The Supreme Court of India has reserved its order on a petition filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, challenging the Madras High Court's directive to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the tragic stampede during a TVK rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27, 2025. The incident resulted in 41 deaths and over 100 injuries. TVK contends that the SIT, composed entirely of Tamil Nadu police officers, cannot ensure an impartial investigation, especially given the High Court's prior concerns about the independence of the state police. The party has requested an independent probe under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge or an alternative agency like the CBI. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict on October 10, 2025. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Minister Shantanu Thakur claimed 1.2 crore "illegal voters" could be removed from West Bengal's electoral rolls through the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR). The BJP MP asserted the process would eliminate "Rohingyas, infiltrators and ghost voters," enabling BJP's victory. Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Bala Thakur, his aunt and fellow Matua leader, warned the SIR would primarily hurt Matua refugees who vote BJP, increasing TMC seats instead. She accused BJP leadership of creating confusion over citizenship and voter registration. The SIR has become politically contentious, with TMC alleging EC bias favoring BJP before 2026 assembly polls, while BJP insists it cleanses bogus entries. The Matua community holds significant electoral influence. (PC: Newsonair)

Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has responded to allegations regarding the leak of Shah Rukh Khan's WhatsApp chat. Wankhede clarified that the information was not leaked but was presented as evidence in a legal writ before the court. He emphasized that had he intended to leak it, he would have done so outside the legal proceedings. Wankhede is currently pursuing a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment, claiming that their series, The Bads of Bollywood, portrays him in a defamatory light.

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has strongly condemned the October 6 incident in which Advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, calling it an affront to the judiciary that “should never be forgotten.” While CJI Gavai appeared to downplay the matter in court, Bhuyan argued that it is no joking matter and pointed out that there was no apology from the perpetrator. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also called the act “unpardonable.” Kishore’s lawyer’s licence has been suspended, and he faces criminal proceedings in Bengaluru.   

The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked its 93rd anniversary on October 8 with a unique and humorous menu card that went viral online. Named ‘Operation Kitchen,’ the menu featured dishes referencing Pakistani sites targeted during Operation Sindoor, such as Rawalpindi Chicken Tikka Masala and Muridke Meetha Pan. Social media users praised the wit, with many calling it “official trolling” and appreciating the humour. The missile strikes, carried out in May, targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack. The celebration highlighted IAF’s precision, resolve, and ability to mix culture with a strong message. (PC: X)

Celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib, his son Anos Habib, and an associate have been booked in 23 fraud cases in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal for running a ₹7 crore Bitcoin scam. Police said they collected ₹5–7 lakh from each investor through their FLC Company, promising returns of up to 70%. Over 38 victims have been identified. A lookout notice has been issued, and their properties may be seized if they fail to repay the money. Officers said the scam was operated like an organised gang, targeting local businessmen who mostly dealt in cash. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that “radicalism and violent extremism have no space in democratic societies” and urged action against Khalistani extremists. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said both leaders agreed such groups must not misuse democratic freedoms. He described Starmer’s visit as “a partnership for the people,” highlighting progress in trade, education, and technology. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), UK university campuses in India, and startup collaborations were discussed. Modi also thanked the UK for backing India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat. (PC: X)

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai said he was “very shocked” by Monday’s shoe attack inside the Supreme Court. Speaking in court, he called the incident a “forgotten chapter.” Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said the act was “an affront to the institution.” The attacker, 71-year-old lawyer Rakesh Kishore, was restrained by security after shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta called the act “unpardonable.” CJI Gavai decided not to press charges. The attack drew strong condemnation from PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and others. Protests were held in Maharashtra by Ambedkarite groups. (PC: HT)

Indian author Amitav Ghosh emerges as a leading contender for the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, announced Thursday by The Swedish Academy. If victorious, Ghosh would become the second Indian Nobel laureate after Rabindranath Tagore's 1913 win for Gitanjali. According to Ladbrokes, Chinese writer Can Xue and Hungarian László Krasznahorkai lead favorites, followed by Mexican Cristina Rivera Garza and Romanian Mircea Cărtărescu. However, Nicerodds' compiled bookmaker data shows Ghosh as a top favorite. Other notable contenders include Salman Rushdie, Haruki Murakami, Margaret Atwood, Canadian poet Ann Carson, and Jamaica Kincaid. Last year's prize honored South Korean Han Kang for confronting historical traumas and exposing human life's fragility.

A woman in South Delhi's Madangir, identified as Sadhna, has been arrested for allegedly pouring boiling oil and chili powder on her husband, Dinesh Kumar, while he was asleep. The incident occurred on October 3, after Dinesh returned home late from work. Awakened by a burning sensation, he saw his wife with the hot liquid and was threatened. His screams alerted neighbors and his landlord, who rushed him to the hospital. He was later transferred to Safdarjung Hospital. According to police, the couple, married for eight years, had a history of a troubled relationship, and had an argument on the day of the incident. A previous complaint filed by the wife with the Crime Against Women Cell two years ago was settled. Dinesh's injuries were described in the medical report as "dangerous" and "scald burns."