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The Centre has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to introduce provisions for vehicles running on 100 per cent ethanol (E100) fuel, allowing its use in flex-fuel vehicles from Monday.According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the amendments replace several references to E85 fuel with “E85 or E100” across emission standards and testing requirements. However, the government has clarified that these fuels can be used only in flex-fuel vehicles specifically designed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).The changes also revise certain fuel and vehicle classifications, including an increase in the gross vehicle weight threshold in one emission table from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg.Other amendments update references to hydrogen-compressed natural gas (HCNG), petrol blended with up to 20 per cent ethanol (E20), and biodiesel standards. The notification also makes technical corrections to emission-testing tables and related notes.Earlier this year, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that switching to a car running entirely on ethanol could bring fuel costs down to the equivalent of around Rs 25 per litre.Meanwhile, a report by Brickwork Ratings estimated that India's ethanol demand could reach 17.9 billion litres by the financial year 2031 under an E25 blending scenario in its base case.The report said India's existing installed distillation capacity of 18.25 billion litres was sufficient to meet demand under both the base and bear scenarios.“The base case translates into utilisation of approximately 98 per cent of the existing 18.25 billion litre capacity. If blending remains at E20, demand is estimated at 14.3 billion litres under the bear case, implying utilisation of around 78 per cent,” the report said.Gadkari has also highlighted the use of ethanol in vehicles internationally, saying, “Ethanol is being used in 19 countries in the world and today no complaint is coming from any vehicle in India.”(With IANS inputs)

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the amendments replace several references to E85 fuel with “E85 or E100” across emission standards and testing requirements.

Centre notifies E100 fuel norms for flex-fuel vehicles, restricts use to compatible cars

Centre notifies E100 Fuel norms for flex-fuel vehicles, limits use to compatible car

China's Foreign Ministry on Monday said Beijing had consistently followed border agreements with India, responding to reports of face-offs between the two sides in Arunachal Pradesh.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China had conducted routine patrols and management activities in the border areas to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maintain stability."China has consistently and strictly abided by the relevant agreements and important understandings between the two countries, conducting routine patrols and management activities in the border areas to safeguard territorial sovereignty and border stability," Guo said.He added that China and India remained in contact through diplomatic and military channels and called on New Delhi to work with Beijing to maintain peace along the border."China hopes India will work in the same direction to jointly implement the understandings reached by both sides and take concrete steps to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," he said.<h3>MEA Responds to Reports of PLA Face-Offs</h3>The Chinese statement comes after India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed reports of continuing face-offs involving the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday.The MEA said the specifics of the reported incidents should be addressed by the Ministry of Defence. It also noted that tensions along the India-China border arise from time to time when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns."As we have noted in the past, the situation in the India-China border areas gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns," the MEA said.It added that both countries continued to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings or miscalculations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).The ministry also said the two sides had agreed to discuss ways to improve their understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas to strengthen border management."I would also like to emphasise that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations," the MEA said.<h3>India, China Reaffirm Commitment to Border Peace</h3>On August 25, the 25th round of talks between the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China on the boundary question was held in Beijing.During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to following the guidance provided by their respective leaders, maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas, and creating conditions for the healthy and steady development of bilateral relations.The two countries also stressed the need to advance negotiations on a framework for settling the boundary question. They agreed to pursue a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question, as well as the consensus reached during subsequent Special Representatives' talks.Both sides further agreed that any situation arising on the ground would be addressed promptly through established diplomatic and military channels. These include the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), local commander-level meetings and other agreed mechanisms.The aim, they said, was to resolve outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings or miscalculations along the LAC.(With ANI inputs)

He added that China and India remained in contact through diplomatic and military channels and called on New Delhi to work with Beijing to maintain peace along the border.

China says it abides by border agreements after reports of face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh

China says it abides by border agreements after reports of face-offs in Arunachal

<div>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit back at Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, posting a pointed message on social media: “Modi kahi nahi jayega broooo,” on Monday.</div><div>The party shared a two-slide graphic asserting that Modi had been elected Prime Minister for a third consecutive term and enjoyed the support of voters.</div><div>In an official post on X, the BJP wrote, “We’ve a message for Congress, RaGa and Kharge: “It’s DONE, Broooo!” The accompanying graphic carried the message “Dear Kharge, Modi kahi nahi jayega!” and added, “He was voted in as pm for the third time. He has our votes broooo. Something your master will never have”.</div><div>The social media post came amid a political row over Kharge’s remark, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega”, made during an event in Patna, Bihar, on Sunday.</div><h2>‘Modi ka baap bhi jayega’: Kharge’s controvesial remark sparks outrage</h2><div>A ruckus broke out during Kharge’s address at the 139th birth anniversary celebration of former Bihar Chief Minister Krishna Singh. The incident took place when a person at the event said that Prime Minister Modi would not go anywhere. Kharge responded, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega”.</div><div>The BJP condemned the remark, accusing the Congress chief of crossing the boundaries of political decorum and demanding a public apology. BJP leaders also called for Kharge’s removal from the party’s top post.</div><div>Congress, however, rejected the allegations that the remark amounted to an insult. Congress MP Pawan Khera said Kharge was referring to the Prime Minister’s ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and its chief, Mohan Bhagwat.</div><div>Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel also defended Kharge, arguing that the remark did not constitute an insult and accusing the BJP of selective outrage over political language.</div><h2>BJP leaders step up attack</h2><div>Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of repeatedly violating political norms, alleging that the party had a history of using abusive language against Modi and his family.</div><div>BJP president Nitin Nabin also described Kharge’s remarks as a reflection of what he called the Congress’s ideological bankruptcy.</div><div>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said political opposition should not descend into personal attacks against a leader’s family.</div><div>Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan demanded that the Congress either provide an explanation or remove Kharge from the party presidency.</div><div>Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi led a protest march in Patna on Monday, with party workers raising slogans against the Congress leadership and burning a poster of Rahul Gandhi.</div><div>The protesters demanded a public apology from Kharge and warned that their agitation would continue until he apologised.</div><div>The Madhya Pradesh BJP’s state core committee also passed a resolution condemning Kharge’s remarks, state party president Hemant Khandelwal said on Monday.</div><h2>Opposition questions BJP’s response</h2><div>The controversy has drawn criticism from leaders beyond the BJP and Congress. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha said the language used in political exchanges could not be supported, but questioned what he described as selective outrage.</div><div>He called for a two-day parliamentary discussion on the standard of language used by both the ruling party and the opposition.</div><div>Congress Rajya Sabha member Akhilesh Prasad Singh defended Kharge, arguing that the BJP had initiated the trend of using such language in political discourse and was now objecting to it.</div><div>The exchange has intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with both sides trading accusations over personal remarks, political decorum and the standards expected of public representatives.</div><div>(with agencies input)</div>

The BJP condemned the remark, accusing the Congress chief of crossing the boundaries of political decorum and demanding a public apology.

‘Modi kahi nahi jayega broooo’: BJP hits out at Kharge over his ‘baap’ remarks on PM

The back-and-forth has sharpened the divide between groups with opposing politics, and a confrontation between the ABVP and Left organisations has been reported.

