India

Bihar Liquor Smugglers Use Code Words and Hidden Compartments to Beat Prohibition

Despite a prohibition law in Bihar, liquor smugglers are growing increasingly sophisticated in their operations. They use coded language in communications to replace well-known brand names and avoid detection by authorities. Contraband is concealed in everyday items such as snack packaging and medicine containers, as well as in vehicles with hidden compartments. Smugglers continue to adapt their tactics in response to law enforcement crackdowns. Authorities are finding it difficult to keep pace with and dismantle these evolving smuggling networks.

Drug Allegations Take Centre Stage in Punjab Ahead of State Elections

In Punjab, the issue of drug abuse has long held an outsized role in both public life and electoral politics. As elections approach, accusations related to drug use have taken on a sharply political dimension, extending far beyond personal conduct. Political parties appear increasingly focused on the optics of anti-drug efforts rather than substantive action. The drug narrative has become a key battleground for competing factions seeking to gain voter trust and moral high ground.

Kashmera Shah defends Sunita Ahuja amid Komal Rani affair controversy

Actress Kashmera Shah has publicly backed Sunita Ahuja, wife of actor Govinda, following a cryptic Instagram post by Komal Rani. Kashmera expressed that it was the first time women in their family had been labelled 'murderers' simply for standing up for their loved ones. Komal Rani, without directly naming Sunita, appeared to question her intentions through the social media post. The dispute stems from rumours of an affair between Govinda and Komal Rani, his co-star from the film 'Roopa', which surfaced earlier this year.

Skyroot Aerospace CEO Says Space Will Define Future Civilisation

Pawan Kumar Chandana, CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, shared his vision for the future of space at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026. He argued that space will play a defining role in shaping future civilisation, much like steel shaped the modern world. Chandana described the current moment as a transitional phase in humanity's relationship with space. He framed this shift within the broader context of humans being an ever-expanding species seeking new frontiers.

Banks to Remain Shut for Up to 5 Days From Sept 28 Due to Strike and Holiday

Bank branches across India are set to remain closed for several consecutive days between September 28 and October 4. A nationwide bank strike is scheduled from September 28 to 30, followed by a public holiday on October 2 for Gandhi Jayanti. The extended closure could disrupt in-person banking services for customers during this period. Digital banking services, however, are expected to remain operational throughout the closure. Customers are advised to complete urgent branch visits in advance and confirm local holiday schedules before heading out.

India Has Engineers and Funds for Future Defence Tech, But Needs Speed

India is actively preparing for future warfare by investing in technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensors. Defence and drone sector expert Bodhisattva Sanghapriya highlighted that India already possesses the necessary engineering talent, startups, and financial resources to develop cutting-edge defence technologies. However, Sanghapriya stressed that the critical missing factor is speed in execution and development. The emphasis on accelerating progress reflects growing urgency within India's defence innovation ecosystem to keep pace with rapidly evolving global military capabilities.

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses Election Commission of Deleting SP Votes in 2022 Polls

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that the Election Commission deliberately removed votes belonging to his party during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections. He claimed the malpractice had been ongoing for several years but was only recently coming to light. Akhilesh further alleged that voters who had participated in the 2019 elections were wrongfully prevented from voting in 2022. His remarks come in the wake of recent reports highlighting internal objections raised within the Election Commission over the revision of electoral rolls.

ICEYE CEO: AI and Tactical Satellites Will Define Future Battlefields

ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski has highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and satellite technology in modern and future warfare. He emphasized that tactical switching capabilities combined with AI will be central to battlefield operations going forward. Modrzewski also noted a strong alignment between India and Europe on geopolitical interests. The comments reflect broader global discussions around the militarization of space-based assets and their strategic importance.

Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma Accused of Slapping Man During Road Inspection

Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma has been accused of slapping a young man named Saheb during a road inspection in the Tilak Nagar area. Saheb had been invited to the inspection specifically to highlight and report on the poor condition of local roads. According to eyewitnesses, the situation turned violent after Saheb raised concerns about the deteriorating road conditions. Verma's associates allegedly compounded the incident by threatening to kill Saheb following the altercation.

