Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has criticised the Election Commission over recent decisions and called for a probe into allegations concerning the poll body to be conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Speaking to ANI, Tiwari questioned why BJP leader Sambit Patra was responding to allegations directed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission.
Referring to the Hindi proverb “Begani Shaadi Mein Abdulla Diwana”, Tiwari said the Election Commission itself should have addressed the allegations rather than the BJP responding on its behalf. He argued that the development raised questions that required an independent investigation. Tiwari also urged the Supreme Court to take up the matter and ensure that an FIR is registered and the investigation is conducted under its monitoring.
His comments followed reports by The Indian Express claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a 10-month period regarding decisions and orders linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Another report cited by the Congress leader said Goa's Chief Electoral Officer wrote to authorities in Delhi eight times within seven days seeking access related to the process, but did not receive the requested access.
The issue has also drawn criticism from RJD MP Manoj Jha. Referring to the reported correspondence from Goa, Jha alleged that the electoral system had been manipulated and questioned whether an impartial inquiry could be conducted while the same officials remained involved. Jha also appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter. He said petitions concerning the SIR process are already before the apex court and argued that judicial intervention was necessary to examine the allegations.
The claims made by the opposition leaders come amid a wider political dispute over the Election Commission's handling of the SIR exercise. The allegations and the reported objections remain matters of political contention, while any formal investigation or judicial proceedings would determine the facts.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Indian Navy guided-missile frigate INS Trishul reached Toulon in France on September 22 to take part in the 24th edition of VARUNA, the bilateral maritime exercise conducted by the Indian and French navies. The exercise will include a range of professional activities both at the harbour and at sea. These are expected to include cross-deck visits, operational engagements and sporting events, providing personnel from both navies an opportunity to share operational knowledge, exchange best practices and improve interoperability.
The Indian Navy said INS Trishul’s visit reflects the long-standing maritime partnership between India and France and underlines the growing cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain. The deployment to France comes shortly after the warship completed a three-day port visit to Alexandria, Egypt, on September 17. INS Trishul had arrived there on September 14 after conducting a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Egyptian Naval Ship ENS Bernees.
The exercise involved coordinated manoeuvres, communication procedures and approaches for replenishment-at-sea operations. According to the Ministry of Defence, the drills allowed the two navies to share professional expertise and further improve operational coordination. During its stay in Alexandria, INS Trishul was escorted into port by Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer. Ambassador of India to Egypt Suresh K Reddy also visited the vessel and interacted with its crew, highlighting the significance of the Indian Navy’s deployment in the region.
The port call also included a tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the two World Wars. The commanding officer and crew of INS Trishul paid their respects at the Chatby War Memorial, which contains 12 burials and commemorates 19 Indian soldiers who died aboard ships sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Beyond the ceremonial engagements, Indian and Egyptian naval personnel held discussions on improving interoperability and identifying opportunities for deeper maritime cooperation. The Indian Navy said these interactions also reflected the longstanding friendship between India and Egypt.
Following the Alexandria visit and the PASSEX with the Egyptian Navy, INS Trishul continued its deployment towards France, where it is now participating in VARUNA. The exercise provides another platform for the Indian Navy to work alongside a key international maritime partner and strengthen operational coordination through practical engagement at sea.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Navy.
The US State Department has launched a new online reporting portal that allows members of the public to flag suspected visa fraud, immigration violations and other forms of misuse involving the US immigration system. The new platform covers a broad range of visa and immigration categories, including tourist and business visas, employment-based visas, student and academic programmes, as well as family-sponsored and permanent immigration routes. A separate option is also available for reporting other suspected violations.
Announcing the initiative on X, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stressed the importance of complying with US immigration rules, saying that “a US visa is a privilege, not a right.” He encouraged people in the United States to use the new reporting system to provide information about suspected unlawful activity or misuse of immigration benefits.
The department's reporting form allows users to submit detailed information about individuals they believe may have violated immigration or visa rules. Depending on what is available, reports can include a person's name, Alien Registration Number, passport or visa information, petition or receipt numbers, date of birth, address, email, phone number, citizenship and social media accounts.
The portal is not limited to individuals. Reports can also be filed against businesses, educational institutions, law firms and other organisations allegedly connected to immigration-related violations. Users can provide details such as the organisation's name, address, website, social media accounts, contact information and information about relevant employees. People submitting information can choose to remain anonymous. Those who provide their name and email address, however, may be contacted by authorities if investigators require additional information or clarification.
