Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders filed a petition in the Supreme Court on October 12, challenging alleged voter deletions and irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The petition also raises concerns over restrictions on peaceful protests. The move followed a ‘March for Democracy’ led by Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Delhi Police stopped the procession at barricades on Bhagwan Dass Road as leaders headed towards the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the petition addressed both the SIR exercise and protest restrictions. The hearing date remains unknown. (PC: India Today)

India’s retail inflation rose to 5.54% in September 2026 from 4.83% in August, driven by rising food prices, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on October 12. Food inflation increased to 7.74% from 5.97% in the previous month. Onion prices recorded the sharpest rise, with inflation reaching 108.09%, while ginger, garlic and lemons also became costlier. Rural retail inflation stood at 6.08%, compared with 4.88% in urban areas. However, potato and tomato prices declined by 11.50% and 8.62%, respectively, offering some relief to consumers. (PC: Business Today)

Bollywood actor Vijay Varma took a sarcastic dig at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid protests demanding his resignation. Varma shared an edited image of Kumar on Instagram with the tagline “Saving Private Gyan”. He also mocked efforts to protect the poll body chief. Actor Huma Qureshi backed the protesters, saying peaceful protests and demands for accountability were democratic rights. Singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi criticised police action against demonstrators in Mumbai and Delhi. Actor Sunny Hinduja also shared a poem highlighting the importance of speaking up against injustice. The protests concern alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.  

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised Delhi Police for removing Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Reacting to the decision on Monday, he said, “Ab poora desh Jantar Mantar banega!” He also claimed the site had been turned into a “war zone”. Delhi Police has named three alternative venues for protests: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in Shahdara. The decision follows months of youth-led demonstrations organised by the CJP. Recent protests have focused on alleged examination irregularities and claims of voter roll manipulation linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).  

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc marched towards the Supreme Court in Delhi on Monday to protest alleged voter roll manipulation. The alliance launched its “Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy” campaign and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition accused the poll body of allowing “vote chori”. Sources said Rahul Gandhi was likely to be allowed to enter the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leaders were detained during a separate protest. Security was tightened across Delhi, with police and paramilitary forces deployed at key locations. Traffic and metro services were also affected.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backed US President Donald Trump's call for an energy ceasefire with Russia. However, he said Russian forces continued to attack Ukraine's power plants. Trump claimed the ceasefire was effective immediately but gave no details. Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to stop attacking Russian energy sites if Moscow agreed. He accused Russia of striking a power plant in Kyiv and energy facilities in Kharkiv after Trump's announcement. The proposed truce comes as both countries continue attacks on energy infrastructure. The deal has also faced criticism from US lawmakers and European officials.  

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the greatest footballer in history. In an interview with CNN Portugal, the Portugal forward said his goals and current form were not getting enough recognition. “People are not valuing the form I am in, my goals,” Ronaldo said. “The numbers speak for themselves,” he added. The 40-year-old is reportedly suspended from the national team following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. The disagreement came after Ronaldo warmed up but did not play in Portugal’s 4-2 win over Denmark. His long-time rival Lionel Messi has also received praise following Argentina’s World Cup success.  

2 Indian seafarers are missing after a drone attack on the tanker MT Petro Dolphin off Oman on October 11. The vessel, which flies the Nicaragua flag, was carrying 11 Indian crew members. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said nine crew members had been rescued and were safe. Search operations are underway to find the two missing sailors. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is in contact with local authorities and is monitoring the situation. In a separate incident, another tanker carrying 11 Indian seafarers was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire onboard.  

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday claimed that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had been sending him messages. Asked if Kumar had contacted him, Gandhi said, “Messages aate hai” and added that the CEC was watching his press conference. He told Kumar to “turn approver” and resign, claiming that others were behind the alleged wrongdoing. Gandhi also said around 200 government officers were in touch with the opposition and sharing information. INDIA bloc leaders planned to march to the Supreme Court to protest alleged vote theft and file a petition against Kumar.  

Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and named three alternative venues. The new sites are Ramlila Ground in Old Delhi, CBD Ground in East Delhi and Burari Ground in North Delhi. The move comes amid a dispute with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over permission for a peaceful protest. The party has demanded a date for its demonstration and an explanation for the restrictions. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court will hear a plea challenging the closure of Jantar Mantar on October 13. Police will issue new rules for protests at the alternative venues.