Madhya Pradesh assembly polls: Elections On My Plate with Rajdeep Sardesai

At the eighty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the External Affairs Minister is scheduled to address global geopolitical tensions, counter-terrorism priorities, and the interests of the Global South. Diplomatic discussions highlighted severe concerns regarding recurrent attacks targeting commercial shipping across the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Bab el-Mandeb strait. In response to risks faced by merchant mariners, an initiative was established alongside Liberia to promote maritime safety. In addition, firm positions were maintained against cross-border terrorism sponsorship during diplomatic engagements.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hit back at a Pakistani reporter during a press briefing in New York after the journalist attempted to question him about terrorism. Jaishankar responded, “A terrorist country is asking me that question.”

A full-blown political war has erupted over internal cracks within the Election Commission regarding the SIR exercise. The opposition, led by Congress, has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging electoral manipulation, while workers staged demonstrations and clashed with police in several state capitals. The INDIA bloc is reportedly preparing an impeachment motion in Parliament, while a petition filed in the Supreme Court seeks to declare all SIR decisions illegal and prosecute key poll officials. In response, the BJP defended the CEC, commending the removal of alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators from voter rolls. Meanwhile, the Election Commission issued a clarification maintaining that its platform is decentralised, secure, and accessible only to authorised personnel.

Following the gang rape of a minor girl at Ashta Kunj Park near Kalkaji, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor conducted a surprise inspection of Vasant Park in North Delhi along with the Chief Secretary. The Lieutenant Governor reviewed ground security and park illumination, ordering authorities to eliminate dark spots and ensure all public parks remain well-lit and secure at all times. Stressing that the safety of women and children is top priority, directions were issued for regular patrolling near public parks following Delhi Police audits highlighting inadequate lighting, security, and CCTV coverage.