellite-based internet service, and Musk's allegations that vested interests were obstructing the company's entry into the Indian market.

'Laced with Great Sarcasm': Congress on Rahul's Remark

Earlier in the day, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram weighed in on the online exchange between Rahul Gandhi and Musk, stating that Gandhi’s remarks were "laced with great sarcasm" to highlight how the central government fosters "monopolies and oligarchy."

He asserted that Gandhi's underlying message had been lost on many people, explaining that the Congress leader was pointing out how certain corporate entities wield immense influence over government policy.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi HC declines urgent hearing on activist Nadeem Khan's detention plea

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:00:48 +0530

Court Declines Urgent Hearing

The Delhi High Court on Friday declined to urgently hear a plea filed by human rights activist Nadeem Khan challenging his alleged detention by the Delhi Police to prevent him from attending a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on September 29.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma said it would hear the matter on Monday after advocate Shahrukh Alam, appearing for Khan, mentioned the petition, citing concerns over personal liberty and apprehension of further detention. Alam submitted that the matter was urgent as Khan apprehended being detained again by the police ahead of protests scheduled to be held in the national capital. She told the court that Khan was not participating in the protests in any manner and had already booked tickets to travel to Kolkata. The bench, however, questioned the urgency, observing that there was no written communication preventing Khan from travelling or stating that he would be placed under house arrest. “Who has stopped you from travelling? There is no written communication that you should not travel or that you will be put under house arrest. On the basis of some call you are saying that we should pass some order. Sorry. We will hear you. Not today but Monday,” the bench observed.

Details of the Petition

Khan, the National Secretary of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) and founder of United Against Hate, has approached the high court seeking a declaration that his alleged detention on September 29 was illegal and unconstitutional. According to the petition, police personnel attached to Shaheen Bagh police station allegedly confined him at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind headquarters in Abul Fazal Enclave from around 9.30 am to 5.30 pm to prevent him from attending a protest at Jantar Mantar against repeated attacks on places of worship. The petition claims that Khan was neither formally arrested nor informed of the grounds for his confinement. It further alleges that he was not produced before a magistrate.

Challenge to Prohibitory Order

Khan has also challenged an undated prohibitory order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restricts assemblies of five or more persons, demonstrations, speeches and slogan-raising without prior written permission in New Delhi district, including Jantar Mantar. The petition seeks quashing of the order, compensation for the alleged violation of his fundamental rights and a time-bound inquiry by a senior police officer into his alleged confinement. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Protest against CEC on Oct 10 denied by Delhi Police, warning issued

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:00:28 +0530

Police Deny Protest Permit, Cite Multiple Reasons

The Delhi Police on Friday rejected the application seeking permission for a planned demonstration on October 10 regarding the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), citing short notice, past non-compliance, and prevailing law-and-order concerns, officials said. Police also warned that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remains in effect across the New Delhi district, prohibiting any unlawful assembly or protest.

Speaking to ANI, Joint Commissioner of Police (Joint CP) Nupur Prasad said the intimation seeking permission was received without the mandatory 10-day prior notice required under established police guidelines. "An application was submitted in the New Delhi district giving intimation that they intend to hold a demonstration—a protest—on October 10 regarding the accountability of the CEC. This intimation was examined and considered, and it was found that first of all, it was received at very short notice. As per our laid-down guidelines, we require this at least 10 days prior to the dharna/protest, which was not the case here," Prasad said.

Prasad further pointed out that organisers had violated undertakings during past demonstrations. "Secondly, looking at their past conduct when permission for demonstrations was granted earlier, they failed to adhere to their own undertaking. Moreover, they did not comply with the legal directives issued at that time. In view of all these factors, considering the current law-and-order situation, open calls from other organisations, and traffic regulation concerns, permission is not being granted," the Joint CP said.

Stern Warning Issued Against Unlawful Assembly

Issuing a stern warning against any attempt to breach prohibitory orders, Prasad stated that strict legal action would follow if public order is disturbed. "It is also important to mention here that Section 163 of the BNSS is in force in the New Delhi area. Under this, any kind of gathering or demonstration is prohibited. Therefore, keeping this in mind, if any gathering occurs, or if any incident of public property destruction or vandalism takes place, appropriate legal action will be taken," she said.

Police Emphasize Role as Facilitators of Peaceful Protest

Responding to queries regarding clashes and unruly behaviour directed at on-duty personnel during recent political demonstrations, the senior police officer emphasised that police act as facilitators for democratic rights, but violence would not be tolerated. "Permission for protests is granted strictly for peaceful demonstrations only. We are here to facilitate you so that you can conclude your protest peacefully and voice your views in a peaceful manner. In a democracy, discussion and deliberation are vital components, and we act as facilitators... If you attack us, you disrupt the peace. We come from among you, and we exist for your safety and security," Prasad asserted.

"Everyone must keep in mind that we are a part of you—we are part of you, and it is the duty of you to keep respect for everybody. The respect is mutual. Whether one is in uniform or a civilian, we respect you fully... Therefore, one must abide by the rules and follow the law, because protesting is not an exclusive right of any single individual or group; it belongs to everyone," she added.

When asked about reports regarding a request to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to keep dozens of metro stations closed during the proposed stir, Prasad said that a separate operational briefing would be provided by the DCP concerned.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi protest: Several trains to New Delhi, Nizamuddin cancelled on Oct 10

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:00:29 +0530

Indian Railways has decided to cancel Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10, citing anticipated severe road congestion in the areas around the stations due to a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, according to sources.

All Mail and Express trains departing from their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9 and scheduled to reach New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 will be cancelled at their source stations. The decision was taken in view of intelligence inputs and traffic advisories indicating severe road congestion around the two railway stations during the period. Sources said the precautionary measure was aimed at ensuring passenger safety and preventing inconvenience due to traffic congestion.

Mumbai-Nizamuddin Rajdhani Also Cancelled

Separately, West Central Railway's Bhopal division announced the cancellation of train number 22221 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai)-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express on October 9 due to operational reasons. In a notice, the railway administration said the train had been cancelled from its originating station. Passengers scheduled to board the train from Bhopal were advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use official railway information and enquiry services for updates. The railway administration expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

Police Deny Protest Permission, Heighten Security

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has heightened vigilance at several borders of the national capital ahead of the protest scheduled for October 10. Security has been stepped up at the Ghazipur, Chilla, Tikri, Singhu, Gurugram, Kapashera, Loni and Badarpur borders, with police keeping a close watch on movement in these areas. This comes ahead of the CJP-proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 over alleged "vote theft".

Violation of Rules Cited for Rejection

However, Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 over the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), citing short notice, past non-compliance with directions and concerns related to public safety, law and order and traffic regulation. Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Nupur Prasad said an application was received in the New Delhi district on October 7 from Saurabh Das, co-convener of CJP, informing the police about the proposed protest.

"We have received an application from Saurav Das, Co-Convener of Cockroach Janta Party. The application is regarding an intimation for a protest on 10th October at Jantar Mantar. The protest was regarding the accountability of the CEC. This intimation was considered, and it was found that the intimation was given in a very short span of time, whereas as per the prescribed guideline, the intimation has to be received 10 days prior to the protest that is planned. Further, it is also important to mention that on an earlier occasion, when the Cockroach Janta Party was given permission to hold a protest there, they did not follow the lawful directions and did not follow their own undertakings given at that point in time. Therefore, because of not following the legal directions, their own undertaking, and the prevalent law and order situation, and to maintain public safety, law and order, and traffic regulation, this time the permission is rejected; it is not approved," the Jt CP said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Guwahati Police file FIR over viral video of chicks kicked onto tracks

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:00:25 +0530

Guwahati Police have registered an FIR following a complaint by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India over a viral video allegedly showing a man kicking chicks (offspring of chickens) onto railway tracks, leaving them to die.

According to a PETA India press release, the FIR was registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 11(1)(a), 11(1)(d), 11(1)(e), 11(1)(k) and 38(3) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Details of the Cruel Act

PETA India said it worked with local animal activist Aditi Bakshi to pursue police action after receiving the video, which allegedly showed several chicks on the floor of a train before a man kicked them onto the railway tracks. The organisation said the footage showed some chicks alive, others barely responsive, and several apparently suffering from serious injuries or broken bones. It also alleged that the birds had been transported without proper enclosures to ensure their safety.

"The disturbing video shows numerous chicks scattered across the train floor, some alive, others barely responsive, and several apparently suffering from serious injuries or broken bones. The chicks appear to have endured a rough and stressful journey, apparently without proper enclosures to ensure their safe transport. The footage further shows the man using his feet to kick the chicks onto the railway tracks to be left for dead, subjecting these animals to severe and unnecessary torture, pain and suffering," said in the press statement.

“Chicks feel pain, stress and fear, and kicking, injuring, and throwing these fragile birds onto railway tracks is outrageous cruelty,” PETA India Senior Cruelty Response Officer Sinchana Subramanyan said.

Police Action Commended

PETA India commended Pranjit Borah, Senior Superintendent of Railway Police (SRP), Pandu, Guwahati, for directing the immediate registration of the FIR. "PETA India commends the Senior Superintendent of Railway Police (SRP), Pandu, Guwahati, Pranjit Borah, for directing the immediate registration of an FIR and sending a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated," PETA India said in the press statement.

Broader Industry Concerns Raised

The organisation said the incident also highlighted concerns over the treatment of chicks in the egg and meat industries. It alleged that unwanted newborn birds, including male chicks in the egg industry, are often killed or discarded shortly after hatching.

According to PETA India, such chicks may be crushed, suffocated, drowned or sent through grinders along with dead birds and eggshells. The organisation also claimed that some are sold as feed for fish farms, while others are coloured and sold as toys to children, only to often die from toxins or mishandling shortly after.

PETA India’s motto reads in part that “animals are not ours to eat or abuse in any other way”, opposing speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

8th Pay Commission: Will Rs 18,000 Basic Salary Increase Now? New Fitment Factor Updates

Richa Barua — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:56:11 +0530

What exactly happened at the 8th Pay Commission Bengaluru meeting? Get the latest updates on minimum salary, fitment factor, dearness allowance, pension changes, and the upcoming 2027 report right here.

