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<div><span>The Centre has extended Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s tenure by one year, until October 31, 2027, in a decision announced a week before his existing two-year term was due to end.</span></div><div><span>Singh, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, took charge as the country’s 40th Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024, succeeding Giridhar Aramane. His service had earlier been extended beyond his scheduled retirement to allow him to serve in the post.</span></div><h3><span>Focus on defence self-reliance and reforms</span></h3><div><span>The extension comes amid the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing under the </span>Aatmanirbhar Bharat<span> initiative and push reforms within the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).</span></div><div><span>Singh has been credited with pushing for faster decision-making within the Defence Ministry and the DRDO, alongside efforts to open conventional missile manufacturing to private-sector participation.</span></div><div><span>Since May 31, 2026, Singh has also held additional charge as Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the DRDO.</span></div><div><span>He was assigned the additional responsibilities after the tenure of Samir V Kamat, who had headed the organisation since August 25, 2022, came to an end. The arrangement was to remain in place until a regular appointment was made or further orders were issued. A permanent DRDO chief had not been appointed as of the report.</span></div><h3><span>Singh’s administrative career</span></h3><div><span>Before taking charge of the Defence Ministry, Singh served as Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade from April 2023 to August 2024. Earlier, he headed the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.</span></div><div><span>His previous assignments also include serving as Secretary for Urban Development and later Finance Secretary in the Kerala government.</span></div><div><span>The tenure extension places Singh among a small number of Defence Secretaries to have continued in office beyond the usual retirement age. Previous incumbents under the Narendra Modi government have had varying tenures, with some leaving office upon superannuation and others receiving extensions to complete fixed terms.</span></div><div><span>Singh’s continued tenure comes as the government pursues defence-sector reforms and seeks to expand India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.</span></div><div> </div>

The extension comes amid the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Centre extends Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s tenure by one year

<div><span>Bandipora Police have arrested six people, including four women, for their alleged links to the banned organisation Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen. Investigators suspect the group was involved in separatist propaganda, covert meetings, prison-linked coordination and financial transactions allegedly connected to Pakistan-based handlers.</span></div><div><span>A case has been registered as FIR No. 168/2026 under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Bandipora police station.</span></div><div><span>According to police, the arrests followed an investigation into an alleged underground network operating in north Kashmir. Officials suspect the module was attempting to spread separatist ideology and recruit women through personal connections and prison contacts.</span></div><h3><span>Investigation traces alleged network</span></h3><div><span>Police said the investigation initially focused on Waheed Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Bhat Mohallah Kachloo Qazipora in Handwara, Kupwara district. Bhat had previously been arrested in a separate UAPA case in Kupwara.</span></div><div><span>His subsequent questioning allegedly led investigators to Mubeena Bano of Dachigam in Bandipora and other associates. Police suspect the network was operating under the directions of a Pakistan-based handler and facilitating covert meetings, propaganda activities and financial transactions.</span></div><h3><span>Six people arrested</span></h3><div><span>The six accused named by the police are:</span></div><ul><li data-list-item-id="e1b561b68ca05e840c7831edbf0881d19"><strong>Mubeena Bano</strong><span>, daughter of Gh Ahmad Dar, a resident of Dachigam, Bandipora.</span></li><li data-list-item-id="ee2ddb5cfdff18774286e8b8824e335c2"><strong>Waheed Ahmad Bhat</strong><span>, son of Mohd Maqbool Bhat, a resident of Bhat Mohallah Kachloo Qazipora, Handwara, Kupwara.</span></li><li data-list-item-id="e7624de1c7424e65a7b9b84a36e0542ea"><strong>Kushboo Jan</strong><span>, daughter of Ab Rashid Sheikh, a resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora.</span></li><li data-list-item-id="ef0c39c18e49263d92ffc347d0c3430e2"><strong>Mehak Jan</strong><span>, daughter of Mohd Sultan Sheikh, a resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora.</span></li><li data-list-item-id="edd4a9109eb7222fa299eeaf5e1174aa7"><strong>Aliya Jan</strong><span>, daughter of Ab Rashid Sheikh, a resident of Check Panzigam, Bandipora.</span></li><li data-list-item-id="e1e603a35dc85e3a1cf4f0a5b60ba1bec"><strong>Irfan Ahmed Reshi alias Rayees</strong><span>, son of Gh Nabi Reshi, a resident of Ananwan, Handwara.</span></li></ul><h3><span>Police suspect women-centric propaganda network</span></h3><div><span>Police sources said the alleged module focused on drawing women into separatist propaganda activities, using personal networks and prison contacts to maintain communication and sustain its operations.</span></div><div><span>Investigators are examining the alleged involvement of several women from the same locality in Bandipora, suspecting that the network sought to use a low-profile, women-centric structure to disseminate separatist messaging and provide possible logistical support.</span></div><div><span>The probe has also pointed to suspected funding links with Pakistan and coordination with individuals inside prisons, officials said. Investigators are working to establish the extent of these links, trace the flow of funds and identify any additional people involved.</span></div><h3><span>Probe underway</span></h3><div><span>The arrests come amid an intensified crackdown by security forces on alleged overground and underground networks suspected of attempting to revive separatist activities in the region.</span></div><div><span>Police said intelligence-led operations and continued monitoring were aimed at preventing banned organisations from regrouping and recruiting people to spread their ideology.</span></div><div><span>The investigation remains ongoing, with police examining the alleged network’s funding, communication channels and links to individuals operating from within and outside the region.</span></div><div> </div>

The arrests come amid an intensified crackdown by security forces on alleged overground and underground networks suspected of attempting to revive separatist activities in the region.

Bandipora police arrest six, including four women, over alleged links to banned outfit

Bandipora police arrest six, including four women, over links to banned outfit

<p><span>The Janata Dal (United) on Saturday expelled Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh and his wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, from the party for six years over alleged anti-party activities. The party also cancelled their primary memberships and recommended the cancellation of Singh's Assembly membership under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.</span></p><p><span>According to an office order issued by Bihar JDU president Umesh Singh Kushwaha, disciplinary action was taken against Anant Singh for allegedly disregarding party directives, using inappropriate and derogatory language against the party's top leadership, and campaigning against the JDU's candidate in the recently concluded Legislative Council elections.</span></p><p><span>The order said Singh had campaigned for a candidate from another party, prompting the JDU to revoke his primary membership with immediate effect.</span></p><p><span>"Due to his persistent disregard for party directives over the past few days, the use of inappropriate and derogatory language toward the top leadership, and his actions against the party's candidate, including campaigning for a candidate from another party, during the recently concluded Legislative Council elections, the primary membership of Anant Kumar Singh, MLA (Mokama), is hereby cancelled with immediate effect," the order stated.</span></p><p><span>It added that Singh had been expelled from the party for six years and that the JDU had recommended that the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly cancel his membership without delay under the Tenth Schedule.</span></p><p><span>"Furthermore, he is expelled from the Janata Dal (United) for a period of six (6) years. Additionally, the party recommends that the Hon’ble Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly cancel his membership as an MLA without delay, in accordance with the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India," the order read.</span></p><p><span>In a separate decision, the party also cancelled Neelam Devi's primary membership and expelled her for six years, citing her alleged involvement in anti-party activities.</span></p><p><span>"Simultaneously, the primary membership of Neelam Devi, former MLA, is also cancelled due to her involvement in anti-party activities, and she is likewise expelled from the party for a period of six years," the order stated.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Anant Singh Faced Row Over Reported Murder Remark</strong></span></h2><p><span>The action comes days after a political controversy erupted in Bihar over reported remarks by Anant Singh claiming that he had got "nine people murdered". The statement drew a sharp response from the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), while Singh and his party maintained that the claim had been refuted.</span></p><p><span>Breaking his silence on the controversy, Singh briefly dismissed the allegation, saying, "...The statement has already been refuted."</span></p><p><span>JDU Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha said the party had taken note of the matter while playing down its potential electoral impact.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Anant Singh Was Granted Bail In Murder Case</strong></span></h2><p><span>In March, the Patna High Court granted bail to Singh in connection with the murder case of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav.</span></p><p><span>Singh was arrested before polling began in the Bihar Assembly elections last year, along with two associates, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, in connection with the case.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With ANI inputs)</strong></span></p>

The order said Singh had campaigned for a candidate from another party, prompting the JDU to revoke his primary membership with immediate effect.

JDU expels Mokama MLA Anant Singh, wife Neelam Devi for six years over anti-party activities

