The Congress party blamed the Election Commission and BJP for its poor Bihar election showing. However, internal dissenters, including former officials, cited poor ticket distribution, lack of ground-level strategy, and sidelining of veteran leaders as key reasons for the defeat.
The Supreme Court aims to resolve India's cheque bounce case backlog. New directives include online payment options and graduated costs based on settlement stage. The 2002 amendment fueled the crisis, highlighting the need for judicial impact assessments to prevent future overburdening of the court system.
The Indian Army upgraded its war-fighting capabilities after a skirmish with Pakistan. This includes operational drone units ('Ashni') within all infantry battalions for precision strikes and new specialized 'Bhairav' battalions for rapid, high-impact missions. A counter-drone system ('Saksham') is also being procured for airspace security.
Shashi Tharoor is drawing criticism within the Congress party for praising BJP's Advani and criticizing dynastic politics, contradicting the party line. Despite these actions, the Congress hasn't disciplined him, likely due to his influence and the upcoming 2026 Kerala elections. Tharoor, with his own ambitions, might not remain loyal.
Bihar's election highlights the political class' hypocrisy on decriminalization. Many candidates with criminal backgrounds are fielded, despite legal interventions like Supreme Court rulings. While the judiciary has pushed for electoral reforms, parliament has failed to act, leaving the issue unresolved.
Recently Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked every state to create a special prison which should meet international standards. The directive was aimed at blunting the fugitives’ defence in foreign courts that their human rights will be violated if imprisoned...
Inside the Capital
NCPSP's decision to join a JPC studying bills on removing PM/CMs after 30-day arrests fractured opposition unity. Congress, TMC, Shiv Sena UBT, and Samajwadi Party continue boycotting, citing violation of natural justice, potential weaponization, and lack of discussion scope. The government defends the bills, but a confrontation looms.
India will domestically produce four large Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) to enhance its naval capabilities. These warships, a significant upgrade in size and firepower, will facilitate amphibious operations, extend operational reach, and counter China's naval expansion in the Indian Ocean. The project includes strategic collaborations and doctrinal shifts promoting multi-domain operations.
India will domestically produce four large Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Navy, expanding its amphibious warfare capabilities. These ships, much bigger than existing ones, will enable force projection, sustain operations at sea, and match China's naval advancements. The project, backed by a strategic shift, aims to transform India into a blue-water navy.
A potential succession plan in Karnataka, projecting Satish Jarkiholi as CM Siddaramaiah's successor, has angered Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's faction. Shivakumar's loyalists seek to understand their standing with the high command, fearing an attempt to sideline him. The Congress faces potential internal conflict.
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), nearing 40 years, faces challenges: increasing case pendency despite high disposal rates, and potential bias from administrative members. Solutions include AI-aided case management and addressing redundant appeals. An expert review of CAT's function is needed.
The Indian government withholds official histories of its wars, particularly the 1962 conflict with China, despite recommendations for declassification. Conflicting narratives persist, fueled by restricted access to official records, leading to debate over the war's origins and India's performance. The lack of transparency hinders accurate understanding.
Controversy swirls around Nitish Kumar's potential to remain Bihar's CM after elections. The opposition points to Amit Shah's statement about elected MLAs deciding the leader. The BJP counters, emphasizing Kumar's continued leadership and indispensability due to his broad support base and historical significance.
Inside the Capital
The National Human Rights Commission celebrates its 32nd foundation day on October 16th, featuring Ram Nath Kovind. Since 1993, NHRC has handled millions of cases, recommended significant monetary relief, and issued 31 advisories. A conference on prison inmates' rights will be held.
Delhi Cyber Police arrested Manoj Verma in Lucknow for blackmailing women. He used fake female profiles on social media to befriend women, obtain private content, and then demand money under threat of exposure. Police recovered incriminating evidence and are investigating potential accomplices.
Fatal crashes down by 2.9 per cent: Police
#InsideTheCapitalA nursery of merit-based Central Civil Services recruitment, the Commission has stood the test of time
The Election Commission of India's nationwide voter roll revision (SIR) is facing opposition. Concerns arise from Bihar's SIR, which involved deletions and additions of voters, sparking accusations of bias. Several non-BJP ruled states, like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, are critical of the exercise, especially with upcoming elections.
#InsideTheCapital IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh gave details of the roadmap, just days ahead of IAF’s 93rd birthday
Fresh BJP organizational appointments fuel speculation about a national president election, overdue since January. Recent state appointments in Gujarat and Jharkhand intensify the buzz, prompted by the RSS chief's urging. A revamp aims to address organizational inertia, potentially leading to cabinet changes and focus on new issues to connect with Gen Z.
Sanjeev Sanyal's criticism of India's judiciary sparked controversy. He cited slow dispute resolution as a hurdle to 'Viksit Bharat'. The judiciary faces a massive backlog of cases and judge vacancies, despite rising litigation rates. The article suggests introspection is needed, rather than solely reacting to criticism.
#InsideTheCapitalIn the past decade or more, fresh US military supplies to Pakistan had tapered off, Islamabad tilted toward Beijing for getting planes
#InsideTheCapital: This warrants internal mechanisms for redressal, feels a section within
#InsideTheCapital: Defamation means harming a person’s reputation by making a false and derogatory statement against that person without any lawful justification
#InsideTheCapital:At present, only 10 central committee members remain in hiding, following the killing of veteran Maoists Katta Ramachandra Reddy and Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy in a gunfight with security personnel
Inside the Capital The impact of hiked H-1B visa fee would mean fewer people getting jobs in the US
Rahul Gandhi's recent comments on vote theft and Gen Z's role sparked strong BJP criticism. The BJP leveraged the NSUI's election losses to counter Gandhi's claims. Some in the INDIA bloc doubt the effectiveness of focusing on electoral roll revisions, while the BJP sees it as advantageous, framing Gandhi's messaging as pro-infiltrator.