Central government employees and pensioners are eagerly waiting for the 8th Pay Commission updates. The commission has reached a crucial stage now. Employee unions are sharing their views on salary hikes, minimum basic pay, fitment factor, dearness allowance, and pension changes. The consultation meeting happened in Bengaluru on October 7 and 8, and it has grabbed everyone's attention. Read this too - Family Travel Fund: Save Rs 500 Monthly For A Family Trip!

The 8th Central Pay Commission is holding consultation meetings across various states. They are listening to employees, pensioners, and trade unions. Bengaluru hosted these discussions for two days. The committee wants to understand the required changes in the salary and pension system. They will not accept all demands immediately. The pay commission will review the government's financial status before preparing the final recommendations.

Central government employees currently get a minimum basic salary of Rs 18,000 under the 7th Pay Commission. Employee unions strongly demand a hike in this amount for the 8th Pay Commission. Some employee groups want the government to increase the minimum basic salary to Rs 69,000. They also want the committee to consider a 3.83 fitment factor. However, these are just union demands and not the final salary figures.

The fitment factor is a multiplier that converts your current basic salary into the new pay structure. The final basic salary will change massively based on this value. For example, an employee has a current basic salary of Rs 18,000. The new basic salary will become Rs 36,000 if the government uses a 2.00 fitment factor. The amount will jump to Rs 45,000 if they use a 2.50 factor. The 8th Pay Commission has not finalized the exact fitment factor yet.

The pay commission will review Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), travel allowance, and pension benefits along with the basic salary. Employee groups are focusing heavily on inflation burdens and post-retirement financial security. Pensioners might also see changes in pension recalculation and minimum pension amounts. We cannot confirm the exact hike amounts until the government releases the official final announcement.

The government formed the 8th Central Pay Commission on November 3, 2025. Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai heads this committee. The commission has 18 months from the formation date to submit its recommendations. We can expect the final report around the May-June 2027 period. The official announcement also confirms that the next consultation meetings will happen in Mumbai on October 22 and 23.

Employees should not believe random salary hike calculations circulating on social media. The official recommendations for the new basic salary, fitment factor, and dearness allowance will happen in separate stages. The Bengaluru consultation meeting is just a crucial step to review employee demands, not the final announcement. We will get a clear picture only after the 8th Pay Commission submits its final report to the Central Government.

Delhi Metro Man Refuses To Leave Women's Coach For Several Stations, Wife Defends Him As Video Goes Viral

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:49:40 +0530

A viral video from the Delhi Metro has sparked a debate after a man was seen travelling in a women's coach. The clip was shared by Simran Patel, who was present in the same coach.

The man reportedly boarded the coach and did not get off for several stations. Even after being confronted, he continued standing there. Metro staff at one station also scolded him, but it had no effect, and he kept arguing for a long time.

Simran wrote in her post that this happens daily. One man or several men board the women's coach together. She also tagged Delhi Metro in her caption.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sim Sim (@simranpatel2001)

Delhi Metro is considered a safe and affordable mode of transport, with dedicated coaches for women. However, incidents like these raise questions about whether such measures are enough without awareness among passengers, particularly men.

The video has drawn mixed reactions online. Some users defended the man, with one writing, "If women are safer with one man around, what's the problem?" Another commented, "A man can't even travel in peace." A third user called the man shameless.

The debate continues on social media, with many calling for stricter enforcement of rules regarding women's coaches.

Uttarakhand Government Procurement Rules Get Stricter, Chief Secretary Pushes BIS Quality Standards

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:41:22 +0530

Uttarakhand is set to place greater emphasis on product quality and compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines during government procurement. At a state-level committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan at the Secretariat on Wednesday, officials discussed measures to strengthen standardisation, quality management and consumer protection.

The Chief Secretary directed government departments to ensure that procurement decisions follow not only prescribed purchasing rules but also applicable BIS standards and quality requirements. He stressed that quality must not be compromised during the purchase of goods and services by government agencies.

BIS to Conduct Workshops and Issue Advisories for Departments

Bardhan asked the Bureau of Indian Standards to organise regular workshops with concerned departments and issue advisories explaining the relevant standards and quality requirements. The initiative aims to help officials understand how BIS guidelines should be incorporated into procurement procedures.

The focus will be on ensuring that government purchases meet the required quality benchmarks rather than relying solely on compliance with procurement rules.

Training to Focus on Quality Control Orders

The Chief Secretary also called for greater awareness of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) among departmental officials, industry representatives and traders. BIS was asked to conduct workshops to explain the applicable standards and the importance of compliance.

Regular training sessions will be organised for government officers and employees, with BIS experts and qualified resource persons providing practical guidance. Bardhan emphasised that capacity building should be an ongoing exercise rather than a one-time initiative.

BIS Guidelines to Reach Departments and District Officials

To improve implementation, the Chief Secretary directed BIS to share important guidelines and updates regularly with all relevant departments. He also called for continued coordination with departmental secretaries.

BIS was further asked to make presentations during meetings with district magistrates so that standardisation and quality-related issues receive attention at the district level.

BIS CARE App: Check ISI Marks and Gold Jewellery HUID

Consumer awareness was another key focus of the meeting. Bardhan directed officials to promote the BIS CARE App to help people verify product certification and access information about quality standards.

The app allows consumers to check the authenticity of ISI marks and licence numbers. It also supports verification of R-Numbers for electronic products and Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) numbers on gold jewellery.

Users can access information about Indian Standards, BIS offices and laboratories, and submit online complaints regarding suspected violations, counterfeit ISI marks and other irregularities.

Officials Attend Uttarakhand BIS Committee Meeting

Those present included Principal Secretary L. Fanei, BIS Deputy Director General (North) Deepak Kumar Singla, Director and DHBO Hemant B. Ade, Additional Secretaries Navneet Pandey, Ruchi Mohan Ryal and Jharna Kamthan.

Representatives included Pankaj Gupta of the Industries Association of Uttarakhand, Dr Nawal Kishore Banjara of CSIR-CBRI Roorkee and Dr Ashutosh Sharma of IIT Roorkee, along with other officials.

No Ambulance, Stuck In Traffic Jam, Pregnant Woman Delivers Baby Inside Autorickshaw in Maharashtra

Shweta Kumari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:39:23 +0530

A pregnant woman delivered her baby inside an autorickshaw on Tuesday afternoon after a severe traffic jam brought the vehicle carrying her to Ulhasnagar’s government-run Central Hospital almost to a standstill. Harikala (30), a resident of Section 20 in Camp No. 3, went into labour and was rushed to the hospital by her family in an autorickshaw after they were unable to find any other vehicle near their home.

However, the autorickshaw got stuck in traffic between the Seva Sadan area and Mayur Hotel in the New Era locality, barely moving for around 20 minutes, according to Harikala’s relative Laxmi Thapa, who was accompanying her.

With the hospital only a short distance away, Harikala went into advanced labour before they could reach the facility.

“When we were just a short distance away from the hospital, she delivered the baby inside the autorickshaw,” said Laxmi.

The autorickshaw eventually reached Central Hospital, where medical staff immediately examined Harikala and the newborn before admitting them for further care.

“We were told that the baby is healthy,” she said.

Harikala’s case is not an isolated instance of a woman giving birth while being transported to a hospital. Babies have frequently been delivered inside ambulances while their mothers were being rushed for medical care.

According to Maharashtra state health department data, around 40,000 babies were born inside 108 ambulances across the state between 2014 and 2024.

Unlike Harikala’s case, however, many of those ambulance deliveries were linked either to labour progressing rapidly or to women living in remote rural areas where reaching hospitals can be difficult.

TN bypolls: TVK leads in Dharapuram, Madurantakam Assembly seats

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:30:56 +0530

Dharapuram By-election Results

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate P Sathyabama is leading in the Dharapuram Assembly constituency by-election by 724 votes after the fifth round of counting on Friday. According to the Election Commission of India, Sathyabama secured 13,213 votes, while All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate K Banumathi received 12,489 votes. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate S Suganya was in third place with 11,554 votes.

Madurantakam By-election Results

In the Madurantakam Assembly, TVK candidate K Maragatham Kumaravel was leading by 1,607 votes after the second round of counting. According to the ECI, Maragatham Kumaravel secured 7,615 votes, while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate I Paranthamen received 6,008 votes. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate S Kanithasampath was in third place with 4,301 votes.

Counting was underway for the Madurantakam Assembly constituency, with two of the 21 rounds completed. Tamil Nadu's Madurantakam assembly constituency recorded a voter turnout of 86.26 per cent.

In Tamil Nadu, bypolls are being held in the Madurantakam (SC) constituency in Chengalpattu district and Dharapuram (SC) in Tiruppur district. The two seats fell vacant following the resignations of Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama.

Puducherry By-election: Thattanchavady

Further, All India NR Congress candidate Ashok Anand was leading in the Thattanchavady Assembly constituency by-election by 6,774 votes after the third round of counting. According to the official data, Ashok Anand secured 10,467 votes, while Indian National Congress candidate E Vinayagam received 3,693 votes. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate K Sethu was in third place with 2,158 votes.

Vote Counting Across States

Vote counting is underway for by-elections to five Assembly seats in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as well as a Lok Sabha seat in Assam. The Election Commission stated that the entire election process is scheduled to be completed before October 11. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Karnataka: 45 ice cream units raided, 70 samples collected for tests

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:30:58 +0530

As per the directions of the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, UT Khader, the Food Safety Division of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department conducted a special inspection drive on Wednesday at 45 ice cream manufacturing units across the State, in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Rules, 2011.

According to a press note issued by the FDA, during the special inspection drive, a total of 70 food samples were collected from various ice cream manufacturing units, including ice cream, milk, milk powder, flavouring substances, sugar, various food additives and other raw materials. The press note stated that the samples have been sent to the concerned Government Food Laboratories for analysis to assess their quality and compliance with the prescribed food safety standards.

Violations and Seizures Across Karnataka

Further, during the said inspection, some ice cream manufacturing units were found to be in violation of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules/Regulations. An ice cream unit in Jayanagar, South Zone, Bengaluru was found to be keeping expired food products, including biscuits, milk, alkalized tea/coffee mixes and desiccated coconut powder, which were seized from the said ice cream manufacturing unit.

