QUICKREADS

Odisha govt clears proposals to decriminalise minor offences, allow women to work in all factories

The Odisha Cabinet approved 15 proposals, including an ordinance to decriminalise minor offences and allow women to work flexible hours in factories. The Odisha Jan Vishwas Ordinance aims to replace criminal penalties with civil ones, easing compliance and reducing court backlogs. Additionally, the 'Swachha Odisha' scheme was launched with a Rs 1,600 crore budget to improve sanitation efforts.

SC cracks down on “digital arrest” frauds

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of rising "digital arrest" scams, where criminals impersonate officials to extort money from victims, especially seniors. This follows a case involving a couple defrauded of ₹1.5 crore through forged court orders. The court emphasized the need for coordinated action against these scams, which undermine public trust in the judicial system.

Mercedes, Audi, imported liquor, cash stash: Inside Punjab DIG's seized assets

The CBI's investigation into Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar revealed significant assets, including 1.5 kg of jewelry, luxury cars, and firearms, during a bribery probe linked to a ₹8 lakh extortion case. The agency seized ₹5 crore in cash and initiated corruption charges against Bhullar and a middleman, following a complaint from a local businessman.

Why Indians won't be eligible for US green card lottery 2026

Indian nationals are ineligible for the 2026 Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program due to over 50,000 immigrants from India in the past five years. The DV program aims to diversify the US immigrant population and allocates up to 55,000 visas annually. Other ineligible countries include Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, and South Korea.

Cong accuses BJP's Nishikant Dubey of graft, cites wife's ‘disproportion assets’

The Congress party accused BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's wife, Anamika Gautam, of significant asset growth, suggesting potential corruption. They called for an investigation, highlighting discrepancies between her income and assets over the years. Despite a complaint to the Lokpal, there has been no response from Dubey or the BJP regarding these allegations.

Jaipur crafts India's most costly sweet for Diwali. Will cost ₹1.11 lakh per kg | Photos

Jaipur introduced a luxurious sweet, Swarn Bhasam Pak, last Diwali, made with gold and silver ashes, priced at ₹70,000 per kilogram. This year, as part of ‘Panch Parv Diwali’ celebrations, temples will host cultural events and decorations, with Rajasthan's Chief Minister directing beautification efforts in public areas and schools. Jaipur also launched the even pricier Swarn Prasadam at ₹1.11 lakh per kilogram.

SC seeks Centre's response over rising instances of digital arrest in country

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the digital arrest of a senior citizen couple in Ambala, Haryana, based on forged court orders by fraudsters seeking to extort Rs 1.05 crore. Justices highlighted the rising trend of such crimes, emphasizing the need for coordinated police efforts to combat this issue and protect public trust in the judicial system.

Rahul Gandhi visits family of Dalit lynching victim in UP’s Fatehpur

Rahul Gandhi visited the family of lynched Dalit Hariom Valmiki in Fatehpur, expressing concern over rising violence against Dalits. He accused the Uttar Pradesh government of isolating the family and urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure their protection and dignity. Gandhi emphasized the need for justice and support for the family, who he claimed were coerced into avoiding his visit.

Rivaba Jadeja becomes minister in new Gujarat cabinet

Rivaba Jadeja, wife of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, was inducted into the new Gujarat cabinet as Jamnagar North MLA. The 26-member cabinet follows the resignation of all ministers, enabling a strategic reset before upcoming local and assembly elections. Rivaba, a BJP member since 2019, won her seat by over 50,000 votes in the 2022 elections.

Gujarat government rejigs entire cabinet, appoints 26 new ministers. See full list

The BJP-led Gujarat government appointed a new cabinet of 26 ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, following the resignation of the previous cabinet. This strategic reset aims to prepare for local body polls and the 2027 state assembly election. Harsh Sanghavi has been named the new deputy Chief Minister, with other ministers' portfolios yet to be announced.

Shilpa Shetty pulls travel plea after Bombay HC's reluctance for relief

Actor Shilpa Shetty withdrew her request to the Bombay High Court for permission to travel abroad after the court expressed reluctance to grant it. Shetty, along with her husband Raj Kundra, is challenging Look Out Circulars related to a ₹60.48-crore cheating case. Their lawyer indicated they would file a new application for future travel plans.

No more ‘ORS’ on brand labels, products: What food regulator's move means

India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has mandated food business operators to eliminate the term "ORS" (Oral Rehydration Solution) from all product labels, including trademarks. This decision aims to prevent misleading labeling that could confuse consumers. Authorities are instructed to enforce compliance, with penalties for violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

'They were forced to say...': Rahul Gandhi meets Dalit victim's kin after clip surfaces

Hari Om Valmiki, a Dalit man, was lynched in Rae Bareli on October 2 over theft suspicions, leading to 12 arrests. Congress leader Ajay Rai criticized the UP government for failing to protect Dalits. Valmiki's family expressed satisfaction with government actions and declined to meet opposition leaders, while Rahul Gandhi accused authorities of intimidation during his visit to the family.

JD(U)'s shift from its secular profile, fields only 4 Muslim candidates in Bihar polls

The JD-U has significantly reduced its Muslim candidate representation in the upcoming elections, offering only four seats out of 101. This change reflects a loss of confidence in securing minority votes, as past attempts have yielded poor results. Despite Nitish Kumar's efforts to maintain secular credentials, the party's alliance with BJP has alienated Muslim voters.

'8 fadne ne 8’: WhatsApp call recording exposes Punjab top cop's bribery demand

The CBI arrested Punjab's DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar for allegedly demanding an ₹8 lakh bribe from a scrap dealer. A trap revealed Bhullar's involvement through a recorded WhatsApp call and subsequent searches uncovered ₹5 crore in cash, luxury items, and firearms at his office and home. The investigation is ongoing, following a complaint from the dealer.

Pakistan's Khawaja Asif says ready for 'two-front war', cites India amid conflict with Afghan Taliban

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of potential Indian aggression at the border, citing heightened tensions due to Afghanistan's instability. He emphasized Pakistan's readiness for a "two-front war" with both India and Afghanistan, asserting a strategy is in place. Meanwhile, India criticized Pakistan's actions and expressed support for Afghanistan amidst ongoing border clashes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for dialogue with Kabul.