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<p><span>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said the situation along the India-China border gets disturbed when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns, stressing that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.</span></p><p><span>The clarification came amid a political row over reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor about continuing face-offs with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress has questioned the government's handling of the situation and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address Parliament on the issue.</span></p><p><span>At a regular media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that questions about the specific developments should be directed to the Ministry of Defence. He added that India and China continued to rely on established diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings along the LAC.</span></p><p><span>"Insofar as the specifics are concerned, I would refer you to the Ministry of Defence. 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. 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," Jaiswal said.</span></p><p><span>"The two sides have also agreed to discuss ways to improve understanding of LAC in appropriate areas for better border management. I would also like to emphasise that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations," he added.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Kharge Questions Government Over Reported Face-Offs In Arunachal</strong></span></h2><p><span>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the reported continuing face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh as deeply alarming and sought answers from the Prime Minister over the situation along the border.</span></p><p><span>Referring to the Doklam and Galwan episodes, Kharge questioned whether another serious confrontation was unfolding. He also cited reports of Chinese incursions near Taksing in August and raised concerns about continued confrontations despite Corps Commander-level talks at Wacha–Damai.</span></p><p><span>"The ITBP DG's confirmation of continuing PLA face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh is deeply alarming. After Doklam and Galwan, is another serious confrontation unfolding? Reports of Chinese incursions near Taksing emerged in August. Yet, even 47 days after Corps Commander-level talks at Wacha–Damai, reportedly just 180 km away, confrontations continue. Has India's patrolling access been compromised? Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of India. Why is the nation being kept in the dark?" Kharge said.</span></p><p><span>The Congress chief also questioned the outcome of repeated diplomatic engagements between India and China, citing at least 23 reported meetings and interactions between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, 25 rounds of Special Representatives' talks involving National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, 36 meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), and discussions at successive SCO and BRICS summits.</span></p><p><span>"What tangible results have these engagements delivered? Have India's pre-May 2020 patrolling rights been fully restored? Our Armed Forces have our complete confidence. But national security demands accountability, not diplomatic photo opportunities and Hugplomacy! Instead of attacking the Opposition, PM Modi must take Parliament and the Nation into confidence," Kharge said.</span></p><p><span>He called on the Prime Minister to address Parliament and explain the government's position on the reported border developments.</span></p><h2><span><strong>India, China Agree To Address Border Issues Through Existing Channels</strong></span></h2><p><span>The MEA's remarks come as India and China continue diplomatic efforts to manage tensions along the LAC and prevent further misunderstandings.</span></p><p><span>On August 25, the two countries held the 25th round of talks between their Special Representatives on the boundary question in Beijing. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to follow the guidance of their respective leaders, maintain peace and tranquillity along the border and create conditions for the steady development of bilateral relations.</span></p><p><span>They also reiterated their commitment to negotiations on a framework for settling the boundary question in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question.</span></p><p><span>The two sides agreed to pursue a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution and address ground-level situations promptly through existing diplomatic and military channels. These include the WMCC, local commander-level meetings and other agreed mechanisms aimed at resolving outstanding issues and avoiding misunderstandings or miscalculations along the LAC.</span></p><h2><span><strong>MEA Reiterates India's Position On Ladakh</strong></span></h2><p><span>Separately, the MEA last week reiterated that the Union Territory of Ladakh is an "integral and inalienable part of India", stating that no denial by China could change this established fact.</span></p><p><span>The statement followed objections by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on October 13 to India's decision to identify 28 places and geographical features in Ladakh using standard names on the official Survey of India map. Beijing described the move as "illegal and void".</span></p><p><span>The MEA referred to a Ministry of Home Affairs announcement stating that the locations had been identified in consultation with the Ladakh administration and local stakeholders. The exercise aims to ensure accurate recognition of the places and improve public awareness of their geographical locations.</span></p><p><span>Earlier this month, the Centre announced the identification of the 28 places and features on the official map.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Jaishankar Says Border Situation Will Shape Future Of India-China Ties</strong></span></h2><p><span>In September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said relations between India and China had improved from the lows reached during the prolonged border stand-off, but cautioned that the situation along the frontier would remain a key factor in determining the extent to which ties could be normalised.</span></p><p><span>During his visit to New York, Jaishankar said bilateral relations were in a better position than in 2025 and had improved further compared with 2024. However, he warned against viewing the recovery as a fundamental shift in the relationship.</span></p><p><span>"I don't think it's structural change so much as a recovery from how far ties had deteriorated," he said.</span></p><p><span>The 2020 border developments and the prolonged stand-off had severely affected normal contact between the two countries. While trade continued, official exchanges, visa services and flights were disrupted. As tensions eased, some of these contacts gradually resumed.</span></p><p><span>Jaishankar described the improvement as a result of stabilisation rather than proof that the underlying differences had been resolved.</span></p><p><span>"A dip in our relationship actually doesn't help either of us," he said, adding that third parties could benefit from strained ties between the two countries.</span></p><p><span>In September, Modi met Xi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders stressed that "differences should not become disputes" and reaffirmed the need to take a strategic and long-term view of bilateral relations.</span></p><p><span>During the meeting, Modi underlined that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remained essential for the continued development of ties between India and China.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With agencies' inputs)</strong></span></p>

The clarification came amid a political row over reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor about continuing face-offs with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh.

MEA says Chinese patrolling deviations disrupt border amid PLA face-off in Arunachal

MEA says Chinese patrolling deviations disrupt border amid Arunachal face-off row

<div><span>The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a writ petition filed by AISA leader Neha Bora challenging preventive proceedings against her, while directing the Special Executive Magistrate to provide her with all material relied upon in the case.</span></div><div><span>Justice Subramonium Prasad rejected Bora’s challenge to a notice asking her to execute a bond of ₹10,000 with one surety to maintain peace during the inquiry.</span></div><div><span>“The writ petition is rejected. However, there are certain directions. All the material is to be furnished to her,” the judge said.</span></div><div><span>Bora had challenged the proceedings initiated against her under Sections 126 and 130 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), questioning the legality of the notice and the procedure followed by the authorities.</span></div><h2><span>Bora’s challenge to preventive action</span></h2><div><span>Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for Bora, argued that the notice had been issued without proper application of mind and contained assertions disputed by his client.</span></div><div><span>He told the court that Bora, an AISA leader involved in public protests, had called for a gathering at Mandi House on October 16 after Jantar Mantar was denotified as a protest site.</span></div><div><span>Sankaranarayanan maintained that the proposed gathering was intended to be peaceful and did not amount to an exhortation to violence or the commission of an offence. He also disputed the suggestion that Bora had called for a gathering at Connaught Place, arguing that another group had organised the demonstration there.</span></div><div><span>The counsel questioned the factual basis of statements in the notice, including a reference to a proposed hoisting of the national flag without permission. He argued that the notice appeared to reproduce allegations without showing that the Special Executive Magistrate had independently assessed them.</span></div><div><span>He also contended that preventive action affecting an individual must strictly follow the procedure prescribed by law.</span></div><h2><span>Court raises concern over stigma</span></h2><div><span>During the hearing, the court examined whether the magistrate had independently assessed the information before him and considered the relevant material in accordance with the statutory framework.</span></div><div><span>The bench also discussed the stigma associated with preventive proceedings, including the possibility that a person could feel branded as someone likely to disturb the peace.</span></div><div><span>“The concern of the petitioner is that I am already branded as a bad boy and asked to say ‘you shall be a good boy’,” Justice Prasad observed, adding that the issue had a facet involving Article 21 of the Constitution.</span></div><div><span>The court also considered the scope of its jurisdiction under Article 226 and whether it should examine the challenge before the inquiry under Section 135 of the BNSS had concluded.</span></div><h2><span>Centre defends proceedings</span></h2><div><span>Opposing the petition, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, assisted by Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit, questioned whether the plea was maintainable and defended the initiation of preventive proceedings.</span></div><div><span>Sharma referred to six FIRs against Bora and alleged repeated violations, arguing that the authorities had material to assess the possibility of a breach of peace.</span></div><div><span>He also cited a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS which, according to the State, was in force in the relevant area at the time. Sharma submitted that the circumstances and information available to the police had to be considered when deciding whether preventive action was warranted.</span></div><div><span>During his submissions, Sharma referred to a gathering involving other individuals and statements concerning “regime change”. Bora’s counsel disputed the implications drawn from those circumstances, while the ASG argued that political change should take place through the electoral process.</span></div><h2><span>Police records cited in court</span></h2><div><span>Addressing the material placed before the Special Executive Magistrate, Sharma said the police kalandra was accompanied by relevant records, including general diary entries and FIRs. He also referred to the investigating officer being called to explain the circumstances.</span></div><div><span>Dixit confirmed that the kalandra was accompanied by FIRs and general diary entries.</span></div><div><span>The State argued that Sections 126 and 130 of the BNSS operated together in cases involving a likelihood of a breach of peace. Sharma maintained that the proceedings were preventive in nature and had not, at that stage, resulted in the imposition of a bond or any penal consequence.</span></div><div><span>The High Court ultimately dismissed Bora’s writ petition but directed the magistrate to furnish all material relied upon in the proceedings to her. The case concerned a notice requiring her to execute a bond of ₹10,000 with one surety to maintain peace during the inquiry.</span></div><div><span>(with ANI inputs)</span></div>

“The writ petition is rejected. However, there are certain directions. All the material is to be furnished to her,” the judge said.