Expired food products, including plain caramel, condensed milk, and khoya, were seized from another ice cream manufacturing unit in Bilekahalli on Bannerghatta Road. In addition, deficiencies relating to labelling requirements were also observed.

Unhygienic conditions were observed at an ice cream manufacturing unit in Raichur. Accordingly, a notice has been issued to the concerned unit.

During the inspection of an ice cream manufacturing unit in Mysuru, deficiencies relating to labelling requirements were observed. Accordingly, ice cream products valued at Rs 20,000 were seized, the press note said.

Continued Action Promised

In the interest of public health, such special inspection drives at ice cream manufacturing units will continue across the State. Appropriate legal action will be taken against those found violating the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules/Regulations made thereunder, it added. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPS officer Gaurav Yadav named Punjab's new Director General of Police

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:30:40 +0530

Punjab Government appoints IPS officer Gaurav Yadav as Director General of Police (DGP) for a minimum tenure of two years, an official order issued on Friday stated.

The order was issued following consideration of the panel received from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Home Department said. Apart from Gaurav Yadav, the names of IPS officers, Sharad Satya Chauhan and Harpreet Singh Sidhu, were also sent to the state government. All three belong to the 1992 batch of the IPS. Punjab governor approved Yadav’s appointment as the state’s top cop. He was given additional charge of the state DGP in July 2022.

Congress Alleges Systemic Corruption in State

Meanwhile, Punjab Congress Chief Pargat Singh has alleged systemic corruption in the state administration and warned officials against aligning with the government, following the Punjab and Haryana High Court's directive to transfer the case involving letters written by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday.

Speaking to ANI, Singh took a swipe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), terming it and the party members a "sham," adding that even the office of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been under scrutiny. "This party was created by the BJP as their own B-team, but the idea was to make the laws so strict that no matter who the minister or senior official was, anyone involved in corruption would automatically end up in jail. Today, that is the situation. The entire episode involving Arvind Kejriwal and his associates is a sham. Even the Chief Minister's Office has been linked to allegations of corruption, which had also been raised earlier by the Enforcement Directorate," he said. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi Police denies nod for Cockroach Janta Party's Jantar Mantar protest

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:30:27 +0530

Protest Permission Denied

Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 over the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), citing short notice, past non-compliance with directions and concerns related to public safety, law and order and traffic regulation.

Legal Justification and Warning

Precautionary Measures: Metro Restrictions Proposed

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has proposed closing entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations across the national capital and reducing train frequency at these stations in view of proposed protests scheduled for Saturday (October 10), according to an official communication. In a letter dated Thursday, the Joint Commissioner of Police, Transport Range, requested the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to take necessary measures at the identified metro stations in view of proposed protests at Jantar Mantar and other locations in New Delhi district, citing the likelihood of unruly crowd movement towards sensitive locations.

The CJP has announced a youth-led protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 over alleged "vote theft". The proposed restrictions are scheduled to begin at 9 pm on Friday and continue on October 10 until the situation normalises. The 57 stations identified in the communication include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Janpath, New Delhi, Mandi House, ITO, Supreme Court, Indraprastha, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, INA, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Seelampur, Welcome, Shahdara, Rithala, Rohini East and Rohini West, among others.

The police have requested DMRC to issue necessary directions to its concerned officers and staff to implement the proposed measures. The communication seeks precautionary arrangements in view of the planned protests. The proposed restrictions are to remain in place until the situation normalises. The letter says Delhi Police has requested/proposed these measures. It does not, by itself, confirm that DMRC has approved or implemented the closures. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi HC defers IYC's plea against police over protest permission

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:30:24 +0530

The Delhi High Court on Friday declined to urgently list a plea filed by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) challenging the Delhi Police’s refusal to grant permission for a proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar and said the matter would be heard on Monday.

The plea was mentioned for urgent listing before a division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre by Senior Advocate Sanjay Ghose. Seeking an urgent hearing, Ghose submitted that the petition had been filed two days ago. However, the court declined to take it up on Friday. “What is the urgency? We will hear it on Monday,” the Acting Chief Justice said.

Details of the IYC Petition

The petition has been filed by IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib, challenging a Delhi Police order dated October 1 rejecting the organisation’s request to hold the demonstration.

According to the plea, the IYC had approached the police on September 25 seeking permission to organise a peaceful protest involving around 100-150 people. The organisation claimed it was willing to comply with all conditions relating to security, traffic management and the maintenance of public order.

The plea states that despite repeated follow-ups, the police communicated their decision only on October 1, which was also the proposed date of the protest.

Fundamental Rights Violation Claimed

The IYC has argued that while the police are empowered to regulate public gatherings, they cannot impose a blanket restriction without considering the circumstances of a particular event. The organisation has further contended that the refusal to grant permission infringes upon its fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression and peaceful assembly under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution.

The petition also challenges the alleged mechanical application of guidelines governing protests and public assemblies. It has been filed through advocate Roopesh Singh Bhadauria. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Indian Army Officer Offers Biker Breakfast And Chocolates In Freezing Arunachal, Viral Video Wins Hearts

Gargi Chaudhry — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:23:28 +0530

People are going crazy over a touching video that shows an Indian Army officer and a solo motorcyclist interacting warmly in the chilly weather of Arunachal Pradesh. Photographer Abilash, whose Instagram account is @wander with abi, captured the moment the officer pulled him over as he was riding his bike near the picturesque Madhuri Lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

Describing it as a 'beautiful encounter,' Abilash said the chance conversation revealed the Army officer's genuine kindness, as he also offered him food and chocolate. "So where are you heading? Going further to explore?" the officer can be heard asking, to which Abilash replied: "Yes, to Madhuri Lake and back."

The soldier from the Indian Army smiled broadly, introduced himself as being from Maharashtra, and handed Abilash a bread omelette and some chocolate. In contrast, the motorcyclist chose the chocolates over the breakfast option. "He stopped me, spoke so kindly, offered me breakfast, and even gave me chocolates. It was around 4 degrees Celsius, and the region can reach temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius," said Abilash.

"It made me realise even more deeply the dedication and sacrifice of our brave soldiers who serve our nation in such harsh conditions. Truly grateful and proud," he said.

Reflecting on the tremendous devotion of warriors serving in such tough, remote situations, Abilash stated that the officer's generosity made things 'warmer'. "Respect and gratitude to our Border Army," he said.

Watch Viral Video

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Social Media Reacts

Over 4.5 million people had viewed the video, and thousands of people had commented on it. Social media users praised the Army commander for his kindness toward the exhausted tourist.According to one user, "He didn't give one or two; he gave a handful," while another user noted, "Perhaps once upon a time, he too must have dreamed of riding bikes like you." That's why he was so thrilled to be watching you.

A third commented: "His smile melted even the chocolates. Isolation hits hard in cold mountains, but meeting someone caring and simple concern makes their day brighter. Speak to those who are guarding our borders whenever you get a chance."

A fourth said: "The Indian Army gives you the feeling of being in your mother's arms! You have the sense of safety that nothing can go wrong when they are there!"

Junior Developer Fixes Major System Bottleneck, Accidentally Ruffles Senior Feathers

Deevika NM — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:22:33 +0530

Sometimes, fixing a problem at work can create a bigger problem of its own. A junior software developer learnt this the hard way after resolving a long-standing technical issue, only to claim that the achievement turned colleagues against them.

The developer shared the experience in a post on Reddit’s developersIndia community, describing how a technical fix allegedly led to workplace tension and accusations of not being a team player. The story has since sparked discussion about office politics, professional insecurity and whether employees are always rewarded for taking initiative.

According to the post, the developer discovered a “massive legacy backend issue” that had been slowing down work. Instead of waiting for someone else to address it, the junior techie spent an entire weekend examining the database and managed to fix the problem.

Check the viral post here:

Accidentally bruised my Senior’s ego by fixing a system bottleneck. Now I'm the team villain.by u/Agile-Scene-3316 in developersIndia

The developer expected the team to welcome the improvement. Instead, they claimed that a mid-level colleague with five years of experience, who was supposed to handle that part of the system, reacted negatively.

“I thought the team would be happy, but I accidentally hurt my senior's ego,” the developer wrote, adding that the colleague’s attitude changed after the issue was resolved.

The situation allegedly worsened when the senior and other colleagues began questioning the developer’s code. The techie claimed that pull requests were delayed, minor coding issues were repeatedly flagged during reviews, and complaints were taken to the manager.

“They hold up all my PRs, nitpick on minor code quality issues in code reviews, and complained to the manager that I am "not a team player." Our manager is weak and just wants zero drama, so he blindly took their side, gave an award to one of them, and told me to 'improve my communication,'” the developer said.

The developer maintained that recognition was never the goal.

“I didn't even care about getting credit, I just wanted to fix the broken system. But it feels like if you try to work fast, seniors look at you like a threat and try to trip you so they don't look bad.”

The post struck a chord with several Reddit users, who shared their own views on workplace hierarchies and professional growth.

“This is very common lol. I also got to learn it the hard way,” one user commented. Another argued that India’s workplace culture often prioritises hierarchy over merit.

Others advised employees not to hide their abilities simply to avoid making senior colleagues uncomfortable. One commenter urged the developer not to let unwritten corporate rules discourage them from fixing problems.

The discussion has revived a familiar workplace question: when an employee takes initiative and delivers results, should the achievement be celebrated, or can office politics get in the way?

Delhi: 9 held as police bust DU admission racket using fake PwD certs

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:01:07 +0530

Inter-state Admission Racket Busted

The Special Staff unit of Delhi Police's North District has busted a major inter-state syndicate orchestrating fraudulent admissions for students at Delhi University by creating fake Persons with Disabilities (PwD) certificates, police said. A total of nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the 27 counterfeit certificates that have been recovered, police said.

Similar Forgery Case Uncovered

Earlier in October, in a similar incident, Delhi Police registered an FIR over the alleged submission of forged disability certificates for nursery admissions under the Children With Special Needs (CWSN) category for the 2026-27 academic session.

