Coronavirus: Here's what lockdown means

A debate on the Election Commission of India focuses on its sworn affidavit filed before the Supreme Court claiming that its decisions were unanimous, amidst reported dissent from two election commissioners regarding Form 6 and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave criticises constitutional bodies, remarking, 'Election Commission of India is a caged tiger now', and stating he takes the poll body's affidavit 'not with a pinch of salt, but with a bag full of salt'. He asserts that executive pressure has compromised institutional independence. In contrast, former Uttarakhand High Court judge Justice Lokpal Singh defends the commission, stating that an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court must be accepted in its true spirit as filing a false affidavit carries severe legal consequences. The discussion delves into file notings, unaddressed objections, judicial independence, and democratic accountability.

Thirteen of the 17 inmates who escaped from Tamil Nadu’s Theni sub-jail after allegedly attacking prison staff have been rearrested using drone surveillance.

The Congress party has decided to proceed with a mock parliament to stage a public impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on 30 October. The event has been shifted to 10 Rajaji Marg, the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, after permissions were denied for Ramlila Maidan and Ashoka Hotel. The party stated that police cited security measures in refusing clearance. Around 100 Members of Parliament are expected to assemble at Kharge's residence at 3:30 PM for the demonstration. The initiative is intended to build political momentum ahead of a mega rally planned for 1 November and escalate pressure against the government.

Children of daily wage labourers and economically weaker families in Uttar Pradesh are getting access to quality education, residential facilities and meals free of cost under the state government’s Atal Awasiya Vidyalaya scheme. At the residential school in Moradabad, 718 students are studying in smart classrooms, learning English and aspiring to become IAS officers, judges and army doctors. Principal T P Singh and administrative officer Umesh Kumar Tripathi said the institution aims to help children overcome financial barriers through modern infrastructure, free education and a supportive learning environment. The scheme seeks to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities to pursue their ambitions without the financial burden of schooling, accommodation and food.