Top News / The Times of India
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to introduce legislation to control the population of Miyas, a term he uses for Muslims, who he claims will become the largest community in the state. Sarma stated this is a attle to protect the state's people and secure its future, asserting that Miyas need to be kept under pressure.
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism as a shared threat during talks with Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi. He stressed coordinated efforts against terrorism, noting Afghanistan's sensitivity to India's security concerns. Muttaqi affirmed Afghanistan's commitment against elements threatening others and praised India's humanitarian aid.
Barely days after its inauguration, Patna Metro stations are already marred by red gutka stains. A viral video highlights the widespread vandalism, with walls, stairs, and platforms defaced. A frustrated citizen expressed dismay at the public's disregard for the new infrastructure, questioning civic sense.
Kejriwal also condemned the recent incident of a shoe-hurling attempt at the Chief Justice of India. When a shoe was thrown at the Chief Justice of the country, their trolls on social media are insulting Dalits, even abusing Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Where have these people brought India today? he asked in a post on X.
India is upgrading its Technical Mission in Kabul to an embassy, signaling a renewed commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty and regional stability. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted cooperation in mining and trade, while Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi pledged not to allow Afghan territory for anti-India activities, emphasizing mutual respect and people-to-people ties.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, accompanied by Deputy Secretary Michael J Rigas, will visit India from October 9-14 to discuss bilateral issues and strengthen the strategic partnership. The visit underscores the US commitment to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the unique rapport between Presidents Trump and Modi.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea for a CBI investigation into the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. These deaths were reportedly caused by a toxic cough syrup. The manufacturer's owner has been arrested. Several states have banned the syrup, and the factory has been sealed.
An Air India flight from Vienna to New Delhi was diverted to Dubai due to a suspected technical issue, landing safely and departing after necessary checks. This follows another incident on October 4 where an Air India flight from Amritsar to Birmingham deployed its Ram Air Turbine during landing, with all systems functioning normally and no injuries reported.
An avalanche struck the snow-covered Dhauladhar Hills in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on Friday. The powerful slide was captured on video, with no casualties reported thus far. This event follows heavy rains and snowfall across several districts, and a recent landslide that claimed 18 lives.
The Bharatiya Janata Party criticises West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for opposing electoral roll revisions. BJP leaders accuse Banerjee of inciting communal riots and protecting illegal voters. Banerjee warns of public outrage against the BJP's actions. She also criticises Union Home Minister Amit Shah, comparing him to a historical traitor.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai stated he and Justice K. Vinod Chandran were shocked by a lawyer's shoe-throwing attempt on October 6, calling it a forgotten chapter. The incident, which drew widespread condemnation, occurred while the CJI was hearing environmental clearance review pleas. Former Justice Markandey Katju, however, suggested the CJI's remarks about Lord Vishnu invited the incident.
The death toll from adulterated cough syrup reached 23 after two more children died of renal failure. Police arrested the owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, which manufactured the contaminated Coldrif medicine. Investigations revealed the syrup was laced with DEG, an industrial solvent, leading to widespread seizures and a political blame game between state governments.
A youth from Hisar, Sonu, is feared dead in the Russia-Ukraine war, with his companion Aman missing since September 22. Both men were reportedly deceived into joining the Russian army after going to Russia for a foreign language course. Families have sought help from the MHA and the Indian embassy in Moscow.
Rajasthan has enacted a new anti-conversion law, mandating advance notice for inter-religious weddings and imposing severe penalties for forced conversions. The legislation, which includes lengthy prison terms and substantial fines, particularly for offenses involving vulnerable groups, is described as the strictest in the nation.
Home Minister Amit Shah has urged security forces to maintain 100% alert as winter approaches, warning of potential infiltration attempts by Pakistan and PoK-based terrorists exploiting snowfall. Reviewing the J&K security situation, Shah reiterated the government's commitment to a terrorism-free region, praising efforts to cripple terror networks and assuring continued support.
