Govt Convenes High-Level Meeting After Over 10 Bomb Threats Target Airplanes

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has convened a high-level meeting after 10 bomb threats targeted flight operations on Monday and Tuesday.

A heated exchange was witnessed in the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday after a petitioner submitted a plea seeking enquiry against former Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi.

The Bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma had to eventually call security to remove the litigant from the courtroom following a heated arguement.  

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday quashed criminal proceedings against two men accused of shouting “Jai Sriram” inside a mosque, stating that the act does not fall under the purview of IPC Section 295A, which deals with deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, Live Law reported.

For the unversed, the two men were charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 295A (outraging religious feelings), Section 447 (criminal trespass), Section 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), and Section 34 (common intention).

Bypolls to the Soreng-Chakhung and Namchi-Singhithang assembly constituencies will be held on November 13, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday.

The Soreng-Chakung assembly seat was vacated by Chief Minister Tamang who decided to retain the Rhenock constituency after winning the assembly elections from both the segments. The Namchi-Singhithang seat fell vacant after the CM’s wife Krishna Kumari Rai resigned days after being elected as its MLA.

In a statement, the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) said it was confident about securing a landslide victory in both assembly constituencies as the Himalayan state has witnessed significant progress in all sectors under the leadership of CM Tamang.

At a dinner reception for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) delegates in Islamabad, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar maintained a formal tone in his interaction with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Instead of the usual embrace, the two leaders exchanged a handshake before engaging in a brief conversation. 

Water supply in parts of Delhi’s Outer North district to be affected for 18 hours from Wednesday 10 am, due to maintenance work, the Delhi Jal Board said.

According to a statement issued, the affected areas include Bawana Village and surrounding colonies, Sultanpur Dabas Village, Pooth Khurd Village, Barwala Village, Majra Dabas Village, Chandpur Village, the area under Ward 35 Kanjhawala and Ward 36 Rani Khera, and their adjoining areas.

Indian Army is commencing a month-long series of commemorative events to mark the 62nd Walong Day and honour the valiant soldiers who fought in the Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

The commemoration will begin on October 17 and continue until November 14. The events will honour the supreme sacrifice and the courage displayed by heroes who defended India’s eastern front.

Mumbai Police on Tuesday dispelled all the false claims regarding the health of Ratan Tata’s beloved pet dog. A misleading WhatsApp message falsely reported that Goa had died three days after Tata’s passing, stirring concern among fans and followers.

The viral message read,” Sad news…Tata’s pet dog GOA dies three days after his death. That’s why they say dogs are more loyal to their masters than human beings!” 

 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met   Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and exchanged pleasantries during a dinner reception for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) delegates in Islamabad. Jaishankar and Sharif warmly shook hands and held a very brief interaction.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at BJP headquarters for the CEC meeting on Jharkhand Election 2024.

Five flights, including one bound for the United States, received bomb-threat messages through a social media platform X on Tuesday, prompting security agencies to undertake specific counter-terrorist drills at various airports. The threats via microblogging platform X came a day after three international flights originating from Mumbai received bomb threats, causing trouble to hundreds of passengers and airline crew. The messages posted on Monday were declared a hoax.  Two more flights received similar threats on Tuesday but a confirmation was awaited.

The Karnataka government has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Bengaluru on Wednesday. This comes in response to severe rainfall that has inundated parts of the city. Urban district collector Jagadeesha announced the decision following an orange alert issued due to ongoing heavy rains, which are expected to persist over the coming days.

The rains, which began early Tuesday morning, have led to significant waterlogging and traffic disruptions across multiple locations in the tech capital. 

Days after NCP leader Baba Siddique was killed in Mumbai, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday emphasized that the Election Commission will take a strict stance against preventing violence, particularly targeting political figures, as the Model Code of Conduct comes into force in Maharashtra .

In response to concerns following Siddique’s killing—especially as the poll panel grapples with urban apathy towards voting—the CEC stated, “After the MCC declaration, we will make it extremely clear to the police authorities in a particular state that you are mentioning that violence of any kind and a crime of this nature, which has political overtones, would be absolutely a no-go area for the commission.”

The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced a public holiday on October 16, tomorrow, due to the forecast of extremely heavy rainfall. This decision comes after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported the formation of a low-pressure area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, impacting the southern coast.

The IMD has indicated that an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is expected to cause isolated extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu. Residents are advised to remain cautious as conditions may worsen.

Days after NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead by three assailants in suburban Bandra on Saturday, it has emerged that his son, Zeeshan Siddique’s security was upgraded 20 days prior to the assassination, with protection similar to Y+ level, according to sources in the State Intelligence Department.

The NCP leader and former Maharashtra Minister Siddique was killed after being shot at outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Mumbai’s Nirmal Nagar between 9.15 pm and 9.30 pm on Saturday. Six rounds were fired on Baba Siddique, two of which hit the former Maharashtra minister on the chest. He was rushed to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for emergency treatment, where he succumbed to death on Saturday night. The last rites of Baba Siddique were performed with full state honours in Mumbai at Bada Qabrastan on Sunday.

