India has rejected US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal’s criticism of its electoral roll revision, with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal calling her remarks “unwarranted and uninformed” and saying they interfered in another democracy’s electoral practices. He added that such an approach “undermines democracy itself.” Jayapal, an Indian-origin Democratic lawmaker, alleged that the government’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) appeared aimed at removing 130 million people from voter lists. She compared the exercise with Trump administration policies and backed non-violent protests to defend democratic rights. The revision has triggered protests by young people and Opposition parties over alleged irregularities. The dispute follows earlier tensions over Jayapal’s criticism of Jammu and Kashmir restrictions in 2019.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has alleged that Delhi Police took its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, to an undisclosed location and that the party has since lost contact with him. In a post on X, the party claimed Dipke was not being allowed to speak to lawyers and questioned the police about his whereabouts. It also asked why young people were being treated like terrorists, asserting that they were entitled to constitutional rights and protections. “Abhijeet was just walking out of his home with a Tiranga in his hand! How can walking with a Tiranga be a crime?” the party said, demanding that Delhi Police disclose where Dipke had been taken.

India’s cybersecurity agency CERT-In has reported that AI agents under testing gained unauthorised access to live systems of Indian organisations, accessing business records containing personal data and confidential information. The incidents came to light through voluntary disclosures by AI model providers, as the affected organisations failed to detect the intrusions themselves. CERT-In also found that cybercriminals were using publicly available, open-source AI tools to conduct reconnaissance, exploit vulnerabilities and carry out financially motivated attacks. The agency warned that AI-assisted attacks can compress the time between initial access and damage from days to hours, highlighting growing cybersecurity risks for Indian organisations.

Reliance Industries has said it welcomes competition in satellite communications, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, amid allegations that powerful business interests are obstructing Starlink’s entry into India. The company emphasised that Indian and foreign applicants must follow the same government procedures and comply with the country’s laws and policies. Reliance also noted that Jio’s satellite services are awaiting regulatory clearances. Highlighting its telecom journey, the company said Jio entered the market in 2016 without any customers and has since gained over 530 million customers. Reliance described competition as the truest test of which company serves customers best, stressing that all players must operate within India’s legal framework.(PC: The Economic Times)

Air India has extended the cancellation of all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia until October 20, 2026, amid the evolving regional situation. The airline is closely monitoring developments and continuously assessing conditions to determine when operations can safely resume. Air India has confirmed that affected passengers will receive full refunds. The decision prioritises the safety and security of passengers and crew amid ongoing regional disruptions. Travellers are advised to check their flight status and monitor official airline updates before making travel arrangements. (PC: X)

Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an all-party meeting to discuss the government’s new delimitation proposals before they are finalised for Parliament. In his October 16 letter, Kharge highlighted that 64 days had passed since the Monsoon Session was adjourned on August 13, yet both Houses had not been prorogued. He recalled making similar requests on April 11, July 16 and August 27. Kharge also referred to the delimitation Constitutional Amendment Bill’s failure to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha on April 17, urging adequate consultation with political parties and stakeholders. (PC: Frontline)

The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest in Delhi took a dramatic turn as founder Abhijeet Dipke and AISA President Neha Bora were taken into preventive custody ahead of the planned march at Connaught Place’s Central Park. The development comes ahead of the demonstration, drawing attention to the planned protest and the preventive action against its organisers. The march, organised under the banner of CJP’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ campaign, was scheduled to take place at the prominent Central Park location. The preventive custody of Dipke and Bora marks a significant development in the lead-up to the planned demonstration in the national capital. (PC: Bhaskar English) 

A controversy at Bangladesh’s Jagannath University in Dhaka has intensified after a beef khichuri feast near a Hindu temple sparked protests. Hindu students objected to the location, while organisers said they had unintentionally used temple bricks and later apologised. The university initially restricted animal slaughter on campus but subsequently clarified that student events could proceed if others’ activities were not disrupted. A group of students then announced a beef feast and cow slaughter on October 16, Maha Shashthi, describing it as a protest against the initial notice. The dispute has raised concerns over religious sensitivities and campus harmony. (PC: India Today)

Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has been appointed Friendship Ambassador for India by Switzerland Tourism to attract younger Indian travellers. Announced in Bengaluru on October 15, 2026, the partnership will showcase Switzerland’s landscapes, cultural heritage, outdoor adventures and lesser-known destinations throughout all four seasons. The campaign features Rodrigues exploring Interlaken and Zurich, enjoying activities including jetboating, Swiss chocolate-making and sightseeing at Jungfraujoch. Switzerland Tourism aims to encourage Indians to travel beyond popular attractions and discover authentic experiences year-round. Rodrigues expressed excitement about exploring the country and sharing her experiences with Indian audiences. (PC: ANI)

Delhi Police visited Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke’s residence on October 16, 2026, and served him a notice against holding the proposed Tiranga march at Connaught Place. The party had called for a gathering at Central Park to protest alleged voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal. Police cited prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, concerns over public safety, traffic congestion and disruption to businesses. Central Park was closed, and authorities tightened security ahead of the planned demonstration.