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The race for Rajya Sabha seats has begun in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, marking the region's first-ever Rajya Sabha elections since its transition from a state to a Union Territory in 2019. The by-elections are set for October 24, 2025.BJP unveiled its candidates for three of the four vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir. Buoyed by its strong presence in the J&amp;K Assembly, the party is confident of securing one seat and aims to influence the outcome of the remaining seats.Amid a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere, BJP candidates, joined by hundreds of supporters chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram," filed their nominations for three Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir. Accompanied by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, along with 28 BJP MLAs and senior party leaders, the candidates marched in a spirited procession to the Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar to submit their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.The BJP candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections from Jammu and Kashmir are Satpal Sharma, Former president and minister of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit - He is a frontrunner for the party's "safe seat," leveraging a numerical advantage as a representative of Jammu. Rakesh Mahajan, Vice-President of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit, representing the Rajouri-Poonch region. Ali Mohammad Mir, a senior party leader from Budgam district, will represent the Kashmir region.''Hundreds of supporters have come here to support all the candidates, We did not invite anyone, but all have come on their own. It shows how much love there is for the BJP and Prime Minister Modi. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the people, '' said Sat Sharma, BJP Leader.The ruling National Conference (NC) and its ally, the Congress, also revealed their candidates earlier for the vacant Rajya Sabha seats. NC named its three candidates: Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Shammi Oberoi, and Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo. Backed by a strong numerical advantage in the J&amp;K Assembly, the NC is well-positioned to secure all three seats comfortably.However, the Congress has opted not to contest, citing that the fourth seat offered to them is "unsafe." The party has accused the NC of failing to provide a more secure option, raising concerns about the consolidation of the anti-BJP vote for the fourth seat."I am deeply grateful to the party leadership for ensuring representation for the people of the Chenab Valley. I am committed to advocating for the genuine concerns pledged by our party in the Rajya Sabha, with a primary focus on restoring statehood and addressing critical issues tied to our identity in Jammu and Kashmir, '' said Sajjad Kitchloo, NC Leader.Meanwhile, National Conference candidate Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan, a senior party leader and former minister from Handwara in North Kashmir, pledged to champion all critical issues in the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that restoring statehood would be his primary focus, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the party's stance.Candidates from both the BJP and the National Conference submitted their nomination papers at the Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar, gearing up for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 24.

The first Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir since it became a Union Territory will be held on October 24, 2025. The BJP and the National Conference have named their candidates. Check details here.

The race for Rajya Sabha seats has begun in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, marking the region's first-ever Rajya Sabha elections since its transition from a state to a Union Territory in 2019. The by-elections are set for October 24, 2025. BJP unveiled its candidates for three of the four vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir. Buoyed by its strong presence in the J&K Assembly, the party is confident of securing one seat and aims to influence the outcome of the remaining seats. Amid a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere, BJP candidates, joined by hundreds of supporters chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram," filed their nominations for three Rajya Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir. Accompanied by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, along with 28 BJP MLAs and senior party leaders, the candidates marched in a spirited procession to the Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar to submit their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The BJP candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections from Jammu and Kashmir are Satpal Sharma, Former president and minister of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit - He is a frontrunner for the party's "safe seat," leveraging a numerical advantage as a representative of Jammu. Rakesh Mahajan, Vice-President of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit, representing the Rajouri-Poonch region. Ali Mohammad Mir, a senior party leader from Budgam district, will represent the Kashmir region. ''Hundreds of supporters have come here to support all the candidates, We did not invite anyone, but all have come on their own. It shows how much love there is for the BJP and Prime Minister Modi. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the people, '' said Sat Sharma, BJP Leader. The ruling National Conference (NC) and its ally, the Congress, also revealed their candidates earlier for the vacant Rajya Sabha seats. NC named its three candidates: Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Shammi Oberoi, and Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo. Backed by a strong numerical advantage in the J&K Assembly, the NC is well-positioned to secure all three seats comfortably. However, the Congress has opted not to contest, citing that the fourth seat offered to them is "unsafe." The party has accused the NC of failing to provide a more secure option, raising concerns about the consolidation of the anti-BJP vote for the fourth seat. "I am deeply grateful to the party leadership for ensuring representation for the people of the Chenab Valley. I am committed to advocating for the genuine concerns pledged by our party in the Rajya Sabha, with a primary focus on restoring statehood and addressing critical issues tied to our identity in Jammu and Kashmir, '' said Sajjad Kitchloo, NC Leader. Meanwhile, National Conference candidate Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan, a senior party leader and former minister from Handwara in North Kashmir, pledged to champion all critical issues in the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that restoring statehood would be his primary focus, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the party's stance. Candidates from both the BJP and the National Conference submitted their nomination papers at the Legislative Assembly complex in Srinagar, gearing up for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 24.

The first Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir since it became a Union Territory will be held on October 24, 2025. The BJP and the National Conference have named their candidates. Check details here.

Jammu and Kashmir polls: NC, BJP candidates file nominations for Rajya Sabha seats; elections to be held on October 24

The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in criminal Conspiracy and sections related to other offences in the IRCTC hotel corruption case.&nbsp;This case pertains to alleged corruption in the tender of two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri during the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav as Railway Minister.&nbsp;Special judge (CBI) framed charges against Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and other Accused persons. They appeared physically before the court.&nbsp;The court has framed charges under different sections for cheating, conspiracy and offences related to corruption. However, all the accused are charged with criminal conspiracy.&nbsp;The order was pronounced in open court, and the court will upload a detailed order. The court said that there is sufficient ground to frame charges against all 14 accused persons.&nbsp;Lalu Prasad Yadav has pleaded not guilty, and he said he will face the trial.&nbsp;Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav are charged with Section 420, 120B of IPC for the offence of cheating and conspiracy. They denied the charge and said they will face the trial.&nbsp;On September 24, the court had directed all the accused persons to appear in person. This case pertains to allegations of corruption in the allotment of maintenance work of IRCTC hotel tenders during the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav.&nbsp;The Court had reserved the order on May 29 after hearing submissions by the counsel for the Investigation Agency and for the accused persons on a day-to-day basis.&nbsp;On March 1, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had concluded its arguments on charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, former Minister Prem Chand Gupta and other accused persons. There are 14 accused in this case.&nbsp;The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for CBI had argued that there was Corruption and conspiracy on the part of the accused persons in the allotment of two IRCTC hotel maintenance contracts.&nbsp;SPP DP Singh, along with Advocate Manu Mishra, had argued that there was Corruption and conspiracy in the allotment of maintenance contracts for two hotels of IRCTC to a private company. There is sufficient material to frame a charge against all accused persons, the CBI said.&nbsp;This case is connected with a period when Lalu Prasad Yadav was Railway Minister during 2004-2009.&nbsp;It is alleged that the maintenance contract of two IRCTC hotels, namely BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri, was transferred to Sujata Hotel, a private firm owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochar. The CBI has alleged that in return for this deal, Lalu Prasad Yadav got three acres of prime land through a benami company.&nbsp;On July 7, 2017, the CBI filed an FIR against Lalu. The agency also raided 12 locations linked to Lalu and his family members in Patna, New Delhi, Ranchi and Gurgaon. On the other hand, it was submitted on behalf of Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav that there is no material to frame charges against him in the IRCTC corruption case, and he deserves discharge in this case.&nbsp;Senior advocate Maninder Singh, counsel for Lalu Prasad Yadav, argued that there are no irregularities on the part of Lalu Prasad Yadav. The tender was awarded in a fair manner. There is no sufficient material to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav. He deserved to be discharged of the charges.&nbsp;The CBI had lodged an FIR on July 5, 2017. A charge sheet was filed in April 2018. CBI had invoked section 120B read with 420 of IPC, section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court has framed charges under different sections for cheating, conspiracy and offences related to corruption. However, all the accused are charged with criminal conspiracy.

The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday framed charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in criminal Conspiracy and sections related to other offences in the IRCTC hotel corruption case. This case pertains to alleged corruption in the tender of two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri during the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav as Railway Minister. Special judge (CBI) framed charges against Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and other Accused persons. They appeared physically before the court. The court has framed charges under different sections for cheating, conspiracy and offences related to corruption. However, all the accused are charged with criminal conspiracy. The order was pronounced in open court, and the court will upload a detailed order. The court said that there is sufficient ground to frame charges against all 14 accused persons. Lalu Prasad Yadav has pleaded not guilty, and he said he will face the trial. Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav are charged with Section 420, 120B of IPC for the offence of cheating and conspiracy. They denied the charge and said they will face the trial. On September 24, the court had directed all the accused persons to appear in person. This case pertains to allegations of corruption in the allotment of maintenance work of IRCTC hotel tenders during the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav. The Court had reserved the order on May 29 after hearing submissions by the counsel for the Investigation Agency and for the accused persons on a day-to-day basis. On March 1, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had concluded its arguments on charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, former Minister Prem Chand Gupta and other accused persons. There are 14 accused in this case. The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for CBI had argued that there was Corruption and conspiracy on the part of the accused persons in the allotment of two IRCTC hotel maintenance contracts. SPP DP Singh, along with Advocate Manu Mishra, had argued that there was Corruption and conspiracy in the allotment of maintenance contracts for two hotels of IRCTC to a private company. There is sufficient material to frame a charge against all accused persons, the CBI said. This case is connected with a period when Lalu Prasad Yadav was Railway Minister during 2004-2009. It is alleged that the maintenance contract of two IRCTC hotels, namely BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri, was transferred to Sujata Hotel, a private firm owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochar. The CBI has alleged that in return for this deal, Lalu Prasad Yadav got three acres of prime land through a benami company. On July 7, 2017, the CBI filed an FIR against Lalu. The agency also raided 12 locations linked to Lalu and his family members in Patna, New Delhi, Ranchi and Gurgaon. On the other hand, it was submitted on behalf of Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav that there is no material to frame charges against him in the IRCTC corruption case, and he deserves discharge in this case. Senior advocate Maninder Singh, counsel for Lalu Prasad Yadav, argued that there are no irregularities on the part of Lalu Prasad Yadav. The tender was awarded in a fair manner. There is no sufficient material to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav. He deserved to be discharged of the charges. The CBI had lodged an FIR on July 5, 2017. A charge sheet was filed in April 2018. CBI had invoked section 120B read with 420 of IPC, section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court has framed charges under different sections for cheating, conspiracy and offences related to corruption. However, all the accused are charged with criminal conspiracy.

Court frames charges against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi in IRCTC hotel corruption case

