Nivedita

In preparation for the Haryana assembly elections, Gurugram has deployed extensive security measures at over 1,500 polling booths, particularly focusing on sensitive areas. More than 6,000 personnel, including paramilitary forces and home guards, will ensure a peaceful voting process. Police Commissioner Vikas Arora outlined that 4,800 police officers are assigned to 1,507 booths, with additional forces at critical locations. To maintain law and order, flying squads, sector officers, and surveillance teams will monitor the situation. The district police have urged residents to vote peacefully and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation for a smooth election. Recently, police have seized illegal cash and materials totaling over ₹10.49 crore since the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.

A major controversy erupted during India's opening match against New Zealand in the Women's T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium when Amelia Kerr was controversially called back after being run out by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The incident unfolded on the final ball of the 14th over, leading to a heated exchange between the Indian team and the umpires. After successfully completing the run-out, India celebrated, but the third umpire intervened, claiming the ball was dead. Harmanpreet expressed her disbelief and engaged in a lengthy argument with the officials. Following the dispute, Kerr was dismissed shortly after her reprieve, caught by Pooja Vastrakar off Renuka Thakur’s bowling. New Zealand eventually posted 161/4, thanks to an unbeaten 57 from captain Sophie Devine.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government summit, marking his first trip to Islamabad as India's Foreign Minister in nearly nine years. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Jaishankar will lead a delegation for the summit on October 15 and 16. This visit comes amid strained India-Pakistan relations, especially following the 2016 Uri terror attack. While discussing potential bilateral meetings, the MEA noted that details would be shared closer to the summit. Pakistan has officially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the meeting, where it currently holds the rotating chairmanship.

As Rahul Gandhi marks his first 100 days as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, the Congress party has praised his role as the "voice of the voiceless." Pawan Khera, head of Congress' media department, highlighted Gandhi's consistent advocacy for marginalized groups, including farmers and laborers. Gandhi has addressed significant issues, such as the violence in Manipur, and opposed unjust government policies. In a Facebook post, he outlined his mission to restore values of love, respect, and humility in Indian politics, aiming to build a more just and prosperous India. This marks the first time in a decade that the Lok Sabha has an official Leader of Opposition, following the party's notification to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Police have arrested Chandan Verma, the main accused in the murder of Dalit government teacher Sunil Bharti and his family in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The arrest occurred during a joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) and local police, following Chandan's confession to his involvement in the crime. The tragic incident took place on Thursday when Sunil, his wife Poonam, and their two children were shot dead in the Shivratanganj area. Investigations revealed that the motive behind the murders was linked to an extramarital affair involving Poonam and Chandan. Sunil had recently discovered their relationship, leading to conflict. Former BJP district president Durgesh Tripathi visited Sunil's family, promising strict action against the culprits and support for the grieving relatives.