The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday extended support to the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The outfit alleged that the exercise raised concerns about eligible voters being excluded and accused the Election Commission of undermining the principle that citizens, not governments, should choose their representatives. CJP said Kumar had lost the trust necessary to oversee free and fair elections and that his resignation was essential to restore the poll body's credibility and independence. Invoking the Constituent Assembly, it cited Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru and other Constitution-makers’ commitment to universal adult franchise. (PC: Times Now)

The Ladakh administration has rejected climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s claims that alcohol is being promoted across the Union Territory. It called his allegations false and baseless. Wangchuk had claimed that liquor shops and bars were opening near schools and in residential areas. The administration said only one liquor shop is currently operating in Ladakh. It also said the 2026-27 excise policy was withdrawn on August 26 after feedback from residents and social groups. The previous policy has been restored. Officials added that bars and hotels must follow rules on distances from schools, religious sites and highways before receiving licences.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the Election Commission’s handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Delhi’s voter lists. The court raised concerns over the removal of around 43 lakh voters from the draft electoral roll. It also questioned why some voters were asked to submit Form 6 to rejoin the list. Form 6 is meant for people seeking fresh voter registration. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, asked why voters who were temporarily away from their registered addresses were classified as “shifted or absent.” The court also said the Commission cannot modify Forms 6, 7 and 8.

Actor Imran Khan has received temporary relief from the Bombay High Court in his challenge to a notice asking him to leave India. The government assured the court that no action would be taken against him until November 2, the next hearing date. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office issued the notice after a BJP leader complained that Khan had joined a protest despite being a US citizen. Khan, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India card, denied taking part in the gathering. He has also challenged a separate notice seeking to revoke his OCI status.

The Indian Air Force Sports Complex on Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi was closed to members on Wednesday until further notice. The complex has a golf course, swimming pool and restaurants. Members received messages about the closure on Tuesday. The move comes as the government seeks to take back land allotted to the Indian Air Force. The complex is located inside Race Course Air Force Station, near the Prime Minister’s residence. The Centre has also moved to reclaim other high-profile properties, including the Delhi Gymkhana Club and Jaipur Polo Ground, citing public and defence needs.

Indian stock markets tumbled on October 28 as rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions rattled investors. The Nifty fell over 150 points to open at 22,678, while the Sensex dropped more than 700 points at the opening and declined over 900 points in early trade. The rupee opened at 95.02 against the US dollar, compared with Tuesday’s close of 95.12. Brent crude traded at $115 per barrel after reports that Houthis had struck Saudi Arabia’s largest oil refinery with a missile, raising supply concerns. Economist Sanchita Mukherji said recovery would depend on lower oil prices, currency stability, easing uncertainty and stronger corporate earnings growth. (PC: Times Now)

A Bengaluru woman named Sowpika alleged that a man secretly recorded her while travelling on the Namma Metro near Kadugodi Road in Whitefield around 4:30 pm. She confronted him and demanded to see his phone, but he allegedly refused and fled. Sowpika shared a video of the confrontation on Instagram, expressing distress over the incident and urging people to help identify the man. She said she had lodged an official complaint with metro authorities, who promised to follow up within seven days. She also planned to file a police complaint. 

Delhi Police has registered at least 40 First Information Reports (FIRs) over protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls since October 10. Police teams are examining CCTV footage, mobile recordings and social media videos to identify demonstrators and alleged organisers. The protests, involving student groups, youth organisations and women’s organisations, demanded the withdrawal of SIR and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The cases include alleged violations of prohibitory orders, vandalism and obstruction of public servants. Police have also arrested four occupants of a vehicle allegedly carrying wooden sticks near Connaught Place. (PC: The Hindu)

A 19-month-old male cheetah cub born to Nirva at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park is suspected to have been shot after metal pellets were found in its abdomen. The cub was discovered injured on October 25 in the Morena Territorial Forest Division, outside the protected park area. It was rescued and taken for treatment before being shifted to a medical facility in Jabalpur. The State Tiger Strike Force is investigating possible human involvement, while officials examine the circumstances of the injury. If confirmed, the incident would mark the first reported shooting of a cheetah since India’s reintroduction programme began in 2022. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, October 27, temporarily stayed the ‘Leave India’ notice issued to actor Imran Khan, allowing him to remain in the country until November 2. The notice had directed the US citizen, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to leave India by October 28. Khan challenged the order, arguing that it was arbitrary and that he had not participated in the protest cited by authorities. The case relates to a demonstration in Mumbai on October 10 linked to demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The court will hear the matter again on November 2. (PC: NDTV)