According to the FIR, a complaint regarding allegedly forged disability certificates was received at a Delhi Police station on September 17, 2026. The complaint sought verification of the genuineness of disability certificates and recommendation letters submitted along with admission documents.

During a preliminary inquiry, the disability certificates attached to the documents were verified and found to be forged, the FIR states. The certificates allegedly showed 41 per cent hearing impairment and were purportedly issued by a government hospital.

Following the preliminary verification, police registered an FIR on September 24, 2026, under Sections 318(2), 337, 340(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR states that the exact date and time of the alleged occurrence could not be ascertained. Police have initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the preparation and submission of the allegedly forged certificates and ascertain the persons involved.

Government Initiative for Disability IDs

Meanwhile, according to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the Unique Disability ID sub scheme is being implemented with a view of creating a National Database for Persons with Disabilities across the country.

Under the UDID project, certificates of disability and Unique Disability Identity cards are issued to Persons with Disabilities through competent medical authorities notified by respective State Governments/Union Territories. The project is aimed at encouraging transparency and efficiency in the system of delivering government benefits to persons with disabilities. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

'Govt has 2 bosses, one in US': Jebi Mather on Rahul-Musk exchange

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:01:07 +0530

Congress MP Jebi Mather on Friday backed Rahul Gandhi's reply to Elon Musk on Starlink, alleging that the government was being dictated to by forces both within and outside the country, while asserting that the Opposition's protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation would continue until he steps down.

Speaking to ANI, Mather alleged that the government was facing pressure from the United States on policy matters and claimed that decisions were also being dictated by influential domestic interests. "Rahul Gandhiji has been speaking on the issue of how the US tries to play and how the controlling team here—who are they? Who decides what should be the government policies? So, this government has two bosses: one from the US they dictate, two from here they dictate. Now, we have reached a point where this has reached a different level," she said.

The Starlink Controversy

The remarks come in the backdrop of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk calling the situation surrounding Starlink's efforts to enter the Indian market "troubling." Rahul Gandhi had earlier replied to Musk's post, which claimed that Starlink was unable to secure a licence despite complying with Indian laws and requirements for five years."Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy," Gandhi wrote on X. In response, Musk posted, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling."The exchange comes amid a public debate over the regulatory process for Starlink, SpaceX's satellite-based internet service, and Musk's allegations that vested interests were obstructing the company's entry into the Indian market.

Allegations of US Influence and Domestic Favouritism

On the US government's suspension of the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, and its effect on major Indian IT companies, Mather alleged that American interests were influencing India's policy decisions. She linked the issue to changes involving UPI payment charges and exemptions for certain sectors. She claimed that the US had attempted to influence India's UPI payment system as domestic platforms such as UPI and RuPay gained strength. She also alleged that concessions had been extended to major Indian business groups in sectors such as telecommunications and power. "This is the same situation of where the US tried to influence our UPI payment system because the US giants, which were considered to be at the top in the world as the payment giants, whether it is Mastercard or whether it is Visa, they were the payment giants, but when UPI was becoming strong in India, and RuPay was becoming, President Trump dictated terms from there and started saying that this should not be charged. That's how UPI was charged: it started for anything other than personal use or any industry, not industries; even officially, any business transactions were made chargeable, also keeping that this must be the amount. Now, this exemption was given to whom? For the telecom sector, and who is in the telecom sector? Reliance. Who is the exemption given to power? Who is heading power? Adani is heading power. So, whether it is this UPI, what we are seeing is that from there they dictate terms, but here exemptions or concessions are given to Reliance," she added.

Protest Demanding CEC's Resignation

Turning to the Opposition's protest against the Election Commission, Mather said the primary demand was the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that concerns raised by other Election Commissioners had not been adequately considered. "Our aim of this protest is that Gyanesh Kumar must resign. We have clearly stated why that is so, because his own election commissioners who sit beside him have pointed out multiple times how he is performing, the way he controls, and where their dissent notes are not being considered, and very unilateral decisions are taken as per the instructions of the government," she said.

Mather said the protest was not a one-day programme but part of a continuing campaign in the national capital and across the country. She said the Opposition would adopt different strategies, including approaching the relevant authorities and holding demonstrations on the streets. "This is a very determined fight, and for that, we take different methods, different strategies. We try to meet the appropriate authorities; we will try to put it across to them, we will fight on the streets, all this will continue unless. We are repeatedly demanding this and strongly saying that until and unless Gyanesh Kumar resigns, we will continue with our protest," she said.

She further asserted that the right to freedom of speech and expression included the right to dissent and said the Opposition would continue its agitation. "No DCP, no Delhi Police, no Home Minister, no Prime Minister can say that voicing against injustice, raising voice against the ruling dispensation, or raising voice against Narendra Modi or Amit Shah is illegal. Nobody can say that. Now if they say that also, we do not take it; we will continue with our protest," Mather said.

'Country run by two capitalists': Pramod Tiwari

On Elon Musk and Rahul Gandhi's exchange on X, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, "I endorse Rahul Gandhi's statement. There is a prevailing view among the common people that this country is run by capitalists, specifically, two capitalists."

He added, "PM Modi and Amit Shah act at the behest of those who can provide funds for the party and serve their personal interests. I want to state one thing—and I am not naming anyone here: whatever affordable options become available to Indians from any company should be utilised. Be it telephony, mobile services, or any other form of communication or utility." (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Brij Bhushan case: Court grants time to reply on acquittal challenge

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:48 +0530

The Rouse Avenue Court on Friday granted time to former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to file a reply to the appeal challenging his acquittal in the sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The women wrestlers have challenged the acquittal of Brij Bhushan and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the case.

The Rouse Avenue court on August 3 acquitted former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan and then secretary Tomar of the sexual harrasment case. Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh took up the matter and, after hearing submissions from the defence counsel, listed it for hearing on October 28.

Advocate Rajiv Mohan, along with Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati, appeared for Brij Bhushan and Tomar. The defence submitted that the copy of the appeal had been received late and that time was required to file a reply. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Manish Rawat appeared for the State. The court asked the APP to take instructions on whether the State would also file a revision petition.

Wrestlers Challenge Acquittal Judgment

On September 28, the Rouse Avenue Court issued notice to Brij Bhushan and Tomar. The court also directed that the original affidavit and orders mentioning the names of the victims be kept in a sealed envelope. It further directed the appellants to file a copy of the petition with the names of the victims redacted.

The wrestlers have challenged the acquittal judgment, arguing that it is unsustainable in law and is based on a manifestly erroneous and selective appreciation of the evidence on record. The appeal contends that the order relies on conjectures and surmises, fails to apply binding legal principles and, in material parts, rests on “archaic and stereotypical assumptions” about the “expected” behaviour of victims of sexual assault and harassment, rather than a fair, evidence-based assessment of the circumstances of the victims.

Case Background

This case, linked with the FIR filed by women wrestlers, occurred during his tenure as Wrestler Federation of India (WFI) chief. Delhi Police had invoked sections 354, 354 D, 354 A, 506 (1) and 109 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwani Panwar had acquitted Brij Bhushan and Tomar. The hearing was conducted in a closed courtroom.

Brij Bhushan and Tomar were tried in a case connected with the allegations of sexual harrasment of women wrestlers in India and abroad by Singh when he was heading the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Delhi police had filed a 1500-page charge sheet on June 15, 2023, after an investigation against Brij Bhushan and Tomar. Women wrestlers had participated in a protest at Jantar Mantar. An FIR was lodged by Delhi Police based on a complaint given by women wrestlers. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India not a 'banana republic', spectrum allocation by rules: Ram Madhav

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:47 +0530

India Not a 'Banana Republic': Madhav on Spectrum Rules

BJP leader Ram Madhav on Friday said India is not a “banana republic” and that all decisions on spectrum allocation will be taken through proper systems, rules and laws. He also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the Starlink issue.

Speaking to ANI, Madhav said, “It should be understood that India is not a banana republic. Here, all decisions will be taken through proper systems, rules, regulations, and laws.”

BJP Leader Questions Rahul Gandhi's 'Surrender' to Musk

Referring to the “oligarchs” remark, he said, “Those whom they are obliquely referring to as ‘oligarchs’ and so forth, they too are waiting for the allocation of spectrum. Whether it is Jio or Airtel, they too are waiting alongside Starlink.”

'How Did He Suddenly Become Surrender Gandhi?'

Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, Madhav said, “The most amusing reaction is that of Rahul Gandhi. He used to tell all of us that in front of Elon Musk, in front of Trump, you surrender; that you are a party of surrender, saying this and that.”

He questioned the Congress’s shift in stance, saying, “Now what has happened that they are surrendering so much? Why are they so eager... if Elon Musk faces any difficulty? Their own Jairam Ramesh was saying earlier, a few months ago, that Elon Musk’s Starlink is a threat to the nation’s security. Their advisors were saying it is a threat to the nation’s security.”

“How did he suddenly become ‘Surrender Gandhi’? What did they receive in the meantime that earlier they were levelling allegations against us, and now suddenly they have stepped up in service of Elon Musk?” he said.

Hitting out at the previous government, the BJP leader said, “Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party must understand that during their UPA government, massive corruption took place regarding spectrum. Spectrum was sold off haphazardly.”

Asserting the Centre’s position, he added, “This is Modi ji’s government. Everything will be done according to rules, regulations, and in conformity with the law. Whenever someone is supposed to get it, they will get it without any discrimination.”

The Starlink-Rahul Gandhi Exchange on X

The remarks come in the backdrop of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk calling the situation surrounding Starlink's efforts to enter the Indian market "troubling."

In response, Musk posted, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling." The exchange comes amid a public debate over the regulatory process for Starlink, SpaceX's satellite-based internet service, and Musk's allegations that vested interests were obstructing the company's entry into the Indian market. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi Police proposes closure of 57 metro stations for Oct 10 protest

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:38 +0530

Police Propose Metro Restrictions for Protest

Delhi Police has proposed closing entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations across the national capital and reducing train frequency at these stations in view of proposed protests scheduled for Saturday (October 10), according to an official communication.