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded a thorough investigation into a case in Kerala where a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member was sexually abused within the party, which prompted outrage. The deceased, identified as Anandu Aji, an IT professional, was discovered dead in a lodge room in Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday after he left a final social media post alleging repeated sexual abuse by multiple RSS members.&nbsp;Over the social media post, he claimed that the repeated sexual abuse had severely affected his mental health. He underscored that there were several such victims, warning that such incidents were ubiquitous in RSS camps across India.&nbsp;Following the incident, Priyanka Gandhi wrote on social media, demanding accountability, saying, “In his suicide message, Anandu Aji alleged that he was abused again and again by multiple members of the RSS. He clearly stated that he was not the only victim and that rampant sexual abuse is taking place in RSS camps. If true, then this is horrifying.”&nbsp;She warned that thousands of children and teenagers participating in RSS camps might be in danger and urged the organisation’s top leadership to take swift action.&nbsp;“The leadership of the RSS must take immediate action; they must come clean,” she wrote. “Sexual abuse of boys is a scourge as widespread as that of girls. The code of silence around these unspeakably heinous crimes has to be broken,” she added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The RSS must allow these allegations to be investigated fully. In his suicide message Anandu Aji alleged that he was abused again and again by multiple members of the RSS. He clearly stated that he was not the only victim and rampant sexual abuse is taking place in RSS camps.… <a href="https://t.co/IS4dDaQv7O">pic.twitter.com/IS4dDaQv7O</a>&mdash; Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi/status/1977389542253466071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Anandu's mental health issues stemmed from sexual abuse</h3>Several local media reports indicated that Anandu was found dead in a lodge room in Thampanoor, where the staff discovered his body on Thursday evening. In a pre-scheduled Instagram post that went live the same day, Anandu stated he had chosen to end his life after years of suffering from severe mental health issues, including depression, which he claimed stemmed from the sexual abuse he endured as a child.&nbsp;"I’m committing suicide not because of any girl, love affair, debt, or anything like that. I’m doing this because of my anxiety and depressive episodes. Also, because of my medicines, I can’t concentrate on my work,” he said.&nbsp;"I’m not angry with anyone, except one person and an organisation. The organisation is RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), which my father (a very good person) made me join. That’s where I’ve suffered lifelong trauma, from the organisation and that person," he wrote.&nbsp;Explaining himself as a "victim" of rape, Anandu describes the abuse he experienced and said, "I was continuously sexually abused by a person when I was a child. I've also been subjected to sexual abuse by several members of the RSS. I don't know who they were. But I will expose the person who abused me when I was just 3-4 years old."&nbsp;"He constantly abused me, has done a lot of things to my body. I was like a sex tool for him. The sad part is, I only realised that this abuse was the cause of my mental illness when I was diagnosed with OCD. Until then, I believed it hadn’t caused me any problems. He was like a brother and was considered like a relative by my family," Anandu said.&nbsp;Anandu also claimed that he had been a victim of brutal sexual and physical abuse at RSS camps, allegedly at the hands of members of the organisation. "I have also been sexually abused at RSS camps. I don't remember their names, but I have been abused at the ITC and OTC camps. I was also subjected to physical abuse. They used to beat me with the batons without any reason," he said.&nbsp;Calling the RSS a breeding ground for abuse and hatred, he cautioned others against building close bonds with the members of the organisation. He further alleged that many other children had faced similar ordeals during their time at RSS camps.&nbsp;"What I've described is just what they have done to me. They have been sexually and physically abusing a lot of children. I'm able to openly say this because I left the organisation. I know nobody would believe me as I don't have any proofs. But my life itself is my proof. I'm doing this as I don't want another child to go through what I suffered," he said.&nbsp;Appealing to authorities to identify and support such victims through counselling, Anandu urged parents to provide proper sex education to their children and teach them how to recognise the difference between good and bad touch.&nbsp;"No child in the world should go through what I suffered. Parents should ensure it. Children might not be able to open up after an abuse, as they will be scared. parents should build a connection with the child, so they are able to share everything with you," he said.&nbsp;In the 15-page letter, Anandu also highlighted that a few people close to him seemed angry with him, speculating it must be due to his criticism of the BJP and RSS, or because he supported the intercaste relationship of his sister. "Everyone is human. I can’t judge people based on religion; everyone around you is human," he stressed.&nbsp;He mentioned that some might hold his sister, Ammu, responsible for his decision to take his own life, but clarified that she bore no blame. "She chose her own life,” he said, expressing his apologies to his mother, sister, and brother-in-law for his action.&nbsp;He added that although he did not leave behind a formal will, he wished for his financial dues to be settled using his investments in stocks, mutual funds, and digital gold, and requested his friends’ assistance if necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra warned that thousands of children and teenagers participating in RSS camps might be in danger and urged the organisation’s top leadership to take swift action.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded a thorough investigation into a case in Kerala where a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member was sexually abused within the party, which prompted outrage. The deceased, identified as Anandu Aji, an IT professional, was discovered dead in a lodge room in Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday after he left a final social media post alleging repeated sexual abuse by multiple RSS members. Over the social media post, he claimed that the repeated sexual abuse had severely affected his mental health. He underscored that there were several such victims, warning that such incidents were ubiquitous in RSS camps across India. Following the incident, Priyanka Gandhi wrote on social media, demanding accountability, saying, “In his suicide message, Anandu Aji alleged that he was abused again and again by multiple members of the RSS. He clearly stated that he was not the only victim and that rampant sexual abuse is taking place in RSS camps. If true, then this is horrifying.” She warned that thousands of children and teenagers participating in RSS camps might be in danger and urged the organisation’s top leadership to take swift action. “The leadership of the RSS must take immediate action; they must come clean,” she wrote. “Sexual abuse of boys is a scourge as widespread as that of girls. The code of silence around these unspeakably heinous crimes has to be broken,” she added.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra warned that thousands of children and teenagers participating in RSS camps might be in danger and urged the organisation’s top leadership to take swift action.

Priyanka Gandhi slams horrific 'rampant sexual abuse' in RSS camps, demands probe into Kerala techie's suicide

New Delhi: The Indian Army is all set to host a major gathering of Chiefs and top military commanders of United Nations Troop Contributing Countries next week, from 14th to 16th October. The gathering will bring together senior military leadership of 32 countries that play a key role in UN peacekeeping operations. India is a major troop contributing country to UN peacekeeping missions globally. In the past 75 years, India has contributed over 2,90,000 peacekeeping missions spread across 50 countries.&nbsp;Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations (USG, DPO), Jean Pierre Lacroix will be addressing the gathering. Ahead of the meet, Lacroix said it “provides a vital space for UN police and troop contributing countries to exchange lessons, strengthen cooperation, and deepen collaboration, all in the pursuit of peace”, adding, “peacekeeping is one of the most powerful tool that intentional community can yield to prevent, mitigate, and end conflict”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-operation-blue-star-a-mistake-wrong-way-to-retrieve-golden-temple-chidambaram-1760272851608">‘Operation Blue Star a mistake, wrong way to retrieve Golden Temple’: Chidambaram</a>&nbsp;Of the 32 top military leaders, 15 will be at the level of Chiefs, and 17 at the level of vice chiefs and other high-ranking military officials from seven nations. Countries represented at the level of Chiefs include Bhutan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Poland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, and Vietnam. Senior military officials from Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Italy, Nepal, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Australia, Egypt, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Thailand, and Madagascar will represent their respective militaries at senior levels.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-laureates-abhijit-banerjee-esther-duflo-to-leave-us-move-to-zurich-amid-funding-cuts-1760280303367">Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo to leave US, move to Zurich amid funding cuts</a>&nbsp;The conclave will have several sessions where the chiefs and top military leaders will discuss and share viewpoints on peacekeeping strategies. In addition to this, a defence technology exhibition will be organised on the sidelines to showcase India’s growing manufacturing capabilities when it comes to defence.

The conclave will have several sessions where the chiefs and top military leaders will discuss and share viewpoints on peacekeeping strategies. Besides, a defence technology exhibition will be organised to showcase India’s growing manufacturing capabilities when it comes to defence.

New Delhi: The Indian Army is all set to host a major gathering of Chiefs and top military commanders of United Nations Troop Contributing Countries next week, from 14th to 16th October. The gathering will bring together senior military leadership of 32 countries that play a key role in UN peacekeeping operations. India is a major troop contributing country to UN peacekeeping missions globally. In the past 75 years, India has contributed over 2,90,000 peacekeeping missions spread across 50 countries. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations (USG, DPO), Jean Pierre Lacroix will be addressing the gathering. Ahead of the meet, Lacroix said it “provides a vital space for UN police and troop contributing countries to exchange lessons, strengthen cooperation, and deepen collaboration, all in the pursuit of peace”, adding, “peacekeeping is one of the most powerful tool that intentional community can yield to prevent, mitigate, and end conflict”. Also Read: ‘Operation Blue Star a mistake, wrong way to retrieve Golden Temple’: Chidambaram Of the 32 top military leaders, 15 will be at the level of Chiefs, and 17 at the level of vice chiefs and other high-ranking military officials from seven nations. Countries represented at the level of Chiefs include Bhutan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Poland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, and Vietnam. Senior military officials from Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Italy, Nepal, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Australia, Egypt, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Thailand, and Madagascar will represent their respective militaries at senior levels. Also Read: Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo to leave US, move to Zurich amid funding cuts The conclave will have several sessions where the chiefs and top military leaders will discuss and share viewpoints on peacekeeping strategies. In addition to this, a defence technology exhibition will be organised on the sidelines to showcase India’s growing manufacturing capabilities when it comes to defence.

The conclave will have several sessions where the chiefs and top military leaders will discuss and share viewpoints on peacekeeping strategies. Besides, a defence technology exhibition will be organised to showcase India’s growing manufacturing capabilities when it comes to defence.

India to host major gathering of Chiefs of UN Troop Contributing Countries next week

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has once again targeted the BJP-led NDA government in India on foreign soil, alleging that the idea of free and scientific thinking was under “tremendous attack” in India. He also accused the government of creating massive trading monopolies and weakening small and medium businesses. Rahul made the comments during an interaction with students at the University of Chile on the country’s education system. While interacting with students at the University of Chile, Rahul Gandhi said, “There are tremendous attacks on independent thinking, scientific thought, and rationality in India.”&nbsp;When a student asked what he would like to do about the Indian education system, Rahul Gandhi replied, while referring to her, “The curiosity that Amrita has, I would like to protect it in the Indian education system. And make sure that she can ask questions, she can raise issues, she can think openly without being constrained in any way. So that would be the central idea... And this is, by the way, in India, this is under attack. The idea of free thinking, the idea of being open, the idea of being scientific, of being logical, this is under tremendous attack in India currently.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">India needs to build an alternative manufacturing system that thrives in a democratic setup. Thus, a partnership with Peru or the US could be the way forward. When it comes to education, it begins with curiosity and the freedom to think openly and ask questions without any fear… <a href="https://t.co/LyOvmSysaJ">pic.twitter.com/LyOvmSysaJ</a>&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1977298219177554306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>‘India’s social system is dominated by upper castes’</h2>&nbsp;He added that India’s social system is dominated by upper castes, while nearly 90 per cent of the population is of middle and lower castes. “Their history, traditions, and thinking have not been given a place in education. Our education system is for the upper castes. Therefore, I would like to include the history and traditions of tribal, middle, and lower castes in the education system,” he said.He further said that India’s education system has suffered greatly in the last ten years and scientific consciousness has been destroyed because the current government does not believe in a scientific approach. “This needs to be corrected. I would like to do this,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The BJP govt is creating massive trading monopolies, our biggest companies today are not manufacturers or producers, they are traders with immense monopolistic power. BJP’s policies are deliberately weakening small and medium businesses, the true backbone of India’s… <a href="https://t.co/sOfMnLT6iU">pic.twitter.com/sOfMnLT6iU</a>&mdash; Sama Ram Mohan Reddy (@RamMohanINC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamMohanINC/status/1977290229884088722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>‘BJP government is creating massive trading monopolies’</h2>&nbsp;The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP government is creating massive trading monopolies and claimed that the biggest companies in India today are not manufacturers or producers but traders with immense monopolistic power.“BJP’s policies are deliberately weakening small and medium businesses, the true backbone of India’s manufacturing sector,” Rahul said.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH: Durgapur horror: Bengal CM's shocker after gang rape; three accused held in alleged gang rape case<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/durgapur-horror-bengal-cm-s-shocker-after-gang-rape-three-accused-held-in-alleged-gang-rape-case-1760280641423/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/durgapur-horror-bengal-cm-s-shocker-after-gang-rape-three-accused-held-in-alleged-gang-rape-case-1760280641423/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Reacting to the remarks, the BJP has hit out at Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of again besmirching India on foreign soil.&nbsp;“Rahul Gandhi is not Leader of the Opposition. He is the leader of propaganda, of hypocrisy. He goes abroad and talks against India’s constitutional bodies, India’s democratic system, India’s judiciary, and India’s sovereignty—this has become his habit,” said BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.&nbsp;“Rahul Gandhi says he is fighting against the Indian state. From opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is now into spreading lies against India. He says there is no space for free thinking. That happens in your party. If someone speaks against Rahul Gandhi, what happens? Look at Shashi Tharoor. He was made an example of because he championed the cause of the country and its armed forces,” he added.Rahul has recently returned from a trip to South American countries. A video of his interaction at the university was shared on his social media account.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also alleged that the BJP government is creating massive trading monopolies and claimed that the biggest companies in India today are not manufacturers or producers but traders with immense monopolistic power.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has once again targeted the BJP-led NDA government in India on foreign soil, alleging that the idea of free and scientific thinking was under “tremendous attack” in India. He also accused the government of creating massive trading monopolies and weakening small and medium businesses. Rahul made the comments during an interaction with students at the University of Chile on the country’s education system. While interacting with students at the University of Chile, Rahul Gandhi said, “There are tremendous attacks on independent thinking, scientific thought, and rationality in India.” When a student asked what he would like to do about the Indian education system, Rahul Gandhi replied, while referring to her, “The curiosity that Amrita has, I would like to protect it in the Indian education system. And make sure that she can ask questions, she can raise issues, she can think openly without being constrained in any way. So that would be the central idea... And this is, by the way, in India, this is under attack. The idea of free thinking, the idea of being open, the idea of being scientific, of being logical, this is under tremendous attack in India currently.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also alleged that the BJP government is creating massive trading monopolies and claimed that the biggest companies in India today are not manufacturers or producers but traders with immense monopolistic power.

