Bihar Assembly Elections to be Held in Two Phases on November 6 and 11
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections, with polling for the 243 seats to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14. This will be the first election in the state following a controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. With 7.43 crore eligible voters, including 14.01 lakh first-timers, the polls are a major political event for the nation.
Lawyer Attempts to Attack Chief Justice of India in Supreme Court
In an unprecedented security breach, a 71-year-old lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside his courtroom at the Supreme Court. The lawyer reportedly shouted slogans related to 'Sanatan Dharma' before being apprehended by security. The act drew widespread condemnation from political leaders and legal bodies as an assault on the judiciary's independence. The Bar Council of India immediately suspended the lawyer's license pending disciplinary action. CJI Gavai remained composed and continued with the day's proceedings.
AMD Secures Landmark AI Chip Deal with OpenAI, Challenging Nvidia's Dominance
AMD has announced a multi-year deal to supply artificial intelligence chips to OpenAI, a move poised to generate tens of billions in revenue and disrupt Nvidia's market dominance. The agreement gives the ChatGPT creator the option to acquire up to a 10% stake in AMD. This transformative partnership highlights the immense demand for computing power in the AI industry and provides OpenAI with a crucial hardware supply line as it aims to develop advanced artificial intelligence.
Election Commission to Announce Bihar Assembly Poll Schedule
The Election Commission of India is set to announce the schedule for the Bihar legislative assembly elections today. The term of the 243-member state assembly ends on November 22. The upcoming polls will feature a major contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JD(U), and the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan,' which includes the RJD, Congress, and Left parties. Political parties have requested that the polls be held after the Chhath festival in late October.
Supreme Court Issues Notice on Sonam Wangchuk's Detention Under NSA
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the central government and the Ladakh administration on a petition challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk was detained on September 26 following violent protests demanding statehood for Ladakh. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, filed a habeas corpus petition arguing the detention is illegal and unconstitutional. The court will hear the matter again on October 14, bringing national judicial scrutiny to the use of preventive detention laws.
Six Patients Killed in Fire at Jaipur Government Hospital's ICU
A fire in the neuro Intensive Care Unit of Jaipur's state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital has killed six patients who were on critical care support. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in a storage area, spread rapidly overnight. The incident has raised serious questions about fire safety standards in public hospitals, leading the state government to remove the hospital superintendent and trauma centre in-charge, announce compensation, and form a high-level committee to investigate the tragedy.
British-Indian Teen Killed Saving Friend Posthumously Awarded UK's George Medal
Grace O'Malley-Kumar, a 19-year-old British-Indian medical student, has been posthumously awarded the George Medal, one of the UK's highest civilian honours for bravery. In June 2023, she was tragically stabbed to death in Nottingham while trying to protect her friend from a knife-wielding attacker. An avid hockey player and aspiring doctor, her heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice were recognized as an extraordinary act of courage, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling her a powerful example of heroism.
Actor Saiyami Kher Named Official Ambassador for Ironman India
Actor and athlete Saiyami Kher has been named the official ambassador for Ironman India. She is the only Indian actor to have completed the Ironman 70.3 triathlon—a grueling single-day endurance event comprising a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycle, and 21.1 km run—twice in less than a year. In her new role for the event, which takes place in Goa on November 9, Kher aims to inspire more Indians, especially women, to embrace endurance sports and challenge their physical and mental limits.
Landslides in West Bengal's Darjeeling Hills Kill Over 20
At least 20 people were killed after incessant heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides across the Darjeeling and Mirik hills. The disaster swept away numerous homes, severed road links, and left hundreds of tourists stranded. The worst-affected areas include Mirik, where at least 11 fatalities were reported. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting rescue operations amid challenging conditions. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, warning of more potential landslides in the region.
Contaminated Cough Syrup Linked to Child Deaths Prompts Nationwide Action
Following the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, central drug regulator CDSCO has launched risk-based inspections of manufacturing units in six states. One syrup, 'Coldrif' made by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, was found to be contaminated with toxic Diethylene Glycol (DEG). Several states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, have banned the product and ordered its removal from shelves. The crackdown aims to identify quality failures and prevent further tragedies.
At Least 9 Dead as Heavy Rains Trigger Devastating Landslides in Darjeeling
Incessant heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides across West Bengal's Darjeeling hills, resulting in at least nine fatalities and leaving two others missing. The landslides have swept away homes, damaged key roads, and severed communication with several remote areas. Rescue operations involving the NDRF are underway in challenging conditions, particularly in the hard-hit Mirik region. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, warning of more landslides as saturated soil conditions persist.
Curfew Imposed and Internet Suspended in Cuttack After Communal Violence
Authorities in Cuttack, Odisha, imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services following communal violence that erupted during Durga Puja immersion processions. Clashes broke out after locals objected to loud music, leading to stone-pelting. Tensions escalated when a subsequent VHP rally turned violent, injuring 25 people, including eight police officers. Over 2,500 security personnel have been deployed to maintain order, and the VHP has called for a 12-hour city-wide bandh in protest.
UPSC to Release Provisional Answer Keys After Prelims in Major Policy Shift
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Supreme Court of its decision to publish provisional answer keys immediately after the Civil Services preliminary examination. This marks a significant departure from its long-standing practice of releasing keys only after the final results are declared. The move, aimed at increasing transparency, will allow candidates to raise objections supported by authoritative sources before the prelims results are finalized, addressing a key grievance of millions of aspirants.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Visit India for Talks on Trade and Strategy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will undertake a two-day visit to India from October 8-9, his first since taking office. He is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on October 9. Discussions will focus on advancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exploring opportunities presented by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.
India's 'Red Lines' Must Be Respected in US Trade Deal, Says EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that any trade deal with the United States must respect India's "red lines." Acknowledging ongoing issues and strains over US tariff policies, he noted that the inability to finalize a trade agreement has led to levies on India. He specifically mentioned tariffs related to India sourcing energy from Russia as "very unfair." Jaishankar emphasized that while an understanding with the world's largest market is necessary, India's non-negotiable bottom lines must be honored.