JNU graffiti row deepens as new slogans appear, ABVP and Left groups face off

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India in 1947 was based on trust and assurances from the country's secular leadership, arguing that the arrangement was intended to protect the region's distinct identity rather than weaken its ties with the Union. She accused the subsequent breakdown of trust, including Sheikh Abdullah's shift towards a plebiscite demand, of fuelling suspicion about the people of Jammu and Kashmir.Addressing party workers on Accession Day, Mufti recalled the historical circumstances surrounding October 26, 1947, when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession. She said the endorsement of the decision by Sheikh Abdullah, then the region's most popular leader, had reassured people that India did not intend to impose its will on Jammu and Kashmir.Mufti said the accession was conditional and aimed at safeguarding the region's culture, land, employment and political identity. She said Articles 370 and 35A later reflected those safeguards, which she claimed had been supported by assurances from leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru.“We don’t know what went wrong that Sheikh Abdullah went against it by 1953 and to counter him RSS started one national one constitution campaign,” she said.“Kashmir is highest militarized area today and it is result of the mistrust that arose after Sheikh Abdullah’s plebiscite campaign. BJP is trampling the constitution that gave us 370 across the country. I don’t have faith in courts and government but have faith in people of India.”She said restrictions on protests and the presentation of what she called “enforced peace” as a political victory should concern the rest of the country.“We are not allowed to protest on the streets, and BJP is projecting the ‘enforced peace’ as the victory. It is a warning for the whole country and today we want to remind the people of India of the promises made to the people of J&amp;K. Today we celebrate the day we joined a great nation, but people of India should also fulfil their end of the bargain,” Mufti said.<h3>Mehbooba Mufti Revisits 1947 Accession</h3>Recounting the events leading to the accession, Mufti said the partition of British India had largely followed religious lines, with some Muslim-majority princely states joining Pakistan and Hindu-majority states acceding to India. She referred to Hyderabad to argue that the wishes of a ruler could not automatically override those of the majority population.She said Pakistan had expected Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir to join it but made a “historical blunder” by sending tribal invaders into the region.“A very big attack took place on the people of Jammu and Kashmir at that time, because the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted to take their decision after thinking carefully. As a result, the Maharaja requested the Indian government that we confront this invasion that has taken place,” she said.Mufti said India's leaders at the time, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B R Ambedkar, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, believed the country should remain secular, with people of different religions living together.She said the Indian leadership had insisted that the accession would not be complete without the endorsement of Jammu and Kashmir's popular leadership. Sheikh Abdullah's support, she argued, helped reassure people that their identity and sentiments would be respected.According to Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir's diverse population, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, had a distinct mixed culture that needed protection. She said the conditions attached to the accession were intended to preserve that identity and prevent outsiders from buying land or taking local jobs.“An Instrument of Accession was signed, which you are seeing, so that outsiders should not come and buy our land for a song, because our land is very limited, our land holding is very small,” she said.She added that local employment also needed protection because the region's education system at the time did not place its people on an equal footing with those from outside.Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir had joined India with trust and recalled Nehru's vision of making the region a “show-window” for the world.“Jawaharlal Nehru said, ‘I want to make Jammu and Kashmir a show-window, a window for the world, so that the whole world keeps looking at it,’” she said.<h3>Accuses Sheikh Abdullah's Plebiscite Campaign of Deepening Distrust</h3>Mufti said relations between Sheikh Abdullah and the Centre deteriorated in the years following accession. She alleged that Abdullah's later demand for a plebiscite, and his statements favouring Pakistan, gave Hindutva groups an opportunity to intensify their campaign for “one nation, one flag, one constitution”.She argued that Abdullah's change in position had consequences for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who, she claimed, came to be viewed with suspicion for decades.Although Sheikh Abdullah returned to the political mainstream through the 1975 Accord and abandoned the plebiscite demand, Mufti said that suspicion had continued.“You have seen if you look today, Jammu and Kashmir is the area in the whole world that has the highest militarization. There are seven or eight lakh soldiers here, security forces, CRPF, BSF and so on,” she said.Mufti cited police raids, arrests, restrictions on movement and blocked passports as examples of the difficulties faced by residents. She also referred to reports of Kashmiri people being assaulted in Haryana and alleged that young people continued to face obstacles when seeking employment and education outside the region.She criticised the heavy security presence, saying journeys that should take an hour could stretch to three hours because of checkpoints and security deployments.“Meaning, even after so many years, Jammu and Kashmir is still in trouble, and the biggest thing about Jammu and Kashmir is that the talk of Jammu and Kashmir happens everywhere,” she said.Mufti also criticised the way Kashmir is discussed at international forums and during elections elsewhere in India. She argued that meaningful political engagement had been replaced by investigations, arrests and laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA).She alleged that the region's political concerns were being addressed through security agencies and restrictions rather than dialogue.<h3>‘2019 Changes Fulfilled Hindutva Agenda’, Says PDP Chief</h3>Mufti said the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 had fulfilled what she described as the Hindutva agenda and had been followed by further restrictions and difficulties for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.She accused the BJP of dismantling constitutional protections and said she had little expectation that the current government would restore them. However, she appealed to people across India to take note of what she described as the treatment of Kashmiris.Referring to incidents on July 22 and October 10, she alleged that young people had faced violence and that thousands had been detained or made to furnish bonds. She said restrictions on peaceful protests had become routine since 2019.“We cannot even come on the roads to do peaceful protest. We are forbidden from going out, we are forbidden from speaking. And the BJP considers this silence as peace; it considers it as normalcy. It is not normalcy; this is terror, the taste of which the entire country is now experiencing,” she said.Mufti said her message on Accession Day was intended to remind Indians that Jammu and Kashmir, despite being Muslim-majority and home to different religious and cultural communities, had chosen to join India.She urged the Centre to honour the assurances given at the time of accession and said the region's people were entitled to dignity, constitutional rights and a political relationship based on mutual trust.<h3>Appeals to Centre to Follow Vajpayee's Approach</h3>In her concluding remarks, Mufti appealed to the Centre to follow the approach of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had described Kashmir as a human problem requiring a humane response.“The land is with you, but please try the way Atal Bihari Vajpayee had thought that this is a human problem. Here one will have to work with humanity. One will have to work with democracy; one will have to work with Kashmir,” she said.She warned that increasing the number of security personnel would not resolve the region's political problems and said the situation should serve as a warning to the rest of the country.Mufti reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir had joined India under the leadership of figures such as Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar, whom she described as advocates of equal rights and secularism.She urged Indians to remember the promises made at the time of accession and called on the government to end what she described as oppression in the region.“Do not drag it, it by holding its arm rather hold its hand and teach it to walk with you,” she said.

Addressing party workers on Accession Day, Mufti recalled the historical circumstances surrounding October 26, 1947, when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession.

Mehbooba Mufti says J&K accession was built on trust, accuses Sheikh Abdullah of fueling distrust

Mehbooba says J&K accession was built on trust, accuses Abdullah of fueling distrust

For decades, separatists and their ideological allies portrayed October 26 as a “Black Day” in Kashmir, marking the signing of the Instrument of Accession. On Monday, the BJP sought to change that narrative, celebrating the 79th anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India as a day of victory, pride and national unity across the Union Territory.On October 26, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, formally integrating the princely state with the Dominion of India. The following day, October 27, Indian troops landed in Srinagar to repel the tribal invasion launched from Pakistan. What separatists had long sought to portray as a tragedy, the BJP now presents as the foundation of Kashmir’s enduring bond with India. The party argues that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 further consolidated that relationship.BJP offices across Jammu and Kashmir witnessed celebrations, with leaders and workers gathering to mark the occasion. At the party's headquarters in Srinagar, a large gathering unfurled the Tricolour and party flags, raised slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and distributed sweets. Similar programmes were organised at party offices and public venues across the Union Territory, with the J&amp;K unit marking the occasion with the festive spirit associated with Eid, Holi and Diwali.Speaking to Zee News, BJP's Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur described Maharaja Hari Singh's decision as a rejection of the two-nation theory and a visionary choice to join India's democratic system.“This is a day of Eid, Holi, Diwali for us. We have got merged with the Indian state, the mother of democracy. We are now proud Indians,” Thakur said.He argued that the 1947 accession was decisively strengthened by the constitutional changes introduced in 2019, which removed Article 370 and, in the BJP's view, completed Jammu and Kashmir's integration with India in letter and spirit.Thakur also targeted political rivals, accusing National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and his party of attempting to obscure their record of misgovernance and remaining emotionally invested in the violence of the past.“Farooq should publicly apologize,” he said, alleging that the National Conference remained more comfortable with the old narrative of victimhood than with what he described as Kashmir's emerging story of peace and development.Thakur also criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dismissing them as the frustration of a party that had repeatedly lost elections, he announced that the BJP would organise protests against the Congress.The celebrations come amid a sharp political exchange following Farooq Abdullah's recent comments suggesting that Pakistan's continued international advocacy on Kashmir somehow protects the region's interests. BJP leaders, including Thakur and Jammu and Kashmir unit president Sat Sharma, have described those remarks as anti-national and demanded accountability.For the BJP, Accession Day has become more than a contested historical anniversary. The party sees it as an opportunity to underline its claim that the changes introduced after 2019 have opened a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir. It presents the occasion as a reaffirmation of the Maharaja's decision and the principles of one Constitution, one flag and one citizenship, while arguing that the Valley's youth are increasingly looking towards development and opportunity rather than the politics of grievance.Where separatist calls for a “Black Day” once shaped the anniversary's public narrative, the BJP says celebrations marked by saffron flags, Tricolour rallies and public displays of support for the accession now reflect a changing political mood in Srinagar and across the Union Territory. On Monday, the party made that contrast central to its message.

