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.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has unveiled a redesigned Roadster featuring rocket-style thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX. The electric sports car demonstrated mid-air flips, brief airborne movements and controlled landings using compressed-gas propulsion. A fan-based suction system also enabled it to travel upside down along a specially designed ramp by increasing tyre grip. Unlike conventional rockets, the cold-gas thrusters expel pressurised gas without combustion. Tesla plans to begin production in 2028, although the vehicle’s final capabilities, safety standards and road legality remain uncertain. The demonstration combines automotive engineering with spacecraft technology. 

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced two major measures amid growing protests over its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. It will resume the Special Summary Revision (SSR) in 17 states and Union Territories to facilitate voter enrolment. Additionally, recognised political parties will receive searchable PDF copies of draft and final voter lists, alongside details of additions, deletions and modifications. The Congress and other opposition parties have long demanded these changes, alleging irregularities in voter deletions. The ECI's decisions come amid mounting pressure on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over electoral transparency. (PC: India Today)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said Delhi Police might detain him ahead of the organisation’s proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place on October 16. He alleged that authorities were monitoring his movements and said he was prepared to go to jail for peacefully waving the national flag. The march was called to protest the detention of CJP leaders and demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal over alleged electoral irregularities. Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council closed Central Park for two days, citing administrative reasons, while police offered an alternative venue for a symbolic flag-waving event. (PC: AFP)

Delhi traders have urged authorities to restrict protests in Connaught Place, citing significant business losses caused by demonstrations, road blockades and police barricades. The New Delhi Traders Association says the disruptions are discouraging customers and affecting commercial activity during the crucial festive shopping season. Traders have called for demonstrations to be held at designated protest venues to protect livelihoods and maintain public access. The issue has also reached the Supreme Court, which expressed concern over the impact on small businesses and daily-wage earners. Authorities face the challenge of balancing citizens’ right to protest with traders’ livelihoods. 

Reliance Industries on October 16, 2026, said it does not fear competition and welcomes Elon Musk’s Starlink into India’s satellite internet market. The statement followed Musk’s allegations that powerful business interests were obstructing Starlink’s entry to protect existing monopolies. Reliance, led by Mukesh Ambani, maintained that Indian regulations apply equally to domestic and foreign companies, adding that Jio’s satellite internet services are also awaiting necessary clearances. The company highlighted Jio’s growth to over 530 million customers since 2016. Starlink, Jio and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb still require security clearances before launching commercial satellite broadband services. (PC: AP)

Indian table tennis prodigy Divija Paul won the bronze medal in the Under-13 Girls category at the National Ranking Table Tennis Championship held in Panchkula, Haryana, from October 6 to 13, 2026. The 13-year-old, currently ranked No. 1 in India in her age category, represents Adani Sportsline’s ‘Garv Hai’ initiative. Her latest achievement follows a gold medal at the WTT Youth Contender Puerto Princesa 2026 in the Philippines. Born in Silchar, Assam, Divija began playing table tennis at six. She will next compete in Chennai and Jalandhar, aiming to strengthen her record and pursue Olympic gold for India. (PC: ANI)