BSP chief Mayawati expressed gratitude to the UP BJP government for renovating the Kanshi Ram memorial, unlike the Samajwadi Party which allegedly hoarded ticket revenue. She highlighted the BJP government's responsiveness to her request to use memorial funds for its upkeep, contrasting it with the SP's inaction.
India has greenlit the 1,856-MW Sawalkot hydroelectric project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, a significant move following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. This run-of-the-river project, estimated at Rs 31,380 crore, aims to boost India's hydropower generation capacity and better utilize its share of western river waters.
Prime Minister Modi met with his UK counterpart Keir Starmer. They focused on strengthening the India-UK trade deal. Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region was also a key discussion point. Technology, defence, and security partnerships were explored. PM Modi raised concerns about anti-India activities by Khalistan separatists. The need to act against economic fugitives within legal frameworks was also emphasized.
The Supreme Court questioned the veracity of an NGO's affidavits alleging voter list deletions in Bihar, with the Election Commission pointing out falsehoods. While directing an inquiry into deletions, the court expressed skepticism about the NGO's claims due to unsubstantiated allegations and a perceived lack of reason.
British PM Keir Starmer announced a significant expansion of UK universities in India, with the University of Lancaster and University of Surrey approved to open campuses. This initiative, part of Starmer's trade mission, is projected to boost the UK economy by 50 million and strengthens educational ties between the two nations.
UK PM Keir Starmer confirmed discussions with PM Modi regarding India's purchase of Russian oil amidst the Ukraine conflict. Starmer highlighted the 'coalition of the willing's' efforts, including measures against Russia's 'shadow fleet,' aimed at ending the war. He also praised a peace deal on Gaza as a significant breakthrough.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK counterpart Keir Starmer strongly condemned terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack, and pledged zero tolerance. They agreed to counter radicalisation, combat terror financing, and prevent the exploitation of new technologies for terrorist purposes. Both leaders also expressed support for peace in Ukraine.
In a Delhi High Court inheritance battle, Sunjay Kapur's children from ex-wife Karisma Kapoor accused his current wife, Priya Kapur, of behaving like Cinderella's stepmother and usurping assets. They allege Priya presented a forged will to restrict their share of the Rs 30,000 crore estate, seeking a probe into the alleged forgery and a status quo on asset movement.
India and the UK discussed illegal immigration during PM Modi's meeting with UK PM Keir Starmer. India reiterated its stance against illegal immigration, emphasizing its support for legal mobility and a recently signed migration and mobility agreement. Both leaders also highlighted the strengthening India-UK partnership as a beacon of hope amidst global uncertainty.
The BJP's central election committee is set to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior leaders to finalize candidates for the Bihar polls. Amidst ongoing hard-bargaining with allies, the party's first list of nominees is expected soon. Seat-sharing talks with allies, including the LJP, are progressing positively, with the BJP and JD(U) likely to contest around 101-102 seats each.
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, RJD leader and INDIA bloc chairman, has pledged a government job for every household in Bihar. He promises to introduce the legislation within 20 days of forming the government and ensure its implementation within 20 months. This move aims to address the significant unemployment issue in the state.
As the Right to Information Act nears its 20th anniversary, a new report reveals over 4 lakh cases are pending in information commissions nationwide. Six commissions have been defunct, with Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh still non-operational. Some states face decades-long backlogs, and key leadership positions remain vacant, raising concerns about transparency.
Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed Jammu and Kashmir's law and order, urging forces to maintain 100% alert against Pakistan-backed terrorists exploiting winter snowfall for infiltration. He praised security agencies' efforts in crippling the terror network and assured continued support to achieve a terrorism-free region, emphasizing coordinated action against foreign terrorists.
India and Australia have deepened their defence cooperation. Three key pacts were signed to enhance information sharing and military interoperability. Both nations are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. This collaboration comes as regional security concerns grow. The agreements aim to bolster maritime security and strategic partnerships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the Gaza peace plan's progress, welcoming the hostage release and increased humanitarian aid. Modi also spoke with US President Donald Trump about the historic deal, which Hamas has accepted. The agreement includes a prisoner exchange and an end to the Gaza war, with hostages expected to be released soon.