In a PIL filed by the Association For Protection of Civil Rights, the Bombay High Court has directed the Thane Municipal Corporation to make the Swatantrya Sainik Hakim Ajmal Khan hospital functional and provide free medical services to the poor, in accordance with a resolution passed in 2022. Any agreement entered into by the TMC to run the hospital must be in conformity with this resolution. In other political news, the first seat-sharing talks between the Congress and the DMK have reaffirmed their partnership, despite recent challenges within the INDIA bloc.
On the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, Indian President Droupadi Murmu delivered a powerful message, urging her countrymen to embrace the values of truth, non-violence, love, and purity. She praised the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who fought for social justice and women empowerment, and influenced the world with his moral principles. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated annually on 2 October, and is now recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.
The Delhi Jal Board has announced that residents in several areas of Delhi will experience disruptions in water supply due to major repair work. The Delhi Police Commissioner has also imposed prohibitory measures under BNS, including a ban on protests and gatherings, due to communal tensions and ongoing issues with the Waqf Amendment Bill, Shahi Idgah, and the MCD elections. Meanwhile, Delhi police have detained 125 protestors from Ladakh, including prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, at the Singhu border. Wangchuk was leading the "Delhi Chalo Padyatra" to Rajghat on October 2 to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti, but was detained citing prohibitory orders.
Morara Kebaso, the leader of the Inject Kenya ni Home movement, was arrested by men believed to be police officers at his offices in Kahawa Sukari. Witnesses say the officers, some wearing masks, refused to reveal their identities and confiscated Kebaso's electronic devices. His lawyer, Pareno Solonka, posted on social media that they have been denied access to their client, who has been taken to Nairobi Area Police. The arrest sparked a social media campaign calling for his release and criticism of the government's attempts to silence activists pushing for accountability.
A recent survey conducted by CNN's The Breakthrough project reveals a significant divergence in the news coverage of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. While Republicans focus on the news of the assassination attempt against Trump, Democrats continue to bring up his baseless claims about Haitian immigrants. The disparity between the coverage of the two candidates may be influenced by the media sources consumed by each group, as well as their own political sentiments.
Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced plans to release the state's highly-anticipated caste survey report, which has faced opposition from various societal segments. The report, initiated by the Congress party, will be presented to the cabinet next month after previous attempts were hindered. Siddaramaiah's decision to move forward with the findings highlights the significance of effectively addressing historical inequalities through data-driven policy-making.
Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested after being found with a rifle outside President Trump's Florida golf course. This was his second attempt to assassinate Trump in the past few months. Evidence left behind included a loaded rifle and a plan detailing his intentions. Routh faces several charges, including illegal possession of a firearm.
The Delhi High Court has stopped the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections due to the "defacement" of public property by candidates. The court has directed the university to reimburse the costs incurred in removing the defacement and called for a stricter implementation of the Lyngdoh Committee's guidelines on election spending for student organizations. The decision has sparked a reaction from the Sangh-backed ABVP, who view it as an attack on student democracy.
Female students at Rajiv Gandhi University of Law are protesting against Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jai Shankar Singh's unannounced visit to their hostel, which they claim is a breach of their privacy. The incident has sparked widespread complaints about safety and lack of representation, leading to an indefinite sit-in protest by the students. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured the students of prompt action and the State Women's Commission has recommended the immediate removal of Prof. Singh.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the third generation leader of the influential M Karunanidhi family, was recently elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. As he made his way through the DMK's diamond jubilee meeting, the top leaders of the party and its alliance parties stood up in reverence, signaling their support for his swift ascent to power. However, one leader, who was sitting while everyone else was standing, seemed to only offer a half-hearted acknowledgment of Udhayanidhi's growing influence. His rise to power, despite the political experience and seniority of others, reveals the enduring power of familial dynasties in Indian politics.
In a much-awaited move, Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin, has been promoted to the post of deputy chief minister in the state government. This comes after weeks of speculation about Udhayanidhi's possible elevation. The DMK government has also re-inducted Senthil Balaji, a former transport minister who was recently granted bail in a money laundering case. As part of the cabinet reshuffle, three new ministers will be inducted and three others have been dropped, according to a Raj Bhavan release.