Opposition Flags Form 6 Changes, Seeks CEC Resignation; INDIA Bloc Consults

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is expected to address geopolitical conflicts, counter-terrorism, and Global South interests. On the sidelines of the UNGA, India and Liberia formed a group of friends on seafarer safety following attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf. During a media interaction, Jaishankar rejected a Pakistani journalist's question regarding terrorism, calling Pakistan a terrorist country. The bulletin also highlighted Indian diplomatic responses to Pakistan at the UN concerning cross-border terrorism, safe havens for terrorists, and issues regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.

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.