The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear key petitions on Thursday concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the alleged detention of protesters in Delhi and restrictions imposed during recent demonstrations. Meanwhile, Delhi Police is preparing security arrangements ahead of a proposed Tiranga March by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke. The hearings come amid continuing political and legal disputes following protests held in the national capital on October 10 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The cases raise questions about electoral transparency, police action during demonstrations and the right to peaceful assembly.

One of the major matters concerns a petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders challenging alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. The petitioners have sought greater transparency in electoral roll revisions and safeguards against the removal of eligible voters. The Election Commission's procedures and the concerns raised by the petitioners are expected to be examined during the proceedings.

The Supreme Court is also scheduled to consider matters relating to the handling of the October 10 demonstrations, including allegations of mass detentions and restrictions on public movement. Delhi Police has disputed allegations of unlawful detentions, while the petitioners have raised concerns about the authorities' response to the protests.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has submitted an affidavit addressing restrictions imposed at metro stations during the demonstrations. The corporation acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers and tendered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court. It stated that entry and exit restrictions were imposed at 45 of Delhi Metro's 303 stations, while the wider network continued to operate.

Another matter concerns the removal of Jantar Mantar from Delhi's list of designated protest venues. A petition challenging the decision argues that limiting access to established demonstration sites could affect citizens' ability to express their concerns publicly. The case brings the right to peaceful protest and the maintenance of public order into focus.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a Tiranga March at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday, October 16. The announcement follows the jailing of CJP co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Delhi Police is reviewing security and traffic arrangements ahead of the proposed gathering. Officials are expected to assess crowd management requirements and the possibility of traffic disruptions in and around Connaught Place, a busy commercial area in central Delhi.

The Supreme Court's proceedings on Thursday could determine the next steps in the legal challenges concerning electoral roll revisions, protest-related detentions and restrictions on public movement. Meanwhile, commuters have been advised to check official traffic and metro advisories before travelling through areas that may be affected by the proposed march.

The cases have renewed debate over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting democratic rights, including access to voting and the freedom to assemble peacefully. Further developments will depend on the court's observations and the decisions taken by the authorities ahead of Friday's proposed demonstration.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of promoting “authoritarianism”, alleging that the government was curbing the right to protest and undermining voters’ rights. “First, vote theft, followed by the ‘theft of the right to protest’—this reflects the BJP’s authoritarian approach,” Kharge said, referring to the removal of Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues.

He asserted that people would no longer submit to what he described as the “oppressive policies” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kharge also said the BJP would be held accountable for its actions. The Congress leader further alleged that people questioning the government faced imprisonment, young demonstrators were subjected to baton charges, and women protesters experienced police brutality. He also accused authorities of allowing members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to act with impunity.

Kharge’s remarks came amid protests in Delhi organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other political groups over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. On October 10, Delhi Police reportedly deployed around 41,000 personnel and detained nearly 7,000 people. Authorities also barricaded Jantar Mantar and imposed access restrictions at 45 Metro stations, according to the report.

The issue subsequently reached the Supreme Court, with petitions challenging restrictions on demonstrations and the detention of protesters and journalists. Kharge also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his reported description of 133 million people excluded during the SIR exercise as “infiltrators”. Calling the remark an affront to Indian identity, Kharge said that labelling 13.3 crore Indians in this manner was an insult to the country’s sense of Indianness.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

India has criticised Pakistan at the United Nations for making what it described as “lies and falsehoods” about Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that the Union Territory “is, and will always remain, an integral and inalienable part of India”. The response was delivered by Member of Parliament Mahima Kumari Mewar during a discussion on decolonisation at the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee.

According to a post by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York on X, Mewar exercised India’s Right of Reply following remarks made by Pakistan’s representative. She accused Islamabad of repeatedly using the UN platform to raise what India considers misleading claims about Jammu and Kashmir. Mewar also raised concerns over alleged human rights violations in areas under Pakistan’s control, urging the Pakistani government to end what she described as military occupation, repression, brutality and the unlawful exploitation of resources. She alleged that Pakistani forces and their proxies had killed civilians who were protesting for basic rights, freedoms and essential necessities.

Criticising Pakistan’s political and security record, Mewar referred to allegations of military dictatorship, disputed elections, the detention of elected leaders, religious extremism and support for terrorism. She called on Pakistan to refrain from lecturing other countries at the United Nations on these issues. She concluded by reaffirming India’s position that Jammu and Kashmir would remain an integral part of the country.

India called for stronger international cooperation and accountability mechanisms to address criminal offences and misconduct involving United Nations officials and experts serving on missions. Speaking during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, Member of Parliament Priya Saroj delivered India’s national statement on the criminal accountability of UN personnel. India’s Permanent Mission said Saroj reiterated the country’s zero-tolerance approach towards criminal conduct and misconduct, while highlighting the importance of cooperation between the United Nations and member states.

Saroj welcomed efforts by the UN Secretary-General to strengthen the existing accountability framework. She also referred to reports submitted under General Assembly Resolution 80/160, emphasising that accountability was essential to maintaining the organisation’s integrity and credibility. According to her statement, the UN Office of Legal Affairs referred 93 cases involving 93 UN officials and experts on mission to their countries of nationality between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, for investigation and possible prosecution.