Delhi High Court rejects AISA leader Neha Bora’s pea against preventive proceedings

<div>I<span>ndia has emerged as the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe, driven by growing demand under the “Rearm Europe” initiative and an expanding domestic defence manufacturing base, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Friday.</span></div><div><span>India’s defence exports have reached a record Rs 38,424 crore, equivalent to around 3.6 billion euros, Singh told journalists, citing a Bloomberg report published a day earlier that highlighted the country’s rise in arms exports to Europe over the past year.</span></div><div><span>“Our exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore, which is about 3.6 billion euros, and I was reading a Bloomberg report yesterday, which said that suddenly, over the last year, India became the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe, mainly because of the Rearm Europe initiative,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He added that demand for standard ammunition, artillery shells and both large- and small-calibre ammunition had risen significantly in Europe.</span></div><h2><span>Defence manufacturing base expands</span></h2><div><span>Singh said India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem had grown substantially over the past decade. Alongside 16 large public sector companies, the sector now includes nearly 840 large and medium-sized private firms and around 17,000 small enterprises, including start-ups.</span></div><div><span>The expansion is also reflected in domestic sales, which have reached nearly 17 billion euros, he said.</span></div><div><span>India now exports defence equipment to more than 80 countries. The government also seeks to ensure that 75 per cent of its annual defence capital expenditure, estimated at $20 billion to $25 billion, is spent domestically.</span></div><div><span>Priority is given to IDDM products, those that are Indian-designed, developed and manufactured, as part of efforts to strengthen technological sovereignty.</span></div><div><span>India’s exports cover a broad range of equipment, from heavy artillery and ammunition to helmets, bulletproof jackets and small arms, Singh said.</span></div><h2><span>India seeks greater role in European procurement</span></h2><div><span>Singh said India was looking to expand its participation in European defence procurement, including through joint ventures established in Europe. European partners, in turn, could set up joint ventures in India to gain access to its defence market.</span></div><div><span>“India intends to increasingly take part in Europe’s arms procurement programme. Not directly, but by setting up joint ventures in Europe. And of course, European Partners to set up joint ventures in India to access our defence market, and for us to set up joint ventures in Europe to access the European government programmes,” he said.</span></div><div><span>European countries can also participate in India’s defence procurement programmes, but they must comply with the government’s “Make in India” conditions, he added.</span></div><div><span>Singh said the aim was to build closer links between the Indian and European defence industries, allowing manufacturers on both sides to integrate their supply chains.</span></div><div><span>“I hope that this partnership agreement can lay the base for a situation where the supply chains between European and Indian defence manufacturers become increasingly integrated, and that is what we sort of intend to work on,” he said.</span></div><h2><span>India diversifies its defence suppliers</span></h2><div><span>Singh said India had historically relied on Russia as its largest defence supplier, but that dependence had declined as the country diversified its sources of military equipment.</span></div><div><span>India still operates a significant amount of Russian-origin equipment, he said, while pointing to its strong bilateral defence ties with France and several other European countries.</span></div><div><span>France accounts for around 15 per cent of India’s defence imports, with Israel holding a similar share, Singh said.</span></div><div><span>He also highlighted India’s strategic alignment with Greece and Cyprus, which he described as recent partners and an important gateway for cooperation.</span></div><div><span>“I’ve just been on a visit to Greece and Cyprus, which are countries with whom we see a lot of strategic alignment. They are also recent partners; this is also our gateway,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Singh said buyers, particularly in South-east Asia, were involved in negotiations and contracts covering a wide range of defence products. These include different types of components, small arms and artillery gun systems.</span></div><div><span>He said India’s diversified industrial base would help the country scale up production to meet international procurement requirements as demand grows.</span></div><div><span>(with IANS inputs)</span></div>

India’s exports cover a broad range of equipment, from heavy artillery and ammunition to helmets, bulletproof jackets and small arms, Singh said.

India becomes Europe’s third-largest arms exporter amid ‘rearm Europe’ push: Defence secretary

India becomes Europe’s 3rd largest arms exporter amid ‘rearm Europe’ push: Def. Secy

<p><span>Srinagar's Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan range near Dal Lake, has turned into a vibrant display of autumn colours with the blooming of thousands of chrysanthemums.</span></p><p><span>On Friday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah formally inaugurated Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, Kashmir's Chrysanthemum Garden, for its second season. The initiative aims to establish a major autumn floral attraction in the Valley, complementing the popularity of its renowned spring tulip garden.</span></p><p><span>The garden has expanded significantly this year, with nearly 3.5 lakh chrysanthemum plants spread across around 120 kanals, equivalent to approximately five hectares. The plants have been propagated and multiplied locally by the Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks.</span></p><p><span>Officials expect the garden to produce more than 1.2 crore flowers in shades of yellow, crimson, pink, purple, white and other pastel colours. More than 70 varieties of chrysanthemums now adorn the expanded flower beds, nearly doubling last year's collection. The blooms stand out against the golden and russet foliage of the surrounding chinar, maple and ginkgo trees.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Kashmir Aims To Match Tulip Garden's Popularity</strong></span></h3><p><span>Director of Floriculture Mathoora Masoom has described the Chrysanthemum Garden as a dream project for the department, with the aim of making it as popular as Kashmir's famous Tulip Garden.</span></p><p><span>“We want the importance and popularity of our Chrysanthemum Garden to be exactly the same as our Tulip Garden,” she said. “We don't want any season of our Kashmir to be dull. Spring is with tulips; autumn will be with chrysanthemums.”</span></p><p><span>Unlike tulips, which require imported bulbs, the chrysanthemums are grown using locally propagated plant material, a feature highlighted by the Chief Minister.</span></p><p><span>The flowers are also more resilient and can withstand light snowfall. They are expected to remain in bloom for at least six weeks, potentially until December 5 or 6, giving visitors a longer period to enjoy the garden compared with the relatively short spring tulip season.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Upgraded Garden Offers More For Visitors</strong></span></h3><p><span>The garden has undergone several improvements to enhance the visitor experience. Larger flower beds lead into a decorative plaza, while water features and wooden pergolas provide places to relax. Designated selfie points allow visitors to capture photographs amid the colourful blooms.</span></p><p><span>Improved pathways and visitor amenities have also been added, making the garden more accessible and creating a setting for visitors to experience Kashmir's autumn landscape.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Omar Abdullah Invites Tourists To Visit</strong></span></h3><p><span>After inaugurating the garden, Omar Abdullah invited tourists from across the country, along with residents of Srinagar and neighbouring areas, to visit the attraction and enjoy its flowers.</span></p><p><span>“Today marks the second inauguration of Bagh-e-Gole Dawood (Chrysanthemum Garden), initially started last year, with the objective of having both the beginning and end of the tourism season in Srinagar feature a unique garden unlike any other found elsewhere,” Omar said.</span></p><p><span>He explained that the Department of Floriculture had developed the garden to boost tourism and offer visitors a distinctive attraction outside the tulip season, when options for floral tourism were more limited.</span></p><p><span>Highlighting the difference between the two gardens, he said Bagh-e-Gole Dawood uses plant material that is propagated and multiplied locally, unlike the Tulip Garden, which requires bulbs to be imported from abroad.</span></p><p><span>Expressing pride in the garden's progress since its launch last year, the Chief Minister encouraged tourists and local residents to visit, take photographs and enjoy the floral display.</span></p><p><span>With its colourful chrysanthemums and autumn foliage, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood offers Kashmir a dedicated seasonal attraction beyond its celebrated spring tulips and the fiery hues of falling chinar leaves. The garden aims to fill the gap between the Valley's major tourist seasons and strengthen its appeal as a year-round destination.</span></p><p><span>Despite weather-related challenges during preparations, the efforts of the gardening teams have brought the expanded garden to life, with its golden and jewel-toned blooms ready to welcome visitors.</span></p>

On Friday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah formally inaugurated Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, Kashmirs Chrysanthemum Garden, for its second season.