On October 26, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, formally integrating the princely state with the Dominion of India.

From ‘Black Day’ to festival of unity: BJP turns accession anniversary into celebration of new Kashmir

BJP turns Kashmir accession day from ‘Black Day’ into celebration of unity and pride

The court held that the restriction did not apply because the person could not be treated as either Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe in Odisha.

Odish HC: Caste status is state-specific, cannot be carried across states

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday strongly criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remarks concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s father, urging him to maintain personal decorum and refrain from crossing boundaries.In a statement, Singh said Kharge’s remarks in Patna had left him shocked and deeply hurt. He also expressed concern that such comments had come from the national president of a party that claims to be the country’s oldest political organisation.“The remark made yesterday in Patna by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge against Prime Minister Modi’s late father has left me stunned and deeply hurt,” Singh said.“What is most shocking in this entire episode is that this statement did not come from an ordinary Congress worker or a young leader, but from the National President of the party that calls itself the country’s oldest political party,” he added.Singh said Kharge’s conduct had hurt the sentiments of millions of people across the country.“Through his conduct, the Congress President has hurt the sentiments of millions of countrymen. But Congress leaders did not stop there; now, the Congress party is trying to justify Kharge ji’s words, further hurting public sentiments,” he said.“Instead of accepting their mistake and expressing regret, Congress is busy attempting to defend and validate this statement. Kharge is at a very senior post; it doesn't suit him,” Singh added.In further criticism, the Defence Minister said political disagreements should not descend into personal attacks or involve the families of political leaders.“Turning ideological opposition into personal insults, dragging political disagreement down to crude language, and targeting the Prime Minister’s family reflects Congress’ frustration and ideological bankruptcy,” Singh said.He described the controversy as an attack on the dignity of Indian politics, stressing that democratic opposition must remain within the boundaries of personal decorum.“I believe this is not just an insult to an individual or a family, but an attack on the dignity of Indian politics itself. In a democracy, oppose as much as you like, question policies, and criticise the government, but at least do not cross the boundaries of personal decorum, this is the advice I would like to give,” he said.Singh further alleged that the Congress had experienced not merely a political decline but an ideological collapse.“Today, Congress has suffered not just a political downfall, but a complete ideological collapse. Congress must remember that in a democracy, the public keeps track of everything, and when the time comes, they give a fitting reply,” he said.Reaffirming his confidence in the Prime Minister, Singh added: “I want to make it very clear to Congress that Prime Minister Modi can neither be shaken by such remarks, nor can his resolve for public service be weakened in any way.”The controversy erupted during Kharge’s address at a Congress event in Patna on Sunday. While the Congress president was criticising the Prime Minister, a person in the audience reportedly interrupted him, saying that Modi would not leave power.Kharge responded, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega” (Even Modi’s father will have to go), repeating the remark and triggering a political row. The comment drew criticism from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress chief of crossing the boundaries of political discourse. With IANS inputs...

Rajnath Singh criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father, accusing the Congress of undermining political decorum.

'Do not cross boundaries of personal decorum': Rajnath Singh slams Kharge over remark against PM

'Don't cross boundaries of...': Rajnath Singh slams Kharge over remark against PM

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects Cyclone Arnab to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28. Wind speeds could reach 115-125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have stepped up preparations as the storm is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal.The IMD said on Monday (October 26) that the cyclone was moving west-northwestwards and would strengthen further as it approached the coast. The forecast puts coastal districts of both states on alert for strong winds and heavy rainfall.In its bulletin, the IMD's Bhubaneswar unit said that the storm was likely to reach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28.“It is very likely to move northwestwards, intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm and reach Westcentral Bay of Bengal near Andhra Pradesh coast around morning of 28th October, 2026,” it said.The cyclone was located over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal at 11.30 pm on October 25. It was about 730 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 820 km east-southeast of Kakinada and 990 km east of Bapatla.The IMD forecast wind speeds of 75 kmph as Arnab moved closer to the coast, with stronger winds expected on October 27. The storm is likely to become a very severe cyclonic storm before reaching the coast.<h2>Odisha to deploy 60 ODRAF teams</h2>Odisha has activated its disaster response machinery and plans to deploy 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams in three phases.ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said that 20 teams had been deployed for ground preparations. The state has also coordinated with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and brought trained ODRAF personnel into the response plan.“Given the cyclone's projected intensity, officials have held high-level meetings, including consultations between state officials and the IMD. It has been confirmed that a major cyclone is expected; however, the positive aspect is that Odisha is fully prepared,” Kumar told ANI.He said that state and district administrations were working with the police and disaster response teams to prepare for emergencies.The Odisha government has cancelled leave for disaster management personnel and placed 225 rescue teams on high alert across vulnerable districts. Police and disaster response units have been deployed in coastal areas, while district control rooms are operating round the clock.Satyajit Nayak, inspector general of police, central range, Cuttack, said that four ODRAF teams had been deployed in each of Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khordha districts. Superintendents of Police have been directed to coordinate with district administrations and take preventive measures.<h2>Andhra Pradesh CM orders high alert</h2>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to maintain high alert and ensure preparations across departments. At a review meeting on Monday, he directed district administrations to set up control rooms and provide timely information to residents.He also asked departments to coordinate their response and ensure that people in vulnerable areas receive assistance during severe weather.In Tamil Nadu, mechanised boat fishermen in Thoothukudi district did not venture out to sea on Monday following a cyclone warning. Fishermen have been advised to follow official weather alerts as conditions over the Bay of Bengal deteriorate.

The cyclone is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. Odisha has mobilised disaster response teams, while Andhra Pradesh officials prepare for strong winds and heavy rain.

With winds speed up to 140 kmph, monster cyclone Arnab to make landfall on Oct 28 – which coastal districts face worst wrath?

Cyclone Arnab: 140 kmph winds, Oct 28 landfall – which coastal districts at risk?

Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh): A special MP/MLA court at Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh on Monday (October 26) acquitted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation suit filed against him over alleged objectionable statements about Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2018.The leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha travelled from Delhi to Sultanpur this morning to hear the court's verdict.The complaint was filed by Vijay Mishra, the BJP's then district vice-president, over remarks Gandhi allegedly made at a press conference in Bengaluru in May 2018. At the time, Shah was the BJP's national president.The complainant alleged that Gandhi had called Shah an accused in a murder case and made derogatory statements about him. Mishra, who was also the chairman of the local District Co-operative Bank, filed a formal complaint over the statement.Advocate Kashi Prasad Shukla, who represented the complainant, said that the case dated back to May 2018, when Gandhi allegedly made the remarks during a press conference in Bengaluru.The MP/MLA court had summoned the Congress leader in connection with the complaint on December 16, 2023. The proceedings went on for several years before the court delivered its decision on Monday.Speaking to ANI earlier on Monday, Mishra said that he was hopeful of receiving justice and expected the verdict to favour him."We are hopeful that we will receive justice, given the way they behaved toward our BJP’s national president at that time (Amit Shah). This legal case has been ongoing since 2018, spanning all the way to 2026. Today is the date for the verdict, and given how the case has been contested by our legal counsel, we are optimistic that the judgment will be in our favour," he had said.Before the verdict, advocate Pandey had said that a conviction under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) could carry a prison term of up to two years and a fine.Section 500 of the IPC prescribes the punishment for defamation. Section 437A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) requires an accused to furnish bail bonds and sureties to ensure their appearance before a higher court if an appeal is filed against the trial court's decision.

The complaint was filed by former BJP District Vice-President Vijay Mishra over the Congress leader’s alleged 2018 statements about Amit Shah at a press conference in Bengaluru. The case had been pending since 2018.