Saroj stressed that the effectiveness of the system depended on timely investigations, appropriate legal action and cooperation between the United Nations and national governments. She encouraged member states to investigate allegations promptly and pursue prosecution where warranted, while keeping the UN informed of developments. She also urged countries to consider strengthening their legal jurisdiction over serious offences committed abroad by their nationals while serving as UN officials or experts on mission, in accordance with their domestic legal systems.

Emphasising the need to protect the rights of everyone involved, Saroj said accountability must be accompanied by due process and safeguards for victims and witnesses. She identified preventive measures, including training and awareness programmes, as important components of the broader effort to prevent misconduct.

Highlighting India’s legal framework, she noted that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, contains provisions addressing certain offences committed outside India by Indian nationals, while the Extradition Act, 1962, provides a framework for extradition where applicable. Saroj also stressed the importance of continued contributions to the UN Secretary-General’s Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with member states and the United Nations to strengthen accountability, improve cooperation and ensure the effective implementation of relevant measures.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said India does not support monopolies in any sector and that satellite communication (satcom) licence holders can begin operations after meeting the prescribed security requirements and completing the necessary regulatory procedures. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Scindia's remarks came amid a debate over the entry of satellite internet providers into India, particularly Elon Musk's Starlink, which is awaiting the completion of regulatory requirements before launching commercial services.

The minister emphasised that the government intends to provide a level playing field for eligible operators. He also indicated that the three licensed satellite communication companies—Starlink, Reliance Jio's satellite communications business and Eutelsat OneWeb—must comply with the applicable security framework.

Receiving a licence does not automatically authorise a company to begin commercial operations. Operators must fulfil security obligations and complete the required procedures, including those related to spectrum assignment. The rollout of satellite internet services has attracted attention following Musk's criticism of delays affecting Starlink's entry into the Indian market. The controversy has raised questions about competition and the treatment of new entrants in India's telecommunications sector.

The government has maintained that satellite communication operators are subject to a common regulatory framework and that security assessments are being carried out for the licensed companies. The process is intended to ensure that providers meet India's requirements before offering services to customers.

Spectrum pricing is another important step in the rollout. Satellite operators require access to designated radio frequencies to deliver connectivity, and the terms governing spectrum assignment can affect their operating costs and commercial plans. The Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India have been involved in the process of determining the applicable framework.

Satellite broadband is expected to offer an additional connectivity option, particularly in remote and underserved areas where extending fibre-optic networks or building mobile infrastructure can be difficult. It could also benefit businesses, emergency services and institutions operating in locations with limited conventional connectivity.

The timing of commercial launches will depend on the completion of the required approvals and other regulatory formalities. The availability of multiple providers could expand consumer choice, although actual coverage, pricing and service quality will depend on individual operators. Scindia's statement signals the government's stated position that companies meeting the prescribed conditions should be able to participate in India's satellite communications market. The next steps will involve completing the outstanding regulatory requirements and enabling eligible operators to move towards commercial service launches.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

As the Australian political year draws to a close, the Albanese government still faces several unresolved issues. During the latest parliamentary sitting week, Labor encountered difficulties securing support for its proposed budget measure to cut private health insurance rebates for Australians aged over 65. Independent Kooyong MP Monique Ryan strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that the government has repeatedly found itself reacting to events rather than setting the agenda. In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy, Ryan also questioned the government's approach to introducing several major policy initiatives in parliament. Ryan also addressed speculation surrounding Josh Frydenberg, her former political opponent and treasurer under the Morrison government, who may be considering a return to federal politics following the launch of his memoir this week. This episode was updated on 19 October 2026. An earlier version referred to a proposal to raise the GST rate to 20%. Frydenberg has not advocated such a change.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Pakistan is considering emergency rule in the northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after days of protests by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The move has raised questions about whether emergency measures could restore order or intensify political tensions. Daniel Martin discusses the situation with Dr Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Donald Trump has organised a major political convention aimed at energising Republican supporters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. However, several Republican officials seeking re-election have chosen not to attend, instead focusing on campaigning in their home states and districts. Their absence raises questions about whether some Republicans are concerned that Trump’s current political standing and unpopularity could hurt their own chances at the polls. The discussion examines the growing tensions within the party as candidates weigh their loyalty to Trump against their own electoral prospects. This week, Jenna Amatulli hosts the discussion with Guardian US politics correspondent Rachel Leingang.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian. 

Reform UK has suspended two senior party figures following an undercover investigation that allegedly showed them discussing ways to circumvent electoral rules governing overseas donations. The investigation, conducted by Channel 4 News in collaboration with investigative group Verbatim, was released just before Nigel Farage was due to deliver his speech at the party’s conference in Birmingham. The party has launched an internal investigation into James Orr, its head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a senior adviser to Farage, over their alleged conduct in the footage. Lucy Hough is joined by senior political correspondent Peter Walker to discuss the allegations, the party’s response and what the controversy could mean for Reform UK and Farage.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.