Golden autumn blooms: Kashmir's Chrysanthemum Garden opens for second season

<p><span>In a sustained effort to support local communities alongside its security responsibilities, the Indian Army has organised specialised community assistance initiatives in Kashmir, providing free artificial limb fitment and rehabilitation support to disabled civilians. These outreach programmes have brought prosthetic care to remote and underserved areas, helping amputees and people with limb disabilities regain mobility, independence and a renewed sense of purpose.</span></p><p><span>The Indian Army, a key counter-insurgency formation operating in parts of Kashmir, has long combined its operational duties with initiatives aimed at building trust and improving the quality of life of local residents. Among these efforts, artificial limb fitment camps have had a direct impact on beneficiaries by providing comprehensive services at no cost, in collaboration with specialised medical teams, prosthetists and supporting agencies.</span></p><p><span>During the camps, medical personnel screen beneficiaries and assess their residual limbs, overall health, and functional needs. Eligible individuals, including those who have lost limbs in accidents or due to medical conditions such as diabetes-related complications, undergo detailed measurements and casting.</span></p><p><span>Custom-fitted prosthetic limbs, including below-knee, above-knee and, in some cases, upper-limb devices, are then fabricated or adjusted on-site or through partner facilities. The limbs are fitted during the camp or in follow-up sessions.</span></p><p><span>Beyond the fitting process, the programmes provide training on the proper use and maintenance of prosthetic limbs, basic physiotherapy guidance to strengthen residual limbs and improve walking, and counselling to help beneficiaries adjust psychologically and socially.</span></p><p><span>Follow-up arrangements are also made to address the need for adjustments, repairs or replacements as residual limbs change over time or as children grow.</span></p><p><span>These free outreach initiatives have been particularly valuable in areas where access to specialised orthopaedic and prosthetic services is limited by geographical barriers, costs or inadequate infrastructure. By bringing these services closer to residents, the Army has helped families avoid long and expensive journeys to distant hospitals and private clinics.</span></p><p><span>Beneficiaries include farmers, labourers, students, homemakers and elderly residents who previously faced significant difficulties with mobility, employment, education and everyday activities.</span></p><p><span>Army personnel involved in the camps assist with logistics, crowd management, the transportation of equipment and beneficiaries, and post-camp follow-up. Specialised prosthetic technicians handle the clinical and technical aspects of the process.</span></p><p><span>Watching beneficiaries take their first unaided steps after years of relying on crutches, family support or remaining confined to their homes has highlighted the impact of these initiatives and the Army's role in community development.</span></p><p><span>The artificial limb fitment programmes are part of the Army's wider civic action efforts, which include medical camps, educational support, youth engagement and infrastructure assistance. Officials associated with the formation have emphasised that such initiatives help strengthen ties between security forces and local communities, contributing to a more stable and progressive environment.</span></p><p><span>Beneficiaries and their families have expressed gratitude for the assistance, describing the prosthetic limbs as more than medical devices. For many, they represent restored dignity, greater self-reliance and the opportunity to contribute more actively to household and community life.</span></p><p><span>Through these specialised community assistance initiatives, the Indian Army continues to demonstrate that its role in the region extends beyond operational duties to include support for the well-being and rehabilitation of local residents.</span></p>

The Indian Army, a key counter-insurgency formation operating in parts of Kashmir, has long combined its operational duties with initiatives aimed at building trust and improving the quality of life of local residents.

Indian Army leads free artificial limb fitment drives in North Kashmir

<p><span>India could have its own globally competitive smartphone brands by 2028, with mobile phones designed, manufactured and branded in the country, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday.</span></p><p><span>Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi, Vaishnaw expressed confidence that India was moving towards its own “Apple and Samsung moment”, marking a major step in the country's ambition to strengthen its electronics manufacturing and design capabilities.</span></p><p><span>“This is 23 October 2026. Please note it: 23 October 2028. You will have Indian-designed, Indian-manufactured, Indian-branded mobile phones,” the minister said, setting a two-year timeline for the emergence of homegrown smartphone brands.</span></p><p><span>Explaining the challenges involved in developing a smartphone, Vaishnaw said designing a modern handset requires several advanced technologies to work together within a compact device.</span></p><p><span>A smartphone must accommodate radio frequency communication systems, antennas, computing components, memory, passive components, camera modules, a display and power management systems, he said.</span></p><p><span>“In this small little real estate you have to have radio frequency communication. You have the antenna, compute, memory, all the passive components, a camera module, a display, and power management. Everything has to be built into this small little device. You have to manage the weight, the power management, and everything you have to do within this small little real estate, a small little form factor. That's why it's extremely complex to design a mobile phone,” Vaishnaw said.</span></p><p><span>He stressed that manufacturers must carefully balance weight, power efficiency and the integration of multiple components, making smartphone design a demanding engineering challenge.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Government Push For Indigenous Smartphone Design</strong></span></h3><p><span>Vaishnaw said efforts to develop India's domestic smartphone design capabilities began several years ago, when the government challenged Indian engineers and technology companies to design printed circuit boards (PCBs), which form the backbone of a mobile phone's electronic systems.</span></p><p><span>“Three years back we gave this challenge to Indian designers: why can't you design the PCB, which is the motherboard of a mobile phone?” he said.</span></p><p><span>The minister's remarks highlight the government's push to move beyond manufacturing smartphones in India towards developing products that are designed and branded domestically.</span></p><p><span>If achieved by the October 2028 deadline outlined by Vaishnaw, the initiative would mark a new phase in India's electronics industry, with homegrown companies aiming to compete in the global smartphone market.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

Explaining the challenges involved in developing a smartphone, Vaishnaw said designing a modern handset requires several advanced technologies to work together within a compact device.

'India's Apple and Samsung moment by 2028': Ashwini Vaishnaw on homegrown smartphone debut

'India's Apple and Samsung moment by 2028': Vaishnaw on homegrown smartphone debut

<p><span>Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) allegation that the protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were aimed at forcing a “regime change”, citing the Opposition's unity that led to the defeat of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government after the Emergency.</span></p><p><span>Speaking at an interactive session at the NDTV World Summit, Tharoor recalled how political parties with different ideologies had come together to challenge the Congress government following the Emergency, which was imposed in 1975.</span></p><p><span>“(PM Narendra) Modi does keep talking about the Emergency and how the Emergency was overthrown. How was it overthrown? Through an Opposition, where the RSS and the BJP were merging with socialists and leftists. They all united in order to defeat the government that had declared the Emergency. That's recent Indian political history, just half a century ago,” he said.</span></p><p><span>Tharoor was referring to the defeat of Indira Gandhi's Congress government in the 1977 general election, when opposition parties came together under the Janata Party banner.</span></p><p><span>The Congress leader also rejected suggestions that protests in India could turn violent, drawing a distinction between democratic demonstrations and the unrest witnessed in France.</span></p><p><span>“I think the line is very clearly drawn by our Constitution, by our laws. It is that peaceful protest is the democratic right of every Indian citizen; violence is not,” he said.</span></p><p><span>“What we've seen happening in France is not something that anybody in India's political space would condone. I don't, and I don't think my party in any way would welcome (violence),” he added.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Tharoor Calls For Accountability Over SIR</strong></span></h3><p><span>Tharoor said the Congress supported peaceful and disciplined protests against alleged irregularities in the SIR process. He maintained that electoral reforms could be achieved if the government and the Election Commission were willing to answer questions about the process.</span></p><p><span>“We (the Congress) believe in peaceful, organised, and disciplined protest. At the same time, we expect that if we can actually find the government, and the Election Commission as well, willing to be accountable for the deep irregularities (in) the SIR process in the last couple of years, then we believe there will once again be a clean system,” he said.</span></p><p><span>He argued that the objective should be to restore electoral safeguards and ensure that every eligible Indian citizen could exercise their constitutional right to vote.</span></p><p><span>“The electoral rules will be restored, no Indian citizen will be deprived of their constitutional right to cast their vote and determine their own political choices, and in a free and fair election there will not be 'regime change'; there will be government change,” Tharoor said.</span></p><p><span>“The Indian public has seen the inadequacies of the present government, but we want to bring that (change) about through free and fair elections,” he added.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Tharoor Backs Opposition Unity, Praises Neha Bora</strong></span></h3><p><span>Tharoor's remarks came amid a debate over the nature and objectives of the protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision exercise.</span></p><p><span>Earlier, All India Students' Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora had praised Bangladesh's Gen-Z movement, describing it as an “inspiration” for young people in India. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan had also said that the protests against Kumar had turned into a “fight for regime change”.</span></p><p><span>Asked how the Congress could work with Left parties, including AISA, while contesting against them in Kerala and other places, Tharoor pointed to Bora's role in the protests.</span></p><p><span>“These parties have their value, but Neha Bora wasn't campaigning against us. I like her; she's brought a lot of energy, colour, and life into the protest, the movement. It's about the Congress party being a moderate party and about acceptance. It's Opposition unity,” he said.</span></p><p><span>Tharoor's remarks underlined the Congress's position that opposition parties can set aside their political differences to raise concerns over electoral processes while seeking a change of government through peaceful protests and free and fair elections.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

Tharoor was referring to the defeat of Indira Gandhis Congress government in the 1977 general election, when opposition parties came together under the Janata Party banner.