Relief for Rahul Gandhi: UP court acquits Congress leader in 2018 defamation case

Relief for Rahul Gandhi: UP court acquits him in 2018 defamation case

Days before the vote, on Friday, October 23, two Israeli soldiers were shot dead near Hebron, a city in the West Bank, the Palestinian territory Israel controls. Within hours, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in a bulletproof vest. He promised to empty the neighbourhood the attackers came from, search every house, seize weapons and destroy what he called terrorist infrastructure, just as his forces had done in refugee camps. For decades Netanyahu has sold himself as "Mr Security", the one man who can keep Israel safe. The question now is whether that promise still convinces anyone.On Tuesday, 27 October, Israelis vote for the first time since 7 October 2023, when fighters from Hamas, the armed group ruling Gaza, launched the deadliest attack in the country's history. Many call this the most important election Israel has ever held. A nation that has buried its dead, watched rockets fall on its cities and sent its young to war after war must now decide whom it trusts.Four questions shape the vote. The first is safety. Hamas still holds ground in Gaza. Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia in neighbouring Lebanon, remains influential. Both are weaker, but neither is finished. Then there is Iran. Last year Israel and Iran bombed each other directly for the first time. This year that turned into open war, now paused by a ceasefire. Netanyahu points to that ceasefire, his campaign against Hezbollah and his close ties with President Donald Trump, who has endorsed him, as proof that he delivers.The second question is Netanyahu himself. The election is, in effect, a referendum, a simple yes or no on his leadership. He has never accepted blame for 7 October, though according to several reports, warnings reached him beforehand, including tip-offs from the UAE and Egypt. He denies this; voters may not believe him. Most Israelis consider Iran's government a threat to their very existence, yet many question his strategy. He persuaded the United States to go to war against Iran, and the regime in Tehran still stands. He is also campaigning while standing trial on corruption charges, which he denies.His record on protecting the homeland has been dented too. Iranian missiles got past the Iron Dome, Israel's shield system meant to shoot down incoming rockets. In a separate scare, a co-pilot on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight tried to seize the aircraft and crash it into Tel Aviv; passengers and crew overpowered him and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Abroad, Israel's image has collapsed, from worldwide sympathy in late 2023 to isolation today. Netanyahu faces an international arrest warrant, and Israel's friendships in the West have cooled.The third question divides Israeli families. Every adult must serve in the army. But ultra-Orthodox Jews, a deeply religious community devoted to studying scripture, refuse, saying military service clashes with their faith. Netanyahu has largely protected this exemption. Parents whose children fight at the front find that bitterly unfair.The fourth is money. Taxes have gone up to pay for war, and prices have crept higher. Struggling households rarely reward the leader in charge.Across Israel's streets, two faces stare at each other from posters: Netanyahu of the Likud party, and the man who wants his job, Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot is a former army chief, once Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces. His party, Yashar, meaning "straight", is barely a year old, yet it has topped almost every opinion poll this summer. Behind him stands a broad camp. On 26 April 2026, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett (June 2021 to June 2022) and Yair Lapid (July to December 2022) formed a joint front called B'Yachad, Hebrew for "Together", led by Bennett. Alongside them are Avigdor Liberman, a former Defence Minister who leads Yisrael Beytenu, and Yair Golan, a former senior military officer heading the Democrats. Netanyahu's own Likud depends on far-right partners, Security Minister Ben-Gvir of Jewish Power and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of Religious Zionism, both demanding the harshest line on Gaza, as well as the ultra-Orthodox parties.Now the arithmetic. Israel's parliament, called the Knesset, has 120 seats. Unlike in India, voters choose a party, not an individual candidate. Seats are shared according to vote share: about 10 percent of votes earns roughly 12 seats. A party must win at least 3.25 percent nationwide to enter at all. One that just crosses that line gets about four seats, given to the first four names on its list. Anything below gets nothing.To govern, a leader needs a majority, 61 of 120 seats. In almost 80 years no single party has managed that alone. Israel has therefore always been ruled by coalitions, groups of parties pooling their seats. If no one can reach 61, the country votes again. Elections are due every four years but often come early when governments collapse.Polls give Netanyahu's camp around 50 seats and Eisenkot's camp somewhere in the low to mid-50s. Topping the polls does not mean winning: neither side reaches 61. That makes the Arab parties, expected to win roughly 14 seats, potential kingmakers.Polling ends at 10 pm, exit polls follow that night, and official results must be declared within eight days. Even then, nothing is final until someone gathers 61 members.Netanyahu has governed for just over 19 years in three spells: 1996 to 1999, 2009 to 2021 and since December 2022. He has been written off before and always returned. Whether a wounded but unbroken Israel allows him one more comeback is the answer Tuesday will deliver.

Israel faces a historic election following the October 7 attack, acting as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. With voters divided over security, military exemptions, and the economy, neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition expects an easy majority.

The arithmetic of survival: Netanyahu’s final battle for power

New Delhi: Parliamentary delegations from 21 countries have arrived in the Indian capital for the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet speakers and heads of delegations on Monday (October 26). Hosted by the Parliament of India, the two-day meeting will discuss how legislatures can strengthen democratic institutions, use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and promote people-centric development.The forum brings together representatives from 11 BRICS member countries and 10 partner nations. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will deliver the inaugural address at the Parliament complex. The conference will conclude on October 27 with the adoption of a joint statement and the handover of the forum's chairmanship to China. <h2>What’s BRICS Parliamentary Forum?</h2>The BRICS Parliamentary Forum is a platform for legislators from BRICS member and partner countries to exchange views, share legislative practices and discuss issues that require cooperation between countries. It provides an opportunity for parliamentary leaders to exchange views on international challenges and ways to strengthen their institutions through dialogue and cooperation.BRICS began as a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa joined it in 2011, and it has since welcomed additional members. The bloc works to strengthen political, economic and social cooperation and increase the representation of countries from the Global South in international decision-making. The parliamentary forum is distinct from the BRICS leaders' summit. The summit brings together national leaders and government representatives to deliberate on the grouping's overall priorities, while the parliamentary forum allows legislators to exchange views on the role of parliaments in addressing those priorities.<h2>Why is India hosting the forum?</h2>India is hosting the 12th edition under its BRICS chairship in 2026. The meeting gives Indian parliamentary leaders an opportunity to engage directly with their counterparts from member and partner countries on democratic institutions, international cooperation and development.The official theme is ‘Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development’. The forum will explore how legislatures can make governance more responsive to citizens, improve institutional capacity and support inclusive and sustainable development. It also provides space for bilateral meetings along with the main sessions. These discussions allow participating countries to raise issues of mutual interest and explore opportunities for cooperation through parliamentary channels.<h2>What will be discussed at the forum?</h2>The conference will feature four high-level sessions on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.The resilience session will examine the role of parliaments in strengthening institutions. The innovation session will discuss human-centred uses of AI and digital technologies, including the role of lawmakers in overseeing their development and use.The cooperation session will address the need for a more representative system of international governance. The forum will explore ways to strengthen coordination among legislatures and make international institutions more responsive to the changing needs of countries.The sustainability session will examine how parliaments can support inclusive development and sustainable futures. A separate meeting of the chairpersons of parliamentary committees on international affairs will discuss parliamentary diplomacy, capacity building and the exchange of legislative best practices. The forum will also facilitate bilateral meetings and exchanges through parliamentary friendship groups.<h2>PM Modi's meeting with delegations and India-Russia talks</h2>The prime minister is scheduled to meet visiting speakers and heads of delegations on Monday. His meetings will provide an opportunity to exchange views with parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries.Ahead of the forum, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla met a Russian parliamentary delegation led by Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia's State Duma, on October 25. According to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the two sides exchanged views on parliamentary cooperation, joint efforts against terrorism and coordination at international forums.He also called for regular exchanges between the Lok Sabha and the State Duma, including through the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission. He reiterated India's call for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and thanked Russia for supporting New Delhi’s bid for permanent membership.The two sides also examined areas of cooperation in nuclear energy, industry, trade, agriculture and cultural exchanges. Volodin emphasised the need to encourage joint business ventures and address obstacles to bilateral trade and investment. Birla also met parliamentary delegations from Cuba, Egypt and Belarus.

India is hosting the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum under its 2026 chairship. Delegates will discuss AI oversight, democratic institutions, international governance and sustainable development before China takes over the forums chairmanship on October 27.

BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026: What is it, why is India hosting it and what will PM Modi discuss?

