Delhi Police on Thursday urged citizens not to attend the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed gathering at Central Park, Connaught Place, on October 16, citing law-and-order concerns. DCP Neha Yadav said CJP had appealed to the public to assemble at 5 pm carrying Tricolour flags, while some political groups had also extended support. The New Delhi Municipal Council informed police that Central Park would remain closed on October 16 and 17. Yadav said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were already in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas to maintain peace, protect lives and safeguard public and private property.

The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi and his political ecosystem of pursuing regime change and attempting to create Bangladesh-like anarchy, citing remarks by AISA president Neha Bora and lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Bora, a prominent student face during recent protests over alleged Special Intensive Revision (SIR) irregularities, credited Bangladesh’s 2024 Gen Z uprising with “showing us the way”. A day later, Bhushan openly advocated “regime change” during a joint press conference with Bora and Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke. The remarks have provided the BJP fresh grounds to target Rahul, whose street protests over alleged SIR irregularities have been attended by Bora and Bhushan. Bora has also regularly attended INDIA bloc meetings. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India’s performance at the 2026 Asian Games, where the country finished fourth in the medal tally for the second consecutive edition, winning 85 medals, including 21 golds. Addressing medal winners at New Delhi’s Dhyan Chand Stadium, Modi said India’s sporting ecosystem had developed considerably over the past 12 years. He highlighted medals in sports where India had not previously reached the podium and celebrated double golds in cricket, kabaddi and hockey. Modi particularly praised the women’s hockey team for ending a 44-year wait for gold. Both Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold medals at the continental event held in Japan’s Aichi and Nagoya.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif faced criticism after allegedly sharing an AI-generated Marilyn Monroe puzzle on X. The image, set in 1956, showed Monroe wearing a modern smartwatch, which viewers were expected to identify as an anachronism. Asif allegedly reposted it with “Watch” and a smiling emoji. News18 could not independently verify the post because the purported account was “withheld” on X. Social media users questioned his priorities amid Pakistan’s economic, political and security challenges, while others mocked the post or defended its wording. Critics also called it “AI slop,” describing low-quality, mass-produced AI content. News18 clarified that user-generated claims remained unverified. (PC: X)

Kolkata’s Chingrighata flyover has come under scrutiny after motorcycles reportedly skidded on its freshly painted, rain-soaked surface ahead of Durga Puja. A viral dashcam video showing riders losing control raised serious road-safety concerns and triggered a political dispute between the BJP-led West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul ordered an investigation, maintaining that anti-skid paint was used and the beautification project was funded through corporate social responsibility (CSR). Authorities installed reflective road studs and undertook corrective work. The TMC questioned the painting decision and demanded accountability over the safety risks and removal costs. 

A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, has been arrested in Palatine, Illinois, for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Hindu place of worship in nearby Aurora. Police arrested him on October 11 after his co-workers reported disturbing messages describing an alleged attack plan. Prosecutors allege he shared an eight-page manifesto containing white supremacist and neo-Nazi views, alongside threats against Indians and other communities. Investigators reportedly recovered a rifle, ammunition, tactical equipment and Nazi-related items from his home. India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the alleged anti-Hindu plot. Paporakis faces felony charges and remains in custody pending further court proceedings. 

The United States military has reportedly developed fresh strike plans against Iran that could involve the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), known as the “Mother of All Bombs.” According to CNN, the potential targets include Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, including sites near Pickaxe Mountain. The plans emerge as President Donald Trump faces growing domestic pressure to end the increasingly unpopular conflict ahead of November’s midterm elections. However, military officials reportedly question whether the powerful non-nuclear weapon could destroy deeply buried nuclear facilities. No final decision to deploy the bomb has been confirmed, and Washington continues to consider its military options. (PC: Reuters)

The Delhi High Court on October 15, 2026, refused to stop the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, from holding a protest at Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16. The court recorded Delhi Police’s assurance that all necessary legal measures would be taken to regulate the gathering. The protest aims to oppose the alleged electoral irregularities and the police crackdown on demonstrators demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The case arose from concerns raised by a licensed street vendor about potential business losses and traffic disruptions during the festive season. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai Police have directed Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American national and nephew of actor Aamir Khan, to leave India by October 28, 2026. The notice, issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), alleges violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The action follows Khan’s participation in an October 10 protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Khan was briefly detained during the demonstration. His legal team is preparing to challenge the order before the Bombay High Court, arguing that his participation in the protest should not warrant his removal from India. (PC: The Hindu)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting protesters and Opposition leaders to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking at a press conference with Neha Bora and actor Prakash Raj, Dipke said demonstrators were being dragged from streets for demanding Kumar’s resignation. He also questioned the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that 13 crore voters’ names had been deleted. These figures remain Dipke’s claims. His remarks came after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to Tihar Jail in judicial custody. (PC: India Today)