'How was emergency overthrown': Shashi Tharoor hits back at BJP's regime change charge

'How was emergency overthrown': Tharoor hits back at BJP's regime change charge

<div><span>The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with central security agencies, have launched a massive, multi-pronged crackdown across the Union Territory.</span></div><div><span>From the upper reaches of frontier forests to the commercial hubs of Srinagar and the hinterlands of all ten districts, security forces have intensified operations targeting active terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs), financial conduits and sympathisers.</span></div><div><span>The sweeping offensive follows a declaration by Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat during the observances of Police Martyrs’ Day. Prabhat asserted that the state would rest only when every element associated with extremism was brought to justice.</span></div><div><span>“Our goal is clear: to identify every element associated with terrorism and extremism in Jammu and Kashmir and root it out entirely,” Nalin Prabhat said.</span></div><div><span>“Today, we must resolve that we will only rest after freeing this land from separatist and terrorist elements. I also want to warn those elements within Jammu and Kashmir who support terrorism that your days are now numbered, and even if you try to hide in the netherworld, we will hunt you down and ensure you are punished under the law,” the DGP declared.</span></div><h3><span>Security intensified across the valley</span></h3><div><span>In line with the DGP’s directives, security agencies have intensified operations across the Kashmir Valley and sensitive border districts.</span></div><div><span>Dozens of mobile checkpoints have been activated across Srinagar and the other nine districts of the Valley. Vehicles, commercial carriers and suspicious pedestrians are being subjected to identification checks and digital frisking. Movement along inter-district roads and vulnerable two-wheeler traffic is being monitored around the clock using high-definition optical and thermal surveillance.</span></div><div><span>Access roads leading towards critical forest tracks and mountain ranges have been locked down. Thorough combing and Search and Destroy Operations (CASOs) are underway to deny safe havens to infiltrating groups and remaining terrorists attempting to blend in with civilians.</span></div><h3><span>Recent counter-terror operations</span></h3><div><span>The Valley-wide sweep builds on a series of recent counter-terrorism operations by security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and in rugged upper terrain. Security forces have intercepted multiple infiltration attempts launched from Pakistan-based launchpads across the Pir Panjal and northern sectors.</span></div><div><span>Coordinated intelligence operations by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Army have also neutralised active terror cells during forest cordons. Security forces have recovered substantial caches of arms, ammunition and explosive devices allegedly intended to target infrastructure and public harmony.</span></div><h3><span>Action against terror financing</span></h3><div><span>Beyond operations against armed terrorists, the police have accelerated the attachment of properties, vehicles and commercial establishments linked to terror financing and narcotics trafficking under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).</span></div><div><span>The action aims to dismantle the financial backbone supporting anti-national elements.</span></div><div><span>With elite tactical units deployed, intelligence networks operating in real time and a zero-tolerance policy enforced by the top command, the security establishment has sent a clear message across the Valley: “The net is closing, and there is nowhere left to hide, so you can run but you can’t hide.”</span></div><div> </div>

In line with the DGP’s directives, security agencies have intensified operations across the Kashmir Valley and sensitive border districts.

J&K police, security agencies launch massive anti-terror operations across valley

<p><span>Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leader Ashutosh Ranka on Friday said the outfit would “evolve in necessary ways” as it continued its protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.</span></p><p><span>Ranka, CJP co-convenor Saurav Das and national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde visited Mandir Marg Police Station on Friday, a day after seeking more time to appear before the Delhi Police Crime Branch for questioning. They were accompanied by the party's legal affairs head, Ratna Singh.</span></p><p><span>The three leaders had been asked to appear at the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden at noon on Thursday. However, they requested additional time from the police.</span></p><p><span>Speaking to reporters after leaving the police station, Ranka said they were waiting for the Crime Branch to confirm the next date for questioning.</span></p><p><span>“We haven't received the next date yet. On the first date given to us, we could not go, so we informed them. They said they will confirm the timings, so we are waiting for the Crime Branch to get back to us,” he said.</span></p><p><span>Ranka also said the verification of their sureties, following their release from judicial custody, had been completed without any issues. He added that they had been given another date in the third week of November.</span></p><p><span>Reiterating the outfit's commitment to the protest against the SIR, Ranka said the movement would continue regardless of whether its members were in or out of jail.</span></p><p><span>“We are not leaders; we are custodians of this platform, which has been given to us by the people of this country. We are just trying to do our best. The movement continues even when we are in jail or outside jail,” he said.</span></p><p><span>Ranka added that the experience had prompted the outfit to reflect on its approach and the way the government operates.</span></p><p><span>“Obviously, there are a lot of things that we have learned about ourselves and the way the regime is working, and we will, of course, change and evolve in necessary ways,” he said.</span></p><h3><span><strong>CJP Leaders Released From Tihar Jail</strong></span></h3><p><span>Das and Ranka were released from Tihar Jail on Wednesday after spending a week in judicial custody. Earlier this week, Delhi Police transferred the protest-related cases against the CJP leaders to the Crime Branch.</span></p><p><span>The cases stem from an incident on October 13, when Das, Ranka and Shinde, along with 11 others, allegedly trespassed into Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as a designated protest site.</span></p><p><span>Delhi Police detained all those involved. While Shinde was released on a bail bond, Das and Ranka remained in judicial custody for a week before their release.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

Ranka, CJP co-convenor Saurav Das and national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde visited Mandir Marg Police Station on Friday, a day after seeking more time to appear before the Delhi Police Crime Branch for questioning.

CJP's Ashutosh Ranka vows to continue anti-CEC protest, says 'outfit will evolve in necessary ways'

CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka vows to continue anti-CEC protest

<div><span>Remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur about the situation along the China border relate to routine operational preparedness and troop deployment, sources said, amid a commotion over his comments. They stressed that the remarks were not linked to any specific incident.</span></div><div><span>The ITBP, which guards India’s border with China, operates in accordance with government policies, instructions issued under different circumstances and established standard operating procedures, the sources said.</span></div><div><span>The paramilitary force may issue an official statement on the matter soon.</span></div><h3><span>ITBP chief reports face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh</span></h3><div><span>Kapur said on Thursday that face-offs with Chinese troops had occurred at several locations along the border in Arunachal Pradesh in recent days and that the situation was continuing.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>“In the past few days, a situation arose where face-offs happened at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh, and it still continues,” Kapur told ITBP personnel at a force base in Alwar, Rajasthan.</span></div><div><span>The ITBP chief, who is due to retire at the end of this month, also highlighted the formation of a new combat unit, the Shaurya Commandos. He said the personnel had demonstrated their capabilities during the ongoing face-offs with Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>Kapur said the commandos would be deployed in every border battalion, strengthening the force’s operational capabilities and giving it a distinct identity.</span></div><h3><span>ITBP guards 3,488-km India-China border</span></h3><div><span>Established in 1962, the ITBP is responsible for guarding the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. The force plays a key role in securing the Himalayan frontier, where difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions pose significant operational challenges.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>Kapur’s remarks come as India and China continue efforts to stabilise bilateral relations following years of military tensions along the LAC.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>Last month, Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani said at the NDTV Defence Summit that the situation along the border was stable and there was no cause for concern.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also stressed last week that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas was essential to normalising relations between the two countries. He cautioned that any disruption along the frontier would have consequences for bilateral ties.</span></div><h3><span>India-China relations after Ladakh standoff</span></h3><div><span>India and China have been working to rebuild relations since reaching an understanding in October 2024 to resolve the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. The confrontation had continued for more than four years and severely strained ties between the two countries.</span></div><div><span>Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India on September 12–13 to attend the BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to the country in seven years. He also held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review relations and discuss ways to improve cooperation.</span></div><div><span>(with IANS inputs)</span></div>

The paramilitary force may issue an official statement on the matter soon.

‘No specific incident’: ITBP chief’s remarks reflect routine preparedness, deployment

‘No specific incident’: ITBP chief’s remarks reflect routine preparedness, deploymen