Incessant rains since early Tuesday threw normal life out of gear in central and southern parts of Karnataka, including the state capital Bengaluru where several localities witnessed water-logging and traffic congestion.

Motorists faced difficulties navigating through the city traffic due to the downpour as several roads in Varthur, Hebbal, Kadubeesanahalli, and surrounding areas were water-logged.

Areas housing major technology companies like Manyata Tech Park on Outer Ring Road (ORR) and tech hubs like Sarjapur were among the affected.

“Nagawara flyover near Manyata Tech Park is waterlogged….slow movement of vehicles on both sides,” a traffic official said. “Hennur-Bagalur road, Ganganagar, and Ramamurthy Nagar were also waterlogged. Heavy rainfall has led to slow-moving traffic across the city.” In the wake of rains across Bengaluru, the city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has set up 24X7 exclusive control rooms in its eight zones and also launched a helpline number (1533) to report rain-related problems.

Harish Kumar, the accused arrested in the Baba Siddiqui firing case, was produced in the court, where the court sent him to the custody of the Mumbai Crime Branch till October 21.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the investigation in the rape and murder case of a doctor working at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was going on with “utmost seriousness”.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, submitted the fifth status report of the agency before a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

“Investigation was going on in the matter with utmost seriousness. The chargesheet in the matter was filed on October 7 against accused Sanjay Roy and a Sealdah court has taken cognisance,” he told the bench.

Bypolls to the Kedarnath assembly seat in Uttarakhand, and the Nanded Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra are to be held on November 20, said CEC Rajiv Kumar.

“On behalf of the Election Commision of India, we thank all the voters of Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana for strongly participating in polls. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have made the festival of democracy historic. As the world’s biggest democracy, India is setting gold standards in every election,” says Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.    

CEC Rajiv Kumar says, “First of all I would like to congratulate voters in Haryana and J&K for their empowered participation in the polling. The people of J&K made the festival of democracy historic. They participated in large numbers, used their right to exercise franchise well, and laid a strong foundation of democracy…The spirit shown in these elections will be remembered for a long time…The foundation that the people of J&K laid in Lok Sabha elections, a strong building was seen on it in Assembly elections. This public mandate has nurtured new hopes. Now it is  over to the people of J&K to take this democratic journey forward…”

9.63 crore eligible voters in Maharashtra, 2.6 crore in Jharkhand: CEC Rajiv Kumar.

The SC questions the West Bengal government over the hiring of civic volunteers and seeks details on appointments and qualifications in RG Kar rape and murder case.

Agitating doctors, who have been observing fast-unto-death for justice for the deceased medic in Kolkata, watch live streaming of the Supreme Court hearing.

SC says NTF meetings should be held periodically, directs it to formulate recommendations on safety of Kolkata doctors within 3 weeks.

SC directs CBI to file further status report on probe in Kolkata rape-murder case within three weeks.

CBI report indicates probe into role of others in alleged Kolkata rape and murder case is subject of ongoing probe: SC 

SC notes chargesheet in Kolkata rape-murder case filed on October 7 against accused Sanjay Roy and a Sealdah court has taken cognisance

The CBI informed the Supreme Court that the investigation into the Kolkata rape-murder case is proceeding with the utmost seriousness.

Supreme Court begins hearing plea related to rape-murder case of trainee doctor in Kolkata.

Air quality poor in Delhi for last 2 days; 99 teams formed to enforce dust control measures at construction sites: CM Atishi

Amid the ongoing Middle-East conflict, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an official statement saying, “We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interests.”

On ‘peace talks’ of MLAs in Delhi under MHA supervision, Manipur minister Awangbow Newmai said, “We will see how the meeting goes. Our aim is to bring peace and normalcy.” 

Counsellor Eldos Mathew Punnoose exercised India’s right of reply against Pakistan at the Joint General Debate on decolonization at the United Nations on Monday. Punnoose condemned Pakistan’s “unsubstantiated allegations” regarding the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He emphasised the need for Pakistan to cease its ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Targeting Pakistan, he said, “Unsubstantiated allegations by Pakistan largely pertain to the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. India would like to reiterate that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are, were and will be an integral and inalienable part of India. Clearly, Pakistan does not merit a response on the internal affairs of India.”

Prohibitory orders banning the assembly of more than five persons have been imposed in areas adjacent to Red Road, where state-organised ‘Puja Carnival’ will be held on Tuesday, amid calls for ‘Droha’ (protest) Carnival on nearby Rani Rashmoni Avenue in central Kolkata by junior doctors agitating over the RG Kar incident. The West Bengal government has been holding the Durga Puja Carnival since 2016 showcasing several award-winning Durga idols.

Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS were imposed on some roads and areas near Red Road where the carnival is scheduled to be held.

Several opposition MPs have walked out of joint committee meeting on Waqf Bill, alleging derogatory remarks by BJP member.

