Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to citizens on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. In a social media post, Mr. Shah prayed to Lord Dhanvantari for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in everyone’s life.    BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda also conveyed his wishes, praying for prosperity, health, and well-being. He expressed hope that the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari would bring wealth, abundance, and joy to all.

Electronics and Information Technolgy Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that pace of country’s 5G rollout has amazed the world. Highlighting the rapid expansion of telecom network across the country, he said that 90 percent of the country is now covered by the 5G network.     Speaking at a World Summit organised in New Delhi, the Minister said, India now has the second-largest 5G network in the world, enabling connectivity even in remote and far-flung areas. On the menace of deepfakes, Mr Vaishnaw said that the government will soon bring regulations to address the issue.

Eyewitness, a Hindi short film directed by Pankaj Kavad and produced by Amit Pandey, has been officially selected for both the PanAsia Film Festival 2025 and the Indian Premier Film Festival 2025. This recognition highlights the film's compelling narrative and artistic merit, showcasing Kavad's ability to engage audiences through thought-provoking storytelling. The film stands out not only for its suspenseful plot but also for its poignant exploration of sensitive themes that resonate deeply within contemporary society. Pankaj Kavad, a versatile content writer and filmmaker based in Mumbai, has made significant contributions to both cinema and theatre. His portfolio includes a range of short films, such as Eyewitness, which is a suspense thriller, alongside dramatic works like Revati and Utpeedan. In the realm of theatre, he has penned Antim Dastak, a courtroom drama that underscores his talent for creating intense, dialogue-driven narratives. Kavad's artistic endeavors reflect a commitment to exploring stories that intertwine realism with emotional complexity, establishing him as a storyteller who captivates audiences with intricate themes and multifaceted characters. The inspiration for Eyewitness emerged from the harrowing R.G. Kar Medical College rape and murder case that occurred on August 9th. This tragic event left a profound impact on Kavad, prompting him to reflect on the painful reality that many victims of sexual violence may not fully comprehend the gravity of their situation in the moment it unfolds. Through the character of Raani, the film seeks to portray the abrupt transition from an ordinary day to a nightmarish experience, capturing the silence, confusion, and helplessness that often accompany such trauma. Kavad aims to shed light on the precarious nature of women's safety, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging these harsh realities in order to foster a more compassionate and aware society.

Karnataka’s own Chandrashekhar H has been conferred with the prestigious Rashtra Seva Puraskar 2025, a national-level recognition awarded by the Bharat Seva Society, in celebration of his exemplary contributions to the fields of Science and Technology. The award not only marks a significant personal achievement for Chandrashekhar but also highlights the remarkable impact of his work on India's technological landscape. A multifaceted individual, Chandrashekhar H is currently the Founder Director and CEO of eSpark Infotech Private Ltd., a Bangalore-based technology firm known for its innovation-driven approach to embedded systems and software solutions. Under his visionary leadership, eSpark Infotech has carved a niche for itself in India’s tech ecosystem, contributing cutting-edge solutions to critical sectors and nurturing a culture of engineering excellence. Before his entrepreneurial success, Chandrashekhar had a distinguished 15-year career in the Indian Navy, where he served in the elite Submarine Cadre. His tenure in the Navy was marked by high-level involvement in the design and maintenance of mission-critical embedded systems essential for naval defense operations. His contributions played a vital role in enhancing the operational readiness and capabilities of India’s submarine fleet. Chandrashekhar’s technical expertise was sharpened through specialized international training in Germany and the former USSR, where he mastered advanced simulation software used in modern naval systems. Upon returning to India, he was instrumental in adapting and deploying these high-end technologies for use in Indian Naval Submarines, directly improving the Navy’s strategic capabilities. Following a successful military career, Chandrashekhar took voluntary retirement to explore his passion for technology and contribute to the private sector. His transition from a decorated naval officer to a tech entrepreneur has been nothing short of inspiring. Through eSpark Infotech, he has continued to advance the field of embedded systems, providing innovative solutions to both public and private sector clients, and mentoring young engineers and developers along the way. The Rashtra Seva Puraskar, awarded annually by the Bharat Seva Society, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation's development in various fields. Chandrashekhar H’s recognition under the Science and Technology category is a testament to his lifelong dedication to service — both in uniform and in industry. Colleagues and industry peers have lauded the award as a well-deserved honor. “Chandrashekhar’s journey is a rare blend of patriotism, technical brilliance, and visionary leadership,” said a senior official from the Bharat Seva Society. “His work continues to inspire the next generation of innovators and technologists in India.” As he continues to lead eSpark Infotech into the future, Chandrashekhar H remains a beacon of dedication, innovation, and national service. The Rashtra Seva Puraskar 2025 stands as a proud recognition of a life devoted to advancing India’s scientific and technological frontiers.

