'Committed To Af Sovereignty, Independence'
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged newly elected Rajya Sabha members from the National Conference to vigorously advocate for Jammu and Kashmir's political rights in Delhi. He cautioned them against losing their voice, citing past instances. Abdullah expressed confidence that the three NC members would champion the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights, addressing internal party dissent regarding unfulfilled promises.
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council's five-year term concluded without any announcement of fresh elections or its future status. This has sparked concerns among regional leaders, who view the delay as detrimental to democracy, especially following recent violent protests demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood.
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly members urged the government to transfer hundreds of Kashmiri prisoners back to the Valley, citing concerns over their deteriorating health. Separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah's family reported his critical condition, prompting calls for humanitarian intervention and urgent medical attention for him and other detainees.
Bihar's ruling NDA shifts focus to consolidating its traditional vote base, significantly reducing Yadav candidates fielded by BJP and JD(U). This strategic pivot sees replacements from Kushwaha, Nishad, and Vaishya communities, signaling a move away from social engineering towards core voter mobilization.
Wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk submitted a representation calling charges against him "flimsy and baseless." She stated that videos cited by authorities were taken out of context and misinterpreted, arguing his arrest aims to silence peaceful advocacy for Ladakh's statehood and democratic rights.
INDIA bloc partners in Bihar are in damage control mode before the first phase of polling, with some withdrawing candidates against each other. Despite internal conflicts and the JMM's exit, leaders hope for clarity by October 23, the last date for withdrawal of candidatures for the second phase.
Bihar's INDIA bloc faces internal turmoil as nomination deadlines loom, with partners fielding candidates against each other and no resolution in sight. This discord contrasts sharply with the NDA's robust campaign. Meanwhile, ticket denials have sparked dramatic protests across the state, with disgruntled aspirants expressing deep anguish and betrayal just weeks before polling begins.
The government plans to boost highway project viability by increasing Viability Gap Funding beyond the current 40% cap, paid through annuity. This move aims to attract more private investment in infrastructure. Significant contract changes are also underway for Build Operate and Transfer projects, including ensuring 95% land availability before construction and compensating for revenue shortfalls.
Congress unveiled its second list of Bihar candidates, naming nominees for five key constituencies. The Mahagathbandhan faces internal seat-sharing disputes and "friendly fights" among allies, with the BJP alleging deep conflicts.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated India cannot tolerate even the threat of a nuclear attack, citing Operation Sindoor's success in proving Pakistan's nuclear assumptions wrong. He emphasised that nation-building is a collective effort, with the entire country fighting wars, not just the armed forces.
Afghan Hindus and Sikhs in India met the Taliban's foreign minister, seeking safe passage for Indian nationals to visit their homeland and urging the regime to restore minority rights. They requested joint delegations for temple and gurdwara upkeep and proposed appointing Hindus and Sikhs to high government positions to strengthen bilateral ties.
Petitions challenge ban on 25 oooks
Akhilesh Yadav's official Facebook page was suspended without warning, sparking outrage from Samajwadi Party leaders. Party members accused Facebook of silencing democracy and vowed to hold the social media giant accountable for its actions. The reason for the suspension remains undisclosed.
As the Right to Information Act nears its 20th anniversary, a new report reveals over 4 lakh cases are pending in information commissions nationwide. Six commissions have been defunct, with Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh still non-operational. Some states face decades-long backlogs, and key leadership positions remain vacant, raising concerns about transparency.
Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed Jammu and Kashmir's law and order, urging forces to maintain 100% alert against Pakistan-backed terrorists exploiting winter snowfall for infiltration. He praised security agencies' efforts in crippling the terror network and assured continued support to achieve a terrorism-free region, emphasizing coordinated action against foreign terrorists.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India for a major trade mission, emphasizing business-to-business engagement and investment over visa relaxations for Indian workers and students. He stated that visas played no part in the recent trade deal and confirmed the UK's focus on attracting global top talent to boost its economy.
India is establishing its first apex federal agency, GTPRO, within the cabinet secretariat to plan and monitor the entire transport sector. This move aims to break down silos in infrastructure planning and improve coordination among ministries and states, drawing inspiration from international models. A Group of Transport Experts will provide technical support for long-term planning.
Congress has raised concerns with the Election Commission of India regarding Bihar's voter list after the Special Intensive Revision. The party highlighted a significant decrease in registered voters and questioned the lack of a machine-readable list, making analysis difficult. They also pointed to unaccounted additions and deletions, as well as duplicate entries, urging for a frozen electoral roll.
A truck carrying LPG cylinders collided with another vehicle on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway near Dudu, triggering multiple explosions and a major fire. Police and fire brigades responded, halting traffic and commencing rescue operations. The fire has since been brought under control with no reported casualties.
Ladakh's Leh Apex Body (LAB) rejected government claims of normalcy, accusing authorities of harassing village heads (gobas) for informing their communities about protests. LAB co-chairman Chhering Dorje Lakruk stated this harassment is an attack on their culture. The group demands internet restoration, an end to arrests, and the lifting of restrictions to rebuild public confidence.
Jammu & Kashmir's National Conference government removed a chief education officer for warning teachers against social media policy discussions. The officer's circular cited 2017 guidelines from the previous PDP-BJP government, which bar employees from criticizing policies. Despite the NC's defense, the officer was attached pending inquiry.
The Election Commission announced 17 new initiatives for Bihar's upcoming assembly elections, slated for national replication. CEC Gyanesh Kumar declared electoral rolls "purified" after 22 years through a Special Intensive Revision, dismissing opposition charges. Over 68 lakh ineligible voters were removed.
Jammu's Directorate of School Education ordered all government and private schools closed for two days, from October 5 to October 7, due to heavy rain forecasts. Director Naseem Javaid Chowdhary confirmed the decision. Additionally, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board temporarily suspended its pilgrimage during the same period, citing the Met office advisory.
Vaishno Devi temple in J&K will close for three days from October 5-7 due to heavy rain forecasts, announced the Shrine Board. This follows a 22-day shutdown in August after a landslide killed 34. The pilgrimage had resumed on September 17, with over 1.70 lakh devotees visiting since then.
Madras High Court ordered an SIT probe against actor-politician Vijay and his TVK for a stampede that killed 41 in Karur and abandoning cadres. The court also mandated a hit-and-run case against Vijay for two vehicle accidents, condemning his party's irresponsible attitude and prohibiting highway rallies until SOPs are formed.
Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital in Leh experienced unprecedented chaos on September 24 when protests led to bullet injuries, a first for many doctors. Initially treating stone-pelting victims, the hospital quickly shifted to emergency mode for the 70 injured, including four fatalities. Police now guard the premises where some accused are still being treated.
Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan extended best wishes to the RSS on its centenary, praising its inclusive approach that embraces all without distinction. He highlighted its role in national progress and its "man-making ethos" for creating self-disciplined, responsible citizens. The VP described the RSS as the world's foremost patriotic organization, attributing its enduring success to fostering unity in diversity.
Srinagar's agricultural university has welcomed Swiss Saanen goats, sparking immense interest for their high milk yield with less feed. ...