Harita Bhadra Wins 200m Bronze by 0.01 Seconds at Asian Games

Indian sprinter Harita Bhadra claimed a bronze medal in the women's 200m event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, clocking 23.20 seconds. She edged out Japan's Abigeirufuka Ido by a razor-thin margin of just 0.01 seconds in a photo-finish. Indonesia's Shanti Pereira took gold while China's Yujie Chen secured silver. The result adds to India's growing athletics tally at the Games, which now stands at nine medals. The Indian athletics contingent is expected to compete for further honours as the competition progresses.

When ‘secret spot’ goes viral: The tourism trap of too many views, too many visitors

Delhi HC: Muslim Personal Law Marriage Cannot Shield Accused in POCSO Case

The Delhi High Court has ruled that marrying a minor under Muslim personal law does not exempt an accused from prosecution under the POCSO Act. The case involved a man who had married a 16-year-old girl and sought legal protection citing religious personal law. Despite the girl claiming consent, the court firmly rejected attempts to quash the FIR filed against the accused. The court stressed that marriage under personal law cannot override statutory child protection laws. The ruling reinforces that legal safeguards for minors remain absolute regardless of religious customs or the minor's stated consent.

Thierry Henry Lists Renovated SoHo Penthouse for $25 Million

Former football star Thierry Henry has put his SoHo penthouse in New York City on the market for $25 million. Henry originally purchased the penthouse along with the unit beneath it in 2010 for $14.85 million. He later merged the two units into a single residence spanning approximately 6,000 square feet. Henry and his partner Andrea Rajacic carried out multiple renovations on the property, most recently in 2026.

Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma caught on camera slapping man during inspection

Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma was filmed slapping a young man during a road inspection in the Tilak Nagar area. The video, released by the Aam Aadmi Party, shows Verma confronting the individual before a security guard steps in to intervene. The incident occurred in a public setting and drew the attention of several bystanders present at the scene. The footage has sparked a wider debate over the conduct expected of elected officials and public servants while on duty.

Sibal Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Removal Over Alleged Unilateral Decisions

Senior advocate and politician Kapil Sibal has escalated a dispute with the Election Commission, calling for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Sibal alleged that Kumar made key decisions unilaterally over a ten-month period, bypassing fellow commissioners and established statutory procedures. He has also demanded a review of electoral rolls and scrutiny of elections recently held in Bihar and West Bengal. The Election Commission acknowledged the concerns raised and outlined several corrective steps it intends to take in response.

'Xi understands how I feel': Trump says Taiwan not a major point of friction

Pakistan minister's throat-cut gesture to Afghan journalist backfires - video

France's 6th-Gen Fighter Plan Focuses on Connected Combat Systems, General Says

French General Tardif addressed the NDTV Defence Summit 2026, outlining France's vision for sixth-generation air combat capabilities. He emphasized that the program extends well beyond developing a new fighter aircraft. The core advancement, according to Tardif, lies in the ability to network different aircraft, platforms, and sensors into a unified combat system. This integrated approach would allow multiple assets to operate together seamlessly in coordinated military operations.

India's AMCA Fighter Lags Behind as South Korea's KF-21 Nears Production

South Korea's KF-21 fighter jet has completed extensive testing, received certification, and entered production, marking significant progress toward operational readiness. India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, by contrast, is still in the process of finalizing a construction partner. Repeated delays in India's bidding process have slowed prototype development considerably. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force is operating with fewer fighter jets than its authorized strength, posing growing operational concerns.

Ravi Kishan, BJP Corporator Trade Barbs Over Gorakhpur Waterlogging Crisis

Bollywood actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan got into a public spat with BJP corporator Vishwajit Tripathi over persistent waterlogging in Gorakhpur. Kishan addressed Tripathi as 'Brahmin devta' during the exchange, drawing a sharp rebuke from the corporator. Tripathi rejected the caste-based appeal and questioned Kishan's absence from the city during the flooding. The dispute highlights growing frustration within BJP ranks over the administration's failure to address Gorakhpur's recurring waterlogging problem.