Times of India

A private school in Jiribam, Manipur, was set ablaze amid rising tensions, days after NDA legislators held peace talks in Delhi. Authorities suggest internal school disputes as the cause. The Hmar tribe blames Meitei militant outfits; investigations are ongoing.

PM Narendra Modi will visit Russia on Oct 22-23 to attend the 16th Brics Summit in Kazan at Putin's invitation. The summit, themed 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,' will address key global issues like the Gaza conflict. Bilateral meetings with Brics leaders are planned, pending confirmation of a meeting with Xi Jinping.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has urged the Election Commission to investigate the Mahayuti for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct by issuing 359 government resolutions and appointing over 50 supporters to state-run corporations on the day the MCC was announced. They seek nullification and stringent action.

Congress is pressing for three seats in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls, despite ally Samajwadi Party (SP) initially granting two. Congress is likely to contest in Ghaziabad and Khair, with Kundarki also under negotiation. An announcement is expected soon.

Assam Sanmilita Mahasangha is seeking legal advice to appeal the SC's 4:1 verdict that upheld Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. The organization claims the ruling is biased and unconstitutional, arguing the base year for identifying foreigners should be 1951, not 1971.

The US Department of Justice has indicted former RAW operative Vikash Yadav for allegedly plotting to assassinate pro-Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Partnering with accused narcotics trafficker Nikhil Gupta, Yadav reportedly offered $100,000 to a DEA undercover agent posing as a hitman. This case highlights increasing transnational repression targeting diaspora communities in the US.

The Canadian government has been tracking Indian journalists' social media posts, alleging foreign interference following PM Trudeau's statement on Hardeep Nijjar’s killing. The dossier, presented by Canada's rapid response mechanism, scrutinizes narratives from Indian media portraying Trudeau and Canadian institutions negatively, suggesting a significant diplomatic impact on Canadian foreign policy and national security.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's first cabinet meeting approved a resolution for statehood restoration but ignored reviving Article 370, sparking accusations of collusion with BJP. Critics argue the focus on statehood alone betrays promises made to restore special status before recent elections.

All major parties—Shiv Sena, Sena (UBT), BJP, and MNS—are vying for Shivaji Park for rallies on Nov 17 ahead of the assembly elections. The BMC received applications from all four, with MNS claiming priority. The state urban development department and Election Commission will decide the venue allocation.

Punjab Police have uncovered the murder plot of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh with the arrest of three associates of gangster-turned-terrorist Arsh Dalla. The investigation, linking Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh, found he orchestrated the crime. Gurpreet was killed on Oct 9, and authorities are now hunting for more suspects involved.

Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir criticized Omar Abdullah's government for emphasizing statehood restoration while being silent on Kashmir's special status. They accused him of aligning with BJP and deviating from promises made during elections. Critics insist on addressing Article 370 and holding the resolution in the assembly.

Haryana Congress is awaiting a decision on its next legislature party chief, with the final decision pending a report from three observers. Despite criticism of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, he still retains the support of the majority of the MLAs.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced free dialysis for chronic kidney patients in Haryana's government hospitals, fulfilling a key BJP election promise. The cabinet will implement the Supreme Court's decision on sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes for reservations and reaffirmed support for farmers, including subsidies to prevent stubble burning.

The Supreme Court reversed its 2022 decision on striking down sections of the Benami Properties Act, following the Centre's argument that there was no constitutional challenge to the provisions. The court recognized the mistake and allowed the government to file review petitions. The act aims to curb shell company activities and facilitate property attachment held benami.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Bihar IAS officer Sanjeev Hans and former RJD MLA Gulab Yadav in a money laundering case, seizing over Rs 80 lakh in unaccounted cash, along with significant quantities of gold and silver bullion. Raids were conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Two members of a family in Sakti, Chhattisgarh, were found dead and four others in critical condition following a weeklong 'tantric ritual.' Neighbours alerted police after hearing faint chants. An autopsy revealed traces of poison, suggesting possible murder amid prolonged fasting and ritualistic practices.

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin criticised Governor R N Ravi for omitting the word 'Dravida' from the 'Tamil Thai Vaazhthu,' stating it insulted Tamil unity. Political leaders including AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed similar concerns. Governor Ravi defended himself against the accusation, while DD Tamil apologized for the unintentional error.

In Maharashtra, seat-sharing talks among MVA allies face friction; Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut criticises Congress leaders for indecisiveness, pushing for quicker decisions locally. MPCC chief Nana Patole defers to the Congress high command, while Uddhav Thackeray emphasizes the need to avoid breaking points and anticipates resolving the issue soon.

Royal experts are also aware that Harry and Meghan are buying a house in Portugal and they believe that King Charles' message to them would be of indifference. King Charles is not going to "concern himself" with the news, experts claimed. King Charles evicted them from their Windsor property after they left the family and defamed the family in the public but the King will not be perturbed by the news.