‘Independent thinking under attack in India,’ says Rahul Gandhi in Chile, BJP slams him

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached a seat-sharing arrangement on Sunday for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. As per the pact, the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has been allocated 29. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha will contest six seats each. JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha confirmed the seat distribution, and said the seat-sharing was smooth and collaborative. “We NDA allies have completed the distribution of seats in a cordial atmosphere,” he said. “All workers and leaders of NDA parties warmly welcome this. Bihar is ready, once again NDA government,” Jha wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">हम NDA के साथियों ने सौहार्दपूर्ण वातावरण में सीटों का वितरण पूर्ण किया है। JDU - 101 BJP - 101 LJP(R)- 29 RLM - 06 HAM - 06 एनडीए के सभी दलों के नेता और कार्यकर्ता साथी इसका हर्ष के साथ स्वागत करते हैं और मुख्यमंत्री <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NitishKumar</a> जी को प्रचंड बहुमत के साथ फिर से…&mdash; Sanjay Kumar Jha (@SanjayJhaBihar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SanjayJhaBihar/status/1977353422572810671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also announced the pact on X and wrote, “We NDA allies have completed the distribution of seats in a cordial atmosphere… All workers and leaders of NDA parties warmly welcome this. Bihar is ready, once again NDA government.”&nbsp;Pradhan, who was appointed the Bihar election in-charge after he played a role in delivering a third consecutive win for the BJP in Haryana last year, said the NDA allies in Bihar welcomed the seat allocation and that talks were held in a cordial atmosphere.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">हम एनडीए के साथियों ने सौहार्दपूर्ण वातावरण में सीटों का वितरण पूर्ण किया। BJP – 101 JDU – 101 LJP (R) – 29 RLM – 06 HAM – 06 एनडीए के सभी दलों के कार्यकर्ता और नेता इसका हर्षपूर्वक स्वागत करते हैं। बिहार है तैयार, फिर से एनडीए सरकार।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDA4Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NDA4Bihar</a> ✌️&mdash; Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1977352681577414772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;BJP spokesperson Pankaj Singh told news agency IANS, “The NDA allies have reached a consensus... This is not only to form the government but also to serve the people effectively...”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), led by Union Minister and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed satisfaction on the number of seats allotted to it.&nbsp;“We got only 6 seats, it is the decision of the high command. We accept it... We are content with what we have been given. I have no complaints,” Manjhi said.&nbsp;JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said, “Definitely, the foundation of a big win was laid today. We were saying that the seat-sharing arrangement will be finalised today. The number of seats the parties are getting is now in the public domain. The popularity of CM Nitish Kumar and the charisma of PM Narendra Modi are working; the magic of both the leaders is happening in Bihar. After the seat-sharing, we will move ahead towards scripting a big win.”&nbsp;WATCH: Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky speaks to Trump, urges him to broker peace in Ukraine<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-speaks-to-trump-urges-him-to-broker-peace-in-ukraine-1760269842920/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-speaks-to-trump-urges-him-to-broker-peace-in-ukraine-1760269842920/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the pact, the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has been allocated 29. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha will contest six seats each.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached a seat-sharing arrangement on Sunday for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. As per the pact, the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has been allocated 29. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha will contest six seats each. JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha confirmed the seat distribution, and said the seat-sharing was smooth and collaborative. “We NDA allies have completed the distribution of seats in a cordial atmosphere,” he said. “All workers and leaders of NDA parties warmly welcome this. Bihar is ready, once again NDA government,” Jha wrote on X.

As per the pact, the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has been allocated 29. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha will contest six seats each.

Bihar elections: NDA finalises seat-sharing deal, BJP and JDU to contest 101 seats each

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram has described the 1984 Operation Blue Star as a “mistake” and the “wrong way” to reclaim the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, and that former prime minister Indira Gandhi paid the ultimate price for that decision. Speaking at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival 2025, in Kasauli on Saturday, Chidambaram said, “No disrespect to any military officers, but that was the wrong way to retrieve the Golden Temple. A few years later, we showed the right way to retrieve it—by keeping the Army out. Blue Star was the wrong way, and I agree that Mrs Gandhi paid with her life for that mistake.” Chidambaram also said that the operation, carried out in June 1984 under Gandhi’s leadership, was a collective decision involving the Army, police, intelligence, and civil services, and could not be blamed solely on Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;The former Union home and finance minister further contrasted it with Operation Black Thunder, which took place a few years later, and said that it was the right approach, as it kept the Army out of the Sikh holy shrine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Senior Congress leader and former Home Minister P Chidambaram says, &quot;No disrespect to any military officers here but that (Blue Star) was a wrong way to retrieve the Golden Temple. Few years later, we showed the right way to retrieve the Golden Temple by keeping out the… <a href="https://t.co/ZuA87mbxYO">pic.twitter.com/ZuA87mbxYO</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1977249847209054628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Chidambaram made the remarks while speaking at a session on ‘They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict’ with author Harinder Baweja.&nbsp;<h2>What was Operation Blue Star?</h2>&nbsp;Operation Blue Star was a military action carried out from June 1 to June 10, 1984, when the Army entered the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the orders of then PM Indira Gandhi to crush a separatist uprising led by radical preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale after reports that his supporters had stored weapons inside the temple complex.&nbsp;The assault deeply hurt the Sikh community, sparking widespread outrage. On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for the attack on the Golden Temple, triggering anti-Sikh riots across India.&nbsp;<h2>Congress expresses displeasure on Chidambaram’s remarks</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Congress party reacted to Chidambaram’s remarks and expressed its displeasure. Congress leader Rashid Alvi questioned the reasons for Chidambaram making statements against the party, as criminal cases against him are still pending.“Whether Operation Blue Star was right or wrong is a different matter. But what compels P Chidambaram to attack the Congress party, Indira Gandhi, claiming she took the wrong step, after 50 years?” Alvi told news agency ANI.&nbsp;“It’s unfortunate. Chidambaram ji’s repeated attacks on the Congress party are raising many doubts and misgivings. Criminal cases against him are still pending. I wonder if he’s under any pressure to continue attacking the Congress party,” Alvi said.Last month, Chidambaram had stirred a controversy with his remarks on the 26/11 terror attacks, when he suggested in an interview that he personally favoured military retribution against Pakistan, but the government led by then PM Manmohan Singh decided to go by the external affairs ministry’s view to resort to diplomatic measures.

Operation Blue Star, carried out from June 1 to June 10, 1984, deeply hurt the Sikh community, sparking widespread outrage. On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for the attack on the Golden Temple, triggering anti-Sikh riots across India.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram has described the 1984 Operation Blue Star as a “mistake” and the “wrong way” to reclaim the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, and that former prime minister Indira Gandhi paid the ultimate price for that decision. Speaking at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival 2025, in Kasauli on Saturday, Chidambaram said, “No disrespect to any military officers, but that was the wrong way to retrieve the Golden Temple. A few years later, we showed the right way to retrieve it—by keeping the Army out. Blue Star was the wrong way, and I agree that Mrs Gandhi paid with her life for that mistake.” Chidambaram also said that the operation, carried out in June 1984 under Gandhi’s leadership, was a collective decision involving the Army, police, intelligence, and civil services, and could not be blamed solely on Indira Gandhi. The former Union home and finance minister further contrasted it with Operation Black Thunder, which took place a few years later, and said that it was the right approach, as it kept the Army out of the Sikh holy shrine.

Operation Blue Star, carried out from June 1 to June 10, 1984, deeply hurt the Sikh community, sparking widespread outrage. On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for the attack on the Golden Temple, triggering anti-Sikh riots across India.

‘Operation Blue Star a mistake, wrong way to retrieve Golden Temple’: Chidambaram

After facing massive backlash over not inviting women journalists to a press conference, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday (Oct 12) blamed a “technical issue” over the controversy during his visit to India. He added that the decision was not deliberately taken based on gender discrimination. Muttaqi also called another press conference on Sunday, this time inviting women journalists.“With regards to the press conference, it was on short notice and a short list of journalists was decided,” Muttaqi said. “The participation list that was presented was very specific. It was more of a technical issue... Our colleagues had decided to send an invitation to a specific list of journalists, and there was no other intention apart from this.”What was the controversy?Earlier this week, several journalists, media outlets, and opposition leaders expressed outrage after women were not invited to Muttaqi’s press conference at the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi on Friday (Oct 10). Many women journalists claimed that they were denied entry. The briefing took place after the Taliban minister held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.Following the massive controversy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement clarifying that it had no involvement in the media interaction held by the Afghan foreign minister.“MEA had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by the Afghan FM in Delhi,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 11).Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding clarification on the incident.“Mr. Modi, when you allow the exclusion of women journalists from a public forum, you are telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them,” he said, “In our country, women have the right to equal participation in every space. Your silence in the face of such discrimination exposes the emptiness of your slogans on Nari Shakti.”

After Muttaqi’s first press conference in Delhi, several journalists, media outlets, and opposition leaders expressed outrage after women were not invited.

After facing massive backlash over not inviting women journalists to a press conference, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday (Oct 12) blamed a “technical issue” over the controversy during his visit to India. He added that the decision was not deliberately taken based on gender discrimination. Muttaqi also called another press conference on Sunday, this time inviting women journalists. “With regards to the press conference, it was on short notice and a short list of journalists was decided,” Muttaqi said. “The participation list that was presented was very specific. It was more of a technical issue... Our colleagues had decided to send an invitation to a specific list of journalists, and there was no other intention apart from this.” What was the controversy? Earlier this week, several journalists, media outlets, and opposition leaders expressed outrage after women were not invited to Muttaqi’s press conference at the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi on Friday (Oct 10). Many women journalists claimed that they were denied entry. The briefing took place after the Taliban minister held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Following the massive controversy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement clarifying that it had no involvement in the media interaction held by the Afghan foreign minister. “MEA had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by the Afghan FM in Delhi,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 11). Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding clarification on the incident. “Mr. Modi, when you allow the exclusion of women journalists from a public forum, you are telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them,” he said, “In our country, women have the right to equal participation in every space. Your silence in the face of such discrimination exposes the emptiness of your slogans on Nari Shakti.”

After Muttaqi’s first press conference in Delhi, several journalists, media outlets, and opposition leaders expressed outrage after women were not invited.

Afghan FM Muttaqi blames ‘technical issue’ for not inviting women journos; holds second presser with women

On October 10, 2025, a 23-year-old girl, a student of second year MBBS, was gang-raped in Durgapur, West Bengal, India. The location was just 170 km from the capital city of Kolkata. The girl was studying in a private medical college. In this case, the Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, said that the survivor should have protected herself and not been out at night.&nbsp;"How did she come out at 12.30 at night?" the West Bengal CM asked. She tried defending her government from the allegation of women's safety failure, saying that it was the responsibility of the college to ensure the survivor's safety, not her government's.&nbsp;"Especially, a girl child at night-time, they shouldn't be allowed to come outside. They have to protect themselves also," Banerjee added. This was not the first time Banerjee made such a bizarre and misogynistic comment. During previous rape cases in the state, the CM was seen making some controversial remarks where she blamed the rape survivor. Here's a list of Mamata Banerjee's misogynistic remarks:&nbsp;'Fabricated incident' - 2012 Talking about the 2012 Park Street rape case, where three men abducted and raped a woman in Kolkata, Banerjee made an objectionable statement. She refused that the incident was real and called it a “shajano ghatana" - a fabricated incident. She said it was planned to demean her government. 'Rape cases are on the rise because boys and girls interact' - 2012&nbsp;Talking about the rising number of rape cases and sexual harassment, Banerjee said it was because boys and girls interact often these days.&nbsp;“Rape cases are on the rise because boys and girls interact more freely now. Earlier if men and women held hands, they would get caught by parents … now everything is so open. It’s like an open market with open options," the West Bengal CM said.&nbsp;'Will you call it rape?' - 2012&nbsp;In 2022, a 14-year-old girl was gang-raped in the Nadia district of the state. Banerjee, reacting to the case, said, "This story they are showing that a minor has died due to rape, will you call it rape? Was she pregnant or had a love affair? Have they [media] enquired? I have asked the police. They have made arrests. I was told the girl had an affair with the boy."&nbsp;"It was a love affair and that's confirmed as the family was aware of it. If a couple is in a relationship, can I stop it? This is not UP, we don't do Love Jihad here. This is their personal freedom. But if there are any misdeeds, police will arrest the culprits. One suspect has been arrested already," the CM added.&nbsp;'Where is the evidence?' - 2012&nbsp;In 2012, a 31-year-old widow was allegedly gang-raped on the Ahmedpur-Katwa narrow gauge local. Banerjee called it a "planned" rape by her opposition political party.&nbsp;"A complaint of rape has been filed. Nothing has been found in the medical report. Where is the evidence? I do not think any incident of rape has taken place. I hear a political party, of which the woman's husband is a supporter, has planned to use its workers to cry rape," she said. Durgapur case - the horrific crime&nbsp;The girl, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha, had stepped out of the IQ City Medical College in the Shivapur area of Durgapur with a male friend around 8.30 pm on Friday for dinner when some men came near the college gate, dragged her to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her.&nbsp;The father of the 23-year-old survivor, in his complaint to the police, has alleged that her male friend fled when the men came, and the family suspects his involvement in the crime.

The girl was studying in a private medical college. In this case, the Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, said that the survivor should have protected herself and not been out at night.