JDU expels Mokama MLA Anant Singh, wife for six years over anti-party activities

<div><span>National Conference (NC) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Saturday alleged that the Indian government’s intentions towards Kashmiris were “not right”, crediting Pakistan with keeping the Kashmir issue alive at international forums. He also criticised the BJP-led Centre, questioned the actions of security forces during past incidents, accused sections of the media of suppressing the truth and urged people in Jammu and Kashmir to unite to protect their rights.</span></div><div><span>Addressing a party workers’ convention in Baramulla town in north Kashmir, Abdullah said international pressure and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts had helped ensure that the concerns of Kashmiris continued to receive attention.</span></div><div><span>“Pakistan is going to many places and talking about Kashmiris. That is why the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being saved. Otherwise, India’s intentions towards Kashmiris are not right,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah argued that the Centre remained silent because of international pressure and Pakistan’s continued efforts to highlight the unresolved Kashmir issue.</span></div><div><span>“What can you expect from them in Delhi? Do you expect them to deliver justice to you? Have the courage to stand up to them. If you don’t, you will be wiped out, and not even a trace of you will remain,” he said, urging people to speak up for their rights.</span></div><h2><span>Abdullah questions past security operations</span></h2><div><span>Recounting incidents from his tenure as Chief Minister, Abdullah questioned the conduct of security forces and police during past operations in Jammu and Kashmir.</span></div><div><span>He referred to an incident in Islamabad, now known as Anantnag, in which he said five people had been taken from a shop and killed. Abdullah said he had sought a judicial inquiry into the incident.</span></div><div><span>According to Abdullah, a group of people had crossed three military checkpoints without raising pro-Pakistan or anti-national slogans. Their demand, he said, was simply: “We want justice.”</span></div><div><span>He alleged that the then Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Inspector General had instructed the police to prevent the group from reaching Anantnag, following which the police opened fire.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah recalled travelling by helicopter with his Director General of Police, Jagat, after hearing about the incident in the Legislative Assembly. He said police officers had claimed that the group was armed and had fired at them, pointing to marks on the gates of the police station.</span></div><div><span>Questioning their account, Abdullah said he had challenged the officers over the direction of the bullet marks and accused them of firing the shots themselves. He described the incident as an example of the hardships witnessed during his time in office.</span></div><h2><span>Recalls chithi Singhpora massacre</span></h2><div><span>Abdullah also recalled the Chithi Singhpora massacre, in which 26 people were killed during the visit of then US President Bill Clinton to India.</span></div><div><span>He said he had been having dinner with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he received news of the killings.</span></div><div><span>“I could not eat. Clinton asked me, ‘Why aren’t you eating?’ How could I eat when my own brothers had been martyred?” Abdullah recalled.</span></div><div><span>He said he had immediately contacted then Punjab Chief Minister Badal Sahib and suggested that they visit the site together.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah described the scene he encountered, saying funeral pyres were burning when he arrived.</span></div><h2><span>Attacks BJP-led centre over Kashmir policy and Article 370</span></h2><div><span>Abdullah launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government, accusing it of acting against the interests of Kashmiris and creating difficulties for the people of the region.</span></div><div><span>Referring to the allocation of six seats, he alleged that the arrangement had been designed to secure a Member of Parliament of the government’s choosing. He claimed that efforts had been made to prevent Kashmiris from progressing and force them to struggle for their rights.</span></div><div><span>He also accused the Centre of targeting Muslims across the country, alleging that mosques were being demolished and homes and shops destroyed in areas governed by the BJP.</span></div><div><span>“How, then, can our own people align themselves with such forces?” he asked, urging people in Jammu and Kashmir to stand together and raise a united voice.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah said the people of the region had never denied their Indian identity and reiterated his commitment to what he described as the India of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.</span></div><div><span>“We have never denied being Indian; rather, we have consistently affirmed our bond with India, the India of Gandhi, the India of Nehru,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He expressed concern over what he described as growing divisions between Hindus and Muslims, alleging that political interests were damaging the country’s future.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah also reiterated his opposition to the abrogation of Article 370, claiming that pressure had been exerted on the judiciary to remove the constitutional provision.</span></div><div><span>He said that, on two previous occasions when the matter had reached the Supreme Court, it had been maintained that Article 370 was not temporary because no plebiscite had taken place. He alleged that its removal under the current government was unlawful and lacked legal justification.</span></div><div><span>The NC president vowed to continue the fight for its restoration, saying he and future generations would keep pursuing the issue.</span></div><h2><span>Farooq Abdullah accuses media of failing to report the truth</span></h2><div><span>Abdullah also criticised sections of the media, alleging that some newspapers published reports to suit those in power and that journalists faced pressure that prevented them from reporting freely.</span></div><div><span>“They say it because they are being paid to do so. Their newspapers write these things daily because they are being paid to write them,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Pointing to journalists present at the gathering, Abdullah questioned whether they reported the truth and alleged that the police could intimidate reporters who spoke out.</span></div><div><span>“Do not delude yourselves into thinking you are free; you have become slaves,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He urged journalists to show greater courage and referred to a young woman from Kanpur who, he claimed, had called the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister a “scoundrel”.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah challenged journalists to speak fearlessly, arguing that they should fear Allah rather than those in positions of power. He said life and death were in God’s hands and urged the media not to allow intimidation to dictate its work.</span></div><h2><span>Questions health sector delays, loss of institutional autonomy</span></h2><div><span>The former Chief Minister also raised concerns about the functioning of Jammu and Kashmir’s health sector, alleging that files related to the department had remained pending in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for more than a year without a decision.</span></div><div><span>Referring to the service requirements for medical students, Abdullah said those studying in the Union Territory were required to serve for two years in hospitals. Those who failed to fulfil the requirement had to pay Rs 40 lakh to the state, he said.</span></div><div><span>He questioned why the file concerning the matter had remained pending with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for a year.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah also criticised changes to the functioning of medical institutions. He said their directors and committees had previously been empowered to decide which equipment to procure and which doctors to appoint, but alleged that the current administration had taken away those powers.</span></div><div><span>Referring to the head of the administration, he said, “I asked him that you have finished the autonomy, he admitted it on my face.”</span></div><div><span>He questioned what justice Kashmiris could expect from Delhi.</span></div><h2><span>Urges Kashmiris to unite and remember their history</span></h2><div><span>Abdullah urged people in Jammu and Kashmir to become self-reliant and unite rather than depend on the Centre to secure their rights.</span></div><div><span>“Unless you stand on your own feet, you will never earn your dignity,” he said, calling on people to remember God and follow His path.</span></div><div><span>He referred to historical periods of oppression under rulers including Qadir Khan, a governor who came from Kabul, the Mughals and the Dogras. Recalling the treatment of people under Dogra rule, Abdullah described a practice in which people crossing a bridge were allegedly whipped and forced to chant “Long live the Maharaja” until they reached the other side.</span></div><div><span>He said younger generations needed to understand the region’s history and how its people had reached their present circumstances. Abdullah also criticised what he described as a lack of political unity in Kashmir, alleging that numerous parties had emerged and that some people were willing to compromise their integrity for money.</span></div><div><span>He urged people not to assume that help would arrive without their own efforts, arguing that collective action was necessary to secure their future.</span></div><div><span>“Remember, you will never achieve anything unless you stand united,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah also called on party workers to remain loyal to the National Conference regardless of whether it was in power.</span></div><div><span>“If you truly stand with this party, with this flag for which so many have shed their blood, then stand by it with integrity, not with duplicity. Do not simply stand with us because we happen to be in power; if you are truly committed to this cause, then remain with it even when we are no longer in power,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He expressed hope that the current situation would eventually change and urged people to place their faith in Allah rather than fear those in power.</span></div><div><span>Concluding his appeal for unity, Abdullah invoked the slogan associated with his father, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, popularly known as Sher-e-Kashmir: “Sher-e-Kashmir ka kya irshaad, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs Ithaad.” The slogan calls for unity among Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs.</span></div><div><span>Abdullah also urged party members to remain honest and committed to the organisation, warning against supporting it only while it remained in government.</span></div><div><span>He said he was answerable to Allah and that this belief was why he spoke openly in public.</span></div><div>(with agencies input)</div>

Addressing a party workers’ convention in Baramulla Abdullah urged people to speak up for their rights, Abdullah called on them to confront those in power rather than remain silent.

‘India’s intentions not right’: Farooq Abdullah credits Pakistan over Kashmir, recalls past massacres and warns J&K to unite against Delhi

‘India’s intentions not right’: Farooq Abdullah credits Pakistan over Kashmir

<p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>By- Ratan Kumar Shrivastav, Ex. IPS Officer</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">The moment the word police is mentioned, a stern face comes to mind, disciplined, commanding, and unwavering in its duty. During the Yogi government's tenure in Uttar Pradesh, this tough image of the police has become synonymous with fear for criminals. Those who play with the law know that paths to escape are no longer as easy as they once were. But beneath this very uniform also beats a heart that quietly does its work. It may receive little attention in the headlines, but its significance for society is far greater.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">Sometimes on the railing of a bridge, sometimes beside railway tracks, and sometimes behind the closed walls of a home, when a person has given up on life, a simple message prompts police personnel to rush to their aid without losing a moment. They do not scold; they listen. They do not issue orders; instead, they hold out a hand. At that moment, the same uniform that makes criminals tremble becomes a symbol of trust for a distressed mind.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">On one side is the firmness of duty and on the other, the gentleness of compassion. This very blend of qualities makes the police under Yogi government not just guardians of the law, but also protectors of life. A decade ago, the mere mention of the police would evoke a peculiar hesitation and fear in the minds of ordinary people. Crossing the threshold of a police station felt like a test, and the mention of a uniform brought to mind the force of the law, the severity of interrogation, and the harshness of police action. Over time, the police also transformed their methods and image in line with CM Yogi's vision. The same police force that became a scourge for mafias and criminals also emerged as a source of support for people struggling with depression and distress.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">Between January 1, 2023, and October 10, 2026, UP Police reached out in time to more than four thousand people who had indicated suicidal intentions on social media and brought them back from the brink of death. Behind every person who has returned to life is a family where a mother once again serves food to her son, a father runs his hand over his child's head, or a wife waits for her life partner to return.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">Thoughts of suicide often do not arise in a single moment. A person breaking down internally may be unable to share their pain with anyone, yet somewhere inside, they hope someone will notice them, someone will understand them. In today's world, this cry for help often appears on a social media screen as a post, a video, or an incomplete sentence.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">Under the coordination between UP Police and Meta, in place since 2022, whenever a post related to suicide appears on Facebook or Instagram, the company sends an alert to the Social Media Center at Police Headquarters by email and phone. As soon as the alert is received, a police team from the local police station reaches the door within minutes, behind which a person is struggling between life and death.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">Here, technology is a means, not the end. A machine can send an alert, but only a person with a compassionate heart can assure someone they are not alone. This very sensitivity is now emerging as a distinctive identity of the Uttar Pradesh Police.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">The incident in Saadatganj, Lucknow, is an example. A 26-year-old delivery boy, who spent his days delivering essential goods to other people's doorsteps, was so emotionally shattered under the burden of a dispute with his wife and in-laws that he posted a video related to suicide on Instagram. Standing on the banks of a river, the young man was perhaps on the verge of making the final decision of his life.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">Meta alerted police, who traced his location, and a team from the local station reached him in about ten minutes. These ten minutes were the distance between life and death. The police not only moved him away from the river but also arranged counseling for him later and involved his family in the process of supporting him. This subtle difference defines the line between duty and compassion. Duty saves a life, while compassion restores the reason to live.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">The story from Link Road in Ghaziabad is no less moving. A 24-year-old man became so desperate because of the financial hardship caused by his inability to meet household expenses that he prepared to take his own life and posted a related message on social media. The police team reached his home in just eight minutes, where a noose was hanging in the room. Had there been even a moment's delay, a family's light might have been extinguished. Police gave the young man the courage to believe that life's difficulties are not permanent and that ways to overcome them can be found.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">In both these incidents, time emerges as the most important factor. Eight minutes and ten minutes. These figures bear witness to the promptness that emerges when a system operates on the belief that every life is precious. Credit also goes to the leadership-shaped approach. Under CM Yogi's leadership, the state has emphasized technology-based policing and swift action. Meta's alert system is a meaningful link in this direction.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">In this account, unnamed police personnel at the Social Media Center, who keep a constant watch on alerts and set out to help as soon as they receive information, also deserve to be remembered. Their promptness, sensitivity and sense of responsibility are saving many families from the unbearable pain of being separated from their loved ones.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">As a society, we all have a responsibility in such cases. If a friend, relative, or colleague expresses despair in their words, suddenly becomes withdrawn, or their social media posts reflect exhaustion with life, do not ignore it. A phone call, a visit, or a simple conversation can often accomplish what even the largest system cannot. The police and technology are the final safety net, but our sense of belonging and care is the first line of protection.</span></p><p> </p><p><span lang="EN-GB">Today, as questions are being raised worldwide about whether technology is distancing people from one another, this initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Police offers a reassuring example. It shows that when compassion guides technology, it can bridge distances instead of widening them.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of Zee Media.)</strong></span><br> </p>

On one side is the firmness of duty; on the other, the gentleness of compassion. This blend of qualities makes the police under the Yogi government not just guardians of the law, but also protectors of life.

