Delhi Police has prepared an extensive security and surveillance plan ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed October 10 protest after denying permission for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. More than 20,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed across the capital. Preparations reported by Friday night included barricades around Jantar Mantar, restrictions on metro station entry and exits, hundreds of cancelled trains and mobile internet suspension in parts of central Delhi. The broader plan also includes 300 cameras, 12 detention centres and extensive recording measures. Senior police officers have briefed deployed personnel, instructing them to maintain restraint and handle the situation professionally during the protest. (PC: Reuters)

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reduced the number of stations facing entry and exit restrictions ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) October 10 protest from 57 to 45. The revised restrictions took effect at 9 pm on October 9 and will remain in place until 6 pm on October 10, citing security concerns. DMRC said security agencies would review the situation and further updates would follow. Interchange facilities will remain available at all affected stations except New Delhi Metro station. The revision follows Supreme Court concerns that sweeping transport restrictions could inconvenience commuters. The court directed authorities to maintain regulated Metro and railway operations rather than impose a complete shutdown. (PC: News18)

Elon Musk has escalated his dispute over Starlink’s entry into India, sarcastically addressing Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accusing him of seeking to preserve monopolistic control. In a post on X on Friday, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO argued that Starlink could connect underserved communities, expand educational opportunities and help small businesses reach global markets. He also claimed the satellite internet service had saved lives during natural disasters when other communication systems failed. The controversy began when Musk alleged that unnamed oligarchs were blocking Starlink. India’s Communications Ministry rejected claims of discriminatory regulation, saying the country’s authorisation framework was fair and non-discriminatory. Starlink’s security assessment remains underway.

Larry, the official cat of 10 Downing Street and the UK government’s Chief Mouser, is recovering at home after undergoing a minor operation to remove a cyst. A Downing Street source confirmed that Larry is doing well and has already returned to roaming the building. The source offered a light-hearted update, saying Larry was “feline much better” but taking things “one paw at a time.” The statement also expressed gratitude to the veterinary team involved in his treatment. Larry, a familiar presence at the British prime minister’s official residence, is known for his role in catching mice and has become a popular fixture of Downing Street life. (PC: X)

Mobile internet services have been suspended for 24 hours within a 4-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing in New Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) October 10 protest. The Union Home Ministry approved the order, with the shutdown scheduled from 10 pm on October 9 until 10 pm on October 10. The restrictions cover all mobile internet services, and Delhi Police has directed Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and MTNL to implement the suspension. Internet services in the rest of Delhi will remain unaffected. The protest comes amid allegations of irregularities in election-related processes, prompting authorities to impose the temporary connectivity restrictions ahead of the demonstration. (PC: PTI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay a “bigot” against Jews, accusing her of promoting false allegations against Israel over its military campaign in Gaza. In a statement posted on X on October 9, the office criticised the Nobel Committee’s decision to honour Pillay, alleging she helped legitimise what it described as a fabricated case against Israel. The statement also accused International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan of using Pillay’s findings to build the case, while referring to allegations of sexual misconduct against Khan. Pillay headed the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded last year that Israel was committing “genocide” in Gaza.

The United States imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, escalating President Donald Trump’s administration’s campaign against the Hague-based tribunal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a ban on transactions with the court, calling it a “rogue court” and warning that Washington would end its operations unless it addressed US concerns. The ICC condemned the sanctions as an attack on international law and the foundations of the global legal order, insisting it would continue its work independently. The move followed South African jurist Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize win. A former ICC Appeals Chamber judge, Pillay was honoured for advancing international criminal justice amid political attacks on legal institutions. (PC: Reuters)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the INDIA bloc was ready to provide evidence of alleged “vote theft” after meeting President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. Gandhi claimed the President had not denied the allegations but had asked for proof. He announced that Opposition leaders would approach the Supreme Court on Monday and submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice of India. The delegation demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), restoration of 13.3 crore deleted voters, a return to paper ballots and repeal of Assembly elections where it alleges conclusive evidence of electoral fraud exists. The BJP rejected the allegations, accusing the Opposition of political desperation.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to consider identifying an alternative venue for peaceful demonstrations in Delhi, citing inadequate civic facilities at Jantar Mantar. During an emergency hearing ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) October 10 protest, Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that demonstrators face difficulties due to insufficient sanitation facilities, including public toilets. The court also highlighted congestion near government quarters and MPs’ residences, which creates administrative bottlenecks and restricts access for residents and visitors. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta pointed to difficulties for ambulances reaching emergencies during large gatherings. The Centre said the competent authority would examine the suggestion and consider a purpose-built protest site with better sanitation, capacity and medical access. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Friday barred a blanket shutdown of Delhi Metro services ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) Saturday rally demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The court questioned Delhi Police’s decision to close 57 Metro stations, observing that the move would affect citizens’ rights to access public transport. It directed authorities to ensure there was no complete prohibition on Metro train movement and ordered wide publicity for a regulated operating arrangement to minimise inconvenience to commuters. The Centre said it would consider an alternative protest venue to Jantar Mantar, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that Metro services would continue under suitable regulation. (PC: PTI)