On October 10, 2025, a 23-year-old girl, a student of second year MBBS, was gang-raped in Durgapur, West Bengal, India. The location was just 170 km from the capital city of Kolkata. The girl was studying in a private medical college. In this case, the Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, said that the survivor should have protected herself and not been out at night. "How did she come out at 12.30 at night?" the West Bengal CM asked. She tried defending her government from the allegation of women's safety failure, saying that it was the responsibility of the college to ensure the survivor's safety, not her government's. "Especially, a girl child at night-time, they shouldn't be allowed to come outside. They have to protect themselves also," Banerjee added. This was not the first time Banerjee made such a bizarre and misogynistic comment. During previous rape cases in the state, the CM was seen making some controversial remarks where she blamed the rape survivor. Here's a list of Mamata Banerjee's misogynistic remarks: 'Fabricated incident' - 2012 Talking about the 2012 Park Street rape case, where three men abducted and raped a woman in Kolkata, Banerjee made an objectionable statement. She refused that the incident was real and called it a “shajano ghatana" - a fabricated incident. She said it was planned to demean her government. 'Rape cases are on the rise because boys and girls interact' - 2012 Talking about the rising number of rape cases and sexual harassment, Banerjee said it was because boys and girls interact often these days. “Rape cases are on the rise because boys and girls interact more freely now. Earlier if men and women held hands, they would get caught by parents … now everything is so open. It’s like an open market with open options," the West Bengal CM said. 'Will you call it rape?' - 2012 In 2022, a 14-year-old girl was gang-raped in the Nadia district of the state. Banerjee, reacting to the case, said, "This story they are showing that a minor has died due to rape, will you call it rape? Was she pregnant or had a love affair? Have they [media] enquired? I have asked the police. They have made arrests. I was told the girl had an affair with the boy." "It was a love affair and that's confirmed as the family was aware of it. If a couple is in a relationship, can I stop it? This is not UP, we don't do Love Jihad here. This is their personal freedom. But if there are any misdeeds, police will arrest the culprits. One suspect has been arrested already," the CM added. 'Where is the evidence?' - 2012 In 2012, a 31-year-old widow was allegedly gang-raped on the Ahmedpur-Katwa narrow gauge local. Banerjee called it a "planned" rape by her opposition political party. "A complaint of rape has been filed. Nothing has been found in the medical report. Where is the evidence? I do not think any incident of rape has taken place. I hear a political party, of which the woman's husband is a supporter, has planned to use its workers to cry rape," she said. Durgapur case - the horrific crime The girl, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha, had stepped out of the IQ City Medical College in the Shivapur area of Durgapur with a male friend around 8.30 pm on Friday for dinner when some men came near the college gate, dragged her to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her. The father of the 23-year-old survivor, in his complaint to the police, has alleged that her male friend fled when the men came, and the family suspects his involvement in the crime.

The girl was studying in a private medical college. In this case, the Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, said that the survivor should have protected herself and not been out at night.

‘Girls shouldn’t be allowed out. Where is evidence? Was she having an affair?’: A history of Mamata Banerjee’s misogynistic remarks in rape cases

India will be represented by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh (KVS) for the upcoming international summit on Middle East peace, hosted in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh and co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.&nbsp;The event is scheduled for Monday, October 13 and focuses on finalizing a Gaza peace plan to end the ongoing war, enhance regional stability, and advance broader security efforts.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an invitation on Saturday, October 11. U.S. State Department has reached out to several countries for the summit. The summit aims to sign off on Trump's proposed Gaza truce, which includes a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and reconstruction plans.&nbsp;It builds on recent mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner playing key roles. &nbsp;UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres are expected to attend the summit. Trump is expected to address Israel's Knesset before heading to Egypt. &nbsp;

The event is scheduled for Monday, October 13 and focuses on finalizing a Gaza peace plan to end the ongoing war, enhance regional stability, and advance broader security efforts.

India will be represented by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh (KVS) for the upcoming international summit on Middle East peace, hosted in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh and co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The event is scheduled for Monday, October 13 and focuses on finalizing a Gaza peace plan to end the ongoing war, enhance regional stability, and advance broader security efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an invitation on Saturday, October 11. U.S. State Department has reached out to several countries for the summit. The summit aims to sign off on Trump's proposed Gaza truce, which includes a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and reconstruction plans. It builds on recent mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner playing key roles. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres are expected to attend the summit. Trump is expected to address Israel's Knesset before heading to Egypt.

The event is scheduled for Monday, October 13 and focuses on finalizing a Gaza peace plan to end the ongoing war, enhance regional stability, and advance broader security efforts.

MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh to represent India at Trump-Sisi's Middle East Peace Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the Gaza “peace summit” set to be held in Egypt on October 13. According to reports in the media, Modi has got an invite from US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend the event aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip. However, an official confirmation is awaited from the Prime Minister or his office.&nbsp;According to the Indian Express, Modi got a last minute invite from both the leaders on Saturday to attend the meet.&nbsp;The peace summit to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday afternoon, under the joint chairmanship of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Trump will see the participation of more than 20 countries with India being one of them.&nbsp;“The summit aims to end the war in the Gaza Strip, strengthen efforts to establish peace and stability in the Middle East, and open a new page of regional security and stability,” read the statement by spokesperson of the Egyptian President.&nbsp;“This summit comes in light of US President Donald Trump’s vision to achieve peace in the region, and his relentless quest to end conflicts around the world,” the statement further read.&nbsp;(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The peace summit to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh under the joint chairmanship of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Trump will see the participation of more than 20 countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the Gaza “peace summit” set to be held in Egypt on October 13. According to reports in the media, Modi has got an invite from US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend the event aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip. However, an official confirmation is awaited from the Prime Minister or his office. According to the Indian Express, Modi got a last minute invite from both the leaders on Saturday to attend the meet. The peace summit to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday afternoon, under the joint chairmanship of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Trump will see the participation of more than 20 countries with India being one of them. “The summit aims to end the war in the Gaza Strip, strengthen efforts to establish peace and stability in the Middle East, and open a new page of regional security and stability,” read the statement by spokesperson of the Egyptian President. “This summit comes in light of US President Donald Trump’s vision to achieve peace in the region, and his relentless quest to end conflicts around the world,” the statement further read. (This is a developing story. Check back for updates)

The peace summit to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh under the joint chairmanship of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Trump will see the participation of more than 20 countries.

Trump, Sisi invite Indian PM Modi for Gaza peace summit to be held in Egypt: Report

The West Bengal police has arrested three people in the gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student near a private medical college in Durgapur. The police has also registered a case against the three accused under sections for gangrape and criminal liability. According to various media reports, the accused are said to be locals, but their identities are yet to be released. Two other accused are still absconding.<h2>The horrific crime</h2>The girl, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha had stepped out of the &nbsp;IQ City Medical College in the Shivapur area of Durgapur with a male friend around 8.30 pm on Friday for dinner when some men came near the college gate, dragged her to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her.&nbsp;The father of the 23-year-old survivor in his complaint to the police has alleged that her male friend fled when the men came, and the family suspects his involvement in the crime.&nbsp;The second-year student is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Durgapur, and her condition is said to be critical, while the accused were still to be identified at the time of the filing of this report.&nbsp;The survivors friend is being questioned by the police, who say, “The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there. The men snatched her phone and took her to a jungle, where they raped her. She was threatened with dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident".<h2>Earlier incidents of rape cases on campus</h2>In July, a law student was allegedly gang-raped on the premises of the South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata’s Kasba area. A former student with alleged political links, two students, and a security guard were arrested.&nbsp;In August last year, the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata led to protests in the state and across the country. A civic police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The father of the 23-year-old survivor in his complaint to the police has alleged that her male friend fled when the men came, and the family suspects his involvement in the crime.

The West Bengal police has arrested three people in the gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student near a private medical college in Durgapur. The police has also registered a case against the three accused under sections for gangrape and criminal liability. According to various media reports, the accused are said to be locals, but their identities are yet to be released. Two other accused are still absconding. The horrific crime The girl, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha had stepped out of the IQ City Medical College in the Shivapur area of Durgapur with a male friend around 8.30 pm on Friday for dinner when some men came near the college gate, dragged her to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her. The father of the 23-year-old survivor in his complaint to the police has alleged that her male friend fled when the men came, and the family suspects his involvement in the crime. The second-year student is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Durgapur, and her condition is said to be critical, while the accused were still to be identified at the time of the filing of this report. The survivors friend is being questioned by the police, who say, “The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there. The men snatched her phone and took her to a jungle, where they raped her. She was threatened with dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident". Earlier incidents of rape cases on campus In July, a law student was allegedly gang-raped on the premises of the South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata’s Kasba area. A former student with alleged political links, two students, and a security guard were arrested. In August last year, the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata led to protests in the state and across the country. A civic police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The father of the 23-year-old survivor in his complaint to the police has alleged that her male friend fled when the men came, and the family suspects his involvement in the crime.

Durgapur gang-rape case: Police make 3 arrests, lodge FIR against accused as 2 more on the run

New Delhi: Plans are in the works for the visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India in the next few weeks, his first to the country after taking charge for the second term in May this year. The Australia PM’s visit to India comes in a year when both sides are marking 5 years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in June 2020. While India-Australia ties have grown in several fields, engagements have increased significantly when it comes to defence, trade, and education.&nbsp;In terms of defence, earlier this month, Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh visited the country, during which 3 key MoUs were signed on information sharing, submarine rescue, and establishment of joint staff talk. The visit by the Indian side came months after the visit of Australian deputy PM and defence minister Richard Marles to India.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Indian defence minister also witnessed a live air-to-air refuelling capability demonstration on a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker, a show of increased “trust” on the security front between the two sides. Both sides are now working to sign a renewed Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, an update from the original Declaration from 2009 and a joint Maritime Security Collaboration roadmap that will advance defence cooperation over the next decade.&nbsp;In terms of education, Indian students form one of the largest groups of foreign students in Australia. Increasingly Australian universities are opening or planning to open campuses in India, including the University of Wollongong, the University of Western Australia, Deakin University, and the University of Adelaide. In 2022, both sides signed the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) that has helped increase trade due to the reduction of tariffs. Total two-way goods and services trade reached approximately US$49.1 billion in 2023, with goods trade hitting US$24.1 billion in FY25 (April 2024–March 2025), reflecting a 14% year-on-year growth in Indian exports.&nbsp;Last year, both PM Modi and PM Albanese met for the 2nd annual summit on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio. The summit focused on furthering economic, trade, security, energy, science, and tech ties. Albanese visited India in 2023, and that same year saw PM Modi getting what was seen as a “rockstar” welcome in Sydney. During the diaspora address, PM Albanese called PM Modi “The Boss”.

Last year, PM Modi and PM Albanese met for the 2nd annual summit on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio. Albanese visited India in 2023, and the same year saw PM Modi getting a “rockstar” welcome in Sydney. During the diaspora address, PM Albanese called PM Modi “The Boss”.

New Delhi: Plans are in the works for the visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India in the next few weeks, his first to the country after taking charge for the second term in May this year. The Australia PM’s visit to India comes in a year when both sides are marking 5 years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in June 2020. While India-Australia ties have grown in several fields, engagements have increased significantly when it comes to defence, trade, and education. In terms of defence, earlier this month, Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh visited the country, during which 3 key MoUs were signed on information sharing, submarine rescue, and establishment of joint staff talk. The visit by the Indian side came months after the visit of Australian deputy PM and defence minister Richard Marles to India. The Indian defence minister also witnessed a live air-to-air refuelling capability demonstration on a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker, a show of increased “trust” on the security front between the two sides. Both sides are now working to sign a renewed Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, an update from the original Declaration from 2009 and a joint Maritime Security Collaboration roadmap that will advance defence cooperation over the next decade. In terms of education, Indian students form one of the largest groups of foreign students in Australia. Increasingly Australian universities are opening or planning to open campuses in India, including the University of Wollongong, the University of Western Australia, Deakin University, and the University of Adelaide. In 2022, both sides signed the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) that has helped increase trade due to the reduction of tariffs. Total two-way goods and services trade reached approximately US$49.1 billion in 2023, with goods trade hitting US$24.1 billion in FY25 (April 2024–March 2025), reflecting a 14% year-on-year growth in Indian exports. Last year, both PM Modi and PM Albanese met for the 2nd annual summit on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio. The summit focused on furthering economic, trade, security, energy, science, and tech ties. Albanese visited India in 2023, and that same year saw PM Modi getting what was seen as a “rockstar” welcome in Sydney. During the diaspora address, PM Albanese called PM Modi “The Boss”.

Last year, PM Modi and PM Albanese met for the 2nd annual summit on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio. Albanese visited India in 2023, and the same year saw PM Modi getting a “rockstar” welcome in Sydney. During the diaspora address, PM Albanese called PM Modi “The Boss”.

