The Supreme Court will hear a PIL on October 17 seeking a nationwide ban on online gambling and betting platforms. The plea alleges these platforms disguise themselves as e-sports or social games, causing massive social and economic harm. It demands action from government bodies, blocking orders, financial investigations, and data protection for minors.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge urged CM Siddaramaiah to ban government staff from RSS activities, citing conduct rules barring political affiliations. He also sought a ban on RSS shakhas in public schools and grounds. Claiming threats over his stance, Kharge shared a video. BJP slammed his move, daring him to ban RSS entirely.
AP CM Chandrababu said the state is reaping double benefits under the double-engine govt. With PM Modi’s support, ArcelorMittal, Google AI Data Center, and BPCL have come to Vizah city. He announced a High Court bench in Kurnool, a steel plant in Kadapa, and drone and space cities in Orvakallu and Kadapa, respectively.
At the ‘Super GST Sabha’ in Kurnool, AP, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹13,400 crore. Key initiatives include power transmission upgrades, road and railway works, a new LPG bottling plant, a defence manufacturing unit, and the Srikakulam-Angul Natural Gas Pipeline, boosting infrastructure in the state.
The three-match ODI series between India and Australia will begin on October 19, with Team India led by captain Shubman Gill. Viewers can watch the series on Star Sports Network and JioCinema with a subscription. However, the matches will also be available for free broadcast on the Doordarshan (DD) Sports Channel.
The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court that 3.66 lakh voter names were removed from Bihar’s final list through a Special Summary Revision (SIR), with no complaints received. However, the Court directed the EC to review possible errors and shortcomings in the process and to provide free legal aid to all affected individuals.
AP CM Chandrababu will visit London from November 2 to 5 to attract investments to the state. During the visit, he will invite London-based industrialists to the Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on November 14-15. He will also highlight the state’s investment opportunities and the incentives being offered by the AP govt.
India has emerged as the third most powerful air force in the world, as per the latest World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) rankings. Strengthening its military capabilities, India has surpassed China, which now ranks fourth. The United States and Russia retain the top two positions on the global air power index.
PM Modi continued his visit to Srisailam by visiting the ‘Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Spurti Kendra’. He toured the Shivaji Durbar Hall and meditation halls, and praised the Trust administrators for their effective management. Modi was accompanied by Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan during the visit.
The Henley Passport Index, developed by Henley & Partners, ranks world passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. Updated quarterly, it uses data from the International Air Transport Association. The index highlights global mobility trends and reflects ties through visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
Former BJP MLA Raja Singh attacked Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, alleging bias against Backward Class leaders in Telangana. Citing the Jubilee Hills by-election, he said BJP’s choice of a Reddy candidate shows BC neglect. Singh claimed internal conflicts and favoritism within the party are weakening its electoral prospects.
The Supreme Court has begun hearing the Telangana government’s petition on 42% BC reservations in local body elections. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi represented the state, urging the court to intervene immediately. The Telangana govt requested a stay on the High Court’s orders and sought permission to implement 42% reservations for BCs in the polls.
India reaffirmed its stand on Russian crude imports, emphasizing consumer protection and energy stability amid US President Donald Trump’s remarks that PM Modi promised to halt purchases. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said talks with the US on energy cooperation continue, stressing diversification and secure sourcing to meet national interests.
China has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization, alleging that India is providing subsidies on electric vehicles and batteries in violation of global trade rules. Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal stated that the allegations are under review. China has raised similar concerns against Turkey, Canada, and the European Union as well.
Telangana Jagruthi president K. Kavitha will start a tour covering 32 districts of Telangana under the banner of ‘Jagruthi Janam Bata’. The programme will begin on Oct 25 and end on Feb 13, 2026, and she will spend 2 days in every district of Telangana. Kavitha will also interact with the people across the villages.