Yogi's police: The firmness of duty and gentleness of compassion | Opinion

<div><span>Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday said everyone involved in the alleged criminal conspiracy behind a sting operation would be exposed, asserting that the investigation was progressing and would be completed transparently, without political interference.</span></div><div><span>The remarks come amid allegations that an industrialist used Meta AI smart glasses to record meetings with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. Shivakumar has claimed that the meetings may have been part of a suspected sting operation targeting the two leaders.</span></div><div><span>Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge said a complaint had been filed to establish the truth and expressed confidence in the officers conducting the investigation. He said the probe would trace the origins of the recordings, establish how they were obtained and circulated, and determine who was responsible.</span></div><div><span>“It is just a matter of time before everybody is exposed, who did the criminal conspiracy, where it happened, how it happened, who did the sting, why they did it, how it got into someone’s hands after so many years, how it was suddenly uploaded, how the publicity happened, everything,” he said.</span></div><div><span>“We will trace it from the source and expose it in a few days,” he added.</span></div><h3><span>Kharge says investigation will establish sequence of events</span></h3><div><span>Kharge said the investigation would establish the sequence of events surrounding the material, which reportedly dates back to 2011 and was allegedly recorded in 2023 before emerging in 2026. He cautioned against jumping to conclusions or making statements for publicity.</span></div><div><span>The minister maintained that the police would conduct the investigation honestly and transparently, without political pressure or interference. He added that people whose names had emerged during the probe had been summoned, and their statements and interrogations recorded.</span></div><div><span>“There is no escaping it; the charge sheet must be filed. We have to submit it to the court,” Kharge said, adding that the findings would be made available at the appropriate time.</span></div><h3><span>Camera-equipped glasses raise ethical concerns</span></h3><div><span>Addressing the alleged use of smart glasses to make covert recordings during meetings with senior government officials, Kharge said visitors should respect established protocols when meeting ministers and other dignitaries.</span></div><div><span>“And when anybody comes to meet a senior cabinet minister or the chief minister, it is not ethical to have camera glasses or anything on,” he said.</span></div><div><span>In separate remarks reported by IANS, Kharge said the presence of a camera in eyewear could naturally raise suspicions, even when the glasses were ostensibly being used for eyesight.</span></div><div><span>“A lot of people come and meet ministers. Quite naturally, CBI and IT are also being misused. Very clearly, I had mentioned earlier that they have now started doing these covert videos or sting operations,” he said.</span></div><div><span>“You might have Meta glasses or whatever for your eyesight. But if it has a camera, quite naturally there will be doubts,” he added, stressing the need for courtesy and respect for the office being visited.</span></div><div><span>Kharge also alleged that the video pointed to extortion and blackmail, saying the investigation would establish the facts.</span></div><div><span>“No, that’s very evident in the video itself. When you know there are faces visible who belong to the party, they cannot deny it. But it is a very clear case of extortion. It’s a very clear case of blackmail. And we are investigating; sooner or later everything will be on record,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Responding to Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s claim that some Congress leaders were allegedly involved in the sting operation, Kharge said the videos showed people belonging to the party.</span></div><div><span>“That is very evident in the video itself. In all videos, there are faces visible who belong to the party. They cannot deny it, but it is a very clear case of extortion. It is a very clear case of blackmail, and we are investigating. Sooner or later, everything will be out,” he said.</span></div><h3><span>Shivakumar details meeting that triggered suspicion</span></h3><div><span>Shivakumar has alleged that an industrialist who met him wearing Meta AI smart glasses may have been attempting to record their conversation as part of a suspected sting operation targeting him and Satheesan.</span></div><div><span>In a recent interview with a prominent Kannada television channel, the Karnataka Chief Minister said the industrialist had secured an appointment through government officials. Shivakumar became suspicious when the discussion shifted from business to political strategies, including booth-level management and other political developments.</span></div><div><span>“God has given me power. When they came to conduct a sting operation on me, nobody told me about it. In my experience, if I look at someone’s face, I can figure out why they have come to meet me and what is on their mind,” Shivakumar said.</span></div><div><span>He said he met thousands of people every day and believed he could read their intentions from their faces.</span></div><div><span>Recalling the meeting, Shivakumar said the industrialist initially discussed business but later took him to an antechamber and opened a laptop.</span></div><div><span>“He should have spoken to me about business, but he started discussing politics. He explained how booth-level strategies worked and spoke about what they were doing and other political matters. He went on explaining things like a political psephologist. I looked at his face and became suspicious. I then noticed his spectacles, which raised further doubts,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Shivakumar said he subsequently directed officials to examine the individual’s background and gather information about his meetings with other political leaders.</span></div><div><span>According to the Chief Minister, the background check indicated that the industrialist had worn Meta smart glasses during meetings with him and Satheesan, but not during meetings with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a Union Minister.</span></div><div><span>He also referred to a meeting with an IT Minister during which the individual allegedly did not wear the glasses.</span></div><h3><span>Kharge defends political and business interests of leaders’ families</span></h3><div><span>Responding to the BJP’s criticism of the political and business activities of Congress leaders’ family members, Kharge defended their right to pursue such interests.</span></div><div><span>Questioning the objections, he said, “Why can’t my son get into politics? Why can’t Mrs. Priyanka Gandhi’s son get into politics? Gadkari’s children do business, right? Why can’t my son do business?”</span></div><div><span>He added that elected representatives were chosen by voters and that the public would ultimately decide who should enter politics.</span></div><h3><span>Minister calls for environmentally responsible diwali</span></h3><div><span>On Diwali celebrations and the use of firecrackers, Kharge urged people to follow environmental guidelines and remain considerate of others during the festivities.</span></div><div><span>He said cultural traditions should be observed alongside efforts to protect the environment, forests and wildlife. Referring to the Supreme Court’s guidelines on firecrackers, he urged the public to comply with the prescribed rules.</span></div><div><span>“Saving the environment along with our customs and cultural practices is also our culture, right?” he said.</span></div><h3><span>Kharge responds to query on Vicky’s death</span></h3><div><span>Asked about the suspicious death of a person named Vicky, Kharge said the government would investigate the matter in accordance with the law if a complaint was received.</span></div><div><span>He said that, to his knowledge, no complaint had been received at that point and invited Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to submit one for examination.</span></div><div><strong>(with IANS inputs)</strong></div>

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has alleged that an industrialist who met him wearing Meta AI smart glasses may have been attempting to record their conversation as part of a suspected sting operation targeting him and Satheesan.

Meta smart glasses sting row: Priyank Kharge vows to expose conspiracy, alleges extortion and blackmail

Meta smart glasses sting row: Priyank Kharge vows to expose conspiracy

<p><span>One person died after a massive fire broke out at several food and beverage shops behind Raipur Temple in Noida on Saturday, police said. More than four shops were engulfed by the flames as the fire spread rapidly through adjoining establishments in the area under the Sector-126 police station.</span></p><p><span>Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP), Noida, Abhay Kumar Mishra, told IANS that fire brigade teams rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. The blaze was brought under control with the help of six fire tenders.</span></p><p><span>"Upon receiving the information, the fire brigade team arrived at the scene. The blaze was brought under control with the assistance of six fire tenders. During the firefighting operation, an individual was found in an unconscious state. The person was immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared them dead," Mishra said.</span></p><p><span>According to preliminary information, a gas cylinder reportedly exploded during the fire, intensifying the blaze and causing panic among people in the vicinity. However, officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of the incident.</span></p><p><span>Local police personnel also reached the scene and took steps to secure the area and prevent further casualties. As crowds gathered near the affected shops, officers moved people away from the burning establishments and instructed bystanders to maintain a safe distance.</span></p><p><span>Police personnel remained deployed at the site to manage the crowd, prevent people from entering the affected area, and ensure that firefighting and emergency operations could continue without obstruction.</span></p><p><span>Further details regarding the cause of the fire and the extent of damage to the shops are awaited.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

According to preliminary information, a gas cylinder reportedly exploded during the fire, intensifying the blaze and causing panic among people in the vicinity.

One dead as massive fire engulfs several food shops in Noida, six fire tenders deployed

1 dead as massive fire engulfs several food shops in Noida, 6 fire tenders deployed

<p><span>India on Saturday strongly condemned a deadly attack at a church in Jordan's southern governorate of Karak that killed seven people and injured 34 others, expressing solidarity with the Jordanian government and its people and reaffirming its commitment to fighting terrorism.</span></p><p><span>In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as a heinous attack that had claimed innocent lives and left several others injured. It extended condolences to the victims' families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.</span></p><p><span>"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured in this cowardly attack. We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the MEA said.</span></p><p><span>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed shock over the attack, which took place during a funeral in Karak.</span></p><p><span>"Deeply shocked at the heinous attack at a Church in Karak, Jordan yesterday, which resulted in the tragic loss of several innocent lives and injuries to many others. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured," Jaishankar said in a post on X.</span></p><p><span>He added that India stood firmly with the Jordanian government and people during the difficult time and reiterated New Delhi's commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Jordan Orders Investigation Into Attack</strong></span></h2><p><span>According to the Jordanian Public Security Directorate, the shooting took place during a funeral in the southern governorate of Karak on Friday. Seven people were killed and 34 others injured.</span></p><p><span>A spokesperson for the directorate said the attack had been carried out by unidentified individuals and that investigations were proceeding intensively.</span></p><p><span>Jordan's King Abdullah II described the incident as a "terrorist attack" in a post on X, saying it would be met with the harshest retaliation, Xinhua news agency reported.</span></p><p><span>Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Al-Momani said Prime Minister Jafar Hassan would chair a meeting in Karak to oversee the authorities' response to what he called a "heinous terrorist crime".</span></p><h2><span><strong>UN Chief, Egypt Condemn Attack</strong></span></h2><p><span>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also strongly condemned the attack on Friday, stressing that violence against civilians and places of worship was unacceptable.</span></p><p><span>In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said places of worship must remain places of peace and be safe for everyone.</span></p><p><span>He called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice, while extending his deepest condolences to the victims' families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.</span></p><p><span>"The United Nations stands with the government and people of Jordan," Dujarric said.</span></p><p><span>Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also conveyed his condolences to King Abdullah II and the Jordanian people over the deaths.</span></p><p><span>Describing the incident as a "treacherous terrorist attack", Sisi said Egypt strongly condemned the violence.</span></p><p><span>"Egypt fully condemns these horrendous acts, which violate all human values," he said in a statement issued by the Egyptian Presidency.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as a heinous attack that had claimed innocent lives and left several others injured.

