Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed Rahul Gandhi’s voter fraud claims indirectly, highlighting the transparent electoral roll revision process shared with political parties since 1960. Speaking at an international conference, Kumar emphasized the rigorous annual exercise ensures electoral integrity.
India’s Census 2027 aims for a swift data release by late 2027, leveraging digital technology for the first time. Enumerators will use mobile apps in 16 languages, offering citizens a self-enumeration option. This tech-driven approach, including pre-coded responses and intelligent character recognition, promises to significantly reduce processing time compared to previous censuses, with a dedicated portal for management and monitoring.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the US, irrespective of political leadership, citing it as crucial for India’s interests. He cautioned Europe about the potential repercussions of ignoring terrorism, referencing Osama bin Laden’s presence in Pakistan.
CJI B R Gavai defended the Supreme Court’s decision to allow sub-categorization within the Scheduled Caste quota, emphasizing its aim to ensure equitable distribution of benefits to the most marginalized. He highlighted that the ruling seeks to prevent the ‘creamy layer’ among SCs from monopolizing reservation benefits, allowing the most backward to access public employment and education.
The Indian government confirmed that an Indian national detained at Newark Airport entered the U.S. illegally without a valid visa and was being deported following a court order. Authorities restrained him due to disruptive behavior during transit and admitted him to a medical facility. The Indian Consulate in New York is engaged with U.S.
In Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, authorities attached the property of a terrorist residing in Pakistan, Mohd Saleem, who absconded to evade legal proceedings. Additionally, a proclamation notice has been issued against Mohd Shafi, Shams Din, and Farooq Ahmad, wanted in connection with a 2009 case registered under the Enemy Agents Ordinance Act in Doda.
Following intelligence reports of suspected terrorists in military attire, security forces initiated a joint search operation in the Nud forests of Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir. Local villagers alerted the police after spotting the suspects near the Samba-Udhampur-Dhar road.
CPM’s convention in Srinagar advocated for the restoration of Article 370 and dialogue with Pakistan, a rare stance amidst prevailing demands for statehood. M Alexander Baby criticized the abrogation as a betrayal and refuted claims of peace and development, highlighting inadequate compensation for shelling victims.
A fire erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly complex on Wednesday morning due to a short circuit, resulting in the destruction of historic photographs displayed in the lobby. The blaze damaged images of former governors, chief ministers, and legislators, along with furniture. Fortunately, the fire was quickly brought under control by the assembly staff, and no injuries were reported.
Meghalaya police cracked the honeymoon murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi, revealing that his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, orchestrated his killing. Sonam’s ‘mangalsutra’ and ring, left behind at a homestay, raised suspicion. Police investigations led to Sonam’s arrest in Uttar Pradesh, along with her boyfriend and contract killers, exposing a conspiracy that unfolded during what was supposed to be a romantic getaway.
Ashok Gehlot hinted at a possible reconciliation with Sachin Pilot. He stated that they were never far apart. Gehlot attended a memorial event for Rajesh Pilot in Dausa. Several Congress leaders were present at the ceremony. The Gehlot-Pilot feud began in December 2018. Pilot led a rebellion against Gehlot in July 2020. Pilot was then removed from his positions.