Plans in works for India visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

New Delhi: With a clear message from Washington DC, US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Saturday. During his meeting with PM Modi, he handed over a picture signed by US President Donald Trump, which said, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great.” In a post on X, the Indian PM expressed confidence that Gor’s tenure “will further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership”.&nbsp;Addressing the media in Delhi, Gor said, “The US values its relationship with India and under the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Modi” and that he is “optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations”. He added that “President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a great and personal friend.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An honor to be with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> this evening. Our relationship with India will only strengthen over the months ahead! 🇺🇸🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/g6AbLEOflf">https://t.co/g6AbLEOflf</a>&mdash; Sergio Gor (@SergioGor) <a href="https://twitter.com/SergioGor/status/1977022533057888452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Gor, who is yet to present his credentials, is on an India visit along with Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas from October 9th to October 14th.Terming his meeting with PM Modi “incredible”, Gor said the key focus of the talks was on bilateral issues, including defence, trade, technology and the “importance of critical minerals to both of our nations.”&nbsp;It is rare for an ambassador-designate to hold such high-profile engagements in Delhi before he presents credentials, but this comes at a time when India and the US are working to conclude a trading arrangement. After Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India in August, ties have seen a downward trend, not to mention the increased US-Pakistan engagement with the US president hosting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir at the White House.&nbsp;Both sides have been engaging with each other with focus on what looks like a re-set in ties. Last week, PM Modi and US President Trump held talks with focus on trade negotiations, Gaza peace plan implementation, which the Indian side has welcomed.The US also dismissed reports of new AMRAAM missile deliveries to Pakistan, clarifying that the contract announced only covers spares and sustainment for existing systems. The clarification came after fake news emerged from Pakistani media that Pakistan would receive new AMRAAMs under the new US contracts.&nbsp;Gor has been recently confirmed as US ambassador to India by the Senate. Addressing the media in Delhi, he said, “It’s an honour to serve as President Donald Trump’s Ambassador to India and I look forward to this very important relationship and continuing to grow and deepen the relationship between our two nations.”&nbsp;He will also serve as Trump’s special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.

It is rare for an ambassador-designate to hold such high-profile engagements in Delhi before he presents credentials, but this comes at a time when India and the US are working to conclude a trading arrangement. After Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India in August, ties have seen a slump.

New Delhi: With a clear message from Washington DC, US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Saturday. During his meeting with PM Modi, he handed over a picture signed by US President Donald Trump, which said, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great.” In a post on X, the Indian PM expressed confidence that Gor’s tenure “will further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership”. Addressing the media in Delhi, Gor said, “The US values its relationship with India and under the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Modi” and that he is “optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations”. He added that “President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a great and personal friend.”

It is rare for an ambassador-designate to hold such high-profile engagements in Delhi before he presents credentials, but this comes at a time when India and the US are working to conclude a trading arrangement. After Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India in August, ties have seen a slump.

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor discusses trade, defence, critical minerals during Delhi meetings

The Indian Air Force is seriously looking at buying Russia’s Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter jets in what could be a game-changing move to strengthen India’s air power. According to Defence.in reports, this fresh interest comes at a time when Pakistan is eyeing China’s J-35A stealth jet, and India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still years away from becoming a reality.&nbsp;&nbsp;The IAF currently operates only 31 fighter squadrons against an approved strength of 42 squadrons. This shortage of 11 squadrons—roughly 200 fighter jets—is a serious concern for national security. The proposed purchase of 40 to 60 Su-57E jets could help fill this critical gap much faster than waiting for indigenous solutions or lengthy procurement processes.&nbsp;The Su-57E, known by its NATO codename “Felon”, represents a completely different capability compared to what the Rafale brings to the table. While the Rafale is an excellent 4.5-generation multirole fighter with proven combat performance, it is not a true stealth aircraft. The Su-57E, on the other hand, is designed from the ground up as a fifth-generation stealth fighter with radar-evading technology that makes it nearly invisible to enemy air defence systems.&nbsp;This is where the strategic logic becomes clear. Even if India eventually finalizes the 114 Rafale purchase under the MRFA programme, these jets cannot match the stealth capabilities needed to penetrate heavily defended airspace. China already operates the J-20 stealth fighter in significant numbers, and Pakistan may soon get the J-35A. Without a stealth fighter of its own, the IAF would be at a serious disadvantage in any future conflict.&nbsp;The Su-57E brings several unique advantages to India’s defence arsenal. It can fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners—a capability called supercruise—which saves fuel and extends its combat range. Its design makes it perfect for high-altitude operations over the Himalayas, exactly where India faces its most serious threats. The jet can also carry hypersonic weapons like the Kinzhal missile, giving India a powerful strike capability that no other aircraft in the region can match.&nbsp;Another exciting feature is the Su-57E’s ability to act as a “drone mothership”. It can control unmanned combat aircraft like the S-70 Okhotnik-B, sending them ahead into dangerous missions while the pilot stays safely behind. This kind of manned-unmanned teaming represents the future of air warfare and would give the IAF a significant technological edge.&nbsp;The plan is practical and cost-effective. The first batch of jets would be bought directly from Russia with deliveries starting around 2028. The estimated cost of $80-100 million (₹7,040-8,800 crore) per aircraft means the total programme would cost between $3.2 billion and $6 billion (₹28,160-52,800 crore)—a reasonable investment considering the capabilities these jets bring. More importantly, this direct purchase approach means India can start getting these fighters quickly without waiting to set up complex manufacturing facilities.&nbsp;Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will play a crucial role in this programme through the planned “Super Felon” upgrade initiative. Just like HAL transformed the basic Su-30 into the superior Su-30MKI Super-30 with Indian systems and weapons, the same approach will be used for the Su-57E. HAL’s Nashik facility has been offered full technology transfer for manufacturing these jets if India orders more than 100 aircraft. But even with a smaller order, HAL will handle major upgrades including fitting Indian-made weapons, installing the indigenous Uttam AESA radar, and integrating locally developed mission computers and electronic warfare systems. This will not only make the jets more suitable for India’s specific needs but also give HAL valuable experience in working with fifth-generation fighter technology—knowledge that will directly benefit the AMCA programme.&nbsp;Some critics ask: why buy Russian jets when there’s a plan for French Rafales? The answer is simple—these are complementary, not competing purchases. The Rafale is perfect for precision strikes, air superiority, and nuclear delivery missions. The Su-57E is specifically meant to counter enemy stealth fighters and penetrate advanced air defence networks. Think of it like having both a scalpel and a sledgehammer—you need different tools for different jobs.&nbsp;The IAF’s strategy is clear-headed and realistic. The Su-57E is not meant to be a mass-production aircraft for India. Instead, two or three squadrons of these stealth fighters would serve as specialized units to deter aggression and maintain technological parity with China and Pakistan. They would act as a crucial bridge until India’s indigenous AMCA enters service in the mid-2030s.&nbsp;The talks on the Su-57E have restarted after the earlier FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) joint development project with Russia collapsed in 2018 over disagreements on costs, technology sharing, and performance standards. This time, the approach is different—a straightforward purchase of proven aircraft rather than a complicated joint development programme. This reduces risks and speeds up delivery.&nbsp;If the deal goes through, these advanced stealth fighters could be deployed at strategic airbases like Ambala in Haryana or Hasimara in West Bengal by the early 2030s. These locations would allow the Su-57E to quickly respond to threats on both the western and eastern borders.&nbsp;The bottom line is this: India faces two nuclear-armed neighbours who are rapidly modernising their air forces with stealth technology. Waiting another decade for the AMCA while relying only on non-stealth fighters would be a dangerous gamble. The Su-57E purchase, alongside the Rafale programme, would give India the complete air power package it needs—fourth-generation numbers, 4.5-generation versatility, and fifth-generation stealth capability.&nbsp;In the high-stakes game of regional air superiority, India cannot afford to show up without the right cards. The Su-57E might just be the ace the IAF needs to keep its edge in South Asian skies.&nbsp;(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace &amp; Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will play a crucial role in this programme through the planned “Super Felon” upgrade initiative. Just like HAL transformed the basic Su-30 into the superior Su-30MKI Super-30 with Indian systems and weapons, the same approach will be used for the Su-57E.

The Indian Air Force is seriously looking at buying Russia’s Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter jets in what could be a game-changing move to strengthen India’s air power. According to Defence.in reports, this fresh interest comes at a time when Pakistan is eyeing China’s J-35A stealth jet, and India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still years away from becoming a reality. The IAF currently operates only 31 fighter squadrons against an approved strength of 42 squadrons. This shortage of 11 squadrons—roughly 200 fighter jets—is a serious concern for national security. The proposed purchase of 40 to 60 Su-57E jets could help fill this critical gap much faster than waiting for indigenous solutions or lengthy procurement processes. The Su-57E, known by its NATO codename “Felon”, represents a completely different capability compared to what the Rafale brings to the table. While the Rafale is an excellent 4.5-generation multirole fighter with proven combat performance, it is not a true stealth aircraft. The Su-57E, on the other hand, is designed from the ground up as a fifth-generation stealth fighter with radar-evading technology that makes it nearly invisible to enemy air defence systems. This is where the strategic logic becomes clear. Even if India eventually finalizes the 114 Rafale purchase under the MRFA programme, these jets cannot match the stealth capabilities needed to penetrate heavily defended airspace. China already operates the J-20 stealth fighter in significant numbers, and Pakistan may soon get the J-35A. Without a stealth fighter of its own, the IAF would be at a serious disadvantage in any future conflict. The Su-57E brings several unique advantages to India’s defence arsenal. It can fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners—a capability called supercruise—which saves fuel and extends its combat range. Its design makes it perfect for high-altitude operations over the Himalayas, exactly where India faces its most serious threats. The jet can also carry hypersonic weapons like the Kinzhal missile, giving India a powerful strike capability that no other aircraft in the region can match. Another exciting feature is the Su-57E’s ability to act as a “drone mothership”. It can control unmanned combat aircraft like the S-70 Okhotnik-B, sending them ahead into dangerous missions while the pilot stays safely behind. This kind of manned-unmanned teaming represents the future of air warfare and would give the IAF a significant technological edge. The plan is practical and cost-effective. The first batch of jets would be bought directly from Russia with deliveries starting around 2028. The estimated cost of $80-100 million (₹7,040-8,800 crore) per aircraft means the total programme would cost between $3.2 billion and $6 billion (₹28,160-52,800 crore)—a reasonable investment considering the capabilities these jets bring. More importantly, this direct purchase approach means India can start getting these fighters quickly without waiting to set up complex manufacturing facilities. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will play a crucial role in this programme through the planned “Super Felon” upgrade initiative. Just like HAL transformed the basic Su-30 into the superior Su-30MKI Super-30 with Indian systems and weapons, the same approach will be used for the Su-57E. HAL’s Nashik facility has been offered full technology transfer for manufacturing these jets if India orders more than 100 aircraft. But even with a smaller order, HAL will handle major upgrades including fitting Indian-made weapons, installing the indigenous Uttam AESA radar, and integrating locally developed mission computers and electronic warfare systems. This will not only make the jets more suitable for India’s specific needs but also give HAL valuable experience in working with fifth-generation fighter technology—knowledge that will directly benefit the AMCA programme. Some critics ask: why buy Russian jets when there’s a plan for French Rafales? The answer is simple—these are complementary, not competing purchases. The Rafale is perfect for precision strikes, air superiority, and nuclear delivery missions. The Su-57E is specifically meant to counter enemy stealth fighters and penetrate advanced air defence networks. Think of it like having both a scalpel and a sledgehammer—you need different tools for different jobs. The IAF’s strategy is clear-headed and realistic. The Su-57E is not meant to be a mass-production aircraft for India. Instead, two or three squadrons of these stealth fighters would serve as specialized units to deter aggression and maintain technological parity with China and Pakistan. They would act as a crucial bridge until India’s indigenous AMCA enters service in the mid-2030s. The talks on the Su-57E have restarted after the earlier FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) joint development project with Russia collapsed in 2018 over disagreements on costs, technology sharing, and performance standards. This time, the approach is different—a straightforward purchase of proven aircraft rather than a complicated joint development programme. This reduces risks and speeds up delivery. If the deal goes through, these advanced stealth fighters could be deployed at strategic airbases like Ambala in Haryana or Hasimara in West Bengal by the early 2030s. These locations would allow the Su-57E to quickly respond to threats on both the western and eastern borders. The bottom line is this: India faces two nuclear-armed neighbours who are rapidly modernising their air forces with stealth technology. Waiting another decade for the AMCA while relying only on non-stealth fighters would be a dangerous gamble. The Su-57E purchase, alongside the Rafale programme, would give India the complete air power package it needs—fourth-generation numbers, 4.5-generation versatility, and fifth-generation stealth capability. In the high-stakes game of regional air superiority, India cannot afford to show up without the right cards. The Su-57E might just be the ace the IAF needs to keep its edge in South Asian skies. (Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will play a crucial role in this programme through the planned “Super Felon” upgrade initiative. Just like HAL transformed the basic Su-30 into the superior Su-30MKI Super-30 with Indian systems and weapons, the same approach will be used for the Su-57E.