India condemns deadly church attack in Jordan, reaffirms commitment to fight terrorism

India condemns deadly church attack in Jordan, reaffirms to fight terrorism

<div><span>Jamia Millia Islamia has shifted all classes to online mode with immediate effect until further notice, citing safety concerns as protests demanding the restoration of the university’s students’ union entered their 13th day on Saturday.</span></div><div><span>Several students have been on hunger strike, demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) and the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor over what they describe as a crackdown on protesters.</span></div><h3><span>University cites safety concerns</span></h3><div><span>In a statement, the university said the decision had been taken as a precautionary measure to protect students on campus while ensuring that academic activities continued without disruption.</span></div><div><span>“In view of the ongoing situation and in order to ensure the safety and security of bonafide students in the University Campus, the Competent Authority, JMI, has decided to conduct classes of all courses of the University through online mode with immediate effect until further notice,” the statement said.</span></div><div><span>“The above decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of bonafide students while safeguarding their academic interests and ensuring continuity in the teaching-learning process without any undue disruption,” it added.</span></div><div><span>The university directed deans, heads of departments, directors, faculty members and students to follow the online class schedule and ensure regular participation in academic activities.</span></div><div><span>Faculty members were also asked to make the necessary arrangements for online classes and provide students with the required academic support and learning materials. Any further instructions or updates will be communicated through the university’s official channels, the statement said.</span></div><h3><span>Students allege assault during negotiations</span></h3><div><span>Meanwhile, students alleged that the university administration had begun assaulting protesters even as negotiations were under way.</span></div><div><span>In a statement, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) said, “The hunger strikers and the protest site are being attacked. This reveals the most brutal face of the Jamia administration. Furthermore, the University has been shifted to online mode.”</span></div><div><span>A student, speaking to reporters, alleged that the administration was attempting to dismantle the protest site and force demonstrators to leave the area.</span></div><div><span>“They are trying to remove our entire protest site and drive us out of here. They are creating a violent atmosphere inside the campus. But we are standing our ground. We are asking for our demands to be met. Just give us the union, please. Look at how they are dragging the students right now,” the student said.</span></div><div><span>The protests began on October 12, with students demanding the restoration of the JMISU, which was dissolved in 2006.</span></div><div><strong>(with IANS inputs)</strong></div>

The university said the decision had been taken as a precautionary measure to protect students on campus while ensuring that academic activities continued without disruption.

Jamia Millia Islamia shifts classes online as students’ protest over union enters 13th day

Jamia Millia Islamia shifts classes online citing safety amid students’ protest

<p>The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Thursday paid tributes to its 127 personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, as part of the Police Commemoration Day observances at the National Police Memorial here.</p><p>The day-long programme, held at the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri and CISF headquarters, also saw Director General Praveer Ranjan felicitate the families of five CISF martyrs.</p><h2>Tributes Paid at National Police Memorial</h2><p>The commemoration began with officers and family members offering floral tributes at the Central Sculpture and visiting the Wall of Valour, where the names of fallen personnel are engraved.</p><p>Senior officers laid wreaths, followed by CISF Additional Director General (APS) Binita Thakur. The families of the martyrs later paid homage at the memorial and visited the Police Museum, where they watched video tributes to CISF personnel.</p><p>About 200 family members of CISF personnel, along with their children, attended the morning session.</p><h2>DG CISF Felicitates Martyrs’ Families</h2><p>At CISF headquarters, Director General Praveer Ranjan interacted with and felicitated the families of five bravehearts — Wasu Deo Tulsiram Choure, Om Prakash, Ranjeet Singh, Rafi Q Ahmad Khan and Raj Kishor Prasad.</p><p>Senior officers from Force Headquarters and CISF units in Delhi-NCR were present on the occasion.</p><h2>Retreat Ceremony, Band Display Mark Evening</h2><p>The day concluded with a Retreat Ceremony at the National Police Memorial, where the CISF Director General laid a wreath.</p><p>The CISF Brass Band presented the National Song and National Anthem, along with marches and patriotic numbers, including “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon”, which was played on tubular bells. Short films on CISF bravehearts were also screened for senior officers and family members.</p><h2>154 Names Added to Wall of Valour</h2><p>This year, 154 names were added to the Wall of Valour at the National Police Memorial. These include police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.</p>

CISF paid homage to its 127 martyrs at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, felicitated families of five bravehearts and observed Police Commemoration Day with a retreat ceremony and band display.

CISF pays homage to 127 martyrs at National Police Memorial in New Delhi

<p>A massive fire erupted in a commercial market cluster in Noida's Sector 125, completely gutting at least five to six shops before fire authorities could bring the situation under control. A fire occurred in a commercial market zone in Noida Sector 126, causing destruction of at least six commercial shops. Several fire tenders were dispatched to the spot.</p><p>The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of Noida, Pradeep Kumar, noted that fire tenders had to face additional dangers due to the presence of gas cylinders in the shops.</p><p>"Large number of LPG cylinders have been found in the burning premises," said CFO Pradeep Kumar. "We are tackling the threat now, while continuing with search and rescue operations to save people trapped inside."</p><p>Further investigation is underway in relation to the cause and total extent of the structural loss in the fire in Noida Sector 126.</p><h2><strong>35+ fire tenders combat 15-hour fire in Delhi's Mayapuri industrial area</strong></h2><p>In West Delhi, more than 35 fire tenders battled a multi-factory fire at Plot B-41 in Mayapuri Phase-1, starting late night Friday and lasting through Saturday morning.</p><p>First responders discovered an 18-year-old Class 12 female student with fatal burn injuries at the scene. Crime scene units and forensic specialists cordoned off the area, recovering a flammable liquid container, personal belongings, and a handwritten note from her school bag as part of an active enquiry.</p><p> </p>

A massive fire broke out in a commercial cluster in Noidas Sector 125, gutting at least five to six shops within minutes. Fire tenders from nearby stations were dispatched to contain the blaze, with preliminary investigations pointing toward an electrical short circuit.

Major fire breaks out in Noida Sector 125; 5 to 6 shops gutted

<p>The body of a student from a government high school was recovered from the school premises in Krishna Nagar of East Delhi on Saturday morning. First responders found her body behind the guard house in response to a distress call indicating that there was fire inside the premises.</p><h2><strong>Response by police and scene investigation</strong></h2><p>The police personnel working at Krishna Nagar Police Station reached the spot in response to a PCR call of a raging fire inside the school premises.</p><p>On reaching the site, the police personnel cordoned the area behind the guard house where the body of the girl student was discovered. Crime Investigation Teams and Forensic Experts soon arrived at the scene to collect and analyse physical evidence.</p><p>Evidence recovered: The investigating team seized some personal items of the victim, some flammable liquids, and her school bag from the vicinity of the site.</p><p>Documentary evidence recovered: Preliminary reports indicate that the police had recovered a letter, handwritten by her, which is now being analyzed through handwriting evaluation.</p><h2><strong>Continuous investigation on the grounds</strong></h2><p>The officials of the Shahdara police station said that there is a continuous investigation process on the grounds that how the girl brought the flammable object inside the premises.</p><p>The police are investigating the CCTV camera recording footage of the school entrance along with the statements of the staff members, security guards, and class fellows to find the exact timeline and the sequence of events that occurred before the accident. Further information can be provided after the results of the autopsy and preliminary forensics investigations have been obtained.</p><p><strong>Need help? You can contact the professional helplines for help if you are in distress or in trouble. They are:</strong></p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e6f71075d68f60ee9a408b10d826f05cb">Tele-MANAS: 14416 or 1800-891-4416</li><li data-list-item-id="e01eb763dbedc2298d4093402f58febf9">KIRAN Mental Health Helpline: 1800-599-0019</li><li data-list-item-id="e7049ade6502b722749f1a2f543f70907">Vandrevala Foundation: +91-9999-666-555</li></ul><p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: Based on preliminary police reports. Zee News follows responsible reporting guidelines for mental health. For support, call Tele-MANAS (14416 / 1800-891-4416) or KIRAN (1800-599-0019).</strong></em><br> </p>

A Class 12 student died after setting herself on fire behind the guard room of a government school in East Delhis Krishna Nagar on Saturday.

Class 12 student dies by suicide inside east Delhi government school premises

<p>Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said he has requested Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to fix a time in the first two-three days of next week for the expansion of the Council of Ministers.</p><p>Speaking to reporters after meeting the LG, Abdullah said the matter of reshuffle and expansion was discussed in detail. He requested the LG to allot time so that some changes and expansion can be carried out in the Cabinet. The LG will decide the exact schedule, after which the expansion process will begin.</p><p>Abdullah revealed that the list of ministers has already been finalised after consultation with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. He made it clear that the decision on who will be inducted has already been taken.</p><p>Appealing to party colleagues and aspirants, Abdullah said: “There is no need to knock on Farooq Sahib’s door, my door, or anyone else’s door. Please be patient. Whoever is destined will get it. First Allah decides, then we decide. Do not send WhatsApp messages, do not call, and do not send long biodatas. I already know everyone. Whatever is to happen will happen in the next two-three days.”</p><p>Abdullah also raised the issue of people from Jammu &amp; Kashmir and other states who are stranded in Saudi Arabia due to flight cancellations. Said “He said ticket prices have risen sharply, making it difficult especially for those who had booked budget airlines to arrange return tickets. The matter is being taken up with the Ministry of External Affairs.”</p><p>Abdullah added that if the MEA does not have adequate funds to help bring the stranded people back, the Jammu &amp; Kashmir government is ready to divert some money from its own budget to facilitate their return.”</p><p>On a question related to the China border and Ladakh, Abdullah clarified that after the separation of Ladakh, the matter is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Jammu &amp; Kashmir government. He said “the issue should be taken up either with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh or with the central government, as J&amp;K has no role in it now.”</p><p>Abdullah said the Lieutenant Governor had returned to Srinagar a few days ago and his health had been slightly unwell in between. He therefore made it a point to inquire about the LG’s health during the meeting, apart from discussing several other important issues.<br> </p>

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday, requesting a schedule within the first two-three days of next week to execute the Council of Ministers expansion.