BRICS Forum 2026: What is it, why is India hosting it, what will PM Modi discuss?

On the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a major infrastructure push for Kanpur Nagar, inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of 48 development projects worth over ₹411 crore. He also announced the GCC Innovation Summit 2026 in Lucknow, aimed at opening up global tech research and high-skilled job opportunities for the state's youth.In a post on X, the Chief Minister said he would visit Maharishi Valmiki's 'Tapobhumi' in Bithoor to advance the state government's welfare and development agenda."In Bithoor, Kanpur Nagar, I will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 48 development projects costing more than ₹411 crore in the Bilhaur and Bithoor Assembly constituencies. Certificates will also be distributed to beneficiaries of various public welfare schemes," he wrote.Adityanath said that expanding civic amenities and promoting innovation lie at the heart of the 'New Uttar Pradesh' vision, with the state balancing grassroots infrastructure with cutting-edge technology.Later in the day, he will inaugurate the GCC Innovation Summit 2026 in Lucknow, where several agreements are expected to be signed with global institutions."On one hand, development projects that improve everyday life, and on the other, opportunities for investment and innovation that shape the future of the youth. Advancing this vision of development, I will launch the GCC Innovation Summit 2026 in Lucknow. On this occasion, the MoUs to be signed with global companies and universities will open the doors to new possibilities in technical research, innovation, and high-skill-based employment," he added. Reaffirming his administration's commitment, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the "Double Engine Government" is resolved to ensure that the fruits of development reach the last person in society, enabling local youth to achieve global recognition on their home soil. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people on Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, saying that the sage’s “invaluable messages for humanity will forever serve as guiding lights” for the people of the country.In a post on X, PM Modi said Maharishi Valmiki's teachings would continue to nurture the nation across generations and that his invaluable messages for humanity would forever serve as guiding lights for the people of the country."Heartfelt greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. His noble thoughts have been the foundational elements of Indian culture and heritage, which will continue to nurture and flourish the nation in every era," he said. Valmiki Jayanti is a Hindu festival observed as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, who wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana. Maharishi (great sage) Valmiki is hailed as the author of the oldest version of the Ramayana, the story of Lord Ram. His contributions to literature and spirituality have made him a beloved figure. He is revered as Adi Kavi, the first poet of the Sanskrit language.According to the Hindu calendar, Valmiki Jayanti falls on the full moon day of the month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar. (ANI)

Adityanath said that expanding civic amenities and promoting innovation lie at the heart of the New Uttar Pradesh vision, with the state balancing grassroots infrastructure with cutting-edge technology.

Valmiki Jayanti: Yogi Adityanath launches 48 projects worth Rs 411 crore in Kanpur

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (October 26) said that the INDIA bloc would consider a request from Delhi's traders to reschedule its November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, as the business community warned that the event could disrupt sales during the festive shopping season.Speaking to reporters in Patna, he said the Opposition leadership would discuss the request within a day or two and seek a solution. The rally is part of the coalition’s drive across India against alleged “vote chori (vote theft)”.“The rally is scheduled for November 1. We have received an appeal from the traders. We will think about it today or tomorrow and find a solution because what we are doing is also for the public and for them,” he said.He emphasised that the Opposition's campaign addressed a serious issue related to voters' rights. “This issue of 'vote chori' is very serious,” he said, arguing that people must have the right to vote for businesses and students to have opportunities.“Still, we have received their request, and we will consider it,” Kharge added.<h2>Why Delhi traders want the rally postponed</h2>The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had written to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on October 24, urging the INDIA bloc to hold the rally after November 10. The dates cited by the trade body include Dhanteras on November 6, Diwali on November 8 and Bhai Dooj on November 10.CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said that the rally could affect business during one of the busiest periods of the year. According to him, Dhanteras generates nearly Rs 25,000 crore in business in Delhi, including sales of gold, jewellery, electronics, clothing and automobiles.The CTI also cited losses suffered by traders earlier in October because of traffic diversions in Central Delhi. It estimated that the restrictions had cost retail and wholesale businesses around Rs 3,000 crore.<h2>Why traders fear rally disruptions</h2>The trade body said Ramlila Maidan lies within a five-kilometre radius of nearly 20 major wholesale and retail markets. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar and Karol Bagh.Traders fear that security barricades, traffic diversions and possible restrictions on metro services could make these markets difficult for customers to reach during the festive rush.The CTI also drew attention to the venue's proximity to Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations. Thousands of shoppers and wholesale traders travel to the capital from other cities during the festive season, and congestion near the stations could complicate their journeys and the movement of goods.The organisation acknowledged the right of political parties to hold public meetings but appealed the Opposition leadership to consider the impact on small and medium-sized businesses.It urged Gandhi to consider holding the rally after November 10, when the main festive shopping period would have passed.

Delhis Chamber of Trade and Industry has urged the INDIA bloc to hold its Ramlila Maidan rally after November 10, citing the risk of losses during the festive shopping season. The body estimates Dhanteras sales in the capital at nearly Rs 25,000 crore and says earlier traffic diversions cost traders around Rs 3,000 crore.

INDIA bloc protest on Nov 1: Will Opposition alliance change date after traders' appeal?

INDIA bloc rally on Nov 1: Will Opposition change date after traders' appeal?

New Delhi: Placing the national capital in the ‘moderate’ category, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 164 at 7 am on Monday (October 26), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The reading showed a slight improvement in the city's overall air quality, although several monitoring stations still recorded ‘poor’ conditions.Data from the CPCB showed that 55 of the city’s 60 air quality monitoring stations were providing readings on Monday morning. Showing the presence of fine particles in the air, PM2.5 was the leading pollutant at 30 stations.Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 246, followed by Vivek Vihar at 235, CRRI Mathura Road at 231, Punjabi Bagh at 225 and R K Puram at 223. All five stations fell in the ‘poor’ category.PM2.5 was the main pollutant at Jahangirpuri, Vivek Vihar, Punjabi Bagh and R K Puram. At CRRI Mathura Road, PM10 was the leading pollutant.<h2>Yamuna foam returns</h2>Air pollution continues to affect Delhi and National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR) as toxic white foam has reappeared on the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj. The region's overall AQI reached 168 on Sunday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category under the standard CPCB classification.Monitoring stations recorded differences across the city. The AQI was around 110 at PGDAV College in Sriniwaspuri, while several other locations recorded readings ranging from 118 to above 180. PM2.5 and PM10 were the main pollutants across the region.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on October 21 in response to worsening pollution levels.Under GRAP Stage 1, the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries is prohibited. The rules also restrict the use of diesel generators to essential and emergency purposes.<h2>Yamuna pollution after Rs 9,000-cr project push</h2>Visuals from Kalindi Kunj showed large patches of white foam floating on the Yamuna's surface. It highlights the extent of pollution in the river.The foam reappeared days after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised government efforts to revive the river. She had described the inauguration of infrastructure projects worth around Rs 9,000 crore as a “joyful day” for city residents.

Delhi-NCR is under GRAP Stage 1 restrictions to control pollution, including limits on diesel generator use and bans on coal and firewood in restaurant tandoors.