Why Russia’s Su-57E could be the stealth fighter India desperately needs right now

In yet another shocker from West Bengal, a second-year MBBS student was gang-raped by a group of men near a private medical college in Durgapur on Friday night. Police officials said on Saturday that the girl, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha, is a student at the IQ City Medical College in the Shivapur area of Durgapur. She had stepped out of the campus with a male friend around 8.30 pm on Friday for dinner when some men came near the college gate, dragged her to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her. The father of the 23-year-old survivor said her friend fled when the men came, and the family suspects his involvement in the crime. The parents of the student told media that they reached Durgapur on Saturday morning after getting a call from their daughter’s friend.&nbsp;In the police complaint, the survivor’s father said her friend “misled her and took her to a vacant place under false pretext”. He said the attackers also snatched his daughter’s mobile phone and took Rs 5,000 from her.&nbsp;The second-year student is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Durgapur, and her condition is said to be critical, while the accused were still to be identified at the time of the filing of this report.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-don-t-test-courage-of-afghans-ask-others-taliban-minister-warns-pakistan-from-india-1760123658539">‘Don’t test courage of Afghans, ask others’: Taliban minister warns Pakistan from India</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Officials said on Saturday that they have started an investigation and are questioning people, including the survivor’s friend.&nbsp;“The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there. The men snatched her phone and took her to a jungle, where they raped her. She was threatened with dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident,” the officer said. The accused also demanded money from the medic to return her mobile phone, he said.The statement of the survivor has been recorded, the officer said.&nbsp;“We spoke to the student’s friend last night. We are trying to locate some CCTV footage. A forensic team will visit the spot to collect evidence,” the officer added.&nbsp;WATCH: Pakistan: Violence erupts in Lahore as TLP marches toward Islamabad; dozens injured, 2 reported dead<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-violence-erupts-in-lahore-as-tlp-marches-toward-islamabad-dozens-injured-2-reported-dead-1760184351806/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-violence-erupts-in-lahore-as-tlp-marches-toward-islamabad-dozens-injured-2-reported-dead-1760184351806/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>National Commission for Women team heading to Durgapur</h2>&nbsp;The state health department also sought a report from the medical college, a senior official told the news agency.Meanwhile, a team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is heading to Durgapur to meet the survivor and her parents.“Crime against women is on the rise in Bengal. The police are not taking any proactive steps in such cases. This is quite unfortunate. I will request the chief minister to come forward and work in tandem to arrest the rise of such crimes,” NCW member Archana Majumdar said.&nbsp;The state health department has also sought a report from the college on the incident.&nbsp;West Bengal Minister for Women and Child Development and Trinamool Congress leader Shashi Panja said the student is undergoing treatment and will be provided psychological counselling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | On Durgapur alleged gangrape case, West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja says, &quot;... There has been an unfortunate incident in a private medical college in a private college in Durgapur. The complaint is of a gang rape. The police are investigating. There&#39;s an ongoing… <a href="https://t.co/seCCgAAf7E">pic.twitter.com/seCCgAAf7E</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1976982222680080747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“Such crimes should not be politicised. Unfortunately, the BJP always views such incidents through a political lens,” she said after the local unit of the BJP staged a protest in Durgapur.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-at-tennessee-explosives-plant-leaves-many-dead-several-unaccounted-for-1760117464979">Massive blast at Tennessee explosives plant leaves many dead, several ‘unaccounted for’</a><h2>Trinamool govt in the dock over women’s safety</h2>&nbsp;The Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal has been facing flak over the safety of women in the state, especially after two rape cases on college campuses in KolkataIn July, a law student was allegedly gang-raped on the premises of the South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata’s Kasba area. A former student with alleged political links, two students, and a security guard were arrested.In August last year, the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata led to protests in the state and across the country. A civic police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The girl had stepped out of the campus with a male friend around 8.30 pm on Friday when some men came, dragged her to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her. The father of the 23-year-old survivor said her friend fled when the men came, and they suspect his involvement in the crime.

In yet another shocker from West Bengal, a second-year MBBS student was gang-raped by a group of men near a private medical college in Durgapur on Friday night. Police officials said on Saturday that the girl, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha, is a student at the IQ City Medical College in the Shivapur area of Durgapur. She had stepped out of the campus with a male friend around 8.30 pm on Friday for dinner when some men came near the college gate, dragged her to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her. The father of the 23-year-old survivor said her friend fled when the men came, and the family suspects his involvement in the crime. The parents of the student told media that they reached Durgapur on Saturday morning after getting a call from their daughter’s friend. In the police complaint, the survivor’s father said her friend “misled her and took her to a vacant place under false pretext”. He said the attackers also snatched his daughter’s mobile phone and took Rs 5,000 from her. The second-year student is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Durgapur, and her condition is said to be critical, while the accused were still to be identified at the time of the filing of this report. Also Read: ‘Don’t test courage of Afghans, ask others’: Taliban minister warns Pakistan from India Officials said on Saturday that they have started an investigation and are questioning people, including the survivor’s friend. “The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there. The men snatched her phone and took her to a jungle, where they raped her. She was threatened with dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident,” the officer said. The accused also demanded money from the medic to return her mobile phone, he said. The statement of the survivor has been recorded, the officer said. “We spoke to the student’s friend last night. We are trying to locate some CCTV footage. A forensic team will visit the spot to collect evidence,” the officer added. WATCH: Pakistan: Violence erupts in Lahore as TLP marches toward Islamabad; dozens injured, 2 reported dead https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-violence-erupts-in-lahore-as-tlp-marches-toward-islamabad-dozens-injured-2-reported-dead-1760184351806/embed National Commission for Women team heading to Durgapur The state health department also sought a report from the medical college, a senior official told the news agency. Meanwhile, a team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is heading to Durgapur to meet the survivor and her parents. “Crime against women is on the rise in Bengal. The police are not taking any proactive steps in such cases. This is quite unfortunate. I will request the chief minister to come forward and work in tandem to arrest the rise of such crimes,” NCW member Archana Majumdar said. The state health department has also sought a report from the college on the incident. West Bengal Minister for Women and Child Development and Trinamool Congress leader Shashi Panja said the student is undergoing treatment and will be provided psychological counselling.

The girl had stepped out of the campus with a male friend around 8.30 pm on Friday when some men came, dragged her to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her. The father of the 23-year-old survivor said her friend fled when the men came, and they suspect his involvement in the crime.

Another Bengal shocker: Medical student, out of campus for dinner, gangraped in Durgapur

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday (Oct 11) visited the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur during his six-day visit to India. While addressing reporters after his trip, Muttaqi expressed hopes for stronger ties between India and Afghanistan in future. The Afghan leader met with senior clerics, scholars and administrators of the institution.“The journey has been very good so far. Not just the people of Darul Uloom, but all the people of the area have come here. I am grateful to them for the warm welcome they extended to me... I am thankful to the Ulema of Deoband and the people of the area for this warm welcome... The future of India-Afghanistan relations seems very bright,” Muttaqi said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh | Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi says, &quot;The journey has been very good so far. Not just the people of Darul Uloom, but all people of the area have come here. I am grateful to them for the warm welcome they extended to me... I am thankful to the… <a href="https://t.co/TQ7dUwRqPU">pic.twitter.com/TQ7dUwRqPU</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1976912373278802025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Muttaqi’s six-day visit to India highlights the strengthening diplomatic relations between India and Afghanistan. During his visit, the Taliban minister aims to bolster ties between New Delhi and Kabul and hold discussions on strategic interests, including regional stability and security and on regional dynamics, including Pakistan’s role in the region and its impact on India-Afghanistan relations.The Afghan FM is also set to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra on Sunday. A day earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with the Afghan foreign minister and discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest and regional developments.“External Affairs Minister reiterated India’s long-standing friendship with the Afghan people and highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties binding the two nations. He conveyed India's continued commitment to support the aspirations and developmental needs of the Afghan people,” the leaders said in a joint statement.The Afghan FM also condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 and expressed solidarity with the people and the government of India. &nbsp;

Muttaqi expressed hopes for stronger ties between India and Afghanistan in future. The Afghan leader met with senior clerics, scholars and administrators of the institution.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday (Oct 11) visited the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur during his six-day visit to India. While addressing reporters after his trip, Muttaqi expressed hopes for stronger ties between India and Afghanistan in future. The Afghan leader met with senior clerics, scholars and administrators of the institution. “The journey has been very good so far. Not just the people of Darul Uloom, but all the people of the area have come here. I am grateful to them for the warm welcome they extended to me... I am thankful to the Ulema of Deoband and the people of the area for this warm welcome... The future of India-Afghanistan relations seems very bright,” Muttaqi said.

Muttaqi expressed hopes for stronger ties between India and Afghanistan in future. The Afghan leader met with senior clerics, scholars and administrators of the institution.

‘Future of India-Afghanistan ties very bright’: Afghan FM Muttaqi visits Darul Uloom Deoband

In a stirring ceremony marking their transformation from raw recruits to disciplined guardians of the nation, 167 Constables (Tradesmen) from Batch No. 44 of the Border Security Force (BSF) took their oath as "Seema Praharis" during a Passing Out Parade and Attestation Ceremony at the Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) in Humhama, Kashmir, on Saturday.&nbsp;The event, held under crisp autumn skies, symbolized the recruits' first step into national service, drawing young men from diverse corners of India. Chief Guest Solomon Yash Kumar Minz, IPS, Inspector General (IG) of STC Kashmir BSF, was warmly welcomed by Commandant Yoginder Agarwal, CI, STC Kashmir. IG Minz inspected the impeccably synchronized parade, a testament to the recruits' rigorous 44-week training regimen.&nbsp;In his address, IG Minz lauded the BSF's storied legacy as the nation's frontline defense force, crediting it with thwarting border threats since its founding, while also battling foreign-sponsored terrorism and internal militancy with “unparalleled valor and steely determination.” He stressed the vital need for seamless coordination among security agencies to dismantle terrorism and narco-terror networks that spill across borders, affirming the BSF's readiness with its "efficient mechanism and response system" to tackle emerging challenges.&nbsp;Turning to the fresh jawans, IG Minz praised their “excellent display of self-confidence and picture-perfect coordination” during the parade and applauded their choice of the BSF as a career path. “Serve the nation with courage and enthusiasm,” he exhorted, urging them to uphold the force’s ethos of discipline and duty.&nbsp;IG Minz also extended hearty congratulations to the STC Kashmir faculty for their “herculean efforts” in sculpting “raw youth into well-trained Seema Praharis,” instilling unshakable confidence and turning them into disciplined jawans. He bestowed his blessings for a “bright future” in their service ahead.&nbsp;The ceremony reached a high note with the presentation of medals and trophies to the top performers. The audience—including senior BSF officers, representatives from other security forces, and proud parents and family members of the trainees—erupted in applause, cherishing the memorable spectacle as a milestone in the young soldiers’ lives.&nbsp;Over the intensive 44-week program, the recruits honed their expertise in weapon handling, marksmanship, legal protocols, drill precision, and border management techniques. Their relentless dedication also boosted physical efficiency, equipping them—physically, mentally, and professionally—to safeguard the nation in times of peace or peril.&nbsp;As these new Seema Praharis disperse to their postings, their commissioning reinforces the BSF’s unyielding commitment to India’s security amid a volatile frontier.

167 Constables from BSF Batch 44 were inducted as Seema Praharis at STC Humhama, Kashmir. IG Solomon Yash Kumar Minz praised their discipline and training, highlighting BSF’s role in national security. The 44-week program focused on combat, law, and border management skills.

In a stirring ceremony marking their transformation from raw recruits to disciplined guardians of the nation, 167 Constables (Tradesmen) from Batch No. 44 of the Border Security Force (BSF) took their oath as "Seema Praharis" during a Passing Out Parade and Attestation Ceremony at the Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) in Humhama, Kashmir, on Saturday. The event, held under crisp autumn skies, symbolized the recruits' first step into national service, drawing young men from diverse corners of India. Chief Guest Solomon Yash Kumar Minz, IPS, Inspector General (IG) of STC Kashmir BSF, was warmly welcomed by Commandant Yoginder Agarwal, CI, STC Kashmir. IG Minz inspected the impeccably synchronized parade, a testament to the recruits' rigorous 44-week training regimen. In his address, IG Minz lauded the BSF's storied legacy as the nation's frontline defense force, crediting it with thwarting border threats since its founding, while also battling foreign-sponsored terrorism and internal militancy with “unparalleled valor and steely determination.” He stressed the vital need for seamless coordination among security agencies to dismantle terrorism and narco-terror networks that spill across borders, affirming the BSF's readiness with its "efficient mechanism and response system" to tackle emerging challenges. Turning to the fresh jawans, IG Minz praised their “excellent display of self-confidence and picture-perfect coordination” during the parade and applauded their choice of the BSF as a career path. “Serve the nation with courage and enthusiasm,” he exhorted, urging them to uphold the force’s ethos of discipline and duty. IG Minz also extended hearty congratulations to the STC Kashmir faculty for their “herculean efforts” in sculpting “raw youth into well-trained Seema Praharis,” instilling unshakable confidence and turning them into disciplined jawans. He bestowed his blessings for a “bright future” in their service ahead. The ceremony reached a high note with the presentation of medals and trophies to the top performers. The audience—including senior BSF officers, representatives from other security forces, and proud parents and family members of the trainees—erupted in applause, cherishing the memorable spectacle as a milestone in the young soldiers’ lives. Over the intensive 44-week program, the recruits honed their expertise in weapon handling, marksmanship, legal protocols, drill precision, and border management techniques. Their relentless dedication also boosted physical efficiency, equipping them—physically, mentally, and professionally—to safeguard the nation in times of peace or peril. As these new Seema Praharis disperse to their postings, their commissioning reinforces the BSF’s unyielding commitment to India’s security amid a volatile frontier.