J&K Cabinet expansion next week: CM Omar Abdullah meets LG Manoj Sinha

J&K Cabinet expansion next week: CM Omar Abdullah meets LG Manoj Sinha, says final list sealed

<div><span>Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old man, who reportedly worked as a Rapido rider and perfume seller, for his suspected links with the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed. The accused, identified as Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, allegedly circulated inflammatory material online and is suspected to have been in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives. </span>Investigators are now examining his online activity and possible associates.</div><div> </div><div>Also Read: <a href="https://english.zeenews.com/india/article-delhi-sir-voter-list-47-lakh-form-6-deadline-october-30-3160448">47.6 lakh names omitted from Delhi voter roll; only 2.5 lakh seek inclusion </a></div><h2>Mumbai ATS arrests suspected JeM associate near Mahim station</h2><p>The ATS's Kalachowki unit apprehended Akhtar near Mahim Metro station following a tip-off about his suspected activities, News agency IANS reported.</p><p>Investigators allege that Akhtar used his work as a Rapido rider and perfume seller as a cover while spreading extremist messages through social media. His daily work gave little indication of the activities now being examined by the authorities.</p><p>The ATS claims he used online platforms to circulate material that could create hostility between religious communities. The allegations are based on the agency's preliminary investigation, and his suspected links to the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation have yet to be established in court.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">#BREAKING The Maharashtra ATS arrested Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar (33), linked to the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed, near Mahim Metro station based on a tip-off. The ATS alleges he spread radical ideas while working as a Rapido rider and perfume seller, attempted to incite communal hatred through social media, and had alleged anti-national material on his phone. He allegedly ran a Telegram group and shared inflammatory speeches by Maulana Masood Azhar on June 1, 2026, and was active in the Pakistan-backed 'IBN-e-Qasim' channel: Maharashtra ATS</p><p>— IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2113876063004823815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2026</a></p></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p> </p><h2>Masood Azhar speeches allegedly shared on Telegram</h2><p>A major part of the investigation concerns Akhtar's alleged activity on Telegram, a messaging application that allows users to create groups and share messages, recordings and other content.</p><p>According to investigators, Akhtar administered a Telegram group where he allegedly uploaded audio recordings of speeches by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar on June 1. The recordings reportedly dealt with the Babri Masjid and other subjects that police believe could provoke communal hostility.</p><p>Akhtar was also allegedly an active subscriber to IBN-e-Qasim, a Telegram channel described by the ATS as Pakistan-backed and extremist.</p><p>Investigators have not disclosed how many people belonged to the group allegedly operated by Akhtar or how widely the recordings were circulated.</p><p>Jaish-e-Mohammed is designated as a terrorist organisation under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.</p><h2>Suspected Pakistan intelligence contacts under investigation</h2><p>The ATS is also examining Akhtar's suspected communication with Pakistani intelligence operatives.</p><p>The agency's preliminary investigation suggested that he was directly in contact with such operatives. However, details of the alleged conversations and the identities of the people involved have not been made public.</p><p>The agency is investigating whether these suspected contacts were connected to Akhtar's online activities. His alleged links with Pakistani intelligence have not been independently verified.</p><h2>Instagram comment about PM Modi's security under scrutiny</h2><p>Investigators have also identified an Instagram comment that Akhtar allegedly posted beneath a news report concerning a security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai.</p><p>The ATS described the comment as threatening, objectionable and provocative. The exact wording of the alleged post has not been made public in the available reports.</p><p>Officers also claim to have found material on Akhtar's mobile phone that they consider anti-national. The reported findings have brought his digital communications under closer examination.</p><h2>Case registered under BNS Section 196(1)</h2><p>A case has been registered against Akhtar under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, following a complaint by an officer from the ATS's Kalachowki unit.</p><p>The provision deals with promoting hostility or hatred between different groups, including through electronic communication. A person convicted under this section can face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine or both.</p><p>The ATS is now attempting to identify others who may have helped operate or distribute content through the accounts under investigation.</p><p>Authorities have not publicly established whether Akhtar was acting independently or following instructions from members of Jaish-e-Mohammed. The available reports also do not establish his involvement in any planned terrorist attack.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://english.zeenews.com/india/article-india-china-border-asaphila-longju-arunachal-faceoffs-3160454">2 Arunachal Pradesh sectors sensitive but stable, no clashes: Report </a></p>

Mumbai ATS arrests Rapido rider over suspected JeM links. Police probe Masood Azhar speeches shared on Telegram and alleged Pakistani intelligence contacts.

Rapido rider arrested in Mumbai over suspected JeM links, ATS probes Pakistan contacts

Rapido rider arrested in Mumbai over suspected JeM links

<p><span>Two sectors in Arunachal Pradesh's Taksing area remain sensitive but stable, with no clashes reported so far, according to a report by India Today, which cited defence sources. The assessment comes amid renewed concern over border tensions, with India blaming changes in Chinese patrolling patterns for disrupting the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).</span></p><p><span>The sensitive pockets of Asaphila and Longju are located in the remote Taksing Circle of Upper Subansiri district, where India and China have differing perceptions of the LAC’s alignment. According to the defence sources cited by India Today, patrols from both sides periodically encounter each other in these areas, but the situation remains under control.</span></p><p><span>The sources added that local commanders are exercising restraint to prevent such encounters from escalating into larger confrontations. Given the unresolved disagreement over the boundary, patrols can come face to face even without a significant build-up of troops.</span></p><h2><span>Row over ITBP Chief's Arunachal remarks</span></h2><p><span>The latest developments have drawn attention following remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur, who said Indian and Chinese troops had faced each other at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh, with some confrontations still continuing.</span></p><p><span>Speaking at an event in Alwar, Rajasthan, on Thursday, Kapur also praised the ITBP’s recently raised Shaurya commando teams for their role in handling such incidents. However, he did not identify all the locations involved or provide a detailed account of the confrontations.</span></p><p><span>His remarks prompted questions about the situation along the frontier, particularly in areas where the two countries have competing claims and patrols regularly operate in close proximity.</span></p><h2><span>India Blames Changes in Chinese Patrolling Patterns</span></h2><p><span>Responding to questions about the border situation on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said tensions arise when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling practices.</span></p><p><span>"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," Jaiswal said.</span></p><p><span>He added that India and China were using diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings. Both sides had also agreed to discuss ways to improve their understanding of the LAC in selected areas.</span></p><p><span>However, the ministry did not announce any new disengagement agreement. Questions concerning specific confrontations were referred to the Defence Ministry.</span></p><p><span>Earlier reports had described encounters between Indian and Chinese patrols near Taksing in late July, followed by renewed friction in August. However, claims about troop movements and any loss of access to particular patrolling points have not been independently established.</span></p><h2><span>ITBP strengthens border preparedness</span></h2><p><span>Alongside efforts to manage face-offs, the ITBP has been strengthening its operational preparedness along the frontier. Kapur said the force had established drone platoons in its border units, introduced a course called "Strike" and was developing underground infrastructure along the border.</span></p><p><span>These measures come amid continued efforts to improve border preparedness following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.</span></p><h2><span>Congress seeks answers on Arunachal face-offs</span></h2><p><span>The developments have also triggered a political response, with the Congress demanding a fuller explanation from the government about the situation along the Arunachal Pradesh frontier.</span></p><p><span>Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of maintaining a "deafening silence" on the issue and raised allegations that Indian troops had lost access to certain patrolling points.</span></p><p><span>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the continuing face-offs as "deeply alarming" and questioned whether India’s access to patrolling areas had been affected despite the September military talks.</span></p>

Two strategic sectors in Arunachal Pradesh’s Taksing Circle remain sensitive but stable, as per reports.

2 Arunachal Pradesh sectors sensitive but stable, no clashes: Report

<p>Huge sheets of toxic chemical foam were floating in the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj on Saturday morning, marking the alarming levels of environmental pollution and bad air quality across the Delhi-NCR region. Real-time data from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that several air quality monitors in Delhi-NCR have moved into the 'poor' AQI range (201-300), largely due to low wind speed and seasonal stagnation.</p><h2><strong>Polluted air pervading Delhi-NCR spots</strong></h2><p>CPCB monitoring of the air pollution levels shows alarming rise in pollution level at some spots across suburbs and industrial areas of Delhi-NCR:</p><p><strong>Highest pollution level spots</strong>: AQI level at Alipur was 258, while at DTU and IIT Delhi, AQI readings were 251 and 227, respectively.</p><p><strong>NCR suburb highest pollution levels</strong>: The highest AQI level was recorded in Noida Sector-62 at 270, and next at Noida Sector-125 at 212.</p><p><strong>AQI moderate pollution spots</strong>: AQI level at Burari was 181, while at Anand Vihar it was 175.</p><p>According to CPCB's AQI standards, levels ranging between 0-50 are considered 'good,' 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' and 401-500 'severe.'</p><h2><strong>Yamuna river pollution reaches critical levels</strong></h2><p>The appearance of dense toxic froth at Kalindi Kunj highlights unmitigated surfactant and phosphate discharges entering the river from industrial effluents and untreated domestic sewage upstream.</p><p>Local authorities have deployed water-sprinkling teams and chemical defoaming agents near key riverbanks ahead of upcoming festive gatherings.</p><h2><strong>Delhi weather forecast and wind dynamics</strong></h2><p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts partly cloudy skies across Delhi-NCR over the weekend, with variable wind speeds influencing pollutant dispersal.</p><p><strong>Temperature ranges</strong>: Maximum daytime temperatures will range between 32°C and 34°C, with nighttime minimums hovering above normal between 18°C and 20°C.</p><p><strong>Wind speed patterns</strong>: Easterly morning winds running up to 12 km/h will shift north-easterly during the afternoon, reaching peak speeds of 20 km/h before slowing to 16 km/h by evening.</p><p><strong>Sunday outlook</strong>: Similar conditions will persist through Sunday, with minimum temperatures dropping slightly to between 17°C and 19°C.</p>

Thick layers of hazardous toxic foam coated the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj on Saturday morning as air quality deteriorated further across Delhi-NCR.