In a letter dated Thursday, the Joint Commissioner of Police, Transport Range, requested the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to take necessary measures at the identified metro stations in view of proposed protests at Jantar Mantar and other locations in New Delhi district, citing the likelihood of unruly crowd movement towards sensitive locations. The CJP has announced a youth-led protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 over alleged "vote theft". The proposed restrictions are scheduled to begin at 9 pm on Friday and continue on October 10 until the situation normalises.

The 57 stations identified in the communication include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Janpath, New Delhi, Mandi House, ITO, Supreme Court, Indraprastha, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, INA, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Seelampur, Welcome, Shahdara, Rithala, Rohini East and Rohini West, among others.

The police have requested DMRC to issue necessary directions to its concerned officers and staff to implement the proposed measures.

The communication seeks precautionary arrangements in view of the planned protests. The proposed restrictions are to remain in place until the situation normalises. The letter says Delhi Police has requested/proposed these measures. It does not, by itself, confirm that DMRC has approved or implemented the closures.

CJP Vows to Continue Protest Amid Detentions

Meanwhile CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke alleged that several activists had been detained ahead of the protest, but vowed to continue the march. "Thousands of youngsters have been detained across country by the BJP Govt ahead of our October 10 protest. This intimidation is not going to work, Modi. The youth of this country are no longer scared of you. I’ll be landing in Delhi tomorrow and will march to Jantar Mantar, come what may," he posted on X.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

YSRCP slams TDP govt for aqua sector crisis, vows to fight for farmers

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:27 +0530

YSRCP Slams Coalition Over Aqua Sector Crisis

Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) on Friday slammed the TDP-led coalition government for pushing the aqua sector into crisis and working in tandem with aqua feed companies at the cost of poor farmers. Addressing the media here on Friday, Party Coordinator Vaddi Raghuram said the coalition government is trying to weaken the Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority Act and is working to favour feed company owners, leaving aqua farmers in the lurch and misleading courts.

Raghuram further stated that the party will take the issue to the next level and ensure aqua farmers get due benefits, as YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has envisioned by bringing in APSADA to safeguard the interests of aqua farmers. The coalition, on the other hand, has issued a GO and misled the courts by stating it has roped in three aqua farmers as members and is going to weaken the APSADA. Chandrababu should make it clear as to when the meeting was held with aqua farmers, where and who the three handpicked aqua farmers in the committee are. The coalition is favouring a few companies and companies, the Party Coordinator claimed.

Vaddi Raghuram alleged that the aqua feed prices were hiked by Rs 27 in the past six months, and the coalition government is boasting of a subsidy of just Rs 1.50, and there is no reply as to why the power subsidy was withdrawn from farmers in June and July. Tenant farmers are bearing the brunt due to the policies of the coalition government, and the crop holiday affects them most. The YSRCP Coordinator emphasised that the YSRCP chief, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, gave a subsidy of Rs 3.60 crore to the aqua sector during the previous term, and under his direction, we will launch an agitation to save the aqua sector from the crisis.

Party Reiterates September Accusations

Similarly, in September, YSRCP leaders accused the TDP-led coalition government of pushing Andhra Pradesh’s aqua sector into a severe crisis by failing to control feed prices, power charges and the supply of quality seed. They warned of legal action and statewide protests if the government failed to protect aqua farmers. Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office, West Godavari district president and former MLA Mudunuri Prasada Raju said feed prices had increased four times since the coalition came to power. The price of feed had risen from around Rs 80,000 per tonne during the elections to Rs 1.20 lakh now. Farmers were also burdened with power factor and overload charges despite the government’s claims of subsidised electricity, Mudunuri Prasada Raju said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Durga Puja 2026 Travel Update: Check Sealdah Division’s Special Services From October 16 To 21

Zetan Kumari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:57:18 +0530

Indian Railways’ Sealdah division is set to operate Durga Puja special train services from October 16 to 21, 2026. Check the announced dates and follow official railway updates for routes and timings.

Eastern Railway's Sealdah Division has taken a big step to reduce passenger harassment during the festive days. The authorities will run 51 special trains to manage the heavy Durga Puja rush. They will operate 38 special trains at night. Galloping local trains will also stop at all stations after 2 PM during the Puja days.

Sealdah Division has taken several steps to ensure safe and smooth travel for passengers during Durga Puja. The authorities will run 51 special EMU trains every day from October 16 to October 21 along with the regular services. They ran only 31 special trains last year. Officials will run 13 special trains during the evening peak hours. They will also operate 38 overnight special EMU trains on the Main, North, and South sections to help pandal hoppers return home late at night.

The railway authorities have made another important decision for passengers during the Puja days. Galloping local trains will stop at all regular stations, flag stations, and halts after 2 PM once they leave their originating stations. This move will heavily benefit passengers waiting at the intermediate stations.

The authorities have arranged special services to manage the early crowd before the main Puja days. They will run four pre-Puja special EMU trains on the Sealdah-Ranaghat-Lalgola route from October 10 to October 15. Officials have also scheduled 80 trips of long-distance special trains from October 10 to October 25. They operated 50 such trips last year.

The railway authorities are taking special measures to control the crowd and ensure passenger safety. Officials will regulate passenger movement through specific entry and exit gates at Sealdah station. They will operate a 24-hour special war room. Security teams will monitor the crowd movement using CCTV cameras. The authorities will also set up medical booths, help desks, extra train rakes, and quick repair teams at important stations.

The authorities have arranged extra toilets at Sealdah, Ballygunge, and Dum Dum stations for the convenience of passengers. Officials have opened temporary booking and exit counters at Ranaghat station. They have also started new ticket counters at Barrackpore station. The railway teams have upgraded the passenger movement area at Dum Dum station as well.

Divisional Railway Manager of Sealdah Division, Rajeev Saxena, stated that ensuring a safe, comfortable, and smooth journey for every passenger is the top priority for the railways. The authorities have increased train services, tightened security, and improved passenger amenities to achieve this goal. Sealdah Division is fully ready to handle the Puja rush with extra trains and overnight services.

Indian Railways Child Ticket Rules: Kids Can Travel At 50% Fare—Check Age Limit

Richa Barua — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:57:07 +0530

Indian Railways charges only half the ticket fare for children up to a certain age. We explain these railway rules clearly in this story so you can plan your next family trip better.

People prefer trains for safe and affordable long-distance travel in India. Indian Railways operates one of the largest rail networks in the world. Thousands of trains run daily, and lakhs of passengers travel safely. You must know the railway fare rules and concessions when you travel with your family, especially with kids.

Indian Railways gives a fare exemption to parents who travel with children under five years of age.

Free travel: You can take your child along for free if they do not need a separate seat or berth. You just need to add the child's details using the 'Add Infant without Berth' option while booking on the IRCTC website.

What if you need a separate berth? You can book a separate berth for your little one by paying the full adult fare.

Railways gives two choices to children between five and 12 years of age during their train journey.

Half fare for no berth: The ticket collector charges only half the adult fare if the child does not need a separate seat or berth. Kids must share the seat with their parents in this situation.

Full fare for berth allocation: You must pay the full adult fare if you want a separate berth for your kids to sleep comfortably during long journeys.

Railway rules consider everyone who completes 12 years of age on the journey date as an adult.

The booking clerk charges the full fare for them across all categories, including reserved and unreserved coaches. This age and fare limit applies to all train types like AC Coaches, Superfast Express, and normal express trains.

Keep this in mind

Age proof: You should carry the child's age proof like an Aadhaar card, birth certificate, or school ID card to avoid issues during the TTE checking.

Age at journey time: The rules apply based on the child's age on the actual journey date, not the ticket booking date.

Who Is Shehzad Poonawalla? From BJP Politics To Rise & Fall Season 2 Controversies

Nancy Tiwari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:50:53 +0530

Shehzad Poonawalla, a former BJP national spokesperson, is back in the spotlight through reality show Rise & Fall Season 2. His political background and clashes with fellow contestants have sparked fresh interest.

Shehzad Poonawalla is an Indian political commentator and former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson who is now attracting attention through his appearance on the reality show Rise & Fall Season 2. His political background and frequent disagreements with fellow contestants have made him a talking point among viewers. But who is he, what is his connection with the BJP, and why is he trending now?

Shehzad Poonawalla began his political journey with the Indian National Congress. He came into the spotlight in 2017 after publicly questioning the party’s presidential election process, alleging that it favoured Rahul Gandhi. He later joined the BJP and became a familiar face on television debates, defending the party’s positions and criticising the Opposition. In 2021, he was also given responsibility for the BJP’s Delhi IT and social media department.

Has Shehzad Poonawalla Left The BJP?

Poonawalla has publicly sought to resign from his BJP positions and primary membership. According to reports, he submitted a second resignation letter to BJP president Nitin Nabin on August 17, 2026, citing personal and financial circumstances and his intention to move into the private sector. However, he indicated that he would continue supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s vision. Whether the party has formally accepted his resignation remains unclear based on the available information.

Poonawalla’s appearance on Rise & Fall Season 2, hosted by former cricketer Virender Sehwag, has brought him into the entertainment spotlight. One major talking point was his confrontation involving Siwet Tomar and actor Swara Bhasker, which escalated into a physical altercation. Tomar was subsequently evicted from the show. Poonawalla’s heated exchanges with Bhasker have also attracted attention, particularly because of their differing political views.

Poonawalla has continued to make headlines for his disagreements with fellow contestants. In an episode reported on October 3, 2026, he told Raj Grover that he lacked personality. Grover responded by claiming that other contestants disliked Poonawalla, leading to another heated exchange. Such confrontations have fuelled online discussions about his behaviour and strategy on the show, keeping him in the spotlight beyond his political career.

WB Weather Update: South Bengal Districts On Yellow Alert As Rain Threat Looms Before Mahalaya

Zetan Kumari — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:36:20 +0530

West Bengal weather update: A yellow alert has been issued for several South Bengal districts amid the possibility of rain before Mahalaya 2026. Check the latest forecast and what it could mean for the region.