Speaking at the ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “The telecom sector, much like other growth-critical sectors in India, is aggressive, is ambitious, and its outlook in our journey from our Amrit Kaal to our Shatabdi Kaal is to lead the world…With our Bharat 6G Alliance, where we hope to contribute at least 10% of patents to 6G standardization, it is our belief and our commitment that India followed the world in 4G. We marched with the world in 5G, but we shall lead the world in 6G.”

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly has said that the decision to expel Indian diplomats was based on evidence gathered by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing case and urged the Indian government to support the ongoing probe for the benefit of two nations. In a post on X, Joly stated, “Keeping Canadians safe is our government’s top priority. The decision to expel individuals was based on clear evidence gathered by the RCMP in the Nijjar case. We urge the Indian government to support our ongoing investigation for the benefit of both countries.”

Restrictions under the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force in the national capital on Tuesday as the air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category for the third consecutive day. Stage 1 of the GRAP, a set of winter-specific anti-pollution measures, focuses on controlling pollution through dust mitigation at construction sites, proper waste management, and regular road cleaning.

It mandates strict checks on polluting vehicles, better traffic management and emission controls in industries, power plants and brick kilns.

India and the US are all set to sign a Rs 32,000 crore deal for the purchase of 31 Predator drones for the Indian defence forces on Tuesday. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the acquisition of 31 Predator drones last week, of which 15 will go to the Indian Navy, while the rest will be divided equally between the Air Force and the Army. The Foreign Military Sales contract with the US government for 31 Predator drones and the MRO is scheduled to be signed tomorrow (Tuesday), said defence officials.

For the first time since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur last year, a number of MLAs of Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities are set to hold a joint meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday under the supervision of the home ministry, officials said. Three Naga MLAs will attend the meeting in the national capital, while the exact number of Meitei and Kuki legislators to participate is not yet clear, they said. “The talks are part of the Centre’s efforts to facilitate a dialogue between the warring communities and seek a solution to the crisis,” an official told.

President Droupadi Murmu has called for deeper economic cooperation between India and Algeria, underlining the African nation’s rapid growth and expanding economy offer many opportunities in various sectors. The President in an address to the Algerian-Indian Economic Forum on Monday emphasised India’s rapid rise and impressive progress in ‘Ease of Doing Business’, and invited Algerian companies to join India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives.

“The stepping up of the India-Algeria relations is based on our shared values, common challenges, and mutual trust,” Murmu said at the event jointly organised by the Algerian Economic Renewal Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The Election Commission will announce the schedule for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls on Tuesday. The poll panel has convened a press conference here at 3.30 pm to announce the details. While the term of the Maharashtra assembly ends on November 26, that of Jharkhand ends on January 5 next year.

Amid the diplomatic row between India and Canada, the US State Department has announced that an Indian investigation team would travel to Washington DC on October 15 to investigate a plot to kill a US citizen in New York. An Indian enquiry committee is set to visit the United States on Tuesday to investigate the involvement of an Indian government official in a foiled plot to assassinate a US national, the US Department of State said.

According to the State Department statement, an Indian enquiry committee “is actively investigating the individual” and that India had informed the US it was looking in to “other linkages of the former government employee.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in Pakistan on Tuesday to attend a conclave of the SCO, in the first high-level visit from India in years amid continuing strain in ties between the two neighbours. Pakistan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting on October 15 and 16.

Jaishankar said, “Like with any neighbour, India would certainly like to have good relations with Pakistan. But that cannot happen by overlooking cross-border terrorism and indulging in wishful thinking.”

The decision to send the senior minister is seen as a display of India’s commitment to the SCO. 

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, about the targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the Government of India. The leaders discussed the need to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and the importance of upholding and respecting the rule of law. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s continued interest in co-operation with India to address this serious matter.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Starmer agreed to remain in close and regular contact.

Amid the ongoing investigation on violent criminal activity linked to India, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, issued a statement saying, “Canada is a country rooted in the rule of law, and the protection of our citizens is paramount. That is why, when our law enforcement and intelligence services began pursuing credible allegations that agents of the Government of India were directly involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil – we responded.”

“We shared our concerns with the Government of India and asked them to work with us to shed light on this important issue. At the same time, police and security agencies have used all the tools at their disposal to keep Canadians safe. Today, given evidence presented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), we are taking additional steps to protect Canadians.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada was expelling the Indian high commissioner and the others — all persons of interest, as Canada’s foreign minister said police had uncovered evidence of a worsening campaign against Canadian citizens by agents of the Indian government. “We will never tolerate the involvement of a foreign government threatening and killing Canadian citizens on Canadian soil,” Trudeau said. He alleged that diplomats were collecting information about Canadians and passing it on to organized crime to attack Canadians, and said “India has made a monumental mistake.”

Canada said it has identified India’s top diplomat in the country as a person of interest in the assassination of a Sikh activist there and expelled him and five other diplomats Monday, in an escalating dispute over the June 2023 killing and allegations of other crimes.