Delhi AQI today: Air quality at 164, five monitoring stations record ‘poor’ levels

New Delhi: Students protesting at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi have refused to call off their agitation despite a university order stating that students' union elections will be held after the approval of the union constitution. The students have described the assurance as unclear and said they will continue their protest until the administration gives a written commitment to their demands.According to a statement issued by the Jammu &amp; Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Jamia Registrar Professor Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi reached the campus at around 4.30 am on Monday (October 26) and held talks with the protesting students. He presented an official order dated October 26 and urged them to end the agitation, saying their demands had been met.The students said the order did not clearly announce the restoration of the elected students' union or specify when the process would be completed.“The notice failed to provide a clear and unambiguous announcement regarding the restoration of the students’ union, leaving several key concerns unaddressed,” the association said in its statement.<h2>What does Jamia's order say?</h2>The university's order states that Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union elections will be held 15 days after the students' union constitution receives approval. However, it does not specify a date for approving the constitution, leaving the election schedule uncertain.The order also revokes suspension orders and show-cause notices issued to students during the protest. It further announces the formation of a committee to investigate the conduct of university security staff during the agitation.Students have welcomed neither the order as a complete resolution nor the absence of a deadline. They have also pointed out that their demand for the resignation of the proctor has not been addressed.“Assurances without concrete decisions and a clear roadmap cannot be treated as fulfilment of our demands,” the association said, adding that the agitation would continue until the administration provided written commitments on their demands.The association said that the protest was aimed at securing democratic rights and meaningful student representation on campus.<h2>Varsity seeks apology, removal of social media posts</h2>The university's order also sets out conditions on statements made during the agitation. It records an undertaking by the protesting students to issue a public apology at a press conference for allegedly defamatory statements, actions or social media posts directed against the administration.It also directs the students to remove the posts from social media channels with immediate effect and says compliance will be monitored.“The protest shall be called off immediately on issue of this order,” the university order states.The dispute has revolved around students' demands for the restoration of the elected union and the conduct of elections.Students want an elected body to represent them and raise issues related to campus life. Their grievances have also included disciplinary action against proctor and the conduct of university security personnel.The university's order addresses some of these issues through the withdrawal of suspensions and show-cause notices and a promised inquiry into the conduct of security staff. The students, however, are demanding a definite timeline for approval of the union constitution and the subsequent elections.ANI said it had contacted the university's public relations department for a response, but no reply had been received at the time of filing the report.(With inputs from ANI)

Jamias order withdraws disciplinary action against protesting students and promises an inquiry into the conduct of security staff. However, the administration has not set a deadline for approving the students union constitution, and the students demand for the proctors resignation has not been addressed.

Jamia protest: Why students rejected university order despite union election promise

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has filed a complaint against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at Patna's Kotwali police station over his controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father during a Congress event in the Bihar capital on Sunday.Krishna Kumar, a member of the BJP's state working committee, submitted the complaint seeking an investigation into Kharge's remarks at a programme held at Bapu Sabhagar to mark the birth anniversary of Bihar's first Chief Minister, Sri Krishna Singh.In his complaint, Kumar said he learnt about the statement through television news reports and was deeply hurt by it. He said derogatory remarks about an individual's family on a public platform were a sensitive matter and stressed the importance of dignity and mutual respect in public life.Kumar urged the police to examine news reports, video footage and other available evidence to establish the exact words used by Kharge and the context in which they were spoken. He also sought appropriate legal action if the investigation found that any law had been violated.<h3>What Did Kharge Say About PM Modi's Father?</h3>The controversy erupted during Kharge's address at the Congress event. While criticising Prime Minister Modi, the Congress president was reportedly interrupted by a person in the audience, who said the Prime Minister was not going anywhere.Kharge responded, "Even PM Modi's father will have to go", triggering a political row.Videos of the incident reportedly showed Congress workers confronting and assaulting the person who interrupted the speech. The circumstances surrounding the altercation have also drawn attention.<h3>BJP Leaders Demand Apology From Kharge</h3>The remark drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president Nitin Nabin.Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also demanded an apology from Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Describing the remark as unfortunate, Choudhary accused the Congress leadership of displaying hostility towards the Prime Minister's family.He said political differences should not lead to personal attacks against family members and called for an immediate apology.The complaint has added to the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress in Bihar. The police have been asked to examine the available evidence and determine the context of the statement and whether it warrants legal action.(With IANS inputs)

Krishna Kumar, a member of the BJPs state working committee, submitted the complaint seeking an investigation into Kharges remarks at a programme held at Bapu Sabhagar to mark the birth anniversary of Bihars first Chief Minister, Sri Krishna Singh.

BJP files police complaint against Mallikarjun Kharge over remark on PM Modi's father

BJP files police complaint against Mallikarjun Kharge over remark on PM Modi father

New Delhi: Beekeeping can offer an additional source of income for farmers who collect bee venom (apitoxin), a specialised product that can fetch up to Rs 1 crore per kilogram in the international market, according to experts. Farmers in Bihar’s West Champaran, Jehanabad and other districts have begun exploring this business along with conventional honey production.The process requires a specific honeybee species, specialised equipment and careful handling. Entomologists say collecting bee venom is a technical task, and the amount obtained from a hive is limited.The international bee venom market was valued at around $425 million in 2025, according to the experts. Demand for the product has helped create interest in venom collection among some beekeepers.<h2>Which honeybee species is used to collect venom?</h2>Dr Neeraj Kumar, an entomologist and the officer in charge of the Regional Research Centre at Madhopur, said the choice of honeybee species is an important part of the process. The species commonly used for commercial venom collection is Apis mellifera, he said.The venom cannot be collected in the same way from every species of honeybee, he explained and said beekeepers need to select the appropriate species and keep the colonies in suitable conditions before they can begin extraction.According to Kumar, around 10,000 honeybees are needed to collect one gram of venom. Only building a colony of that size does not guarantee successful extraction. Beekeepers also need the right equipment and a suitable setup.<h2>How is bee venom collected?</h2>Bee venom collection requires an extractor and other specialised equipment. The process cannot be carried out effectively on bees flying freely outdoors. The colonies need to be kept in fixed locations, usually in managed hives, so the extraction equipment can be used.Even with bees housed in a box, the quantity collected is limited. Kumar said a single box could yield around 5 grams of venom. The amount depends on the colony and the conditions under which extraction takes place.These requirements make the venom collection more specialised than ordinary honey production. Beekeepers need to manage their colonies carefully and learn how to use the equipment before entering the trade.<h2>Bee venom market</h2>The international price of bee venom can reach Rs 1 crore per kilogram, according to the experts. The market was worth approximately $425 million in 2025 and has continued to increase in value, said the experts.The high quoted price applies to a specialised product that requires considerable effort to collect. Producing a kilogram of venom would involve extracting very small quantities from many bees, making the scale of production and the cost of equipment important factors for anyone considering the business.

Bee venom extraction requires Apis mellifera honeybees, specialised equipment and large colonies. Experts say around 10,000 bees are needed to collect one gram of venom, while a single hive box can yield up to five grams.

Bee venom: Why this rare product costs up to Rs 1 crore per kg

Bee venom sells for Rs 1 crore per kg, how can farmers earn lakhs?

Lucknow: A man facing trial in a 2016 murder case in Uttar Pradesh allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to fake his own death and mislead the police and court. He reportedly staged a goat’s funeral, used AI to place his face on an image of the animal lying on a funeral pyre and shared the picture on social media to make people believe he had died.The accused, Rajkumar Rajbhar alias Raju, 38, was arrested near the Khwajajahanpur area of Mau on Sunday (October 25) morning. The police said he was also named in cases involving alleged fraud worth crores of rupees. He had allegedly collected money from influential people in several major cities by promising to invest it in the stock market and earn them substantial profits.According to the police, Rajbhar came under pressure when investors began demanding their money back and he faced legal action in the 2016 murder of Yogesh Singh. He allegedly devised the fake-death plan to evade the police and court.<h2>How accused used AI to fake his death</h2>Additional Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar said Rajbhar staged his death in Ghazipur on May 30, 2025. After a goat died, he allegedly organised its funeral using traditional rituals and staged a funeral procession.He then used artificial intelligence to create a manipulated image that showed his own face on the body of the goat lying on a funeral pyre. The image was meant to convince people that he had died, he said. He also shared the picture on social media to support the story.<h2>Fake death certificate submitted to court</h2>The accused allegedly used the fabricated image and the false story of his death to obtain a death certificate from the Mau Municipal Council. He and his associates later submitted the certificate to the court to establish that the main accused in the murder case was dead.The move, according to the police, was aimed at convincing the court that Rajbhar had died, which could have led to the closure of the case against him. After obtaining the certificate, he allegedly went underground and stayed out of the police’s sight.<h2>Police tracking leads to arrest</h2>The Kotwali Nagar police, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the surveillance team in Mau jointly investigated the case. Technical surveillance and further inquiries helped investigators uncover the alleged fraud and trace him.The police arrested him near Khwajajahanpur on Sunday. Investigators are now looking into whether other people helped him stage the fake death and how he obtained the death certificate from the municipal council.<h2>Case registered under BNS</h2>A fresh case has been registered against Rajbhar at Kotwali Nagar police station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The allegations include making fraudulent documents and attempting to establish that he was dead.The police are also investigating the role of his associates and the circumstances in which the death certificate was issued. Rajbhar had been facing trial in the 2016 Yogesh Singh murder case and was also accused in alleged financial fraud cases.