<div><span>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the closure of Hebron and directed security forces to prepare for a full lockdown across the West Bank after a suspected terror attack linked to Hamas wounded five people.</span></div><div><span>“I have instructed the IDF and security forces to immediately impose a closure on the city of Hebron and prepare for a full lockdown of all of Judea and Samaria, beginning today,” Netanyahu said.</span></div><div><span>“We will pursue Hamas terrorists and those who send them, wherever they are and at any time. You have nowhere to hide,” he added.</span></div><div><span>Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that two terrorists involved in the attack had been killed. A manhunt for any additional suspects is continuing.</span></div><div><span>The IDF said soldiers and Israel Border Police officers had launched counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, which has been placed under a cordon, as well as in other locations.</span></div><div><span>“Following the shooting attack earlier today, IDF soldiers and Israel Border Police officers launched offensive counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, which has been placed under a cordon, and in additional areas,” the military said.</span></div><div><span>It added that security forces had apprehended around 70 wanted individuals over the past week, including suspected affiliates of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Dozens of weapons were also recovered, including M16 rifles, Carlo submachine guns and explosive devices.</span></div><div><span>“The IDF will continue conducting offensive counterterrorism operations to safeguard Israeli civilians,” the statement said.</span></div><div><span>Ambulance services reported that five people were wounded in the attack. Two were in critical condition, one was moderately injured and two sustained minor injuries.</span></div><div><span>IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir described the incident as a serious attack, crediting the swift response of soldiers with preventing further casualties.</span></div><div><span>“This was a serious attack. The soldiers’ swift actions prevented an even more serious attack and further harm to civilians and security forces,” Zamir said in a statement.</span></div><div><span>He added that a large quantity of ammunition had been found in the vehicle used by the attackers to reach the scene. The ammunition was allegedly intended for an attack on a larger scale.</span></div><div><span>The attack comes just five days before Israel goes to the polls.</span></div><div> </div>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the closure of Hebron and directed security forces to prepare for a full lockdown across the West Bank after a suspected terror attack linked to Hamas wounded five people.“I have instructed the IDF and security forces to immediately impose a closure on the city of Hebron and prepare for a full lockdown of all of Judea and Samaria, beginning today,” Netanyahu said.“We will pursue Hamas terrorists and those who send them, wherever they are and at any time. You have nowhere to hide,” he added.Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that two terrorists involved in the attack had been killed. A manhunt for any additional suspects is continuing.The IDF said soldiers and Israel Border Police officers had launched counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, which has been placed under a cordon, as well as in other locations.“Following the shooting attack earlier today, IDF soldiers and Israel Border Police officers launched offensive counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, which has been placed under a cordon, and in additional areas,” the military said.It added that security forces had apprehended around 70 wanted individuals over the past week, including suspected affiliates of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Dozens of weapons were also recovered, including M16 rifles, Carlo submachine guns and explosive devices.“The IDF will continue conducting offensive counterterrorism operations to safeguard Israeli civilians,” the statement said.Ambulance services reported that five people were wounded in the attack. Two were in critical condition, one was moderately injured and two sustained minor injuries.IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir described the incident as a serious attack, crediting the swift response of soldiers with preventing further casualties.“This was a serious attack. The soldiers’ swift actions prevented an even more serious attack and further harm to civilians and security forces,” Zamir said in a statement.He added that a large quantity of ammunition had been found in the vehicle used by the attackers to reach the scene. The ammunition was allegedly intended for an attack on a larger scale.The attack comes just five days before Israel goes to the polls. 

Netanyahu orders West Bank lockdown after suspected Hamas attack injures five

<p>A political row erupted on Friday after Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) chief Shatrujeet Kapur said face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops had occurred at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and were still continuing, prompting Congress to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the situation along the Line of Actual Control.</p><h2>What did the ITBP Chief say?</h2><p>The ITBP director general made the remarks at a felicitation ceremony in Alwar, Rajasthan, on Thursday, saying the force's Shaurya commando teams had handled the confrontations "exceedingly well".</p><p>Kapur said that in recent days there had been a situation in Arunachal Pradesh where face-offs took place at different locations and that the situation was still continuing.</p><p>He praised the recently formed Shaurya commando teams for their work along the frontier, saying they had dealt with the confrontations effectively.</p><p>Although Kapur did not name China in that part of his speech, the ITBP guards stretches of the Line of Actual Control, the disputed boundary between India and China. </p><p>Video of the speech circulated on social media. According to reports, the ITBP posted footage of the remarks on Thursday night before deleting it. The force had not publicly explained why the video was removed.</p><h2>Congress Seeks Answers From Government</h2><p>Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the Centre after Kapur's comments became public. In a post on X, he accused PM Modi and his government of maintaining a "deafening silence" over the Arunachal incidents while making concessions to Beijing.</p><p> </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> </p><p>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also demanded answers from PM 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><h2>Why Is the Arunachal border under scrutiny?</h2><p>The remarks come amid reports of a standoff involving Indian and Chinese personnel near Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district since July.</p><p>India and China held Corps Commander-level talks at the Wacha-Damai border meeting point on September 6 after discussions between local military officers. Indian troops have continued to be deployed in the area to prevent any escalation, according to reports.</p><p>In August, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said peace along the border was essential and that developments there would affect the wider relationship between India and China. He said both countries were using established channels to manage their differences.</p><p>The tension persists despite efforts to improve ties. Prime Minister Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in New Delhi on September 12 during the BRICS summit. An official Indian statement said the two leaders agreed that peace in border areas was essential for the development of bilateral relations.</p><h2>ITBP Plans Stronger Border Security</h2><p>At the Alwar event, Kapur also spoke about plans to expand the Shaurya units and strengthen border infrastructure.</p><p>He said the force would invest in drones, anti-drone systems and protected border facilities to improve security along the frontier.</p><p>Kapur also advised personnel to be cautious on social media, avoid sharing information with strangers and remain alert to online attempts to trap them. He further urged them to avoid alcohol.</p>

Row erupts over ITBP chiefs remarks on Arunachal face-offs; Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh, Mallikarjun Kharge seeks answers from PM Modi.

Arunachal face-offs 'still continuing', ITBP chief says; Congress asks PM Modi to explain

ITBP chief says face-offs continuing in Arunachal; Congress questions PM Modi

<p>A Delhi court on Friday extended till February 24 next year the permission granted to US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals to stay outside India in connection with the alleged Myanmar drone training camp case. The order came after VanDyke appeared before the special NIA court following his return from the United States, where he had been allowed to visit his family.</p><p>VanDyke attended the proceedings at the Rouse Avenue court complex in compliance with a condition attached to his month-long visit home. In September, Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma had directed him to return after the permitted period and inform the court within 72 hours of his arrival.</p><p>VanDyke had earlier joined a hearing through video link from the US on October 1 and told the court that he had booked his return flight for October 21.</p><h2>Why Matthew VanDyke received default bail</h2><p>The NIA arrested VanDyke at Kolkata airport on March 13, while the six Ukrainian nationals were detained at airports in Delhi and Lucknow. The agency initially investigated them under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which deals with alleged terrorist conspiracies.</p><p>However, on September 8, the NIA filed a chargesheet citing only Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. It did not include UAPA offences, saying that part of the investigation was still unfinished.</p><p>On September 18, the court granted VanDyke default bail after the statutory 180-day period for completing the UAPA investigation expired. Default bail does not mean that the court has found an accused person innocent; it protects the right to release when investigators fail to complete the required investigation within the legal deadline.</p><p>VanDyke was released on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety of the same amount. He subsequently paid Rs 5.5 lakh to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office to settle the immigration offences. The court later discharged him from those offences, but the NIA’s separate UAPA investigation has not been closed.</p><h2>Where are the six Ukrainian co-accused?</h2><p>The other accused are Petro Hurba, Taras Slyviak, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Marian Stefankiv, Maksim Honcharuk and Viktor Kaminskyi. They too received default bail and permission to visit Ukraine for a month.</p><p>Unlike VanDyke, the six had not returned to India by Friday, according to reports citing people familiar with the proceedings. They also did not appear at the October 1 hearing, when an exemption request was submitted on their behalf.</p><p>Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, had earlier said Kyiv was willing to cooperate through an existing mutual legal assistance treaty and wanted a fair judicial process. No fresh court action against the Ukrainians over their absence had been publicly confirmed by Friday.</p><h2>What NIA alleges about Myanmar drone training</h2><p>According to the NIA, the seven accused entered India on tourist visas, travelled through Assam to Mizoram without the necessary restricted-area permits and then crossed into Myanmar through an unauthorised route.</p><p>Investigators allege that they trained fighters from ethnic armed organisations opposed to Myanmar’s military government in drone operations, equipment assembly and electronic jamming. The agency has identified the Chin National Front and the Kachin Independence Army among the groups allegedly trained.</p><p>The NIA has claimed that the instruction continued for nearly three months, with logistical assistance from Chin National Front members and funds arranged by a Myanmar rebel commander. Investigators have also examined claims that drones and jamming equipment were brought from Europe through India.</p><p>Reports have linked the initial intelligence lead to Russian agencies. Indian investigators have separately looked into possible local facilitators and a wider network of associates, although those allegations have not been proved in court.</p><h2>Who is Matthew VanDyke?</h2><p>VanDyke founded Sons of Liberty International, an organisation that describes its work as providing military training and security advice. He has publicly spoken about his involvement in conflicts in Libya and Ukraine, as well as his work as a journalist in other conflict zones.</p><p>The court’s latest order allows VanDyke and the six Ukrainian nationals to remain outside India until February 24 next year, while the NIA continues its investigation into the alleged Myanmar training network.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://zeenews.com/india/article-haryana-power-strike-gurugram-blackout-factories-rewari-3160354">72-hour blackout - Why Gurugram went dark and highways were blocked </a></p>

A Delhi court has allowed US national Matthew VanDyke and six Ukrainians to stay outside India till February 24 in the alleged Myanmar drone training camp case. Read full details.