167 Constables from BSF Batch 44 were inducted as Seema Praharis at STC Humhama, Kashmir. IG Solomon Yash Kumar Minz praised their discipline and training, highlighting BSF’s role in national security. The 44-week program focused on combat, law, and border management skills.

BSF welcomes 167 new recruits in grand passing out parade at Kashmir Training Centre

At the inauguration of the 2nd Kashmir Literature Festival in Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha passionately called on writers and historians to challenge and correct misleading historical narratives about Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the critical need for meticulous research and verified facts to counter distorted accounts propagated during the colonial era and post-independence by certain writers with ideological agendas.&nbsp;LG Sinha urged young historians to rectify fabricated narratives in history books, particularly those influenced by fear of terrorists and their ecosystem, which for decades forced writers and media to promote manipulated narratives pushed from across the border. With the terror ecosystem now dismantled, he stressed that the time is ripe to present an authentic, unbiased narrative of Jammu and Kashmir, free from the fear of violence, to strengthen public trust and accelerate socio-economic growth.&nbsp;Highlighting the evolving global landscape, LG Sinha encouraged writers to offer fresh perspectives and visions that address unprecedented challenges and opportunities, fostering a deeper understanding of nature, culture, and people's well-being.&nbsp;''Writers must do research and use critical proof to challenge and correct the misleading historical accounts. During the colonial era and after independence a certain group of writers distorted our history to shape their ideological agenda, '' said Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha while speaking at the inaugural function of Kashmir Literature Festival organised by Srikula Foundation.&nbsp;He also called for correcting the narrative regarding Jammu Kashmir by identifying the misinformation and countering it with verified facts. “For decades, a manipulated narrative was propagated here in Jammu Kashmir. Writers and media figures grudgingly admit that, out of fear of terrorists and their ecosystem, they were forced to promote the narrative being pushed from across the border in the Valley. The terror ecosystem has been dismantled and now is the time to present the true narrative of Jammu Kashmir, free from all bias and fear of gun, to strengthen the trust and accelerate socio-economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said.&nbsp;The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted the need for offering new perspectives and vision to the readers in a rapidly evolving world to meet unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and understanding of nature, culture and people's well-being. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted the need for offering new perspectives and vision to the readers in a rapidly evolving world to meet unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and understanding of nature, culture and people's well-being.&nbsp;Lieutenant General (Retd.) D.P. Pandey; Shri Yuvraj Srivastava, Founder Srikula foundation; senior officials, prominent literary personalities, people from different walks of life and youth in large numbers attended the inaugural ceremony. &nbsp;

Highlighting the evolving global landscape, LG Sinha encouraged writers to offer fresh perspectives and visions that address unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

At the inauguration of the 2nd Kashmir Literature Festival in Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha passionately called on writers and historians to challenge and correct misleading historical narratives about Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the critical need for meticulous research and verified facts to counter distorted accounts propagated during the colonial era and post-independence by certain writers with ideological agendas. LG Sinha urged young historians to rectify fabricated narratives in history books, particularly those influenced by fear of terrorists and their ecosystem, which for decades forced writers and media to promote manipulated narratives pushed from across the border. With the terror ecosystem now dismantled, he stressed that the time is ripe to present an authentic, unbiased narrative of Jammu and Kashmir, free from the fear of violence, to strengthen public trust and accelerate socio-economic growth. Highlighting the evolving global landscape, LG Sinha encouraged writers to offer fresh perspectives and visions that address unprecedented challenges and opportunities, fostering a deeper understanding of nature, culture, and people's well-being. ''Writers must do research and use critical proof to challenge and correct the misleading historical accounts. During the colonial era and after independence a certain group of writers distorted our history to shape their ideological agenda, '' said Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha while speaking at the inaugural function of Kashmir Literature Festival organised by Srikula Foundation. He also called for correcting the narrative regarding Jammu Kashmir by identifying the misinformation and countering it with verified facts. “For decades, a manipulated narrative was propagated here in Jammu Kashmir. Writers and media figures grudgingly admit that, out of fear of terrorists and their ecosystem, they were forced to promote the narrative being pushed from across the border in the Valley. The terror ecosystem has been dismantled and now is the time to present the true narrative of Jammu Kashmir, free from all bias and fear of gun, to strengthen the trust and accelerate socio-economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted the need for offering new perspectives and vision to the readers in a rapidly evolving world to meet unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and understanding of nature, culture and people's well-being. The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted the need for offering new perspectives and vision to the readers in a rapidly evolving world to meet unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and understanding of nature, culture and people's well-being. Lieutenant General (Retd.) D.P. Pandey; Shri Yuvraj Srivastava, Founder Srikula foundation; senior officials, prominent literary personalities, people from different walks of life and youth in large numbers attended the inaugural ceremony.

Highlighting the evolving global landscape, LG Sinha encouraged writers to offer fresh perspectives and visions that address unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

Lieutenant Governor inaugurates 2nd edition of Kashmir Literature Festival in Srinagar

Amid trade war between India and the United States and the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports by the US President Donald Trump, US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Oct 11). Earlier today he also met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.&nbsp;Sharing the update on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met US Ambassador-designate to India @SergioGor earlier today. They had a productive exchange on the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and its shared priorities. FS wished Amb-designate Gor all success for his assignment."&nbsp;The details of the talks were not immediately known, but it is reported that both the leaders spoke on ways to bring the strained relationship over US imposed tariffs back on track.&nbsp;Gor, along with Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas, is on a six-day visit to New Delhi. His visit comes after the Senate confirmed his appointment as the US envoy to India.&nbsp;"Ambassador Gor and Deputy Secretary Rigas will meet with Indian government counterparts to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues. The United States will continue to work with India to strengthen our strategic partnership and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region", the statement from the State Department said. &nbsp;

The details of the talks were not immediately known, but it is reported that both the leaders spoke on ways to bring the strained relationship over US imposed tariffs back on track.

Amid trade war between India and the United States and the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports by the US President Donald Trump, US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Oct 11). Earlier today he also met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Sharing the update on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met US Ambassador-designate to India @SergioGor earlier today. They had a productive exchange on the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and its shared priorities. FS wished Amb-designate Gor all success for his assignment." The details of the talks were not immediately known, but it is reported that both the leaders spoke on ways to bring the strained relationship over US imposed tariffs back on track. Gor, along with Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas, is on a six-day visit to New Delhi. His visit comes after the Senate confirmed his appointment as the US envoy to India. "Ambassador Gor and Deputy Secretary Rigas will meet with Indian government counterparts to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues. The United States will continue to work with India to strengthen our strategic partnership and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region", the statement from the State Department said.

The details of the talks were not immediately known, but it is reported that both the leaders spoke on ways to bring the strained relationship over US imposed tariffs back on track.

US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor meets Jaishankar amid tariff war

In a significant development, the Mumbai police have arrested the mastermind accused of running a massive job scam worth 10 crore rupees. He defrauded dozens of people hopeful of getting a government job and employment.&nbsp;The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) arrested the accused identified as Nilesh Rathod from Delhi. According to the police, he was absconding for many months after defrauding more than 50 people across the western Indian state of Maharashtra.&nbsp;According to the police, the scam started couple of months back when Rathod posed as a Deputy Secretary of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and convinced dozens of people that he could help them secure government jobs. To look more convincing, Rathod even held meetings with the aspirants at different five-star hotels in Mumbai.&nbsp;Hopeful of getting a government job, the aspirants allegedly paid amount between 2 - 5 lakh rupees each. After that, to gain their trust, he also gave them forged appointment letters with government seals and signatures.&nbsp;The total scam is amounted to be over 10 crore rupees with officials now suspecting he might have connections in other states too.&nbsp;The scam came to light when the aspirants who had paid money, did not get any further response from Rathod. He stopped receiving their calls and blocked their numbers after handing fake government certificates.&nbsp;We received multiple complaints of the same nature and realised that this is a fraud and more than 50 people across Maharashtra are affected, even the seasoned candidates fell for it, stated an EOW officer.&nbsp;Due to its complexity and high value, the case was later transferred to EOW. The officials tracked the accused movements and located him in Delhi. He was produced before a Delhi court where he was granted transit remand to Mumbai. Multiple charges have been filed against him including forgery, cheating, misuse of forged documents under several sections of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).&nbsp;Many affected aspirants are now demanding their money back, as for many it was their life savings.&nbsp;We are requesting all the job-seekers to verify all the documents or employment offers through the official sites or portals and not to pay any money when it comes to hiring or recruitment process, concluded an police officer closer to the development &nbsp;

According to the police, the scam started couple of months back when Rathod posed as a Deputy Secretary of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and convinced dozens of people that he could help them secure government jobs.

In a significant development, the Mumbai police have arrested the mastermind accused of running a massive job scam worth 10 crore rupees. He defrauded dozens of people hopeful of getting a government job and employment. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) arrested the accused identified as Nilesh Rathod from Delhi. According to the police, he was absconding for many months after defrauding more than 50 people across the western Indian state of Maharashtra. According to the police, the scam started couple of months back when Rathod posed as a Deputy Secretary of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and convinced dozens of people that he could help them secure government jobs. To look more convincing, Rathod even held meetings with the aspirants at different five-star hotels in Mumbai. Hopeful of getting a government job, the aspirants allegedly paid amount between 2 - 5 lakh rupees each. After that, to gain their trust, he also gave them forged appointment letters with government seals and signatures. The total scam is amounted to be over 10 crore rupees with officials now suspecting he might have connections in other states too. The scam came to light when the aspirants who had paid money, did not get any further response from Rathod. He stopped receiving their calls and blocked their numbers after handing fake government certificates. We received multiple complaints of the same nature and realised that this is a fraud and more than 50 people across Maharashtra are affected, even the seasoned candidates fell for it, stated an EOW officer. Due to its complexity and high value, the case was later transferred to EOW. The officials tracked the accused movements and located him in Delhi. He was produced before a Delhi court where he was granted transit remand to Mumbai. Multiple charges have been filed against him including forgery, cheating, misuse of forged documents under several sections of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Many affected aspirants are now demanding their money back, as for many it was their life savings. We are requesting all the job-seekers to verify all the documents or employment offers through the official sites or portals and not to pay any money when it comes to hiring or recruitment process, concluded an police officer closer to the development

According to the police, the scam started couple of months back when Rathod posed as a Deputy Secretary of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and convinced dozens of people that he could help them secure government jobs.

Govt Job Scam: EOW arrests mastermind; over 50 aspirants affected in Maharashtra

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday (October 10) attributed the rising number of Muslim population in the country to &nbsp;“infiltration from Pakistan and Bangladesh” and not to fertility rate. Shah made the statement during the ‘Narendra Mohan Memorial Lecture’ on ‘Infiltration, Demographic Change, and Democracy’ organised in the national capital.&nbsp;“The Muslim population has increased by 24.6 per cent, whereas the Hindu population has decreased by 4.5 per cent. I am telling you this because it hasn't happened because of the fertility rate. It has happened because of infiltration,” Shah was quoted as saying by PTI.&nbsp;He also highlighted the fall of Hindu population in Islamic countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, by saying, "The decline in the Hindu population in these countries was not due to conversion; many of them have sought refuge in India," said Shah speaking at the event.&nbsp;Also Reasd:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-distances-itself-from-taliban-minister-s-delhi-press-conference-where-no-women-journalists-were-allowed-1760162629966"> India distances itself from Taliban minister's Delhi press conference, where no women journalists were allowed</a>&nbsp;Shah then goes on to say that during partition Pakistan was formed on both sides of India from where infiltration kept happening, leading to significant change in the population of the country.He then vowed to "detect the infiltrators" and deport them from India.&nbsp;“The BJP has adopted the formula of detect, delete, and deport since the 1950s. We will detect the infiltrators, delete them from the voter list, and deport them from this country as well,' said Shah.&nbsp;Citing the census figures shah highlighted how the Hindu population has dropped in comparison over the last decades.&nbsp;“In 1951, Hindus were 84% and Muslims 9.8%. By 2011, Hindus had fallen to 79% and Muslims had risen to 14.2%. Today, the Muslim population in India has reached 24.6%. This increase occurred due to infiltration," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also highlighted the fall of Hindu population in Islamic countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is not because of conversion but due to Hindus taking refuge in India out of fear.

