Delhi Police placed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke under preventive arrest on October 16, 2026, citing concerns about a possible breach of peace ahead of the planned ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest at Connaught Place. Police initiated action against Dipke under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and he was scheduled to appear before a Special Executive Magistrate. All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, detained during the protests, was released after completing the required formalities. The demonstrations demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and opposed the voter-list revision exercise. 

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, has responded to Reliance Industries amid an ongoing dispute over competition and its entry into India. On October 17, 2026, Starlink said it had worked with Indian regulators, industry partners and operators for over five years and built dedicated infrastructure in the country with the required government approvals. Reliance, led by Mukesh Ambani, welcomed competition but stressed that all companies must follow Indian laws. However, Starlink’s statement does not mean commercial services can begin immediately; spectrum allocation and security clearances remain important requirements. The dispute highlights growing competition in India’s satellite internet market. (PC: Reuters)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised the BCCI selection committee for excluding young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand series. Ashwin described the decision as “unfair and unfortunate,” arguing that Jaiswal deserved an opportunity, particularly with Shubman Gill unavailable for the final two matches. He warned that repeatedly overlooking the talented opener could damage his confidence. Jaiswal has demonstrated strong recent form, including two centuries in his last three ODI innings. India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 4, 2026. (PC: AFP)

All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora was released on October 17, 2026, after being detained by Delhi Police ahead of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest march at Connaught Place. Bora criticised the police, alleging that ordinary citizens were being treated like hardened criminals. She also claimed that officers delayed her access to legal counsel during detention. Meanwhile, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke was arrested under preventive provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and was scheduled to appear before a Special Executive Magistrate court. The protest demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and opposed the voter-list revision exercise. (PC: ANI)

US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions, restrictions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian oil and gas under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The decision, announced on October 16, came just before the measures were due to take effect on October 18. The law authorised tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China. Trump justified the waiver by citing US national interests. However, his administration retains the authority to reinstate these measures. The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers concerned about Russia’s war in Ukraine. (PC: Reuters)

Katie Zacharia, US President Donald Trump’s new White House press secretary, was reportedly fired on Friday after less than a week in the role. According to three people familiar with the matter who spoke to The New York Times, her brief tenure followed a difficult press briefing and controversy over whether she had overstated her legal qualifications. Neither the White House nor Zacharia responded to requests for comment. Trump told reporters he had urged her to reconsider taking the position, questioning whether she needed the job. He recalled telling her, “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider,” and asking, “Katie, do you need this? I don’t think you need this.” (PC: X)

Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of the organisation’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place on Friday. Security was tightened as police prevented the protest from proceeding. Dipke was taken into custody shortly before 5 pm after a brief altercation, following hours of police personnel making him sign documents prohibiting him from marching towards the protest site without lawful permission. He had stepped out of NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Anish Gawande’s Karol Bagh residence wearing a Gandhi-printed T-shirt and carrying the Indian flag. Opposition leaders, including MK Stalin, demanded the release of detained leaders and criticised the government. (PC: X)

India Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by four wickets in a T20I, securing victory in 15.4 overs while chasing 115. The win marked the beginning of Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy era, despite India’s top-order collapse to 18/4. Deepti Sharma scored 49 off 37 balls, including eight fours, while Niki Prasad remained unbeaten on 39 from 35 deliveries, hitting six boundaries. Their partnership revived India’s chase, with Arundhati Reddy finishing unbeaten on two. Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 114/5, led by Sharne Mayers’ unbeaten 43 off 33 balls and Kelis Ndhlovu’s 42. India’s Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani and Nandani Sharma each took a wicket. (PC: X)

India has been named the first official partner country of Russian Energy Week, scheduled for October 14–16 in Moscow, as Russia seeks greater Indian investment in its oil and gas sector. The Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry will showcase ongoing and planned bilateral projects. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak highlighted cooperation in energy assets and distribution networks. Indian companies have invested billions in Russian projects, including Sakhalin-1 and Rosneft’s Vankor cluster. India imported a record 2.8 million barrels per day of Russian crude in July 2026, accounting for approximately 55.5% of its total crude imports. Both countries are exploring expanded gas supplies, LPG purchases and new hydrocarbon facilities. (PC: The Hindu)

Ankur Patel, a 31-year-old Indian-origin man in Chicago, allegedly stabbed his estranged 32-year-old wife to death in August after she began dating a former colleague and refused reconciliation. The couple, who have a daughter, separated in May, when she moved out of their Wisconsin home before relocating to Louisiana. Patel allegedly threatened his wife and her partner, sent their daughter to India without informing her, and invited his wife to Chicago. After discovering their daughter was absent, she rejected Patel’s reconciliation request, prompting the fatal attack. Patel allegedly tried fleeing to India but was arrested before boarding his flight. He faces first-degree murder charges. (PC: X)