The Alipore Weather Department predicts a weather change right before Mahalaya. North Bengal faces heavy rain chances. Mahalaya falls on Saturday, and Durga Puja preparations are almost over. The weather office warns about thunderstorms across several South Bengal districts. Officials have already issued a yellow alert for multiple districts.Many places in South Bengal expect rain today. The morning looks clear, but clouds will gather as the day progresses. The weather office issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms in Purulia, Bankura, East Bardhaman, West Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas. Heavy rain is unlikely right now. High humidity will keep the weather uncomfortable.Kolkata will also see a weather shift today. The morning starts with a clear sky, but clouds will take over later. Cloud cover will increase after the afternoon. Some parts of the city might get rain between late afternoon and evening. This rain will not bring total relief from the humid heat.The Alipore Weather Department notes higher rain chances for North Bengal. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur expect good showers. Officials have issued a yellow alert for these districts too. The northern districts will likely see scattered rain for the next few days.A few places in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar might experience one or two spells of heavy rain. Gusty winds will also accompany the showers in some areas. The weather is changing its mood just before Mahalaya. Everyone is now watching how this rain affects the final stages of Durga Puja preparations.

WB Bypolls: Opposition alleges rigging, demands re-poll in Nandigram

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:30:29 +0530

As vote counting begins in Nandigram and Rejijinagar Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, the Opposition parties launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing claims of election rigging, systematically preventing voters from reaching polling booths, and trying to influence the electoral process in the State.

Opposition Accuses BJP of Rigging, Demands Re-poll

West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar voiced strong concern over the electoral process, alleging that genuine voters were systematically prevented from reaching polling stations. Speaking to ANI, Sarkar said that the party has demanded a re-poll in both Nandigram and Rajijinagar Assembly constituencies as voters were unable to reach the polling booths. "There would have been some hope if the voting had been free, fair, and fearless. We had actually demanded a re-poll. Genuine voters could not reach the polling stations to cast their votes. Voters in the Nandigram constituency were distressed; they were unable to cast their votes. Consequently, we demanded a re-poll in both Rejinagar and Nandigram," he said.

'Manuwadi' Ideology and ECI Nexus Alleged

Criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sarkar added that the party has a "manuwadi" ideology, adding that the connection between the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI) has compromised the electoral process by excluding legitimate voters. "The BJP’s current mindset, favouring 'one country, one vote, and one political party, 'reflects a 'Manuwadi' ideology. The nexus formed between the Election Commission and the Central Govt led to the exclusion of genuine voters' names from the rolls. These individuals were denied the opportunity to vote," he said. Echoing similar concerns, West Bengal AICC In-Charge Prakash Joshi said that the ECI did not play a neutral role in their favour, adding that the people of Nandigram have understood how West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attempted to influence the entire election. "We are fully hopeful and have complete confidence regarding this election, given the way the Congress party and its workers fought it. The people of Nandigram understood the truth, specifically, how Suvendu Adhikari tried to influence the entire election and how voters were intimidated with the help of the administration. We did not see the Election Commission playing a neutral role in our favour," he said. He alleged that the Congress workers were assaulted openly during the entire process. He said that the polling booths were looted, campaign vehicles were vandalised, and shops were set on fire. "Amidst all this, booths were looted; Congress workers were openly beaten and assaulted; shops were set on fire; homes were attacked; and campaign vehicles were vandalised," he said. Unleashing a lethal attack at the Opposition, he added, "Suvendu Adhikari must have felt such fear only when he saw the election slipping out of his grasp. We are fully hopeful and confident that today's results will be favourable to the Congress, paving the way for the party's resurgence in Bengal." Congress leader Puja Roy Choudhuri said that she hopes that people have voted for the Congress party, reiterating that voting was not conducted in a fair manner. "We saw on the day of voting that the election was not conducted in a free and fair manner. There was a lot of voting. We hope people voted for Congress. During campaigning, we saw that people did not like the BJP," he said. Congress candidate from Rejinagar Assembly constituency Abdullahil Kafi claimed that the eventual tallies of the votes were pre-calculated and mirror prior claims of CM Adhikar, citing that the Chief Minister had said that BJP will win by a margin of 120,000 votes. "The outcome is exactly as the Chief Minister predicted. He had said he would win by a margin of 120,000 votes. Calculations had already been made regarding how many votes the BJP and the Congress would secure in each specific booth; it was all predetermined. The counting process is now proving that the Chief Minister orchestrated a calculated rigging of the election and systematically manipulated the vote tally in West Bengal," he said. Also, Jatiyo Unnoyon Party (JUP) candidate from Nandigram, Sheikh Hasibul, said, "Those who have recently joined the BJP are intimidating people and threatening to vandalise homes. I am living in fear. We have to wait and see what happens after the results are declared."

BJP Confident of Victory in Both Constituencies

Meanwhile, BJP MP Rahul Sinha asserted that the party will win from both constituencies. He further added that the people have seen how Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir divided people in the name of Babri Masjid and looted a large sum of money, and have started supporting the BJP. "BJP will win from both constituencies. We said this earlier. Nandigram is a seat we have already won. And in Rejjinagar, people saw through Humayun Kabir's tricks. Just like they divided people on the basis of religion in the name of the Babri Masjid and looted a lot of money, all these reasons, and the Muslims of Resh Nagar as well, have started supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party. And that is why we hope we will achieve victory in both constituencies this time," he said.

Vote Counting Underway Across Multiple States

The results of the Nandigram by-election are going to be declared today. Vote counting is underway at the Bhupatinath Pradhan Memorial Rural Development Society, amid tight security provided by the district police and central forces. Moreover, counting of votes is also underway for the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam amid tight security arrangements. BJP candidate Devasish Sharma is leading by 10,201 votes after the first round of counting. With this increase, the movement in political circles over the counting of votes has intensified. Currently, the next round of voting is underway. District Information and Public Relations Officer, Bikash Sarma, said that the process started with the counting of postal ballots and later the counting of EVM votes commenced. "The counting for the Nagaon parliamentary by-election has begun and is taking place across three sessions. The process started with the counting of postal ballots. Now, the counting of EVM votes has also commenced. Everything is being organised properly. The process is proceeding according to standard procedures and with complete discipline. There have been no issues so far," he said. Vote counting for bypolls conducted on October 6 is also underway in Chengalpattu district and Dharapuram (SC) in Tiruppur district in Tamil Nadu, Thattanchavady Assembly constituency in Puducherry, along with Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in West Bengal and Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in Assam. The Election Commission stated that the entire election process is scheduled to be completed before October 11. (ANI) (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi protests: 25 FIRs filed, Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi named in cases

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:30:52 +0530

25 FIRs Filed Over Protests; Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Named

Delhi Police have registered around 25 FIRs in connection with a series of protests in the national capital since October 2, with cases relating to alleged vandalism of public property, assault, scuffles involving police personnel and obstruction of government work, sources said.

The cases concern alleged violations of prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in New Delhi district, according to the sources.

Around 25 FIRs had been registered in connection with the incidents till Thursday, sources said.

FIR Against INDIA Bloc Leaders for Protest

Several political leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have also been named in the cases.

Earlier, Delhi Police on Wednesday registered an FIR in connection with Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc MPs allegedly entering the Akashvani Bhavan premises without permission during their protest against the Election Commission of India on Tuesday, police said.

According to Delhi Police, the INDIA bloc had planned a march from Parliament House towards Nirvachan Sadan, the headquarters of the Election Commission. Police said no official permission had been sought or granted for the proposed march.

As the protesters were stopped near the Election Commission office, several opposition leaders and MPs staged a sit-in protest. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra subsequently entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises along with other leaders and continued their protest there.

Police Warn Against Further Unauthorised Gatherings

Meanwhile, police has warned against the proposed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest on October 10, stating that Section 163 is in force in the national capital and any gathering would be considered illegal.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrishti Pandey said protests were not permitted at Jantar Mantar or any other location while the restrictions remained in force, warning that the police would take legal action against unauthorised gatherings.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Delhi Police files FIR after PM Modi supporter beaten at CP protest

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:30:51 +0530

Delhi Police on Friday has registered an FIR based on the complaint of a Kashmiri youth who was allegedly beaten up in Connaught Place as the Congress was protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The case has been filed against unknown persons, police said.

The Kashmiri youth, claiming to be a fan of PM Modi, was at Connaught Place, where he was allegedly roughed up by protesters. The protesters alleged that the man was verbally abusing the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The youth, who was roughed up by protestors in CP, said, "I raised a question - when the Opposition wins, then there are no problems with the EVMs. Who brought EVMs? It was Rajiv Gandhi in 1998. I am from Kashmir. I did not abuse Rahul Gandhi. I am a citizen of this country and I will not let this country become another Nepal."

Police Warn Against CJP Protest

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has warned against the proposed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest on October 10, stating that Section 163 is in force in the national capital and any gathering would be considered illegal. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrishti Pandey said protests were not permitted at Jantar Mantar or any other location while the restrictions remained in force, warning that the police would take legal action against unauthorised gatherings.

Section 163 in Force, Gatherings Illegal: DCP

“Section 163 is in effect, meaning protests are not permitted—neither at Jantar Mantar nor anywhere else. Any gathering will be considered illegal, and we would be compelled to take necessary legal action against it,” Pandey said.

The DCP urged people not to participate in the proposed protest, asking them to prioritise their safety and that of their families. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Journalists also join protests, obstruct work: Delhi Police

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:30:27 +0530

Delhi Police Alleges Journalists Obstruct Work

Additional DCP New Delhi Manjeet Sheoran on Friday said journalists should maintain some distance from protesters while covering demonstrations, alleging that some media personnel also join protests and obstruct police work.

"Some protestors come one day as a journalist and come the other day as a protestor. We keep appealing to them that you keep a little distance from the protestors, cover it from a distance. But still, they come in between and put obstacles in our work," Sheoran said.

Emphasising the role of journalism, the Delhi Police on X said, "Journalism has its role; journalism is not to be rolled."

Journalists Allege Manhandling by Police

Earlier on October 4, three women, who identified themselves as journalists, lodged a complaint alleging manhandling by Delhi Police officers and staff during their detention at a protest on October 3 against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), an official said on Sunday.

"On 03-10-26, during the protest in the New Delhi area, while being in law and order situation, allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists against police officers. New Delhi District has received their complaints," Delhi Police had informed on X.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Neha Yadav, said, “Around 6 PM, three women, who identified themselves as journalists, lodged a complaint alleging manhandling by Delhi Police officers and staff during their detention. "Their complaint has been registered, medical examinations have been conducted, and the matter has been referred to the Crime Branch, Yadav said.

NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of a media report that three women journalists were allegedly subjected to sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on October 3.

According to a release, the Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rajbhar slams Akhilesh Yadav's Ayodhya visit as vote-bank politics

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:30:24 +0530

Rajbhar Accuses Akhilesh of 'Vote-Bank Politics'

Uttar Pradesh (UP) Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on Friday launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav over his visit to Ayodhya, accusing him of practising vote-bank politics and appeasement.

Targeting the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (CM), Rajbhar said Yadav remains hesitant and anxious about how visiting Ayodhya might impact his core minority constituency. "He is worried about his vote bank. He should do politics openly instead of worrying about how his actions might affect his Muslim voters," Rajbhar said. Lauding the current CM Yogi Adityanath-led government for equitable governance, Rajbhar added, "I have seen people on social media saying that there is no discrimination under Yogi ji’s government."

SP Chief Attends Bhagwat Katha in Ayodhya

On Thursday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh visited Ayodhya and participated in the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha organised at the ancestral home of Samajwadi Party leader and former Minister Tej Narayan Pandey alias Pawan Pandey in Krishnapur, Khanpur Rasoolabad, Ayodhya, according to a party release.

SP chief first performed the worship of the Vyas Peeth and congratulated all the devotees who had gathered for the Bhagwat Katha, extending his best wishes. Addressing the devotees present on this occasion, Akhilesh said that on the sacred land of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, today all Hari devotees are together chanting "Jai Radheshyam," which is the beauty of our society, country, and culture. He said that the biggest festival of democracy, elections, is about to take place; when the time for elections comes, the moment to make a decision will arrive. On such an occasion, this is a unique coincidence that we have gathered to partake in the nectar of the Bhagwat Katha, which conquers the heat of Kaliyug, adorns this world, and improves the next. This is a great fortune.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Karnataka: Bus driver dead, 12 hurt in collision; another bus burns

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:00:27 +0530

Bus Driver Killed in Collision

A state-run bus collided with the rear of a tipper truck on National Highway 48 near Sankeshwar in Hukkeri taluk, Belagavi District in Karnataka, resulting in the death of the bus driver and injuries to 12 passengers. According to the local police, the incident occurred as the state transport bus was operating on its scheduled route from Gangavathi to Kolhapur via Belagavi. The impact of the collision left the bus driver dead at the scene. Emergency responders shifted the 12 injured passengers to the Sankeshwar Taluk Hospital for medical treatment. Further investigation awaited.

Sleeper Bus Catches Fire

In a separate incident, on Thursday, a private sleeper bus was destroyed in a fire caused by a short circuit in Karnataka’s Sagar taluk, though no casualties were reported. The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 AM while the bus was moving near Mumbalu village within the Anandapuram police station limits. The vehicle was travelling from Bengaluru to Sagar when it caught fire due to a short circuit. According to the officials, quick thinking by the driver and cleaner enabled everyone onboard to have a miraculous escape. Only two passengers were travelling on the route towards Sagar, as the majority had already alighted earlier during a stop in Shivamogga. The blaze gutted roughly 80% of the vehicle. Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire. Anandapuram Police Sub-Inspector Praveen inspected the site of the incident. A case has been registered at the Anandapuram police station. Further investigation is underway.

Training Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing

In another incident earlier this week, a training aircraft made an emergency landing at an agricultural field in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, with both the instructor and trainee on board reported safe. The aircraft made the emergency landing around 5.40 pm on Tuesday at a Toor crop agricultural field in Kalaburagi. The Kalaburagi City Police reached the spot following the incident. Both the instructor and trainee were reported safe. The aircraft landed in the agricultural field, where Toor crop had been cultivated. There was no immediate information about any damage to the aircraft or the extent of damage, if any, to the agricultural field. The instructor and trainee remained safe following the incident. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rahul's 'other guy' remark to Musk was sarcastic: Karti Chidambaram

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:00:27 +0530

Congress leader and MP Karti Chidambaram on Friday weighed in on the online exchange between Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, stating that Gandhi’s remarks were "laced with great sarcasm" to highlight how the central government fosters "monopolies and oligarchy."

Speaking to ANI, Chidambaram asserted that Gandhi's underlying message had been lost on many people, explaining that the Congress leader was pointing out how certain corporate entities wield immense influence over government policy.

Rahul's 'Subtle and Sarcastic' Message

"I've seen the comments of Mr. Elon Musk and Mr. Rahul Gandhi as well. Mr. Rahul Gandhi's comment is very subtle, laced with great sarcasm, and unfortunately, that's been lost on most people," Chidambaram said. "What Mr. Rahul Gandhi is alluding to is that when Mr. Musk named a businessman asking whether he is the real owner in India, Mr. Rahul Gandhi very pointedly, very subtly, and very sarcastically brought to the attention of Mr. Elon Musk that there is another businessman—we all know who Mr. Rahul Gandhi is alluding to—who is the real owner of India," the Congress leader added.

The Rahul Gandhi-Elon Musk Exchange

"Welcome to India, Elon. Wait till you discover the other guy." Gandhi wrote on X. In response Musk posted, "Thank you, Rahul. This is indeed troubling." The exchange comes amid a public debate over the regulatory process for Starlink, SpaceX's satellite-based internet service, and Musk's allegations that vested interests were obstructing the company's entry into the Indian market.

Critique of Monopolies, Not Endorsement of Musk

Clarifying that the Congress party's stance is not a direct endorsement of Musk or Starlink, Chidambaram emphasized that the core issue is the increasing monopolisation across key sectors in the country. "This is not in any way an endorsement of Mr. Elon Musk, or on the policy of the Government of India, or on the angst which Mr. Musk has. What Mr. Rahul Gandhi was saying is that India is a monopoly, if not a duopoly. And while Mr. Musk named one business house, Mr. Rahul Gandhi pointedly, and in a very—in my opinion, a very humorous, sarcastic, and subtle manner—pointed out that there is another business house which has far greater influence over the Government of India in terms of policy, and Mr. Musk will realize that once he navigates India a little bit more," he said.

Warning Against Market Concentration

The Congress MP warned that such market concentration hurts the broader domestic economic environment. "That being said, we are seeing time and again that many sectors are either monopolies or duopolies, and that is not something which is good for Indian business," he noted.

Lashing out at the Centre's economic patronage, Chidambaram remarked that big business conglomerates in the country often draw heavily from foreign markets while operating under domestic protection. "And these oligarchs, just because they are Indian in nationality, does not mean all their capital is Indian. All of them also access international capital, and we really do not know what their ownership structures are. While they might be Indian in face, they might not necessarily be Indian in terms of equity cap table," he added.

Government Responds

Earlier, the Ministry of Communications had unequivocally stated its position on the regulatory framework for satellite communication services. The Ministry said that India's policies in this sphere are fair and non-discriminatory. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India's 2026 Monsoon Deficit Looks Moderate, Yet 70.6% Of The Country Faces Drought Conditions

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:48:33 +0530

India’s 2026 southwest monsoon ended with a nationwide rainfall deficit of around 13 per cent, a figure that appears less alarming when compared with some of the country’s worst drought years. Yet across large parts of the country, conditions on the ground tell a very different story.

Several states are grappling with prolonged dry spells, shrinking soil moisture, crop losses and mounting agricultural distress. According to IIT Gandhinagar’s India Drought Monitor, as much as 70.6 per cent of India’s land area was experiencing dry or drought conditions this week.

The situation has already prompted formal drought declarations in multiple states, despite the overall rainfall deficit remaining below levels recorded during severe historical droughts such as 1987 and 2002.

For many farmers, the consequences have been immediate. Crops have failed in rain-dependent regions, water availability has declined and fodder shortages have increased pressure on livestock owners. In some areas, farmers have reportedly been forced to sell cattle due to scarcity conditions.

The developments highlight a critical reality of India's monsoon system: total national rainfall does not always reflect how rainfall is distributed across regions or when it arrives.

This year's drought conditions have emerged because rainfall deficits were concentrated in several agricultural belts and accompanied by long dry periods during crucial stages of crop growth.

States Move To Declare Drought Conditions

Karnataka became the first state to formally declare drought this season.

The state initially notified 101 drought-affected taluks in August before expanding coverage in stages. By October 2, drought conditions had been declared in 217 out of Karnataka’s 240 taluks.

Maharashtra followed on September 25, declaring drought in 265 of its 358 talukas after one of the state's driest monsoon seasons in recent years. Authorities began field-level crop damage assessments immediately after the announcement.

Andhra Pradesh became the third state to issue a formal declaration. On October 2, the government classified 388 mandals across 21 districts as drought-affected, including both severely and moderately impacted areas.

Other states are also conducting assessments.

Telangana has initiated field surveys to identify drought-hit mandals, while Rajasthan continues evaluating crop damage and scarcity conditions through local inspections.

These declarations reflect regional realities that are not fully captured by national rainfall averages.

In Andhra Pradesh, for example, authorities cited a rainfall deficit exceeding 53 per cent between June and August while opting for an early drought declaration linked to prevailing El Niño conditions.

Why A Smaller Deficit Is Still Producing Major Impacts

India has experienced larger national rainfall deficits during previous drought years.

The monsoon shortfall reached 19 per cent in both 1987 and 2002, while 2015 ended with a deficit of 14 per cent.

Yet the pattern of rainfall during 2026 differed significantly.

The season began with a sharp 40 per cent rainfall deficit in June. Although July brought temporary improvement, rainfall weakened again in August and remained below normal through the remainder of the season.

The uneven distribution left several agricultural regions exposed to moisture stress despite modest improvement in national averages.

The persistence of drought conditions has also raised broader questions about India's long-term drought resilience.

Over the years, governments have invested heavily in water conservation and groundwater recharge projects. Millions of water-related structures have been created through programmes including MGNREGA, watershed development initiatives and groundwater recharge schemes.

Official records show millions of water-conservation assets have been completed, while substantial public expenditure has been directed toward drought-proofing efforts.

Yet severe water stress continues to emerge when monsoon conditions deteriorate.