Delhi court extends overseas stay permission for Matthew VanDyke, six Ukrainians till February 24

Delhi court extends overseas stay permission for Matthew VanDyke

<p>A bride in Chakrata district of Uttarakhand was compelled to walk 18 kilometers through rough mountainous terrain wearing a heavy lehenga as a means of accessing her groom's residence, making her wedding day a call for basic infrastructure. While traveling with her wedding party from her Bulhar village to Undava, which is near Dehradun, she had no choice but to complete the final leg of her journey on foot owing to the lack of any road accessible via motor vehicles.</p><p><iframe style="border-style:none;overflow:hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1147379944904494%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p><h2><strong>Viral call for action by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami</strong></h2><p>In her bid to reach her in-laws’ place in time to partake in the sacred ceremony of griha pravesh, she had to move along rugged mountainous terrains.</p><p><strong>Direct video message</strong>: This video message was recorded by the accompanying villagers while walking through this difficult route.</p><p><strong>The demand</strong>: She appealed to the government of the state to construct a road in order to facilitate future brides and others from having to go through such a situation.</p><p><strong>Nearly eight decades of inaccessibility in Uttarakhand</strong>: Despite its location not very far from the state capital region, Undava has not had any road access <strong>for</strong> nearly eight decades since Independence.</p><h2><strong>Systemic infrastructure failure in remote hill villages</strong></h2><p>The incident underscores broader connectivity failures across Uttarakhand’s upper reaches, where missing roads routinely jeopardize access to healthcare and essential services.</p><p>Residents in villages across Chakrata, including neighbouring areas like Handi Kandi, frequently carry elderly citizens, pregnant women, and medical patients on makeshift stretchers across miles of rough terrain to reach the nearest hospital.</p><p>While state development programs emphasise high-altitude highways for tourism, remote villages continue to call for basic rural connectivity to ensure fundamental mobility.<br> </p>

Sharmila, a bride from Uttarakhands Chakrata region, trekked 18 kilometers through rough, roadless mountain terrain in a heavy lehenga from Lokhandi to reach her in-laws home in Undava village.

Uttarakhand bride walks 18 km lehenga Chakrata road appeal

Uttarakhand bride treks 18 km in heavy lehenga, appeals to CM Dhami for village road connectivity

<p>Documents revealed under a Right to Information (RTI) filing indicate that complaint letters sent internally by the Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, have been directly sent to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar.</p><p>These letters, which included complaints about administrative misconduct by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC), Maneesh Garg, were also sent to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).</p><h2><strong>Confidential communications in RTI filings reveal handling of ECI dispute</strong></h2><p>Official documents obtained under RTI filing detail how the executive offices handled confidential communications received by Sandhu and Joshi.</p><p>Internal proposal: In an internal proposal filed on August 3, it was suggested to seek an opinion of CEC Gyanesh Kumar in regard to the complaints made by the two election commissioners.</p><p>Individual capacity: In an internal note filed on August 4, it was stated that these letters should be considered individual communications of the two commissioners and not as an official communication of ECI.</p><p><strong>Formal acknowledgements</strong>: Formal acknowledgement letters dated August 5 were sent to the Secretary of DoPT, the Establishment Officer, and the Principal Private Secretary of the CEC.</p><h2><strong>Dispute centered on ECI IT department protocol changes</strong></h2><p>The underlying rift stems from contentious administrative changes executed within the ECI's Information Technology division.</p><p>In their confidential letters, Sandhu and Joshi pointed out that DEC Maneesh Garg assumed additional charge of the Administration Division on July 28 while DEC Bhanu Prakash Yeturu was on leave. Within hours, Garg issued new work-allocation orders affecting senior officials without consulting the commission.</p><p>Both commissioners cited Sections 18(1) and 18(2) of the 2023 CEC/EC Act, while Commissioner Joshi noted that requested administrative files were withheld from his office. The IT division updates subsequently drew national scrutiny following reports that new system protocols restricted Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) from directly managing voter roll databases.</p><h2><strong>ECI rejects reports of internal divisions</strong></h2><p>Despite documentary evidence of written grievances sent to the Cabinet Secretariat, the Election Commission denied claims of institutional breakdown.</p><p>The Commission maintained that all operational decisions, including IT infrastructure updates, continue to be passed either unanimously or through majority consensus in full compliance with statutory protocols.</p>

Documents obtained via a Right to Information (RTI) request confirm that the Cabinet Secretariat forwarded internal complaint letters from Election Commissioners Sukhbir Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding alleged misconduct by Senior DEC Maneesh Garg directly to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Cabinet Secretariat forwarded EC complaint letters to CEC Kumar

RTI discloses Cabinet Secretariat forwarded commissioners' complaint letters directly to CEC Gyanesh Kumar

<p>Thousands of families across Haryana were left without electricity and water on Thursday as nearly 40,000 power employees began a three-day strike. Gurugram suffered widespread blackouts, factories stopped production and angry residents blocked roads. The dispute follows a decision to allow private company Eleven Power to distribute electricity alongside the state utility in Gurugram and Nuh districts for 25 years.</p><h2>Gurugram power cuts leave 50,000 households struggling</h2><p>By Thursday evening, more than 50,000 households in Old Gurugram were affected, with power failures also reported in Palam Vihar, Rajendra Park, Sector 7 and neighbouring areas. Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) received more than 3,000 complaints in the first 12 hours. The figure climbed to about 5,000 as outages continued, according to local reports.</p><p>Residents said homes were without power for hours. With inverter batteries exhausted, many could neither pump water to overhead tanks nor work online. At Zara Aavaas, a housing society, residents reported a morning outage while backup electricity was reserved for lifts and other common facilities.</p><p>Frustration spilled onto the streets. Residents of Rajendra Park and nearby areas protested around a railway station road bridge in Gurugram. In Faridabad's NIT-2 area, people blocked a road after a power cut lasting roughly 13 hours. Police intervened.</p><p>Rewari also suffered disruption. A local workers' representative claimed cuts affected about 55 per cent of the town and industrial area and 35 per cent of rural localities.</p><h2>Haryana electricity strike spreads across 15 districts</h2><p>The walkout involved most Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) staff in Gurugram. Regular staff, outsourced personnel, and contractual workers from the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam all participated in the strike.</p><p>Outages were reported across at least 15 districts or administrative areas in Haryana, although the severity varied. Several complaints went unattended as workers stayed away from repair duties.</p><h2>Gurugram factories halt production as power cuts continue</h2><p>Industrial units were hit particularly hard. Production at nearly 1,800 manufacturing units in Gurugram's Sector 37 and Kadipur areas was disrupted, according to reports. Businesses in Basai and parts of Sonipat also faced cuts.</p><p>Factory owners said diesel generators could run only for limited periods before needing cooling breaks, while pollution-control restrictions complicated their use.</p><p>Progressive Federation of Trade and Industry chairman Deepak Maini said machinery had stopped and delivery schedules were under threat. For smaller businesses unable to run generators for extended periods, every additional hour without power meant more lost production.</p><h2>Why are 40,000 Haryana electricity employees on strike?</h2><p>The dispute centres on an order issued by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) in October 19. It granted Eleven Power Private Limited a 25-year licence to build and operate a second electricity distribution network in Gurugram and Nuh, alongside the existing government-run supplier.</p><p>Eleven Power has proposed spending about Rs 4,717 crore over five years. Once the network is ready and regulators approve arrangements for switching, more than 8.3 lakh consumers in the two districts could choose between suppliers. That choice is not available immediately.</p><p>Unions fear a private operator will attract better-paying industrial and commercial customers, reducing revenue for DHBVN while it continues serving less profitable areas.</p><p>They warn this could affect jobs and the public utility's ability to support subsidised power for farmers. Some resident groups, however, have welcomed the prospect of competition, hoping it will improve service.</p><h2>Haryana government to challenge Eleven Power licence</h2><div data-sfc-cp="" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" data-sfc-root="c" jsuid="UUljNb_u" data-hveid="CAAICBAB" data-complete="true">Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Energy Minister Anil Vij have urged striking staff to return to work. Vij clarified that the HERC operates independently under central law, noting that the state government had actually opposed the private licence.</div><div data-sfc-cp="" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" data-sfc-root="c" jsuid="UUljNb_w" data-hveid="CAAICBAC" data-complete="true">To resolve the dispute, the state plans to challenge the regulator's order before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), seek an immediate stay, and take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.</div><div data-sfc-cp="" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" data-sfc-root="c" jsuid="UUljNb_y" data-hveid="CAAICBAD" data-complete="true">Meanwhile, officials have put emergency power arrangements in place for hospitals, water infrastructure, and Metro services, while police personnel remain deployed near key substations. </div><p>Following emergency administrative interventions and police warnings, electricity supply was restored to many parts of Gurugram on Friday, though residents continue to grapple with severe low voltage that has left water pumps and heavy appliances unusable.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://zeenews.com/photos/the-passport-paradox-why-some-of-indias-biggest-household-icons-cannot-vote-3160364">The passport paradox - Why some of India's biggest household icons cannot vote </a></p>

A three-day strike by nearly 40,000 electricity employees disrupted power and water supplies across Haryana. More than 50,000 households in Old Gurugram were on Thursday affected, while factories faced production losses.