Delhi-NCR weather update: Poor air quality and Yamuna froth persist amid low wind

Delhi-NCR weather update: Poor air quality and Yamuna froth persist amid low wind speeds

<p>Nearly 47.6 lakh voters have been left out of Delhi's draft electoral roll, but only 2.51 lakh applications for inclusion were received between August 31 and October 22, even as the deadline for applying is just six days away.</p><p>Figures released by the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) show that 2,50,754 Form 6 applications were submitted after the draft roll was published. Another 2,12,400 had arrived before August 31, taking the total number of applications to more than 4.63 lakh.</p><p>The revision exercise began on June 30 with about 1.45 crore voters on Delhi’s electoral rolls. By August 31, however, the draft list contained only about 97.5 lakh names. The remaining 47,56,722 voters were classified as absent, shifted, deceased or duplicate after election workers could not collect their enumeration forms.</p><h2>Why so few Form 6 applications after the Delhi SIR?</h2><p>Form 6 is used to request inclusion in the electoral roll, both by first-time voters and by eligible residents whose names are missing. Because of this, the total number of applications cannot be treated as the number of people seeking restoration after their names were deleted.</p><p>According to Hindustan Times (HT), an election official said nearly half of the fresh applications were from first-time voters. The official argued that the relatively low response, despite extensive outreach, showed that the exercise used to identify absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entries was accurate. However, the application figures alone do not explain why other eligible voters have not applied.</p><p>To encourage more people to enrol, special camps began on September 20. Officials said more than 89,000 such camps had been held by October 22, during which 1,58,470 Form 6 applications were received. Another round of camps is scheduled for October 25 at Delhi’s 14,947 polling stations.</p><h2>West Delhi leads Form 6 applications; New Delhi records fewest</h2><p>The district-wise figures show wide differences across the capital. West Delhi recorded the highest number of applications at 30,361, followed by North West Delhi with 25,925. East Delhi received 24,200 applications, while North East Delhi and South East Delhi recorded 24,136 and 24,153 respectively.</p><p>South West Delhi reported 22,098 applications and South Delhi 21,322. The numbers were 18,451 for North Delhi, 17,991 for Outer North Delhi and 16,312 for Central North Delhi. Central Delhi recorded 10,796 applications, Old Delhi 10,668 and New Delhi just 4,341, the lowest in the city.</p><p>Officials said the low number in New Delhi district was partly because many former government employees had moved out of official accommodation, with some shifting to Gurugram or their hometowns. Such voters were advised to register where they now live. Some electors registered in more than one place also reportedly preferred to retain their registration in their home state.</p><h2>What happens to flagged voters and how to check your name</h2><p>Apart from those left out of the draft roll, about 33 lakh people whose names appeared in the list faced further scrutiny. Of these, around 13.79 lakh could not be linked to the 2002 electoral roll, while 19.33 lakh records had discrepancies.</p><p>The CEO's office said about 29.5 lakh of these cases had been resolved or set aside for a decision in the final roll. It has, however, not disclosed how many were rejected.</p><p>Residents have been advised to check their names on the Delhi CEO website instead of assuming they are registered. Those who are eligible but missing from the draft list can apply through Form 6, while Form 7 is used to object to an entry or seek deletion. Form 8 can be used for corrections or changes in address.</p><p>The extended window for claims and objections will close on October 30. Officials have until November 30 to dispose of the applications and objections, while the final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on December 4. Booth-level officers are also visiting neighbourhoods to identify eligible people left out of the draft list and help them apply.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://english.zeenews.com/world/article-us-intelligence-warns-iran-may-target-american-diplomats-trump-fresh-strikes-3160447">Iran plots to target US diplomats as Trump threatens strikes: Report </a></p>

Delhi SIR left out 47.6 lakh names from its draft voter roll. See why only 2.5 lakh Form 6 applications were filed and how to apply before 30 October.

47.6 lakh names omitted from Delhi voter roll; only 2.5 lakh seek inclusion

Delhi SIR: 47.6 lakh off draft roll, only 2.5 lakh seek inclusion

<p>India has blamed changes in Chinese troop patrols for renewed tension along the Line of Actual Control, days after reports of fresh face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh. The foreign ministry said on Friday that peace at the disputed border was necessary for better relations with Beijing, even as both countries pursued military talks and sought to restore trade and travel ties.</p><p>At a briefing on 23 October, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the border situation becomes unsettled when Chinese forces move away from established patrolling practices. His comments came after the ITBP chief openly spoke about ongoing face-offs with Chinese troops.</p><p>“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,” Jaiswal said.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">#WATCH | Delhi | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "The situation in the India-China border areas gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns. Both sides continue to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the line of actual control. The two sides have also agreed to discuss ways to improve understanding of LAC in appropriate areas for better border management. The maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations."</p><p>— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2113622192126931235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p> </p><h2>ITBP chief reports continuing face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh</h2><p>ITBP director general Shatrujeet Kapur while speaking to personnel at Alwar in Rajasthan on Thursday  said Indian and Chinese forces had faced each other at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and that some confrontations were continuing. He said the force's newly raised Shaurya commando teams had been involved in handling these situations.</p><p>Reports of an earlier encounter centred on Taksing, a remote area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district, where Indian and Chinese patrols came into contact in late July. Further tensions were reported in August. Details of the reported troop movements have not been independently confirmed.</p><h2>Military talks continue after September border meetings</h2><p>India and China held their first senior military commander-level flag meetings in the eastern sector on September 6 and 7, at Wacha on the Indian side and Damai on the Chinese side. The meetings followed diplomatic consultations aimed at improving communication along the border.</p><p>Jaiswal said both countries were continuing to use military and diplomatic channels to settle outstanding matters and prevent misunderstandings. He added that they had agreed to discuss ways to improve their understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas. No new disengagement agreement was announced on Friday.</p><h2>ITBP Expands Drone Units and Training</h2><p>Alongside the diplomatic and military efforts, the ITBP has also been strengthening its preparedness along the frontier. ITBP director general Shatrujeet Kapur said the force had established drone platoons in border units and introduced a course called "Strike" to improve frontline tactics after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.</p><p>The force is also developing underground infrastructure along the frontier as part of its broader plan to improve border security.</p><h2>Congress Seeks Answers From Government</h2><p>Kapur’s comments triggered a political row, with the Congress questioning the government’s handling of the border situation. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government of maintaining a “deafening silence” over the Arunachal incidents while making concessions to Beijing.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">While the self-styled Vishwaguru’s calibrated concessions to China continue, the DG, ITBP, has lauded—and rightly so—its performance in recent face-offs with the PLA in Arunachal Pradesh, on which there has been a deafening silence from the PM and his establishment. Corps commander talks were held at Wacha and Damai in Arunachal Pradesh last month after the Taksing face-off. Locals had reported that patrolling points had been lost once again, as in Ladakh. China continues to rename our towns in Arunachal Pradesh and is building a 60,000-MW dam that threatens our ecological and water security. India’s trade deficit with China zoomed even further to a record $112 billion in 2025–26, up from $99 billion the previous year. This has simply crushed our MSMEs in many industries. Make in India has become Import from China. This staggering trade deficit is in itself a very significant threat to our economic security. India has been paying the price for the PM’s infamous clean chit to China on June 19, 2020, when he said, after 20 of our brave jawans had been martyred: “ना कोई वहाँ हमारी सीमा में घुस आया है और न ही कोई घुसा हुआ है, न ही हमारी कोई पोस्ट किसी दूसरे के कब्ज़े में है।” The retired Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Naravane, has revealed that the only instructions he received while at the helm, when Chinese incursions took place in Ladakh, were: “जो उचित समझो वो करो।” On July 4, 2025, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh, had spoken publicly on China’s both intensively and extensively embedded role in Pakistan’s military campaign during our Operation Sindoor. Yet, on August 25, 2026, the retired Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Anil Chauhan, publicly contradicted Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh’s revelations and, soon thereafter, took over a think tank that is a key part of the RSS/BJP ecosystem.</p><p>— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/2113465845565575268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also demanded answers from Modi, calling the developments "deeply alarming". He asked whether Indian patrols had lost access to any areas and why the government had not given a fuller account of the situation along the border.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://english.zeenews.com/world/article-us-intelligence-warns-iran-may-target-american-diplomats-trump-fresh-strikes-3160447">Iran plots to target US diplomats as Trump threatens strikes: Report </a></p>

India blames deviations by Chinese patrols for recurring tension along the LAC after the ITBP chief reported continuing face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh. The MEA says talks will continue, but peace at the border is essential to the improvement of ties with China.

