Voter Roll Revision In Karnataka Under Scanner Over Bulk Deletion Forms And Third-Party Requests

India's eastern coast is on high alert as Cyclone Arnab intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, with landfall expected near the Andhra Pradesh coast during the forenoon of 28 October 2026. The India Meteorological Department warned of maximum sustained wind speeds reaching 115 to 125 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 140 kilometres per hour, alongside waves rising above 14 metres. In response, fifteen NDRF teams, along with the Navy and Coast Guard, have been mobilised, while flood-prone regions are being evacuated. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed preparedness and released 27 crore rupees for response operations. Officials have been directed to issue regular alerts, prepare reservoirs for floodwaters, and ensure uninterrupted power and essential supplies.

Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Anbil Mahesh has been arrested by the Chennai Central Crime Branch in an alleged 100-crore rupees corruption case. The arrest occurred after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea regarding allegations of accepting bribes from private schools for approvals and recognition between 2021 and 2026. A court has remanded him to judicial custody until November 6. Mahesh maintained that he cooperated with the police and stated that the allegations cannot be proven. Meanwhile, DMK leadership slammed the move as political vendetta, while the ruling TVK government defended the anti-corruption action.

The Election Commission of India has filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court, strongly denying allegations of unilateral decision-making by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding the Special Intensive Revision. The poll panel submitted that all three Special Intensive Revision orders were unanimous among the three election commissioners, statutory Form 6 has not been amended, and no voter additions or deletions can occur without an Electoral Registration Officer's order. It clarified that internal file notes do not constitute final decisions and challenged the news reports behind the allegations. The legal dispute continues to fuel a political confrontation. The opposition is organising a Save Democracy rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, despite Delhi traders expressing concerns over potential commercial disruption. In counter, the Bharatiya Janata Party has announced nationwide padayatras under its Loktantra Bachao, Anarjkta Hatao campaign, featuring a march in Hyderabad. Critical questions remain over whether the complete paper trail and records will be disclosed.

Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as the Israeli opposition's leading candidate to challenge incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The 66-year-old Yashar Party leader presents a contrast to Netanyahu, having lost his son and nephews in the Gaza conflict. While Eisenkot opposes Palestinian statehood and demands the dismantling of Hamas' military wing, he opposes Netanyahu's West Bank annexation plan and has vowed an inquiry into lapses behind the October 7 attacks. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, opposes probes and holds Donald Trump's endorsement. With opinion polls showing a fractured electorate, coalition building will decide whether Eisenkot can unseat Netanyahu.