The police arrested Rajkumar Rajbhar in Mau after a joint investigation by local police, the SOG and the surveillance team uncovered alleged fraud involving a municipal death certificate submitted to the court. He also faces allegations of cheating investors out of crores of rupees through stock market investment promises.

He staged a goat’s funeral, used AI to fake his death: How UP Police caught the murder accused

He staged a goat’s funeral, used AI to fake his death: How UP Police caught him

<div>Delhi Police have registered an FIR against three MPs following a complaint by Jamia Millia Islamia’s administration, which accused them of entering the university campus without authorisation and provoking unrest amid an ongoing student agitation for the restoration of union elections.</div><div>The case comes as tensions continue at the university, where students have been protesting for the return of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), whose elections have not been held since 2006. Four students have been on a hunger strike for 13 days as part of the agitation.</div><div>According to the complaint, the MPs allegedly trespassed onto the campus and instigated unrest during the protest.</div><div>The FIR was registered following the university administration’s complaint.</div><div>The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), meanwhile, alleged that hundreds of police personnel detained students outside Gate 7. The organisation described the action as a crackdown on protesters in a social media post.</div><div>A student also claimed that police deployment outside the campus had intensified, with students allegedly being stopped from entering the university and detained.</div><h2>JMI shifts classes online amid tensions</h2><div>On Saturday, Jamia Millia Islamia moved classes online, citing security concerns. The university also instructed students to stay away from the campus and announced that its gates and libraries would remain closed until further notice.</div><div>The administration said more than 1,500 teaching and non-teaching staff members, accompanied by Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif and Registrar Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, marched from the Ansari Auditorium lawns to Gate 7 on Saturday in an effort to persuade protesters to end their agitation.</div><div>According to the university, staff members made repeated appeals over nearly two hours, but the protesters refused to leave the site.</div><div>The SFI’s Jamia unit, however, alleged that the proctor, registrar and security adviser attempted to remove the hunger strikers, dismantled their tents and dragged women students. The university administration, in turn, accused some students of pushing security guards and teachers.</div><h2>Students demand election schedule</h2><div>The agitation began nearly two weeks ago, with students demanding the restoration of the JMISU and the announcement of an election schedule. Alongside the four students on hunger strike, PhD scholar Sanam has been staging a sit-in at the Gulistan-e-Ghalib lawns, the SFI said.</div><div>The university said a seven-member committee of professors had held four rounds of discussions with the protesters. It also said a JMISU Constitution Draft Committee was notified on October 21 and that disciplinary action taken or initiated against students over the October 12 protest would be reviewed.</div><div>The SFI has called for student representation on the constitution-drafting committee and the announcement of election dates in the current semester. It has also demanded that all disciplinary action against protesters be withdrawn and that the chief proctor and security adviser resign over the alleged use of force against students.</div><div>The university maintains that Gate 18 is the designated location for demonstrations and has described the protest at the Gulistan-e-Ghalib lawns as an unauthorised occupation.</div><div>(with agencies input)</div><div> </div>

According to the complaint, the MPs allegedly trespassed onto the campus and instigated unrest during the protest.

FIR against three MPs for trespassing Jamia Millia University campus after complaint amid students’ protest

FIR against three MPs for trespassing Jamia Millia University campus after complaint