Dr. G. J. Mehendale, a renowned artist hailing from Karnataka, India, has recently received the esteemed Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025, an accolade presented by the Veyil Foundation. This honor recognizes his profound impact on the arts, particularly through his evocative portraits that pay tribute to the valiant freedom fighters of India. As the founder and president of the Freedom Fighters Research Center in Vagish Nagar, Kumarapatnam, Dr. Mehendale has devoted her life to safeguarding the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s independence. His artistic creations not only celebrate the courage of these individuals but also serve as essential educational resources, ensuring that their stories resonate with future generations. Through her art, Dr. Mehendale endeavors to illuminate the narratives of freedom fighters who endured unimaginable trials, including those who faced execution at the hands of British colonial authorities. By showcasing her powerful portraits in educational institutions, he aims to instill a sense of pride and awareness among young people regarding the sacrifices that paved the way for their freedom. His exhibitions are meticulously crafted to evoke a deep appreciation for the struggles faced by these heroes, ensuring that their contributions to the nation remain etched in collective memory. Each piece is a testament to the resilience and bravery of those who fought for liberty, serving as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom. Dr. G. J. Mehendale's primary mission is to convey the essence of sacrifice through his artistic expression, bridging the gap between past and present. By highlighting the lives and challenges of these freedom fighters, he aspires to inspire a new generation to grasp the significance of liberty and the importance of honoring those who fought for it. His unwavering commitment to this cause reflects a deep respect for history and a fervent desire to educate others about the sacrifices that have shaped the nation. Through her portraits, he not only pays homage to the memory of these courageous individuals but also fosters an ongoing dialogue about the relevance of freedom in today’s society, encouraging a thoughtful reflection on its value.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said, 258 battle-hardened left-wing extremists have abjured violence in the last two days. In a social media post, the Minister highlighted that 170 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh today while 27 surrendered yesterday. Mr Shah also highlighted that 61 returned to the mainstream, in Maharashtra yesterday.    He added, since last year, after the BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh, more than two thousand Naxalites have surrendered, nearly 1800 arrested and more than four hundred fifty have been eliminated in the state.    The Minister lauded the decision of Naxals to renounce violence, reposing their trust in the Constitution of the country.    Calling it a landmark day in the battle against Naxalism, the Minister said, Abujmarh and North Bastar in Chhattisgarh that were once terror bases, have been declared as free from Naxal terror. Mr Shah further emphasised that those, who want to surrender, are welcome, and those who continue to wield the gun will meet the wrath of the Indian forces.    He added that Naxalism is breathing its last and the numbers mirror the government’s resolve to decimate Naxalism before the 31st of March of the next year. The Home Minister appealed to those who are still on the path of Naxalism to lay down their weapons and join the mainstream.

The External Affairs Ministry today said India is closely monitoring the situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Briefing the media in New Delhi this afternoon, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it is clear that Pakistan hosts terrorist organisations and sponsors terrorist activities. He said it is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures.    The spokesperson said Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories, and India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.    Othe n upgrade of the Indian Mission in Kabul, Mr Jaiswal said India’s Technical Mission has been operational in Kabul since June 2022. He informed that its transition to an Embassy will happen in the next few days.    Replying to a query on the latest sanctions announced by the UK on Nayara, Mr Jaiswal stressed that the UK does not subscribe to any unilateral sanctions. He said India considers the provision of energy security a responsibility of paramount importance to meet the basic needs of its citizens.    He further stated that Indian companies source energy supplies from around the world while taking overall market conditions into account. He stressed that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade.    On whether there was a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on oil imports, the spokesperson said he is not aware of any conversation between the two leaders yesterday.

