Times of India

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has unveiled enhancements to prepaid mobile recharge options, featuring more voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers. Users can now access plans with a validity of 30 days or less. This initiative is especially beneficial for senior citizens and budget-conscious individuals who prefer voice-only prepaid plans without data, addressing concerns raised by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha.

Smugglers in Bihar are becoming increasingly inventive in their methods to transport liquor despite prohibition. They employ coded phrases to substitute recognizable brand names in their communications for secrecy. Various creative concealment techniques are used, such as hiding liquor in snack items, medication containers, and altered vehicles. As they adapt to enforcement efforts, authorities grapple with the challenge of dismantling these elaborate smuggling operations.

Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Election Commission of deliberately deleting votes belonging to the Samajwadi Party. He argues that this malpractice has been ongoing for years but is only now gaining attention. In his statement, he noted that voters from the 2019 elections were unjustly denied the opportunity to vote in 2022. This controversy follows recent revelations about objections within the Election Commission regarding the electoral rolls revision.

In a thrilling finish, Harita Bhadra grabbed a bronze in the women’s 200m race, recording 23.20 seconds. Just 0.01 seconds later, Japan’s Abigeirufuka Ido crossed the line. Gold went to Indonesia's Shanti Pereira and silver to China's Yujie Chen. With nine athletics medals amassed at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, India’s team is set to pursue more victories as the competition continues to heat up.

The Delhi High Court has taken a firm stance by ruling against a man who married a 16-year-old under Muslim personal law, emphasizing that this does not exempt him from POCSO charges concerning sexual activity. While the girl asserted her consent, the court reiterated the importance of legal safeguards for minors. Attempts to contest the FIR based on her claims were rejected, underscoring the inviolability of child protection laws.

Captured on video during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar, Delhi, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma's unexpected slap to a young man has stirred controversy. Released by the Aam Aadmi Party, the footage shows Verma confronting the individual before a security guard intervenes. This incident has ignited debate regarding the behavior of public servants in the line of duty, attracting the attention of numerous onlookers.

Kapil Sibal has raised concerns over the Election Commission's decision-making under Gyanesh Kumar during a ten-month period. His allegations include that decisions were made unilaterally, bypassing other commissioners and statutory protocols. Sibal has called for an investigation into the electoral rolls and recent elections conducted in Bihar and West Bengal. In response, the Election Commission acknowledged concerns and proposed several corrective measures to address them.

As South Korea's KF-21 program progresses towards operational capability, India's AMCA program is still finalizing construction partners. The KF-21 has completed extensive testing and received certification, with production already underway. In contrast, India's bid process for an AMCA partner has faced multiple delays, slowing prototype development. The Indian Air Force currently operates below its authorized fighter strength, increasing operational challenges.

A rare pyramid-shaped tomb has been uncovered at Bir Al-Shaghala in Egypt's Dakhla Oasis and dates back to the Roman period. The tomb, built from mud brick, combines Egyptian and Roman architectural styles and includes inscriptions. Among the findings is a Greek funerary poem dedicated to a man named Psychtis, indicating cultural exchanges. Archaeologists also discovered artifacts related to funerary rituals, including an offering table and a bronze coin.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport. He pointed out the necessity of addressing the long-standing worries of local residents. The expansion's timeline could stretch by four years, with operations potentially starting in 2039. Heathrow's struggle with capacity issues sharply contrasts with other major European airports, fueling an ongoing debate centered on community impact and infrastructure demands.

Nimisha Thakuria's death has prompted police to seal Rudra’s Kitchen homestay at Dharapur. Investigators are examining guest documentation and prior visits made by her and Ashiq Ali. Police indicated that Ali's claim of suicide has not yet been confirmed. The circumstances surrounding Nimisha's unconscious state and subsequent death are being explored. Authorities are investigating all possible angles related to the case.

The UK government plans to launch a new scheme called 'Your First Home' to assist first-time buyers. This initiative allows qualifying individuals to acquire new-build properties with a minimal deposit of 2.5 percent. Eligible buyers will also receive a government equity loan for up to 20 percent of the property's value to ease financial burdens. The scheme is intended to stimulate demand for new housing and support the construction sector.

In a tragic event, retired Army veteran Shamsuddin and his wife Saddo Begum were discovered murdered in their residence, the police alerted by neighbors. Their bodies were located amidst a pool of blood, prompting forensic experts and a dog squad to join the inquiry. With the motive still unknown, multiple investigation teams are being formed.

PV Sindhu played twice on Saturday, with her third-round match finishing after midnight. She was back on court on Sunday afternoon for her quarterfinal against China's Chen Yufei, which she lost.

Mobile phone retailers across India are set to observe a 'No UPI Day' on October 2. This protest arises against the proposed 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000. The All India Mobile Retailers Association highlights additional costs that may impact small retailers significantly. The government insists consumers will not bear the MDR, which will apply starting October 15.