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday (October 10) attributed the rising number of Muslim population in the country to “infiltration from Pakistan and Bangladesh” and not to fertility rate. Shah made the statement during the ‘Narendra Mohan Memorial Lecture’ on ‘Infiltration, Demographic Change, and Democracy’ organised in the national capital. “The Muslim population has increased by 24.6 per cent, whereas the Hindu population has decreased by 4.5 per cent. I am telling you this because it hasn't happened because of the fertility rate. It has happened because of infiltration,” Shah was quoted as saying by PTI. He also highlighted the fall of Hindu population in Islamic countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, by saying, "The decline in the Hindu population in these countries was not due to conversion; many of them have sought refuge in India," said Shah speaking at the event. Also Reasd: India distances itself from Taliban minister's Delhi press conference, where no women journalists were allowed Shah then goes on to say that during partition Pakistan was formed on both sides of India from where infiltration kept happening, leading to significant change in the population of the country. He then vowed to "detect the infiltrators" and deport them from India. “The BJP has adopted the formula of detect, delete, and deport since the 1950s. We will detect the infiltrators, delete them from the voter list, and deport them from this country as well,' said Shah. Citing the census figures shah highlighted how the Hindu population has dropped in comparison over the last decades. “In 1951, Hindus were 84% and Muslims 9.8%. By 2011, Hindus had fallen to 79% and Muslims had risen to 14.2%. Today, the Muslim population in India has reached 24.6%. This increase occurred due to infiltration," he said.

He also highlighted the fall of Hindu population in Islamic countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is not because of conversion but due to Hindus taking refuge in India out of fear.

Infiltration not fertility rate behind rise in Muslim population in India, says Amit Shah, vows to detect and deport them

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's decision to not allow female journalists to his press conference in New Delhi on Friday (Oct 10) after meeting India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led to sharp criticism of Taliban’s continued gender bias. Amid the outrage the Ministry of External Affairs distanced itself from the controversy, saying that it had nothing to do with the press conference held by Muttaqi.&nbsp;Taking to the microblogging site X the MEA wrote," MEA had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Delhi".&nbsp;Photographs of the press conference show Afghan leaders addressing a men-only presser. The move was slammed by journalists and political leaders as misogynistic and an insult to India’s democratic ethos.&nbsp;On of the women Journalist taking to X wrote," &nbsp;“Women journalists were not invited to the press conference of Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Unacceptable."&nbsp;While another suggesting that the male journalists should have walked out wrote, "In my opinion, the male journalists should have walked out of the press conference as a mark of protest."<h2>Muttaqi, Jaishankar meet</h2> Muttaqi met Jaishankar on Friday in Delhi where the two leader discussed bilateral trade, humanitarian assistance, and security cooperation.&nbsp;In a move that is being seen as an effort to improve ties between the two countries, India announced the technical mission in Kabul to be upgraded to an embassy.&nbsp;"India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India's Technical Mission to the status of embassy," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the Taliban minister made it clear that his country does not given any kind of support to terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have carried out several attacks against India.&nbsp;"Not a single one of them is in Afghanistan. Not an inch of land is controlled by them in the country... Let other countries also act against such terror groups like Afghanistan did for peace," said Muttaqi.

The press conference by Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaq in which no women journalists were invited was slammed as misogynistic and an insult to India’s democratic values.

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's decision to not allow female journalists to his press conference in New Delhi on Friday (Oct 10) after meeting India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led to sharp criticism of Taliban’s continued gender bias. Amid the outrage the Ministry of External Affairs distanced itself from the controversy, saying that it had nothing to do with the press conference held by Muttaqi. Taking to the microblogging site X the MEA wrote," MEA had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Delhi". Photographs of the press conference show Afghan leaders addressing a men-only presser. The move was slammed by journalists and political leaders as misogynistic and an insult to India’s democratic ethos. On of the women Journalist taking to X wrote," “Women journalists were not invited to the press conference of Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Unacceptable." While another suggesting that the male journalists should have walked out wrote, "In my opinion, the male journalists should have walked out of the press conference as a mark of protest." Muttaqi, Jaishankar meet Muttaqi met Jaishankar on Friday in Delhi where the two leader discussed bilateral trade, humanitarian assistance, and security cooperation. In a move that is being seen as an effort to improve ties between the two countries, India announced the technical mission in Kabul to be upgraded to an embassy. "India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India's Technical Mission to the status of embassy," Jaishankar said. While the Taliban minister made it clear that his country does not given any kind of support to terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have carried out several attacks against India. "Not a single one of them is in Afghanistan. Not an inch of land is controlled by them in the country... Let other countries also act against such terror groups like Afghanistan did for peace," said Muttaqi.

The press conference by Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaq in which no women journalists were invited was slammed as misogynistic and an insult to India’s democratic values.

India distances itself from Taliban minister's Delhi press conference, where no women journalists were allowed

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha today paid solemn tribute by laying a wreath to honor the courage of Army Bravehearts Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh displayed unparalleled bravery, laying down their lives during relentless counter-terrorism operations in the treacherous Kishtwar Range of Kokernag, undeterred by extreme weather conditions.&nbsp;"I salute the supreme sacrifice of our valiant Army Bravehearts, Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh. Their exemplary courage and selfless dedication to duty will forever inspire the nation. We stand united in gratitude and solidarity with the families of our revered martyrs during this profound moment of grief," declared Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. It was after four days of relentless search efforts, the bodies of the missing Indian Army paratroopers were recovered from the Gadole forests in Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir. The two soldiers had been missing since October 6, during a challenging search operation amid harsh weather conditions, including a severe blizzard.&nbsp;Indian Army's two elite paratroopers from the 5 Para (Special Forces) unit had lost communication during a counter-terrorism operation in the Gadole forests of Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir, when their team was engulfed by a fierce blizzard and heavy snowfall. The body of the first soldier was recovered on October 9, with initial assessments indicating death likely due to cold exposure or an avalanche, as his service weapon and rucksack were found intact. After an exhaustive four-day search, the second soldier's body was located, marking a somber conclusion to the operation amid treacherous conditions.

LG Manoj Sinha paid tribute to Army Bravehearts Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh, who died during a counter-terrorism op in Kokernag's Kishtwar Range amid a blizzard. Their bodies were found after a 4-day search. Sinha praised their bravery and sacrifice for the nation.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha today paid solemn tribute by laying a wreath to honor the courage of Army Bravehearts Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh displayed unparalleled bravery, laying down their lives during relentless counter-terrorism operations in the treacherous Kishtwar Range of Kokernag, undeterred by extreme weather conditions. "I salute the supreme sacrifice of our valiant Army Bravehearts, Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh. Their exemplary courage and selfless dedication to duty will forever inspire the nation. We stand united in gratitude and solidarity with the families of our revered martyrs during this profound moment of grief," declared Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. It was after four days of relentless search efforts, the bodies of the missing Indian Army paratroopers were recovered from the Gadole forests in Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir. The two soldiers had been missing since October 6, during a challenging search operation amid harsh weather conditions, including a severe blizzard. Indian Army's two elite paratroopers from the 5 Para (Special Forces) unit had lost communication during a counter-terrorism operation in the Gadole forests of Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir, when their team was engulfed by a fierce blizzard and heavy snowfall. The body of the first soldier was recovered on October 9, with initial assessments indicating death likely due to cold exposure or an avalanche, as his service weapon and rucksack were found intact. After an exhaustive four-day search, the second soldier's body was located, marking a somber conclusion to the operation amid treacherous conditions.

LG Manoj Sinha paid tribute to Army Bravehearts Lance Havildar Palash Ghosh and Lance Naik Sujay Ghosh, who died during a counter-terrorism op in Kokernag's Kishtwar Range amid a blizzard. Their bodies were found after a 4-day search. Sinha praised their bravery and sacrifice for the nation.

J&K LG pays tribute to two Army Bravehearts Palash Ghosh and Sujay Ghosh who lost their lives in Kokernag ops

Security forces have launched an extensive search operation following the sighting of two Pakistani drones hovering over forward villages along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Saturday. The drones were observed late Friday night over Challiyari village in the Ghagwal sector and Chamliyal village in the Ramgarh sector, raising concerns about potential cross-border activities. The Border Security Force (BSF), in collaboration with local police, has cordoned off both areas and initiated a thorough search operation early Saturday to rule out any airdropping of weapons, narcotics, or other contraband across the border.&nbsp;(This is a developing story)

Security forces launched a search after spotting two Pakistani drones over villages near the International Border in J&K's Samba district. Drones were seen over Challiyari and Chamliyal, sparking fears of cross-border smuggling.

Security forces have launched an extensive search operation following the sighting of two Pakistani drones hovering over forward villages along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Saturday. The drones were observed late Friday night over Challiyari village in the Ghagwal sector and Chamliyal village in the Ramgarh sector, raising concerns about potential cross-border activities. The Border Security Force (BSF), in collaboration with local police, has cordoned off both areas and initiated a thorough search operation early Saturday to rule out any airdropping of weapons, narcotics, or other contraband across the border. (This is a developing story)

Security forces launched a search after spotting two Pakistani drones over villages near the International Border in J&amp;K's Samba district. Drones were seen over Challiyari and Chamliyal, sparking fears of cross-border smuggling.

Search operations underway after Pakistan drone sighting along international border in Jammu

The Supreme Court of India on Friday (Oct 10) allowed the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) for five days during Diwali festival. Notably the permission has been granted for five days, on a trial basis. This could mark Capital’s first festival season with legal fireworks in years despite concerns from environmentalists and experts.&nbsp;However, the bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran reserved its order on whether to lift complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The Union government had proposed firecrackers be allowed under a tightly regulated framework permitting only “green firecrackers”.&nbsp;The bench while giving the permission said, “for the time being, we will allow it during the five days of Diwali on a trial basis…However, we will confine it to certain time limits”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-don-t-test-courage-of-afghans-ask-others-taliban-minister-warns-pakistan-from-india-1760123658539">‘Don’t test courage of Afghans, ask others’: Taliban minister warns Pakistan from India</a>&nbsp;A detailed enforcement plan restricting sales to licensed traders and barring online platforms from facilitating firecracker sales in Delhi-NCR was presented by solicitor General Tushar Mehta to the apex court on behalf of the Centre. The plan also said that Traditional crackers would remain banned and requested the relaxation be for all festivals.&nbsp;A time frame to burst crackers - between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali - was also put forward by Mehta to the Supreme Court. While for New Year's Eve it was requested between 11.45 pm and 12.30 am, and for Gurpurab it was for an hour.&nbsp;The solicitor General also assured the Supreme Court that the manufacturing of crackers will be periodically inspected by PESO and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) for ensuring that only approved green firecrackers are sold in the market. &nbsp;

A detailed enforcement plan restricting sales to licensed traders and barring online platforms from facilitating firecracker sales in Delhi-NCR was presented by solicitor General Tushar Mehta to the apex court on behalf of the Centre.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday (Oct 10) allowed the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) for five days during Diwali festival. Notably the permission has been granted for five days, on a trial basis. This could mark Capital’s first festival season with legal fireworks in years despite concerns from environmentalists and experts. However, the bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran reserved its order on whether to lift complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The Union government had proposed firecrackers be allowed under a tightly regulated framework permitting only “green firecrackers”. The bench while giving the permission said, “for the time being, we will allow it during the five days of Diwali on a trial basis…However, we will confine it to certain time limits”. Also Read: ‘Don’t test courage of Afghans, ask others’: Taliban minister warns Pakistan from India A detailed enforcement plan restricting sales to licensed traders and barring online platforms from facilitating firecracker sales in Delhi-NCR was presented by solicitor General Tushar Mehta to the apex court on behalf of the Centre. The plan also said that Traditional crackers would remain banned and requested the relaxation be for all festivals. A time frame to burst crackers - between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali - was also put forward by Mehta to the Supreme Court. While for New Year's Eve it was requested between 11.45 pm and 12.30 am, and for Gurpurab it was for an hour. The solicitor General also assured the Supreme Court that the manufacturing of crackers will be periodically inspected by PESO and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) for ensuring that only approved green firecrackers are sold in the market.

A detailed enforcement plan restricting sales to licensed traders and barring online platforms from facilitating firecracker sales in Delhi-NCR was presented by solicitor General Tushar Mehta to the apex court on behalf of the Centre.

Supreme Court's Diwali bonanza: Sale and bursting of firecrackers permitted for 5 days in Delhi-NCR

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SC's Diwali bonanza: Bursting of firecrackers permitted for 5 days in Delhi-NCR