During an event in Canberra, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the United States is anticipated to embrace a more inward-looking approach, regardless of who wins the upcoming presidential election. He highlighted a growing trend of the US becoming more cautious about its global commitments, suggesting this pattern will likely persist.
India's Parliament is gearing up for a potentially turbulent winter session, scheduled from November 25th to December 20th, with contentious bills like the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and a 'one nation, one election' legislation on the agenda. The session coincides with the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution.
The Waqf Board's claim on the historic Bidar Fort, a protected monument under ASI custody for over 70 years, has shocked officials. A 2005 notification listed the fort as Waqf property, despite its protected status since 1951. The Board also claims two Bidar villages, raising concerns among farmers and prompting calls for clarification.
Hindu saints in Prayagraj have voiced their support for the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad's proposal to ban non-Hindu vendors from the Maha Kumbh mela area. They argue that the event is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions and allowing non-believers to profit from it is inappropriate. The saints threatened to boycott the event if their demands are not met.
The Dawoodi Bohra community, in a deposition before a parliamentary committee, argued against being included under the purview of any waqf board, including the separate board proposed for Bohras and Agakhanis in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Citing their unique structure and beliefs, the community asserted that their affairs do not necessitate external regulation.
Karnataka's Excise Minister RB Timmapur is facing accusations of demanding a ₹16 crore bribe from excise officials. The Karnataka Wine Merchants' Association alleges widespread bribery and money laundering within the minister's office, prompting calls for his resignation. Timmapur denies the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
India's Supreme Court has upheld Article 31C of the Constitution, which grants legal protection to laws enacted to fulfill Directive Principles of State Policy. This decision reaffirms a portion of the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case judgment while acknowledging the limitations imposed by the Minerva Mills ruling on the article's scope.
Justice Hrishikesh Roy playfully remarked on the Supreme Court's recent judgments, complimenting Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's extensive contributions to the court's 'intellectual resources' while also lightheartedly requesting contributions from other benches in the CJI's remaining days in office.
Justice B V Nagarathna disagreed with Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud's criticism of the Justice Krishna Iyer Doctrine, calling it unwarranted. Both Nagarathna and Justice Dhulia defended the doctrine's humanist principles and its relevance to India's socio-economic context at the time.
The Supreme Court ruled that private property cannot be broadly categorized as community resources under Article 39(b) of the Constitution. This overturns a 46-year-old socialist interpretation, asserting that while the state can distribute resources for common good, it must be determined on a case-by-case basis and should not assume all private assets are inherently community-owned.
The Supreme Court ruled against extending the concept of 'material resources' to private assets, reigniting the debate on wealth redistribution sparked during the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress party had proposed equitable distribution of assets based on caste, drawing criticism from the BJP, who labeled it as vote bank politics.
Students from M.D. University's Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management (IHTM) won two awards at the national AMRUT – AICTE Millet Recipe Unleashing Talent Grand Finale. The team received Rs 1 lakh for their Kodo Millet Salad and another Rs 1 lakh for their Bajra Churma.
A new well-being survey at IIT Madras revealed that one-third of freshmen require mental health support. The survey, conducted to address suicides and self-harm incidents, found loneliness and past trauma as significant challenges. The institute is implementing stress management programs, reducing course load, and introducing mandatory recreational courses to support student well-being.
Veteran Indian folk singer Sharda Sinha, renowned for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi music, passed away at 72. Prime Minister Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led tributes, remembering her iconic voice, especially her renditions associated with the Chhath Puja festival.
In the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision for the region, suggesting that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 might have been avoided had Vajpayee's roadmap been followed. Abdullah lamented the current state of affairs, emphasizing the importance of Vajpayee's slogan of «Democracy, Kashmiri ethos, and humanity.»
Two terrorists were killed in a clash with security forces in Bandipora, Kashmir, amidst a surge in violence following the establishment of a new government. The Lieutenant Governor vowed to crush terrorism, warning that those harboring terrorists would face severe consequences, including home demolitions. He attributed the recent unrest to Pakistan's attempts to disrupt peace and emphasized the need for public support in combating terrorism.
Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that houses providing shelter to terrorists will be demolished. This statement comes despite the Supreme Court's warning against such actions, stating that mere accusation or conviction doesn't justify demolition. Sinha defended the move as a demand for justice and urged citizens to identify those aiding terrorists.
An under-construction bullet train bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Anand district, trapping workers under the debris. Rescue teams are working to save those trapped, with two workers already rescued. The bridge is part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse.
Jharkhand's chief electoral officer is demanding an explanation from Ranchi Airport after Hemant Soren's helicopter was delayed for 90 minutes. The delay was attributed to security protocols for PM Modi, who was also in the state for campaigning. The JMM has complained to the President, alleging an uneven playing field for campaigning.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath fiercely criticized the ruling JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand, alleging corruption and mafia involvement. He urged voters to elect the BJP for a crackdown on illegal activities and promised development similar to Uttar Pradesh. Adityanath also accused the Congress of obstructing temple construction and praised PM Modi's leadership.
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district engaged in a fierce firefight with terrorists hiding in the forest area. Acting on credible intelligence, the forces launched a search operation, leading to a confrontation when terrorists opened fire. In a separate incident near Sopore, a suspected terrorist associate, Ashiq Hussain Wani, was apprehended with a pistol and ammunition.
A Delhi court extended AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan's judicial custody till November 16 in the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed Khan might hamper the ongoing investigation if released. The ED filed a supplementary charge sheet against Khan on October 29, alleging money laundering. Khan's bail plea will be heard on November 7.
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot seize private property for redistribution, overturning a previous socialist-leaning judgment. The 7:2 ruling clarified that while states can acquire private land in specific situations, Article 39(b) of the Constitution doesn't grant them sweeping powers to nationalize resources for the 'common good.
The Supreme Court overturned a high court ruling, upholding the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Education Act. The court affirmed the state's right to regulate educational standards in madrassas without infringing on minority rights. However, certificates beyond Class XII issued by madrassas won't be recognized by the UP Madrassa Board.
The Supreme Court overturned a high court ruling, upholding the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Education Act. The court affirmed the state's right to regulate educational standards in madrasas without infringing on minority rights. However, certificates beyond Class XII issued by madrasas won't be recognized by the UP Madarsa Board.
The Indian government has issued a notice to Wikipedia, alleging bias and inaccuracies in its content. The government also questioned Wikipedia's editorial control and whether it should be classified as a publisher. This follows a Delhi High Court ruling that criticized Wikipedia's open editing feature as «dangerous.»
Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man, is aiming for a 2025 Mumbai listing for his telecom business Jio, which analysts value at over $100 billion. Ambani plans to launch his retail unit's IPO much later, however, as the company addresses internal challenges.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar has expressed strong concerns over the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, calling the incident 'deeply concerning.' This statement comes after Canadian authorities launched an investigation into alleged involvement of Indian diplomats in violence against a Khalistan extremist leader, a claim India firmly denies.
Bollywood star Salman Khan received yet another death threat, this time allegedly from an individual claiming to be the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The caller demanded a public apology at their temple or a hefty sum of Rs 5 crore to spare the actor's life.
A Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, was targeted in an attack allegedly by pro-Khalistan supporters, sparking outrage and protests from the Indian community. Thousands rallied, condemning the violence and urging action against Khalistani extremism. Police arrested three individuals connected to the incident, while an officer faces suspension for participating in the protest.
The BJP has criticized Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi for not speaking out against recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari contrasted their silence with Prime Minister Modi's swift condemnation of the incidents and his support for the Indian diaspora.