In Karnataka, the Social and Educational survey to identify the Backwards Classes has finally begun, despite the consistent and conspiratorial opposition from the BJP and JD(S), as well as the dominant castes within the Congress. The BJP, which has openly taken leadership of this crusade against the survey, is putting forward several deceptive arguments to justify its opposition, which is in fact aimed at retaining the status quo of hegemony of dominant castes.  The primary argument of the camp is that the government is actually conducting a census in the guise of a survey, for which it has no constitutional mandate, since a census is part of the Union list (entry 69, of List 1 in the Seventh Schedule). The underlying argument is that the Congress government wants to divide the dominant and consolidated castes into sub castes, thereby breaking the dominant castes' numerical and political strength.  This is nothing but part of the Sangh Parivar’s long-term agenda: politically, to take away all residual powers of the states and concentrate them with the Union as part of its strategy to convert federal India into a Unitary State; socially, to perpetuate the brahminical social order unchallenged.

Bengaluru’s power couple , Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty, have declined to participate in the Karnataka government’s ongoing Social and Educational (caste) Survey. Their refusal to participate is not against the law since the Karnataka High Court made it clear that it was voluntary. However, their refusal shows a disregard for social justice.  The couple submitted a self-declaration form dated October 10, saying that they do not belong to any backward class. “Hence, participating in this survey will not be of any help to the government. Therefore, we decline to participate,” the declaration read.  Measuring the relative backwardness of various communities would be impossible without comprehensive social, educational and economic data about all communities.  Like Narayana and Sudha Murty, if all people who belong to forward communities decline to participate in the survey, the entire exercise—which is a constitutional mandate on states—risks being undermined.  The legal position The statewide Social and Educational Survey, being carried out by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission since September 22, aims to measure social backwardness.  Section 9(2) of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission Act mandates the Commission to conduct a survey on the social and educational status of all citizens of the state to identify groups that are backward and make necessary recommendations to the state government. Under Section 11, the commission must conduct a survey every 10 years to revise the lists of backward communities.   The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission Act itself was a product of the Indra Sawhney judgement of the Supreme Court, which directed that permanent backward classes commissions be set up to look into reservations. Previous commissions that provided for backward classes reservations in Karnataka, and even the Mandal Commission set up by the Union government, were ad hoc commissions set up under the Commissions of Inquiry Act.  Although the SC placed a legal obligation on backward classes commissions to survey all citizens of a state, the methodology of the survey was left to the discretion of the commission, and there is no provision in law making participation mandatory, as it is for the decadal census conducted by the Union government.  Dominant caste groups have consistently opposed the survey, and petitioners representing these interests challenged the survey on various grounds in the Karnataka High Court, which issued an interim order.

Dr. Madhurjyya Mondit Baruah, a distinguished personality from Assam, India, has recently received the esteemed Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 from the Veyil Foundation. This award recognizes his remarkable contributions to literature and education, emphasizing his role as a driving force for intellectual advancement and cultural development. His dedication to enhancing the understanding of Assamese literature and promoting educational excellence has established him as a respected figure in academic circles. Currently serving as the Registrar of Auniati University in Kaliapani, Teok, Jorhat, Assam, Dr. Baruah boasts a career that spans over two decades, marked by significant achievements in higher education administration, research, and literary endeavors. He has played a crucial role in shaping academic policies and curriculum at his institution while mentoring aspiring scholars and writers. As a prolific author, his works resonate with both academic and general audiences, further extending his influence in the literary community. In addition to his responsibilities at Auniati University, Dr. Baruah is a Visiting Professor at Mahatma Gandhi University in Meghalaya, where he imparts his knowledge to students and faculty. His active participation in the Assamese Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi for the term 2023–2027 and the Steering Committee of Asom Sahitya Sabha for 2025–2027 underscores his commitment to advancing Assamese literature and culture. Through these roles, he plays a vital part in preserving and promoting the literary heritage of Assam, ensuring that the voices of its writers are recognized and celebrated on larger platforms.