72-hour blackout: Why Gurugram went dark and highways were blocked

<p>Severe to very severe rainfall activity is expected in southern parts of India tomorrow, Friday, October 23, 2026, as the IMD released weather alerts in several states of India, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Lakshadweep.  </p><p>The rainfall is likely due to a low-pressure system that is getting more intense over the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, causing squally winds and thunderstorms.</p><h2><strong>Weather forecast and warnings state wise</strong></h2><p><strong>1. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &amp; Karaikal</strong></p><p><strong>Rain intensity</strong>: Widespread rain with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely in susceptible coastal regions.  </p><p><strong>Wind warning</strong>: Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds blowing at 40–50 kmph with peaks of 60 kmph.  </p><p><strong>2. Kerala, Mahe &amp; Lakshadweep</strong></p><p><strong>Kerala &amp; Mahe</strong>: Widespread rain with isolated very heavy showers. Gusty winds ranging between 30-40 kmph with gusts up to 50 kmph.  </p><p><strong>Lakshadweep</strong>: Very heavy to extremely heavy showers with squally winds up to 50 kmph.</p><p><strong>3. Karnataka</strong></p><p>Coastal and south interior: Fairly widespread rainfall with isolated heavy showers in Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka.  </p><p><strong>4. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam &amp; Rayalaseema</strong></p><p><strong>Impact</strong>: Thunderstorms with lightning and wind gusts up to 60 kmph.  </p><p><strong>Coastal Andhra &amp; Rayalaseema</strong>: Isolated heavy rainfall with strong surface winds along the coast.</p><p><strong>5. Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands</strong></p><p><strong>Forecast</strong>: Widespread rainfall with isolated heavy spells. Gusty winds of 30–40 kmph over the Andaman Sea.  </p><p><strong>Marine &amp; coastal warnings</strong></p><p>Fishermen are strictly advised against venturing into sea due to dangerous squally weather conditions:</p><p><strong>Karnataka &amp; Kerala coasts</strong>: Wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, over Lakshadweep and the Comorin area.  </p><p><strong>Bay of Bengal &amp; Andaman Sea</strong>: Squally winds reaching 40–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, over southeast and east-central Bay of Bengal.  </p><p><strong>North India &amp; Konkan</strong>: Hot and humid conditions prevail over Konkan and Goa, while Northwest and Central India will experience stable weather.</p><p> </p>

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep for October 23, 2026.

IMD issues heavy rain alert for south India: State-by-state forecast

<p>Earthquakes measuring between 4.1 and 4.9 magnitudes were recorded in China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan on early Friday morning, October 23, 2026. Reports from the National Center for Seismology (NCS) verified the earthquakes' occurrence in the morning, a day after a fatal earthquake hit Tibet causing 16 casualties and destroying infrastructure.</p><h2><strong>Earthquake details of Friday morning (country wise)</strong></h2><p>As per the technical reports published by the NCS, all three earthquakes took place rapidly in an hour's duration:</p><p><strong>Pakistan (4.9 Magnitude): </strong>The most devastating earthquake took place first at 4:56 AM local time at a focal depth of 15 km.</p><p><strong>Afghanistan (4.1 Magnitude): </strong>Earthquakes were measured at 5:54 AM at a deeper focal depth of 25 km.</p><p><strong>China (4.4 Magnitude): </strong>The last earthquake to take place jolted parts of China at 6:05 AM at a depth of 15 km.</p><h2><strong>Casualties and impact of earthquake in Tibet</strong></h2><p>The Friday morning earthquakes have come after the devastating earthquake in Tibet, which caused 16 casualties and extensive damage to properties in multiple mountain villages.</p><p>Local areas of all three countries adjacent to the earthquake epicenter are being evaluated for possible damage to structures or subsequent landslides caused by early morning earthquakes.</p>

Early on Friday, October 23, 2026, light-to-moderate earthquakes with magnitudes between 4.1 and 4.9 struck China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

Earthquakes rattle China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan following fatal Tibet quake

Triple tectonic shocks: Earthquakes rattle China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan following fatal Tibet quake

<p><span><strong>New Delhi:</strong> Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expects the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to be signed by the end of 2026 and take effect within four to five months. He has urged Indian and German companies to begin preparing for the deal.</span></p><p><span>Speaking at an India-Germany business roundtable in Berlin on Thursday (October 22), he urged companies to begin identifying buyers, finding business partners and exchanging product samples and quality requirements ahead of the agreement’s implementation.</span></p><p><span>“This is the time we need to see businesses start probably doing sampling, exchanging notes of quality required, exchanging pricing, get everything in order so that when the trade agreement comes into effect, we be the first off the block, get the maximum advantage of this agreement,” he said.</span></p><p><span>He said the agreement could be signed soon, subject to the necessary procedures. He expressed confidence that the signing would take place before the end of the calendar year and that businesses could start using the new trade terms within four to five months.</span></p><h2><span><strong>‘Mother of all deals’ took 13 months to finalise</strong></span></h2><p><span>Goyal referred to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s description of the India-EU FTA as the “mother of all deals”. He said that negotiations had taken around 20 years to reach this stage, although the agreement had been finalised during the last 13 months.</span></p><p><span>“You rightly mentioned Ms. von der Leyen’s comment about India and EU FTA being the mother of all deals. It took 20 years, but I can assure you the agreement really got finalised in the last thirteen months,” he said.</span></p><p><span>The conclusion of negotiations was announced on January 27. The minister credited the commitment of India and the 27-member European Union to completing the talks.</span></p><p><span>He said businesses should use the time before implementation to establish commercial partnerships and prepare their operations. Companies that begin talks with potential customers and suppliers early would be better placed to benefit from the agreement when it comes into force.</span></p><h2><strong>Germany invited to strengthen industrial cooperation</strong></h2><p><span>Highlighting manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and skill development as areas for closer cooperation, Goyal invited German companies to explore investment and business opportunities in India.</span></p><p><span>He said Germany’s technical expertise and industrial capabilities complemented India’s infrastructure development, digital strengths and skilled workforce. Greater cooperation could help businesses in both countries improve their competitiveness and access new opportunities.</span></p><p><span>The minister also called for stronger India-Germany cooperation on supply-chain resilience as economic uncertainty across the world affects trade and business planning. He said both countries could work together to make supply chains more reliable while keeping their economies open to international trade.</span></p><p><span>Economic security, the green transition and emerging technologies were among the areas he identified for closer collaboration. He also emphasised the importance of trust in commercial relationships.</span></p><h2><span><strong>AI and semiconductors among priority areas</strong></span></h2><p><span>Goyal said that the India-Germany partnership had gained momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Cooperation in artificial intelligence and semiconductors has become an important part of the relationship.</span></p><p><span>He acknowledged the role of European Union Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and other EU trade ministers in advancing the trade negotiations.</span></p><p><span>Goyal urged businesses to turn the agreement into practical economic gains by bringing trade and investment, manufacturing and research and industry and academic institutions closer together.</span></p><p><span>During his Berlin visit, the minister also inaugurated the India Center at the German Council on Foreign Relations. The centre aims to strengthen ties between India and Germany and improve cooperation among stakeholders in both countries.</span></p><p><span>(With ANI inputs)</span></p>

Goyal says the 20-year-long India-EU trade negotiations were finalised in the last 13 months. He has called for stronger India-Germany cooperation in manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and supply-chain security.

India-EU trade deal could take effect in 4-5 months: What Goyal wants businesses to do now

India-EU FTA may take effect in 4-5 months: Goyal urges firms to prepare

<p><span><strong>New Delhi:</strong> External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said negotiations on the India-US trade deal are approaching completion, while cautioning that the final stages can throw up unexpected hurdles. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on Thursday (October 22), he said that both sides were working to resolve the outstanding issues, but declined to disclose details of the negotiations.</span></p><p><span>"It's never done till it's done," he said, responding to questions about the status of the agreement.</span></p><p><span>He said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had also reported progress towards a deal. The negotiating teams are working to settle the outstanding issues, he added.</span></p><p><span>"What you have heard not just from Secretary Rubio, but from Minister Piyush Goyal, from others, from me, is that we are moving towards it. But, as I said, often the last mile or the penultimate miles do pose their challenges. I think the (negotiating) teams are working through them now," Jaishankar said.</span></p><p><span>He declined to discuss the specific sticking points, saying, "If you are asking me to tell you what exactly those challenges are, I am sorry I won't. That’s for the negotiators to sort out."</span></p><p><span>Adding to expectations that the two countries could announce progress soon, US President Donald Trump has also described the agreement as "pretty close".</span></p><h2><span><strong>Trade, energy and tariffs drive talks</strong></span></h2><p><span>India and the United States have spent more than a year negotiating market access, tariffs, agricultural products, industrial goods and regulatory barriers. New Delhi and Washington announced an outline for an interim trade agreement in February 2026, while negotiations on a comprehensive bilateral trade deal carried on. </span></p><p><span>The US administration has sought greater access for American goods in India, including agricultural products, and action on non-tariff barriers. </span></p><p><span>Rubio discussed the negotiations during his meeting with Jaishankar in Mumbai on October 20. Speaking to reporters, he said the two countries were "about as close as you can be without having an executed agreement" and that only a small number of issues were left to settle.</span></p><p><span>He added that Washington hoped to make an announcement soon, after which the leaders could sign the agreement. He also described India as a petroleum-refining "superpower" and called for greater energy cooperation, including the processing of Venezuelan crude by Indian refineries.</span></p><p><span>During his visit, Rubio toured the Jamnagar refinery operated by Reliance Industries. The complex is one of the world's largest refining hubs, giving India the capacity to process crude from different sources. </span></p><h2><span><strong>Jaishankar calls for diversified energy supplies</strong></span></h2><p><span>The minister also used the summit to discuss the risks countries face when trade, energy supplies and geopolitical conditions become unpredictable. He said governments and businesses needed to plan for disruption and avoid excessive dependence on a single supplier.</span></p><p><span>"Countries can no longer take stability in trade, energy and geopolitics for granted, as the world has become turbulent and unpredictable. Governments and businesses must factor this volatility into their planning and build resilient strategies around it," he said.</span></p><p><span>The minister compared energy planning to managing an investment portfolio, arguing that countries should spread their requirements across different sources. He cited uncertainty over trade, sanctions, conflicts and restrictions on resources as reasons for reassessing energy procurement.</span></p><p><span>The October 20 meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio dealt with trade, energy security, defence, technology and people-to-people ties. According to the US State Department, the two also exchanged views on regional affairs and international issues, including the situation in West Asia. </span></p><p><span>The department said that Rubio had encouraged India to increase energy trade with the United States to diversify its supply chains and meet domestic demand. It also cited progress in defence and civil nuclear cooperation and called for greater purchases of American technology and systems.</span></p><p><span>US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the talks as productive and said both countries had discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in security, energy, advanced technology and commerce.</span></p><p><span>Rubio was also asked whether Washington was still dissatisfied with India's past purchases of Russian crude and its efforts to reduce those imports. He said that New Delhi had expressed a desire to diversify its energy sources and that the process could not happen overnight.</span></p><p><span>"I think they have made substantial progress in that regard, and we are happy to see that. But in the end, it’s not just about Russian oil, it's about their desire to diversify. And obviously, we think we can be a source of some of their energy inputs," he said.</span></p><p><span>(With ANI inputs)</span></p>