China patrol changes behind fresh LAC tensions, India says after Arunachal face-offs

<div><span>A research report presented at the European Geosciences Union has raised concerns about tectonic activity beneath the Himalayas, warning that energy accumulating beneath a 115-kilometre stretch of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region could trigger a powerful earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale. The potential impact, according to the assessment discussed in the report, could extend beyond Uttarakhand to Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh.</span></div><div><span>In today’s episode of DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, conducted a detailed analysis.</span></div><h2><span>What is happening beneath the Himalayas?</span></h2><div><span>The research examined the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Himalayan region. According to the report, movement along a stretch of the Himalayas in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, has become obstructed, a process known in geology as </span><em>plate locking</em><span>. The report warns that this could cause energy to accumulate beneath the Earth’s surface, raising concerns about the possibility of a major earthquake if that energy is released suddenly.</span></div><div><span>The analysis highlighted an approximately 115-kilometre-long section of Uttarakhand where this process is believed to be occurring. Researchers have warned that the accumulated energy could be equivalent to that built up within a tectonic plate over 100 years.</span></div><div><span>Tectonic plates are sections of the Earth’s outer layer that move continuously, generally at a rate comparable to the growth of a fingernail. They typically move by around 1 to 4 centimetres a year. Plate locking occurs when two plates become stuck against each other, preventing their movement. When accumulated stress is released suddenly, it can cause the ground to shake and trigger an earthquake.</span></div><div><span>The report also cites satellite-image analysis indicating that tectonic plate movement beneath the Himalayas has slowed by 18 millimetres per year compared with the average rate. Meanwhile, the plates are rising at a rate of 4 to 6 millimetres annually, suggesting that the elevation of the Himalayan surface could increase in the coming years.</span></div><h2><span>How could an Earthquake affect Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh And Delhi?</span></h2><div><span>The assessment presented in the DNA analysis outlines a possible sequence of impacts if a major earthquake strikes the Kumaon region.</span></div><div><span>Pithoragarh and Nainital could experience tremors within 10 seconds. The analysis warns of possible building collapses, major landslides and forest fires in these areas.</span></div><div><span>The tremors could then reach Haldwani, Bareilly and Moradabad within 20 to 25 seconds. Buildings could sustain damage, while bridges and roads could develop major cracks. Underground pipelines could also be damaged or destroyed.</span></div><div><span>Delhi could experience the tremors approximately 90 seconds, or a minute and a half, after the earthquake begins in Kumaon. Although the shaking could weaken by the time it reaches the national capital, the assessment warns that some areas could still face significant damage.</span></div><div><span>Areas built along the Yamuna floodplains could be particularly vulnerable, with roofs potentially collapsing and the foundations of high-rise buildings sustaining damage. Delhi’s dense population could also make rescue and relief operations more difficult.</span></div><div><span>The analysis further states that even if an earthquake measuring 8.1 in Uttarakhand weakened before reaching Delhi, its magnitude could still exceed 6 on the Richter scale.</span></div><h2><span>Assessment warns of damage to buildings and economic losses</span></h2><div><span>According to the estimates presented in the programme, 38 per cent of Delhi’s buildings could be at risk in such a scenario. Around 34 lakh houses and factories could suffer extensive damage.</span></div><div><span>The projected human and economic toll could also be substantial. The assessment estimates that an earthquake of this magnitude could cause between 10,000 and 11,000 deaths in Delhi and neighbouring areas, with economic losses potentially reaching Rs 8.5 lakh crore.</span></div><div><span>These figures are projections discussed in the analysis, not confirmed outcomes. The programme also cautioned that the actual scale of damage could be greater if a major earthquake struck Uttarakhand and Delhi.</span></div><h2><span>India’s history of major earthquakes</span></h2><div><span>The analysis referred to some of the most devastating earthquakes in independent India’s history to underline the potential consequences of a high-magnitude event.</span></div><div><span>In 1950, an earthquake measuring 8.6 struck Assam, killing approximately 3,300 people. In 2001, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake devastated Bhuj in Gujarat, claiming around 20,000 lives.</span></div><div><span>Another major earthquake struck Kashmir in 2005, measuring 7.6. The disaster killed approximately 86,000 people in Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to the figures cited in the programme.</span></div><div><span>The analysis noted that no earthquake causing a comparable level of destruction had occurred in the preceding 20 years.</span></div><h2><span>How can the risk be reduced?</span></h2><div><span>While natural geological processes cannot be stopped, the analysis emphasised the importance of preparedness and safer construction practices.</span></div><div><span>Experts cited in the programme said that following building regulations and using earthquake-resistant construction techniques are essential steps towards reducing the potential impact of a major earthquake. Such measures are particularly important in regions vulnerable to seismic activity.</span></div><div><span>The programme also raised questions about the impact of human activity on the natural environment, pointing to mining beneath the Earth’s surface and the construction of large dams as examples of activities that place pressure on the environment.</span></div><div><span>It recalled the views of renowned environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna, who argued that nature should not be treated as an obstacle to be conquered. He stressed that human beings must respect nature and avoid damaging rivers and mountains for short-term gains.</span></div><div><span>The assessment presents a warning about a possible earthquake scenario beneath the Himalayas. While the projections highlight the potential risks to Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, the figures cited in the programme remain estimates rather than a prediction of when an earthquake will occur.</span></div><div> </div>

Tectonic plates movement along a stretch of the Himalayas in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, has become obstructed, a process known in geology as plate locking, elevating the risk.

Uttarakhand earthquake warning: Could a major quake beneath the Himalayas threaten Delhi?

Could a major quake beneath the Himalayas threaten Delhi?

<div><span>India has advised its nationals in France, Italy and Belgium to remain vigilant and avoid areas affected by protests as its diplomatic missions continue to monitor the situation and maintain contact with the Indian community.</span></div><div><span>Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued the advisory during a regular media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, urging Indians to exercise caution while travelling and follow instructions issued by local authorities.</span></div><div><span>“We have our missions in France, Italy and Belgium. They are closely following the developments there. They are in regular touch with the community members,” Jaiswal said.</span></div><div><span>He advised Indian nationals in the three countries to avoid protest sites and comply with local government advisories.</span></div><div><span>“Our Embassies in France and in Italy have also issued advisories for our nationals and they must follow those advisories. On our part, we remain committed to the welfare and safety of our nationals abroad,” he added.</span></div><h2><span>Indian embassy issues advisory for France</span></h2><div><span>The Indian Embassy in France issued a travel and safety advisory on Wednesday, urging Indian nationals and those planning to visit the country to remain alert following protests over the rising cost of living that led to violent clashes.</span></div><div><span>The demonstrations began in late September over poor conditions in schools and teacher shortages. They subsequently expanded into nationwide anti-government protests amid rising living costs, high fuel prices and public sector budget cuts, with demonstrators criticising President Emmanuel Macron’s administration.</span></div><div><span>“In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities,” the embassy said in a post on X.</span></div><div><span>The MEA reiterated that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remained a priority, urging them to stay informed and exercise caution as the situation develops.</span></div><div><span>(with IANS inputs)</span></div>

The Indian Embassy in France issued a travel and safety advisory on Wednesday, urging Indian nationals and those planning to visit the country to remain alert.

France, Italy, Belgium protests: India urges nationals to stay alert, avoid affected areas

France, Italy, Belgium protests: India urges nationals to stay alert

<p><span>A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel member has been awarded a ₹10,000 cash reward and the Director General's Commendation Certificate for chasing down a passenger who tried to flee during security screening at Jama Masjid Metro Station in Delhi.</span></p><p><span>Abhishek Verma, posted with the CISF unit of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), stopped the passenger on October 17 after X-ray screening detected a dense object inside his bag.</span></p><p><span>The incident took place when the passenger arrived at the station's security checkpoint. As his bag passed through the X-ray baggage scanner, an object appeared dark on the screen, prompting CISF personnel to ask him to open the bag for a physical inspection.</span></p><p><span>Instead, the passenger picked up his bag, ran out of the frisking booth and took the escalator towards the exit gate.</span></p><p><span>Verma, who was on frisking duty at the entry point, immediately chased him along with his colleagues and stopped him before he could leave the station. The passenger was then taken to the station control room.</span></p><p><span>During questioning, the passenger said he was a non-resident Indian (NRI) from Kuala Lumpur who had arrived in India a day earlier. A semi-solid substance was found stitched inside an undergarment in his bag. As the substance could not be identified at the spot, the Delhi Metro Rail Police (DMRP) was called.</span></p><p><span>The passenger and his belongings were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation. The nature of the substance was not specified in the information provided by the CISF.</span></p><h2><span><strong>CISF Chief Praises Personnel's Alertness</strong></span></h2><p><span>Director General of CISF Praveer Ranjan, an IPS officer, commended Verma for his vigilance and swift response in stopping the passenger.</span></p><p><span>Ranjan said Verma had shown "exceptional vigilance, alertness and swift action" during the incident. He added that the personnel's response reflected "exemplary professionalism and dedication to the service".</span></p><p><span>He also said that such presence of mind among frontline personnel helped keep lakhs of metro commuters safe every day.</span></p><p><span>Verma, who hails from West Karbi Anglong district in Assam, joined the CISF through direct recruitment on May 29, 2018. He has served with the force for more than eight years.</span></p><p><span>The CISF said Verma's quick response, supported by his colleagues, helped prevent the passenger from leaving the station before the suspicious substance could be examined by the police.</span></p>

Abhishek Verma, posted with the CISF unit of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), stopped the passenger on October 17 after a dense object was detected inside his bag during X-ray screening.

CISF Constable who chased passenger with suspicious bag at Delhi Metro Station rewarded