"Rakhs Laila" is a touching romantic film that weaves together themes of aspiration, betrayal, and the quest for self-identity. The narrative centers on Vicky , a driven film producer, and his devoted partner Anya, who stands by him as they navigate the intricate landscape of film financing and personal relationships. As Vicky finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit and dubious financial dealings, Anya’s unwavering love and belief in him serve as a guiding light. Their journey is filled with unexpected challenges and betrayals, ultimately leading them to emerge stronger in both their relationship and their individual lives. The film poignantly illustrates the fragile balance between chasing professional dreams and nurturing personal connections, emphasizing the idea that love can triumph over any hurdle.   Rakhs Laila has recently achieved a significant milestone by being officially selected for five prestigious film festivals in 2025. These include the International Art Film Festival of India, the Indian Independent Film Festival, the Indian Premier Film Festival, the PanAsian Film Festival, and the Eurasia International Film Festival. This recognition not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also showcases its potential to resonate with diverse audiences across various cultural landscapes. Each festival presents a unique platform for filmmakers to share their stories, and Rakhs Laila's inclusion in these events underscores its relevance and appeal in the contemporary cinematic landscape. As the film gears up for its festival circuit, anticipation builds around how it will be received by critics and audiences alike, marking an exciting chapter in its journey.   The film delves into the profound love and trust that exists between Vicky and Anya, showcasing their relationship through tender, genuine moments and the realistic obstacles that many contemporary couples encounter. Unlike conventional romantic tales, "Rakhs Laila" takes viewers on an unforeseen adventure where professional aspirations collide with personal conflicts. The inclusion of shady financial dealings injects an element of suspense into the romantic storyline, ensuring that audiences remain engaged and eager to see how the plot unfolds.   At the heart of the film is the relationship between Vicky and Anya, which is portrayed with genuine emotion and authenticity. Their journey is marked by tender moments that highlight the beauty of love and trust, as well as the hurdles that many contemporary couples encounter. The filmmakers skillfully capture the essence of their bond, allowing audiences to resonate with the struggles and triumphs that define their relationship. This exploration of real emotions adds a layer of relatability, making it easy for viewers to see themselves in Vicky and Anya's experiences. What sets “Rakhs Laila” apart from conventional love stories is its unique narrative that intertwines professional aspirations with personal conflicts. As the plot unfolds, the introduction of dubious financial dealings injects an element of suspense, creating a thrilling contrast to the romantic elements. This unexpected twist not only keeps the audience engaged but also raises the stakes for the characters, making their journey all the more compelling. The film ultimately serves as a reminder that love is not just about the highs but also about navigating the lows, making it a captivating watch from start to finish.   The performances in the film are nothing short of captivating, with the chemistry between the lead actors making their love story both relatable and aspirational. Aanand Sharma, Forum Desai, and Jayantika Sengupta deserve special recognition for their exceptional portrayals of vulnerability, love, and resilience. Beyond the romance and drama, the film subtly imparts a message about the significance of integrity, trust, and perseverance in both personal and professional realms. It encourages viewers to uphold their values, even when faced with daunting challenges. The director's vision brings forth a narrative that not only entertains but also resonates emotionally, blending romance, suspense, and lighthearted moments to create a refreshing experience in Indian cinema. Written, Directed & Produced by Vinod Guliani Cast: Anil Pandey, Anand Sharma, Forum Desai, Jayantika Sengupta, Sandeep Narayan DOP: Srikant Datta Choreographer: Shriniwas Ragula Production Head: Prabhakar Kedar

Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is in India for a week-long diplomatic visit, will visit Taj Mahal in Agra today. He will then attend a meeting with industry and business representatives in New Delhi, organised by a major chamber of commerce. Muttaki may also have a separate meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. This meeting is likely to discuss issues related to security, counterterrorism, humanitarian aid, and visas for Afghan students and businessmen.