The reporting form asks users to explain the suspected violation in detail and provides space for any additional information, including details about previous reports or related incidents. The State Department has also warned that knowingly providing false information could result in legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or both.
According to the department's privacy guidance, information received through the portal may be used to support law enforcement investigations or immigration-related administrative proceedings. The information may also be shared within the government for official purposes or provided to federal, state, local, tribal, territorial or international law enforcement agencies when appropriate.
Authorities have clarified that the portal is intended specifically for immigration and visa-related concerns. Reports involving unrelated crimes should instead be submitted to the relevant local law enforcement agency or government authority. Any situation involving an immediate threat to public safety or national security should be reported through the appropriate emergency channels.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Indian Navy guided-missile frigate INS Trishul reached Toulon in France on September 22 to take part in the 24th edition of VARUNA, the bilateral maritime exercise conducted by the Indian and French navies. The exercise will include a range of professional activities both at the harbour and at sea. These are expected to include cross-deck visits, operational engagements and sporting events, providing personnel from both navies an opportunity to share operational knowledge, exchange best practices and improve interoperability.
The Indian Navy said INS Trishul’s visit reflects the long-standing maritime partnership between India and France and underlines the growing cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain. The deployment to France comes shortly after the warship completed a three-day port visit to Alexandria, Egypt, on September 17. INS Trishul had arrived there on September 14 after conducting a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Egyptian Naval Ship ENS Bernees.
The exercise involved coordinated manoeuvres, communication procedures and approaches for replenishment-at-sea operations. According to the Ministry of Defence, the drills allowed the two navies to share professional expertise and further improve operational coordination. During its stay in Alexandria, INS Trishul was escorted into port by Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer. Ambassador of India to Egypt Suresh K Reddy also visited the vessel and interacted with its crew, highlighting the significance of the Indian Navy’s deployment in the region.
The port call also included a tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the two World Wars. The commanding officer and crew of INS Trishul paid their respects at the Chatby War Memorial, which contains 12 burials and commemorates 19 Indian soldiers who died aboard ships sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Beyond the ceremonial engagements, Indian and Egyptian naval personnel held discussions on improving interoperability and identifying opportunities for deeper maritime cooperation. The Indian Navy said these interactions also reflected the longstanding friendship between India and Egypt.
Following the Alexandria visit and the PASSEX with the Egyptian Navy, INS Trishul continued its deployment towards France, where it is now participating in VARUNA. The exercise provides another platform for the Indian Navy to work alongside a key international maritime partner and strengthen operational coordination through practical engagement at sea.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Navy.
US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is expected to present a six-month recovery programme for Gaza worth $2.45 billion at a meeting of its members on Wednesday, according to a report by Axios. The proposed initiative reportedly outlines funding for temporary shelters, clearing debris, repairing hospitals, supporting economic recovery and deploying a multinational security force in Gaza. Axios cited a copy of the plan while reporting the details. Reuters said it was not immediately able to independently verify the report.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled Treasury’s 40-year economic projections as part of the Albanese government’s second Intergenerational Report. The report highlights several long-term challenges facing Australia, including shifting geopolitical conditions, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and a significant demographic change, with deaths expected to exceed births within the coming decades. In an interview with Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy and economics editor Patrick Commins, Chalmers discussed the outlook for the Australian economy and explained why he believes Labor’s policy plans can help the country adapt to an increasingly uncertain future.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Friends of exiled Russian opposition activist Igor Rogov were stunned when he was accused of having ties to the Kremlin. They struggled to believe that the young campaigner they knew could have secretly been working as an undercover agent.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
As AI leaders worldwide call for a more measured pace of development, what could a potential slowdown mean for companies such as Plaud, which is expanding its presence in Singapore? Could tighter controls or a shift in the global AI landscape affect the company’s growth plans in the country? Daniel Martin explores these questions in a conversation with Megumi Yoshinaga, Head of APAC Marketing at Plaud.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Oil markets are coming under renewed strain after attacks disrupted Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, an important alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz. With Brent and WTI crude prices climbing above US$100 per barrel and fuel costs continuing to rise, concerns are growing over the resilience of global oil supplies. Susan Ng speaks with Jaime Brito, Executive Director of Refining and Oil Markets at Dow Jones Energy, about the potential impact of a prolonged disruption on Singapore and wider Asian markets.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