CISF Constable who chased passenger with suspicious bag at Delhi Metro rewarded

<p><strong>By Girish Linganna</strong></p><div dir="auto">For months, villagers in the high valleys of Arunachal Pradesh whispered that their herders could no longer walk the old grazing paths near the border. Social media carried louder claims. Officialdom stayed quiet. That silence broke when Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, told an annual ceremony honouring his personnel that Indian and Chinese soldiers have been locked in tense face-offs at several points in Arunachal Pradesh since July, and that the stand-off was still on. It was the first time anyone in authority had confirmed it.</div><div dir="auto"> </div><div dir="auto">The trouble began around Taksing, a remote pocket close to Tibet. Reports said People's Liberation Army troops were blocking Indian patrols from reaching their patrolling points, the fixed spots soldiers walk to regularly to show the land is theirs, along the Line of Actual Control, or LAC, the unofficial border marking where each side currently stands because the two countries have never agreed on a formal boundary. The timing is awkward. The confrontations evidently continued even while Chinese President Xi Jinping was in New Delhi for the September BRICS Summit, a gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and even as top Army generals from both sides held their first formal peace meeting in the Arunachal sector.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">Kapur, however, chose to speak of pride rather than alarm. He singled out the newly raised Shaurya commandos, an elite ITBP unit trained to fight at heights where the air is so thin that every breath is an effort and ordinary soldiers tire within minutes, for holding their ground admirably. He reminded listeners that the ITBP, born in 1962 in the shadow of war, was conceived as a mountain-fighting force working in small teams with surprise moves, and was handed the entire 3,488-km China frontier only in 2004. That frontier, he admitted, remains its hardest posting. Every border unit now has a drone team, underground shelters are being dug, and a new course called Strike, which teaches soldiers to survive and win the kind of hand-to-hand brawl seen at Galwan, will cover every ITBP member by the end of 2027.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">Galwan is the memory behind all this. In June 2020, in Ladakh, Chinese troops attacked Indian soldiers with stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs. Twenty Indian soldiers died. China admitted to four of its own, though many accounts put its losses far higher.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">Kapur also spoke bluntly about drones, calling them both a danger and a gift. Matching China weapon for weapon is hard because Beijing has spent lavishly modernising the PLA. But a drone the size of a suitcase lets even a small country trouble a giant; it can watch enemy movements, collect intelligence and strike. India, he said, must use far more drones and far more anti-drone systems, the devices that spot, jam or shoot down hostile machines.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">A serious shield works in layers, like a house with a boundary wall, a locked gate and an alarm. First, radars, special cameras and electronic sensors to catch drones too small for the eye. Second, jammers that scramble a drone's radio link and interceptors that physically stop it. Third, artificial intelligence that tells a drone from a bird and warns troops faster. Fourth, Indian-made drones and counter-drone gear, so spare parts never depend on a foreign supplier during a crisis. Fifth, routine training so soldiers know when to take cover and whom to call. Sixth, hardened shelters and early warning for posts, ammunition dumps and communication hubs. Seventh, reliable communication across deep valleys and brutal weather. Eighth, DRDO, research institutes and private firms building affordable kit that survives extreme cold and altitude. No single tool suffices, because some newer drones do not need constant radio signals, so ordinary jammers cannot stop them.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">The politics has been fierce. In July a team from the People's Party of Arunachal, which has two MLAs, reported the Taksing blockade and rising Chinese activity in Upper Subansiri district. The government rejected the claims and reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is and will remain an inseparable part of India. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju told India Today that China had seized no new ground, while acknowledging that local worries over lost grazing access were genuine. Congress demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. On X, Jairam Ramesh mockingly called Modi "Vishwaguru" (world teacher), accused him of calculated compromises with China, asked what the September generals' talks had achieved, and pointed to Ladakh-style loss of patrolling points, Beijing's renaming of Arunachal towns, and a 60,000 MW Chinese dam he said threatens India's water security.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">Official sources counter that no land is quietly changing hands. They recall that China, which calls Tibet Xizang and Arunachal Zangnan or South Tibet, claimed some 69,000 sq km during the 1960 boundary talks; that it attacked an Assam Rifles post at Longju in 1959 and has held and built upon that patch since; and that its 1962 offensives through Kameng, Subansiri, Siyom, Siang and Lohit ended with the PLA pulling back north of the LAC. Better roads now let Indian patrols go further, which is partly why soldiers meet more often, and such meetings, the sources insist, are usually settled through the existing border agreements and talks between officials. Last week India answered China's naming game by placing 27 Arunachal mountains, rivers and landmarks on its official map under their Indian names.\</div><div dir="auto"> </div><div dir="auto">Doklam and eastern Ladakh taught the country that these contests are long and lonely for the men who stand in them. Relations with Beijing have warmed of late. Whether that warmth reaches the frozen patrol tracks of Taksing is the question every family with a son on that line is quietly asking.</div><div dir="auto"> </div><div data-index="16"><div><p><em style="box-sizing:border-box;font-family:inherit;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-style:normal;line-height:1.5;margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a defence, aerospace and geopolitical analyst. He is the managing director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd.)</strong></em></p></div></div>

Social media carried louder claims. Officialdom stayed quiet. That silence broke when Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, told an annual ceremony honouring his personnel that Indian and Chinese soldiers have been locked in tense face-offs at several points in Arunachal Pradesh since July, and that the stand-off was still on.

Handshakes in Delhi, face-offs in the heights: The new friction in Arunachal

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IPL 2027: Zaheer Khan set for crucial meeting with MS Dhoni before CSK retention deadline

IPL 2027: Zaheer set for crucial meeting with Dhoni before CSK retention deadline

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Who qualifies for the new Rs 1,500 vs Rs 3,000 annual toll pass?

The 20 km highway discount: Who qualifies for the new Rs 1,500 vs Rs 3,000 annual toll pass?

CISF officers intercept e-cigarette concealed inside power bank at Goa's Mopa Airport

CISF officers intercept e-cigarette concealed inside power bank at Mopa Airport

DMK President MK Stalin takes aim at CM Vijay after 17 inmates escape Theni jail

'From Breaking Bad to Prison Break': Stalin takes aim at CM Vijay after 17 inmates escape Theni jail

Resentment rocks National Conference HQ following J&K Cabinet expansion

Resentment rocks National Conference HQ following J&K Cabinet expansion; dropped MLAs and workers stage protests

India

Houthis claim ballistic missile strike on Saudi Defence Ministry

Houthis claim attack on Saudi Defence Ministry as coalition reports intercepting missiles and drones

Ex-Miss Switzerland details alleged 1993 rape by Trump in house report

'The show must go on': Ex-Miss Switzerland details alleged 1993 rape by Trump in house report

What 60,000 MW China's Tibet mega-dam means for Assam and Arunachal

Twice the size of three gorges: What 60,000 MW China's Tibet mega-dam means for Assam and Arunachal

‘Israel’s enemies want us to lose’: Decoding the midnight warning that shows Netanyahu is under pressure

‘Israel’s enemies want us to lose’: Decoding Netanyahu's midnight warning

Trump offers $1 million for ‘voter fraud’ evidence: Why now, before US midterms?

World

Sachin Pilgaonkar reveals why he insisted on casting Madhuri Dixit in 'Prem Deewane'

Watch: Urvashi Rautela serves prasad to devotees at Uttarakhand's historic Shri Sidhbali Baba Dham Mandir, video goes viral

Watch: Urvashi Rautela serves prasad to devotees at Shri Sidhbali Baba Dham Mandir

Imran Khan gets Bombay HC relief as eviction order is paused till Monday

Breaking: Imran Khan gets Bombay HC relief as eviction order is paused till Monday

'CID' Creator B.P. Singh passes away at 86 following massive heart attack

'CID' Creator B.P. Singh passes away at 86 following massive heart attack; Last rites on October 28

Ramayana advance booking: Ranbir Kapoor film earns Rs 13.30 cr in India pre-sales

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ISL 2026-27: FC Goa look to regain momentum against Sporting Club Delhi (preview)

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CA Manish Malhotra explains how Kwala Intel helps in analysing stock market

CA Manish Malhotra explains how Kwala Intel helps in analysing stock market data and compare companies

LPG cylinder rules changing from November 1: HP, Indane, Bharat Gas customers must know what is new

LPG cylinder rules changing from November 1

Microsoft announces Voluntary Exit Offer for 60,000 employees across India, US, UK, and Canada

Microsoft announces Exit Offer for 60,000 employees across India, US, UK, Canada

Tata Sons row: Noel Tata challenges Chandrasekaran's reappointment, alleges procedural lapses

Noel Tata challenges Chandrasekaran's reappointment, alleges procedural lapses

Will govt announce DA hike for central govt employees before Diwali? All eyes glued to Cabinet decision

Will govt announce DA hike for central govt employees before Diwali?

Personal finance

Real Estate

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Pain while climbing stairs? Experts reveal what your knees are trying to tell you

Karwa Chauth 2026 city-wise moonrise timings: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru schedules & evening puja muhurat

Karwa Chauth 2026 moonrise timings: Check city-wise timings, puja muhurat & more

Quote of the day by Vijay Deverakonda, 'The more you are...'

MS Dhoni issues health advice to Gen Z: Warns against high-carb diets, lifestyles and fast-food habits | VIDEO

MS Dhoni issues health advice to Gen Z: Warns against high-carb diets | VIDEO

Valmiki Jayanti 2026: Date, history, significance, and 51 meaningful wishes to share on Ashwin Purnima

Valmiki Jayanti 2026: Date, history, and 51 wishes to share on Ashwin Purnima

Lifestyle

Tarot card reading for October 27, 2026: Begin working towards a more stable future

Numerology Horoscope Prediction Today, October 27, 2026: Remember that empathy explains behaviour

Numerology Prediction, October 27: Remember that empathy explains behaviour

Dialogue of the day from Cast Away, ‘Tomorrow the sun will rise...’

Horoscope today, October 27, 2026, by Astrologer Sundeep Kochar: Libra, your surroundings influence your mood

Horoscope today, October 27: Libra, your surroundings influence your mood

Weekly Health Horoscope for October 26 - November 1, 2026: Avoid putting unnecessary strain on your knees, zodiacs

Weekly Health Horoscope for Oct 26-Nov 1, 2026: Avoid putting strain on your knees

Astrology

Ducati Formula 73 launched in India at Rs 20 lakh: Limited to 873 units worldwide

Ola Electric shares fall over 6% as analysts downgrade to sell

Kia Sorento: Top 7 pros and 5 cons

Skoda Slavia facelift: 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip

TN govt fixes Rs 26 lakh car purchase ceiling for ministers, Rs 15 lakh for MLAs

Auto

Former Tamil Nadu minister held in Rs 100-crore private school approval scam

North Western Railway Apprentice recruitment 2026: Applications open for 2,008 posts

UNESCO report: Early marriage and teenage pregnancy still keep girls out of school

Schools open in Tamil Nadu, despite IMD heavy rain alert; Parents demand holiday

Bihar board registration 2028 extended till November 6 for class 9, 11 students

Education

SIM-binding rule: What changes for WhatsApp, other messaging apps from Jan 1, 2027?

OpenAI partners with Google Cloud to offer AI models, Codex workflows

Samsung Galaxy F70 5G launched in India: Price, battery, display, camera and more

Infinix GT 50 Pro set to launch on October 27 with exclusive gaming accessories

OnePlus Ace 7 series set to launch in China on October 29: Here's what we know so far

OnePlus Ace 7 series set to launch in China on October 29: What we know so far

Technology

Tech giant Microsoft has announced plans to cut 60,000 jobs—over 25 per cent of its global workforce—offering employees a voluntary exit scheme until 1 December 2026.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a new annual local toll pass scheme starting November 1, 2026, offering discounted travel rates for non-commercial vehicle owners residing within 20 kilometers of National Highway toll plazas.

Alert CISF screeners at Manohar International Airport (Mopa, Goa) intercepted a Mumbai-bound passenger on October 25, 2026, after detecting an e-cigarette concealed inside a hollowed-out power bank.

DMK President MK Stalin targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s administration following a massive jailbreak in Theni district, where 17 undertrial prisoners escaped from the Thekkampatti Sub-Jail on Monday.

Internal resentment spilled onto the streets at the National Conference (NC) headquarters in Srinagar on Tuesday following Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs cabinet expansion.

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