Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's growing self-reliance in defence during Operation Sindoor, where indigenous platforms like the BrahMos-integrated Su-30Mki played a crucial role. He lauded HAL's Nashik unit for its contributions, emphasizing India's capability to design, build, and defend with its own systems.
The Election Commission has directed law enforcement agencies to intensify vigil and curb the use of cash and other inducements in the Bihar polls. A comprehensive roadmap was drawn up to combat these pernicious effects, with agencies briefed on pre-emptive and preventive measures. The EC emphasized intra-agency coordination and a zero-tolerance policy on poll inducements.
Bihar's opposition Mahagathbandhan faces scrutiny over delayed seat-sharing talks, with the NDA appearing organized. Alliance leaders, however, insist the delay signifies expansion, not disarray, citing coordination complexities. Despite some candidate overlaps, leaders express confidence in forming a government, drawing parallels to past successful alliances.
The Supreme Court has taken serious note of rising digital arrests across India, seeking a response from the government and CBI. This action follows a case where a senior citizen couple was digitally arrested using forged court orders, leading to extortion. The apex court emphasized that such fabrications undermine public trust in judicial institutions and require coordinated efforts to combat.
Padma Shri actor Manoj Bajpayee publicly denounced a manipulated campaign video falsely featuring him, shared by the RJD's IT cell. He clarified his non-affiliation with any political party, calling the clip a fake edit. The RJD later deleted the video, but the incident sparked political accusations and highlighted the ongoing high-voltage campaign for the Bihar assembly elections.
The Supreme Court has initiated a suo motu case concerning 'digital arrest' extortion scams, particularly targeting senior citizens. This action follows a complaint from a septuagenarian who lost over Rs 1 crore due to forged SC orders used by scammers. The court will assess the state police's capability to handle these nationwide rackets and consider judicial monitoring for swift investigations.
Rahul Gandhi visited the family of Hariom Valmiki, a Dalit man lynched in Raebareli. Gandhi alleged the government threatened the family against meeting him. He pledged Congress support for Dalits facing atrocities nationwide. Gandhi stated the family seeks justice and accused the government of obstructing their access to medical care and protection for perpetrators.
The Election Commission is re-implementing 1994 directives to ensure purdanasheen women voters can cast their ballots privately. Separate, inexpensive enclosures using local materials like charpoys and bedspreads will be set up at polling stations. Lady staff will be deployed to assist and identify these voters, addressing past reasons for low turnout.
India's Census 2027 pre-test for houselisting begins November 10, testing digital methods and questionnaires. This crucial step precedes the main census in April 2026. The exercise, the first fully digital census, aims to finalize population data by 2027-end, impacting delimitation and women's quota implementation.
Gujarat's entire cabinet resigned, excluding the CM, ahead of local elections and a major reshuffle. India rejected President Trump's claim about halting Russian oil imports, prioritizing energy security and consumer welfare. In Bihar, JD(U) unveiled its candidate list, focusing on OBC/EBC outreach and new faces for state elections.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath slammed opposition parties, accusing them of prioritising family politics over national development. He highlighted the NDA's commitment to progress in Bihar, contrasting it with alleged «jungle raj» and «dynastic politics» of the past. CM Yogi also criticised the Congress for questioning religious figures and allowing illegal infiltration.
India has strongly rebuffed the UK's new sanctions on Russia's oil sector and Indian firms, asserting its commitment to energy security and warning against «double standards» in global trade. New Delhi reiterated its non-recognition of unilateral sanctions, emphasising the paramount importance of meeting citizens' basic energy needs. The UK's move targeted Russian oil exports and entities, including India's Nayara Energy.
The BJP has unveiled its initial list of 40 star campaigners for the Bihar Assembly elections, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top party leaders. The list predominantly includes figures from North India and chief ministers of neighboring states, alongside prominent Bhojpuri actors and former Union ministers.
A Supreme Court petition challenges the Air India Flight AI171 crash probe, alleging the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's report is flawed and biased. The deceased pilot's father and pilots' federation demand an independent, judicially monitored inquiry, citing technical inconsistencies and potential system failures over pilot error.
The father of a pilot involved in the ill-fated Air India flight AI171 crash has approached the Supreme Court seeking a retired judge-monitored probe. The court had previously expressed concerns over the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report, which indicated potential pilot lapses in the tragedy that claimed 260 lives.
The UP CM's remarks came during a rally in Danapur near Patna, held in support of BJP candidate and former Union minister Ram Kripal Yadav, who filed his nomination papers earlier in the day.
India's External Affairs Ministry clarified that the nation's oil import policies prioritize consumer interests amidst a volatile energy market. While discussions on deepening energy cooperation with the US are ongoing, New Delhi maintains its strategy of broad-basing and diversifying energy sources to ensure stable prices and secure supplies, a stance reiterated by the MEA spokesperson.
Contempt proceedings are set to begin against lawyer Rakesh Kishore. This follows his shoe-throwing attempt at Chief Justice BR Gavai. The Supreme Court Bar Association sought to curb social media's coverage of the incident. Justices expressed concern over the court's time being diverted. They noted that action might further fuel the controversy.