Experts point to issues such as maintenance, location, storage capacity and local effectiveness of water structures. However, they also argue that the deeper challenge remains unresolved.

The 2026 season has once again revealed how closely India's agricultural economy remains tied to the timing and distribution of monsoon rainfall.

Despite decades of investment and large-scale infrastructure creation, many farming regions continue to face significant vulnerability when rainfall fails during critical periods, turning even a moderate national deficit into a severe local crisis.

Mumbai Boy Sits Behind Truck On Bike, Guides Mother Through Traffic In Heartwarming Viral Video

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:31:37 +0530

A viral video from Mumbai shows a young boy sitting on a motorcycle and guiding his mother as she drives behind a truck. The clip has captured the attention of social media users across platforms.

In the video, the child attentively watches the traffic while seated on the motorcycle. He gestures and tells his mother when to stop or move forward, keeping a careful eye on the vehicles around them.

His earnest concern is evident as he watches for any vehicle that might overtake or cut off his mother behind the truck. The sweet display of protection and innocent guidance has resonated with viewers.

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The video has gone viral on Instagram and Facebook, with many praising the child's attentiveness and care for his mother. Users described the moment as heartwarming and a reflection of the bond between mother and son.

The incident highlights the everyday moments of care and responsibility that often go unnoticed on busy city streets.

The identity of the child and his mother has not been disclosed. The video continues to circulate widely on social media.

Mayawati pays tribute to Kanshi Ram, reviews UP, Punjab poll prep

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:30:46 +0530

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday paid floral tribute to party founder and Dalit icon Kanshi Ram on his 20th death anniversary, observed as Parinirvan Diwas.

BSP reviews poll preparedness

Earlier on Sunday, Mayawati held a meeting with senior officials of BSP Uttarakhand State, in which the party said that she conducted an in-depth review of the latest status of the voter list following the Election Commission's SIR revision, along with the progress in selecting strong and effective party candidates for the upcoming Assembly General Elections in UP and Punjab, as well as other election preparations.

According to a release from the party shared by Mayawati, in this meeting held at the BSP Central Camp Office, a review was conducted on the status of reorganising committees up to the polling booth level following the SIR of the voter list, to be completed at a war footing, and instructions were given to address the shortcomings in a time-bound manner.

In the release, following the SIR, the names of approximately 9 lakh voters have been allegedly removed from the voter list, but efforts must certainly continue at the party level to include the names of the poor, youth, women, and people from weaker sections in the voter list so that they are not deprived of their constitutional right to vote.

"In the meeting, while strongly condemning the Uttarakhand government's particularly anti-poor and anti-people policies, it was stated that the BJP government appears more devoted to the interests of big capitalists and wealthy industrialists, giving less attention to public welfare and well-being, and these people continue to influence elections in their favour through their financial power, which is also a key election issue," the release said.

Tribute event shifted to Lucknow

According to the release, Mayawati said that while the government's maintenance work continues at the grand 'Bahujan Inspiration Centre' established by the BSP government on the UP-Delhi border, to avoid the possibility of any accidents due to crowds gathering there, no programs are being organised at that location this year on October 9, which is the death anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram.

"Therefore, people from all divisions across the entire UP will come to the capital, Lucknow and offer their floral tributes at the grand dome-shaped 'Revered Shri Kanshi Ram Ji Memorial Site' here, while people from other states will organise open zonal meetings to pay their heartfelt tributes and respectful homage to the revered Shri Kanshi Ram Ji," the release said. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Poonch: NCC cadets, students form JOSH squads for TB-free India

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:01:24 +0530

JOSH Squads Launched for TB-Free Mission

Health authorities recently organised a Tuberculosis-Free India awareness and training programme for NCC cadets and students, marking the launch of the Joint Squad for Health (JOSH) teams for the TB-free mission. Reflecting on the initiative, Student Mehbooba Khan stated that the gathering for JOSH Day is aimed at spreading awareness about tuberculosis to help make India TB-free. She emphasised that with the collective support of MY Bharat volunteers, NCC cadets, officers, and the community, they intend to educate everyone and ensure this mission becomes a shared responsibility. Speaking to ANI, she said, "...Today we have gathered for JOSH Day, as part of the Joint Squad for Health initiative. Our main objective is to spread awareness about tuberculosis and help make India TB-free. With the support of MY Bharat volunteers, NCC cadets, officers and the entire community, we aim to educate everyone and ensure that this mission becomes a collective effort."

Groundwork and Team Formation

Sharing details about the groundwork, NCC Cadet Sania Hafiz from Government Degree College, Poonch, representing the 5 J&K Battalion NCC, Poonch, explained that the programme is being organised under the Government of India, following a preparatory meeting held last month at the Chief Medical Officer's Office in Poonch. She noted that block-level teams comprising NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers have been formed to actively participate in the newly launched Josh Squad and work toward the goal of a tuberculosis-free country. She said, "... I am from Government Degree College, Poonch, and I am here representing the 5 J&K Battalion NCC, Poonch. Today, a programme is being organised under the Government of India. Last month, a meeting was held in the Conference Hall at the Chief Medical Officer's Office in Poonch.” She further added, “...NCC cadets, MY Bharat volunteers and medical staff were present at that meeting. A block-level team was formed, which included NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers. Today, a new team called the Josh Squad is being formed, and we are participating as volunteers. The main objective of the Programme is to make our country tuberculosis-free..." (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

GST Council: Assam seeks greater administrative flexibility for states

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:00:35 +0530

Assam Calls for GST Flexibility

Assam Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah called for greater administrative flexibility for destination states within the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, emphasising the ground realities faced by consumer-oriented states, during the GST Council meeting. The Minister expressed that he shared the suggestion based on Assam’s experience as a consumer state. Following the meeting held, Jayanta Mallabaruah, in a post on X, emphasised that while the state supports ongoing policy proposals, empowering senior-level administrative officials is essential for smooth execution “At the GST Council meeting held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, I shared a suggestion based on Assam’s experience as a consumer state. While expressing our support for the proposal, I highlighted the importance of providing greater administrative flexibility to destination states, particularly at the senior officer level, to facilitate effective implementation,” Jayanta Mallabaruah wrote.

He noted that the recommendations stem from the practical experiences encountered by consumer states under the existing national indirect tax architecture. “The suggestion was made keeping in mind the practical experiences of consumer states like Assam within the GST framework,” the Assam Minister wrote.

GST Council Approves Major Reforms

The 57th GST Council meeting concluded at Bharat Mandapam, approving a sweeping package of enforcement and procedural reforms.

Following the conclusion of the 57th GST Council meeting in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday said that the discussions focused on providing enhanced facilities to citizens and improving the GST framework. Speaking to reporters, CM Gupta emphasised the significance of the meet, highlighting the participation level of states. "Everything about this is special. It is excellent that all the states come together for the GST Council meeting. Discussions were held on how to provide even better facilities to Indian citizens, how to simplify the entire GST framework and make it more user-friendly, and how to ensure better implementation; the results have been very positive," she said.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant also welcomed the reforms brought about in today's GST meeting. "The measures introduced address the difficulties many people previously faced; this time, the GST Council has taken steps to resolve those issues. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Finance Minister," he said.

Annual Tax Rate Revisions

On Thursday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council will consider changes to tax rates only once a year, with decisions taking effect from April 1, marking a shift towards greater predictability in the tax regime for businesses.

Addressing a press conference after the 57th GST Council meeting, Sitharaman said, "The GST Council will take it up, take rate changes only once a year, and it will come up for decision from 1st April only."

She clarified that no GST rates were changed at Thursday's meeting, which focused on simplifying compliance, easing tax procedures and reducing disputes. "As I have briefed you all earlier, this meeting was more on the process reforms," Sitharaman said. The decision comes a year after the introduction of the two-rate GST structure, with the Council now focusing on improving the functioning of the tax system rather than undertaking further rate rationalisation.

Compliance and Refund Process Eased

Further easing the penal provisions, the general penalty for offences where no specific penalty is prescribed has been slashed from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10,000, and minimum punishments have been removed. Courts will now decide on imprisonment or specific fines.

To ease working capital stress, the Council approved fast-tracked, automated refunds, under which businesses will receive 90 per cent of claimed refunds within 13 days. The timeline for officers to acknowledge refund claims has been shortened to 10 days from 15 days. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Odisha firecracker explosion: 1 dead, 5 hurt; illegal unit suspected

Asianet News Central — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:01:01 +0530

One person was killed and five others injured in a firecracker explosion at a house in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, with police suspecting illegal firecracker manufacturing at the residence.

Police Suspect Illegal Manufacturing

Jagatsinghpur Superintendent of Police Ankit Verma said the incident was reported on Thursday afternoon in the Chandpur Gram Panchayat area and an investigation was underway. “We received a report regarding an incident in the Chandpur Gram Panchayat area where a fire occurred. Prima facie, five people were injured; according to the information we have so far, there has been one tragic fatality, one person is in critical condition, and three others are injured,” Verma said.

The SP said the concerned Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and Inspector-in-Charge (IC) reached the scene after receiving information about the incident. “As soon as we were informed, the concerned SDPO and the Inspector-in-Charge (IC) arrived at the scene, and the investigation is now underway. We will provide further updates as more details emerge during the investigation. Prima facie, it appears that illegal firecracker manufacturing was being carried out at the residence; we will share further details as they become available,” he added.

Victim Identified, Injured Hospitalised

According to preliminary information, the explosion occurred during the daytime at the house of Manoranjan Swain in Mahilo village under Patilo Gram Panchayat and Tirtol police station limits. Swain died on the spot, while four others sustained injuries, including one who was reportedly in critical condition. The deceased and three injured persons were taken to Jagatsinghpur District Headquarters Hospital, while one critically injured person was shifted to Cuttack for further treatment.

Blast Destroys House, Probe On

The blast severely damaged the house, with parts of its walls and roof left hanging. Packets of firecrackers were also found scattered in the surrounding area.

A team from Tirtol police reached the spot and initiated an investigation into the incident. Police said further details would be shared as the probe progresses and that appropriate action would be taken if illegal storage or trading of firecrackers was found to be involved.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)