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says only a few issues stand in the way of an agreement. Tariffs, energy trade and Indias efforts to diversify crude oil supplies featured in the bilateral talks.

‘Never done till it’s done’: Why Jaishankar is cautious on India-US trade deal

<p><span><strong>New Delhi:</strong> The possible removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and a proposed special sitting of Parliament on delimitation and women’s reservation have brought two constitutional issues on the fore. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said any motion against the CEC will be handled under the prescribed procedure, while the decision to reconvene the House rests with the government.</span></p><p><span>He said the process for ousting the election commissioner follows the same constitutional procedure used to remove a Supreme Court judge. Any notice submitted to the Lok Sabha will be considered under the applicable rules.</span></p><p><span>Undeterred by the dismissal of their initial motion, Opposition parties are preparing to bring a new motion aimed at unseating Kumar. On March 12, 2026, 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs signed notices seeking a motion for Kumar’s removal. The Lok Sabha Secretariat’s official bulletin confirms that Speaker Om Birla refused to admit the notice under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. </span></p><p><span>The Opposition had objected to the rejection, saying no reasons had been provided. The Opposition’s move follows criticism of the Election Commission’s handling of voter-list revisions. In September, The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections to electoral-roll decisions at least 14 times over a 10-month period. The INDIA bloc (a coalition of Opposition parties) has cited the report in support of their notice against Kumar.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Govt to decide on special Parliament sitting</strong></span></h2><p><span>Birla has also said the government must decide whether to convene a special sitting to consider constitutional amendment proposals on delimitation and women’s reservation.</span></p><p><span>Parliament’s Monsoon Session ended on August 13, 2026, after 19 sittings over 25 days. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs confirmed that both Houses were adjourned sine die, but the session has not been formally prorogued. That distinction has become important as the government considers calling MPs back before the end of October.</span></p><p><span>Prorogation formally brings a session to a close. Since the Monsoon Session has not been prorogued, Lok Sabha Secretariat sources have said the government could call another sitting as part of the existing session. The sitting could be described as a special session or as a continuation of the Monsoon Session. The government has not announced a date or formally confirmed the proposed meeting. </span></p><p><span>A notice period of three to seven days could be given to MPs to help them plan their schedules, said the sources. There is no constitutional requirement for a 14-day notice before the Winter Session. That period is generally followed to give members time to submit questions and prepare for parliamentary business. The Constitution requires that no more than six months pass between two sessions of Parliament.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Delimitation Bill needs two-thirds support</strong></span></h2><p><span>The proposed legislation on delimitation and women’s reservation poses another challenge for the government. A constitutional amendment requires a special majority in Parliament, including support from at least two-thirds of members present and voting in each House. The government has to assess whether it has the required numbers before deciding when to bring the proposals back.</span></p><p><span>The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to advance the proposed changes, failed to secure the required majority in the Lok Sabha in April. The government is now exploring support from parties outside its alliance before making another attempt. </span></p><p><span>Reports said that the proposed special sitting could be scheduled around the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26 and 27. </span></p><h2><span><strong>Rijiju reaches out to Opposition parties</strong></span></h2><p><span>Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has been contacting Opposition leaders to discuss support for the proposed legislation. In correspondence with Congress President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, he said the government had approached several parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the Samajwadi Party, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Biju Janata Dal.</span></p><p><span>He has argued that the government has made repeated efforts to consult Opposition parties. Kharge has sought an all-party meeting to discuss delimitation and women’s reservation before the government moves ahead with the proposed changes. He has also said he intends to raise the issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</span></p>

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has clarified the procedure for a motion against the chief election commissioner, while the government weighs a possible special sitting to secure support for delimitation and women’s reservation bills.

The battle over CEC Gyanesh Kumar isn't over – here’s the twist

<p>The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), an RSS-affiliated labour organisation, on Thursday opened its first permanent divisional office in Kashmir Valley at Barsoo village in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. The office, led by local Muslim Sameer Kuchay, is located about five kilometres from Lethpora, the site of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.</p><p>The modest single-storey building has security cameras and a small board reading "office", but no saffron flags or prominent signage. Police personnel have been deployed outside the office bearer’s residence.</p><h2>BMS in-charge calls it a new beginning</h2><p>Sameer Kuchay, the 36-year-old BMS in-charge for Kashmir and a resident of Barsoo, said the organisation had decided to work openly after years of operating discreetly in the Valley.</p><p>"This is the first experience of a Sangathan office in Kashmir. It is time to work openly and not discreetly. The situation in Kashmir has changed and we are coming forward now," Kuchay said.</p><p>Kuchay said he had been associated with the RSS since 2009 and began working with the BMS in 2016, the year Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed and large-scale unrest swept the Valley.</p><p>He came into public view after a Facebook video showed him hoisting the Tricolour in south Kashmir during the peak of terrorism.</p><p>"I followed Sangh ideology since 2009. On social media, I found it very patriotic and having no link with politics, and it works only for the development of the nation," Kuchay said.</p><h2>Office to focus on workers' rights</h2><p>BMS functionaries said the organisation had been active in Kashmir since 2020, after the abrogation of Article 370, and initially operated from a rented space in Shivpora, Srinagar.</p><p>According to Kuchay, the BMS currently has about 20 registered affiliated labour unions in Kashmir, representing around 30,000 employees and workers.</p><p>He said Pulwama was chosen for its central location, accessibility from south Kashmir and Srinagar, and the large number of labourers in the area. The office will focus on ensuring that employees and labourers receive their dues and are treated with dignity.</p><h2>BMS distances itself from electoral politics</h2><p>Kuchay sought to distance the organisation from electoral politics and allegations that it was anti-Muslim.</p><p>"We are not affiliated with anyone, not even the BJP or any other party. We have nothing to do with politics and nothing to do with religion," he said. "There is a feeling that we are anti-Muslim. There is nothing like that. We have nothing to do with religion."</p><p>"BJP and we may have a common ideology, but we are nowhere near politics," he added.</p><p>Kuchay said BMS follows RSS ideology, but its affiliated labour organisations and members understand that it is not affiliated to the BJP. He said the organisation focuses on addressing genuine grievances of workers and enjoys their trust.</p><p>Kuchay, who earlier served as Pulwama district vice-president of the BJP from 2017 to 2020, said he found himself unfit for politics and shifted his full attention to BMS work from 2020.</p><h2>Leaders see changed Kashmir</h2><p>The office was inaugurated by senior BMS leaders, including all-India organisation secretary B Surendran and North India organising secretary Sohan Lal Gupta.</p><p>Kuchay framed the development in generational terms, saying children and young people in Kashmir now want books in their hands rather than stones.</p><p>He said the opening of the office reflected the transformation in Kashmir and would help strengthen the organisation's grassroots work among labourers and employees.</p><p>Whether the office remains a quiet administrative hub or grows into a more visible presence will depend on local acceptance, security conditions and the BMS’s ability to deliver on its stated focus on workers' rights.</p>

The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has opened its first permanent office in Kashmir Valley at Barsoo in Pulwama, marking a major shift in its public presence.

RSS-affiliated BMS opens first permanent office in Kashmir Valley at Pulwama

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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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