INDIA (National Affairs)
Separate statehood: BJP Tripura ally reaches out to Debbarman-led outfit
The move comes ahead of TIPRA Motha’s scheduled three-day demonstration, towards the end of this month, involving over 1,000 supporters and workers at Jantar Mantar over the demand for a ‘Greater Tipraland’.
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/separate-statehood-bjp-tripura-ally-reaches-out-to-debbarman-led-outfit/
AIIMS students’ body apologises after Ramayana skit on campus stirs row
The video clips show that the students were performing scenes from the Ramayana in the form of a slapstick comedy.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/aiims-student-rameela-ramayana-skit-apology-7576401/
Killing spree continues in J&K: Two labourers from Bihar shot dead, 1 injured
According to estimates, 3-4 lakh labourers from outside J&K travel to the Valley every year for work. While most of them leave before the onset of winter, some stay in Kashmir through the year.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/two-more-non-local-labourers-shot-dead-by-terrorists-in-jammu-and-kashmir-7576862/
In Rhea Chakraborty, Aryan Khan arrests, NCB relies only on WhatsApp chats
In both cases, the NCB detained the two suspects, got access to their mobile phones, and used material stored in the devices, including deleted WhatsApp chats, to arrest them.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/narcotics-control-bureau-aryan-khan-rhea-chakraborty-drug-case-whatsapp-chats-7577006/
Kerala landslides toll rises to 22, rescue efforts continue
The state government has announced a relief package of Rs 4 lakh each for the dependents of the victims who perished in the landslides at Koottickal village in Kottayam and Kokkayar in Idukki.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala/kerala-landlside-locals-displaced-toll-7575816/
Amit Khare: The man in the corner office
Amit Khare, who has helmed at least two of the most high-profile govt policies in recent times, the NEP and IT Rules, has now been appointed advisor to the PM.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/crime/amit-khare-appointed-advisor-to-the-pm-modi-it-rules-nep-implementation-7575384/
INDIA (Community Affairs)
BJP seeks cleric’s arrest over ‘provocative speech’ in video
An organisation named ‘Bangla Pokhho Charitable Trust’ wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the cleric of spreading communalism. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Commissioner of Kolkata Police and the Director General of West Bengal Police.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/bjp-seeks-clerics-arrest-over-provocative-speech-in-video-7577109/
‘Illegal funding of Islamic activities’: Vadodara SIT begins questioning of 2 accused
Police said that the two are being interrogated separately. Following a post-midnight hearing — a first for a Vadodara court, the Vadodara city police was granted seven days custody of the two accused till October 23.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/baroda/illegal-funding-of-islamic-activities-vadodara-sit-begins-questioning-of-2-accused-7577096/
Bangladesh Durga Puja violence: Vandalism continues; minorities call for countrywide hunger strike
Hindu-owned temples and shops in Feni, about 157 kms from the country’s capital, have been vandalised and robbed during fresh clashes on Saturday.
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/bangladesh/bangla-durga-puja-violence-vandalism-continues-minorities-call-for-countrywide-hunger-strike-7576201/
MP: Mob forces girl to take off burkha, shoots video; two men let off after warning
No case has been registered in connection with the incident but preventive action has been taken under Section 151 of the IPC against two people, an official said.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bhopal/mp-mob-forces-girl-to-take-off-burkha-shoots-video-two-men-let-off-after-warning-7575349/
FOREIGN
Pedro Sanchez: Spanish PM vows to abolish prostitution
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58947172
MUSLIM WORLD
Syrian government, opposition to start drafting constitution
A long-awaited agreement was reached in the UN-mandated talks between the two sides in Switzerland.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/17/syrian-government-opposition-to-start-drafting-constitution
EDITORIAL
A murder most foul: On the lynching at a farmer protest site
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-murder-most-foul-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-lynching-of-dalit-man-at-the-singhu-border-farmer-protest-site/article37045285.ece
OPED ARTICLES
Coal India, the fall guy for power crisis
Partha Bhattacharyya writes: Coal India has been meeting the demand for coal, helping generate power at affordable tariffs.
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coal-india-the-fall-guy-for-power-crisis-7576985/
ECONOMIC / BUSINESS / FINANCE
China’s economic growth weakens amid construction slowdown
https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/chinas-economic-growth-weakens-amid-construction-slowdown/2351364/
TWEETS
The Cognate @TheCognate_
Sir Syed’s birth anniversary has special significance for AMU alumni all over the world. We ask students of AMU what Sir Syed means to them why he is still relevant to India. @ghazalaahmad5 reports. #SirSyedDay #SirSyed #SirSyedAhmedKhan
https://twitter.com/TheCognate_/status/1449775274191589381
SIO of India @sioindia
As SIO completes 39 years of its journey on Oct 19, let’s strive to connect with people at a deeper and more personal level, be it our cadre, our community, or people of our country. Let’s be a source of beneficence to all and be the true ambassadors of Islam. #ConnectingHearts
https://twitter.com/sioindia/status/1449758298442395653
Nidhi Razdan @Nidhi
Aryan Khan should not be in jail. From his case to Stan Swamy to a comedian who didn’t even crack a joke and countless others, bail was repeatedly denied. India’s justice system is broken where jail, not bail, has become the norm. My piece
https://twitter.com/Nidhi/status/1449617751488802819