New Delhi: A depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26. The storm is likely to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of southern and eastern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to witness worsening weather over the next few days.The storm is forecast to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 27. It could intensify further before approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast around October 28, according to the IMD. The department has issued weather warnings for coastal areas because rainfall and strong winds are expected to affect several states over the coming days. <h2>Where will it rain on Oct 26?</h2>Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe are expected to receive heavy rainfall on Monday (October 26). Some areas could experience very heavy to extremely heavy showers. The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.Coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to receive rain and thunderstorms on October 26. Strong surface winds are also forecast. The weather is expected to worsen on October 27 and 28, when extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of the state. The IMD has also warned of heavy rain in coastal Odisha later in the week. The storm is expected to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast after intensifying over the Bay of Bengal. Authorities are monitoring coastal conditions as it strengthens.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Heavy Rainfall Warning | Cyclonic Storm Alert Under the influence of the impending Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal, extremely heavy rainfall is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh on 27th–28th October, Odisha and Telangana on 28th October, and Chhattisgarh on 28th–29th October, 2026. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over Odisha on 27th &amp; 29th October and East Madhya Pradesh on 29th October, 2026. Stay alert and follow official weather updates and advisories issued by IMD. #CycloneAlert #WeatherWarning #HeavyRainfall #IMD @moesgoi @airnewsalerts @DDNational @ndmaindia @ICRER_MHA— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://x.com/Indiametdept/status/2114313754129351054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2026</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><h2>Rain forecast for Bihar and UP </h2>Thunderstorms and lightning are forecast across Bihar from October 27, along with a change in weather conditions. Heavy rainfall is likely on October 29, followed by very heavy rain on October 30 and 31, according to the IMD.Eastern Uttar Pradesh is also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms later in the week. The department has forecast very heavy rainfall in parts of the region on October 29 and 30, with heavy rain possible on October 31. Western Uttar Pradesh could experience thunderstorms and lightning on October 29 and 30. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">मौसम संबंधी चेतावनी ! मुख्य बिंदु (i) पश्चिम-मध्य बंगाल की खाड़ी में बनने वाले ‘बहुत भीषण चक्रवाती तूफान’ के प्रभाव के कारण, जिसके 28 अक्टूबर, 2026 को आंध्र प्रदेश के तट के पास पहुँचने की संभावना है, तटीय आंध्र प्रदेश में 27 और 28 अक्टूबर को, ओडिशा और तेलंगाना में 28 अक्टूबर को तथा छत्तीसगढ़ में 28 और 29 अक्टूबर को कहीं-कहीं अत्यधिक भारी वर्षा होने की संभावना है। इसके अतिरिक्त, ओडिशा में 27 और 29 अक्टूबर को तथा पूर्वी मध्य प्रदेश में 29 अक्टूबर, 2026 को कहीं-कहीं भारी से बहुत भारी वर्षा होने की संभावना है। (ii) दक्षिण-पूर्व अरब सागर और उससे सटे केरल तट पर बने निम्न दबाव के क्षेत्र के प्रभाव के कारण, आज 25 अक्टूबर, 2026 को तमिलनाडु, पुडुचेरी और कराईकल तथा केरल और माहे में कहीं-कहीं अत्यधिक भारी वर्षा होने की संभावना है। Highlights: (i) Under the influence of impending Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal reaching near Andhra Pradesh coast on 28th October, isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh on 27th &amp; 28th, over Odisha and Telangana on 28th and over Chhattisgarh on 28th &amp; 29th; isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall also likely over Odisha on 27th &amp; 29th and over East Madhya Pradesh on 29th October, 2026. (ii) Under the influence of low-pressure area over Southeast Arabian Sea &amp; adjoining Kerala coast, isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal and Kerala &amp; Mahe today, the 25th October, 2026. South Peninsular India: Fairly Widespread to Widespread rainfall likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal during 25th-26th October; Kerala &amp; Mahe and Lakshadweep during 25th-27th October; Coastal Andhra Pradesh &amp; Yanam during 27th-29th October; Telangana during 28th-29th October.  Isolated to Scattered rainfall likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal during 27th-31st October; Kerala &amp; Mahe and Lakshadweep during 28th-31st October; Coastal Karnataka on 25th October and during 27th-31st October; North Interior Karnataka during 29th-31st October; Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka during 25th-31st October; Coastal Andhra Pradesh &amp; Yanam during 25th-26th October and during 30th-31st October; Telangana during 25th-27th October and during 30th-31st October.  Isolated thunderstorm, lightning &amp; gusty winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal during 25th-27th October; Coastal Andhra Pradesh &amp; Yanam on 26th October and on 29th October; Telangana on 28th October, with gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph) likely over Kerala &amp; Mahe and Lakshadweep during 25th-27th October; South Interior Karnataka during 27th-28th October; Coastal Andhra Pradesh &amp; Yanam on 25th October; Telangana on 29th October. Isolated thunderstorm &amp; lightning likely over Rayalaseema during 25th-28th October. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Kerala &amp; Mahe and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal on 27th October; Lakshadweep on 25th October; Coastal Andhra Pradesh &amp; Yanam on 26th October and on 29th October; Telangana on 27th October and on 29th October with isolated very heavy rainfall also likely over Kerala &amp; Mahe and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal on 26th October. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over Kerala &amp; Mahe and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal on 25th October; Coastal Andhra Pradesh &amp; Yanam during 27th-28th October; Telangana on 28th October. Thundersquall (wind speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph) likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh &amp; Yanam during 27th-28th October. Strong Surface Winds likely over North Interior Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka during 27th-28th October; Coastal Andhra Pradesh &amp; Yanam during 25th-29th October. Central India: Isolated to Scattered rainfall likely over West Madhya Pradesh during 28th-31st October; East Madhya Pradesh on 31st October; Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha on 27th October and during 30th-31st October. Fairly Widespread to Widespread rainfall likely over East Madhya Pradesh during 28th-30th October; Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha during 28th-29th October. Isolated thunderstorm, lightning &amp; gusty winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) likely over East Madhya Pradesh during 29th-30th October; Vidarbha during 28th-29th October; Chhattisgarh on 27th October, with gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph) likely over West Madhya Pradesh during 28th-31st October; East Madhya Pradesh on 28th October and on 31st October; Vidarbha on 27th October. Isolated thunderstorm &amp; lightning likely over Vidarbha on 30th October. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over East Madhya Pradesh on 28th October and on 30th October; Vidarbha during 28th-30th October; Chhattisgarh on 27th October with isolated very heavy rainfall also likely over East Madhya Pradesh on 29th October. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over south Chhattisgarh on 28th and north Chhattisgarh on 29th October. Thundersquall (wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph) likely over Chhattisgarh during 28th-29th October. East India: Fairly Widespread to Widespread rainfall likely over Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands during 25th-29th October; Sub-Himalayan West Bengal &amp; Sikkim during 29th-30th October; Gangetic West Bengal during 28th-29th October; Jharkhand during 28th-30th October; Bihar during 29th-31st October; Odisha during 27th-30th October. Isolated to Scattered rainfall likely over Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands during 30th-31st October; SubHimalayan West Bengal &amp; Sikkim on 28th October and on 31st October; Gangetic West Bengal on 27th October and during 30th-31st October; Jharkhand on 27th October and on 31st October; Bihar on 28th October; Odisha on 26th October and on 31st October. ❖ Isolated thunderstorm, lightning &amp; gusty winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) likely over Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands during 25th-26th October; Gangetic West Bengal during 28th-29th October; Odisha on 27th October and on 30th October, with gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph) likely over Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands during 27th-28th October; Sub-Himalayan West Bengal &amp; Sikkim during 29th-31st October; Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand on 27th October and on 30th October; Bihar during 28th-31st October. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands during 25th-27th October; Sub-Himalayan West Bengal &amp; Sikkim during 29th-30th October; Gangetic West Bengal during 28th-29th October; Jharkhand during 28th-30th October; Bihar on 29th October; Odisha on 30th October with isolated very heavy rainfall also likely over Bihar during 30th-31st October; Odisha on 27th October and on 29th October. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over Odisha on 28th October. Thundersquall (wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph) likely over Jharkhand and Odisha during 28th-29th October. Northeast India: Isolated to Scattered rainfall likely over Arunachal Pradesh during 29th-31st October; Assam &amp; Meghalaya during 27th-31st October; Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram &amp; Tripura during 25th-31st October.  Isolated thunderstorm &amp; lightning likely over Assam &amp; Meghalaya during 27th-28th October; Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram &amp; Tripura during 27th-29th October. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Assam &amp; Meghalaya during 29th-31st October; Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram &amp; Tripura on 28th October. Northwest India:  Isolated to Scattered rainfall likely over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad on 25th October and during 29th-30th October; Himachal Pradesh on 25th October and during 30th-31st October; Uttarakhand on 25th October and during 29th-31st October. Isolated to Scattered rainfall likely over Haryana Chandigarh &amp; Delhi and Punjab during 28th-30th October; West Uttar Pradesh during 29th-31st October; East Uttar Pradesh on 28th October and on 31st October; West Rajasthan on 30th October; East Rajasthan on 25th October and during 29th-30th October. Fairly Widespread to Widespread rainfall likely over East Uttar Pradesh during 29th-30th October.  Isolated thunderstorm, lightning &amp; gusty winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) likely over East Uttar Pradesh during 29th-31st October, with gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph) likely over East Rajasthan, Haryana Chandigarh &amp; Delhi and Punjab during 29th-30th October; West Uttar Pradesh during 29th-31st October; East Uttar Pradesh on 28th October; West Rajasthan on 30th October. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Uttarakhand on 30th October; East Uttar Pradesh on 31st October with isolated very heavy rainfall also likely over East Uttar Pradesh during 29th-30th October. West India:  Isolated to Scattered rainfall likely over Konkan &amp; Goa on 25th October and during 28th-31st October; Madhya Maharashtra on 25th October, during 28th-29th October and on 31st October; Marathawada during 27th-30th October. Isolated thunderstorm &amp; lightning likely over Konkan &amp; Goa on 29th October; Madhya Maharashtra and Marathawada during 28th-29th October. For more information, visit Us : https://t.co/BPpoTbykBF #WeatherUpdate #HeavyRainfall #ThunderstormAlert #IndiaWeather #RainForecast #WeatherSafety @moesgoi @airnewsalerts @DDNational @ndmaindia @ICRER_MHA— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://x.com/Indiametdept/status/2114296005554565258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2026</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><h2>Will Delhi-NCR get rain on Oct 26?</h2>Delhi-NCR is not under a rain warning for October 26 in the IMD’s latest subdivision-wise forecast. The department has also listed no weather warning for Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh through October 31 in the bulletin issued on October 25. This means the forecast does not support claims of a rain alert for the capital region during this period. The main weather threat over the next few days is expected in southern and eastern India, particularly areas near the Bay of Bengal.

The IMD has forecast heavier rainfall across parts of southern and eastern India later this week. Some areas could receive extremely heavy showers. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh could also see thunderstorms and intense rain towards the end of October.

Bay of Bengal cyclone brews: Heavy rain warning for 6 states – what about Delhi-NCR?

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said using terrorism as an instrument of statecraft was unacceptable and could never be justified, warning that the threat persisted because some states continued to put political interests ahead of efforts to combat it.Addressing the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan, held to mark United Nations Day, Jaishankar called for greater global awareness of the threat and a stronger collective response to terrorism in all its forms."Terrorism is another deadly threat to peace. Its usage as an instrument of statecraft is simply unacceptable. It can never be justified; it can never be rationalised. Yet, it continues because not all states really display zero-tolerance. Despite history holding so many lessons, some still allow political calculations to take precedence," he said."The world must, therefore, develop sharper awareness about this common threat. And it must come together with stronger resolve and counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he added.Referring to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, the External Affairs Minister said peace was indivisible in an interconnected world, with people far removed from the fighting also bearing its consequences."We cannot remain helpless spectators. India expresses global sentiment when we urge that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution. We are making efforts ourselves and are open to working with other partners to that end," Jaishankar said.Highlighting the "4F crisis" of finance, fuel, food and fertiliser affecting the Global South, he said the Global North also had a stake in finding solutions."The international economy must be urgently de-risked and nations provided with more diversified options. Market distortions through constriction and chokepoints only add to suffering. A genuine dialogue in this regard is overdue," he said.On Artificial Intelligence (AI), Jaishankar said a technology with such far-reaching consequences could not be left in the hands of a few. He reiterated India's support for an approach that is responsible, inclusive and centred on people.Calling for reforms at the United Nations, he said the need for reformed multilateralism was becoming more urgent, with large parts of the world still excluded from decision-making."The case for reformed multilateralism gets stronger by the day. Large parts of the world cannot be left out from decision-making. The UN must show leadership; not be a spectator to global crises," he said.(With IANS inputs)

Addressing the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan, held to mark United Nations Day, Jaishankar called for greater global awareness of the threat and a stronger collective response to terrorism in all its forms.

'Terrorism as state policy unacceptable': EAM Jaishankar calls for global action

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