Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati paid tribute to party founder Kanshi Ram on his death anniversary on October 9, remembering his contribution to the empowerment of marginalised communities and the fight for social equality. Mayawati recalled Kanshi Ram's efforts to unite Dalits, backward classes and other disadvantaged sections of society under a common political platform. She emphasised that his vision was centred on securing political representation, social dignity and equal rights for communities that had historically faced discrimination.

Kanshi Ram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party in 1984 with the objective of building a political movement representing the interests of the Bahujan Samaj. Under his leadership, the party gradually expanded its influence, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where caste representation and social justice remain important political issues.

Mayawati, who succeeded Kanshi Ram as the BSP's principal leader, has repeatedly highlighted his role in building the organisation and establishing its ideological foundation. She has also maintained that the party must continue working towards the social and economic advancement of disadvantaged communities.

Born on March 15, 1934, Kanshi Ram dedicated his political career to mobilising communities that had historically remained underrepresented in India's political system. His movement drew inspiration from social reformers, particularly Dr B. R. Ambedkar, and stressed the importance of political participation as a means of achieving social change.

The BSP went on to become a major political force in Uttar Pradesh, with Mayawati serving as chief minister on four occasions. The party's rise marked a significant phase in the state's political history by bringing questions of caste representation and Dalit political empowerment to the forefront.

Kanshi Ram died on October 9, 2006. His death anniversary is observed by BSP leaders, party workers and supporters to remember his contribution to the Bahujan movement and reaffirm their commitment to its principles. Mayawati's tribute comes as the party continues to invoke its founder's legacy in its efforts to strengthen its political base and promote the ideals of social equality, dignity and representation.

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Veteran actor Nana Patekar’s last public appearance video has surfaced online just hours after news of his death, giving fans a glimpse of the actor days before his sudden demise. Patekar, 75, died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after suffering a cardiac arrest in Goa. His death has sent shockwaves across the Indian film industry, with colleagues, public figures and fans remembering the veteran performer for his powerful acting, distinctive dialogue delivery and decades-long contribution to cinema and theatre.

The video circulating online was reportedly recorded on October 4 during an event in Dona Paula, Goa. Patekar had attended the installation ceremony of Rajshri Khandeparkar as president of Samraat Club International. During the gathering, the actor interacted with those present and addressed the audience.

Patekar appeared in good spirits during the event and was seen participating in the celebrations. His remarks from the occasion have gained particular attention following his death, especially his reflections on life and the limited time available to people. He spoke about the importance of using one’s life meaningfully and doing something for others rather than remaining focused only on oneself.

The actor also recalled his late friend and former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar during his address. Although Patekar’s comments were not made in reference to his own health or an impending death, they have taken on a more emotional significance after his sudden passing. According to reports, Patekar became unwell in the early hours of Thursday. He reportedly contacted a friend after feeling unwell, following which the friend reached his residence in Goa. The actor was subsequently taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him. He was declared dead at around 5:20 am.

Patekar’s death marks the end of a career spanning several decades. Starting with theatre, he went on to become one of the most respected performers in Hindi and Marathi cinema. His acclaimed performances in films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan and Natsamrat established his reputation as an actor capable of handling both intense dramatic roles and mainstream cinema.

He also appeared in popular commercial films such as Welcome, introducing his distinctive style to a wider generation of audiences. Over the course of his career, Patekar received three National Film Awards and was honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema. As tributes continue to pour in, the video from his recent Goa appearance has become an emotional final glimpse of the veteran actor in public. For many fans, the footage has added a poignant dimension to the memories of an artist whose career remained closely connected with theatre, cinema and the people who admired his work.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years at the helm of government as a landmark phase in India’s democratic journey. He said the occasion was being marked through the ‘Seva Jyoti Yatra’, organised across districts nationwide to commemorate Modi’s 25 years in public service.

Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha – Seva Jyoti Yatra’ in Gurugram, Shah said October 7 represented an important day in the history of Indian democracy. He highlighted Modi’s journey from becoming Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 to serving as the country’s Prime Minister since 2014, noting that he had completed 25 continuous years in public office as the head of a government.

Shah said the nationwide ‘Seva Jyoti Yatra’ was organised to mark the milestone. As part of the programme, groups of young participants carried the yatra’s torch through different locations, with one such procession scheduled to reach a point near the Gurugram venue. Shah also appealed to people to participate in the programme in large numbers.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and several other leaders were present at the Gurugram event. Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to grassroots workers and swayamsevaks for their contribution to public service. Speaking at a ‘Seva Jyoti’ programme at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, he said the spirit of service remained central to the work of countless party workers and volunteers.

Modi said he had never considered himself alone in his journey, crediting the dedication of swayamsevaks and karyakartas who, according to him, have worked to preserve the country’s cultural traditions while serving society. He expressed respect for those who continue to contribute to the nation with dedication. Modi completed 25 years as head of a government on Wednesday. His political journey at the helm of government began on October 7, 2001, when he assumed office as Gujarat Chief Minister. He later became Prime Minister in 2014 and has since served three consecutive terms.

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A Delhi court has granted bail to 17 students and freelance journalists arrested during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, observing that while the allegations against them were serious, they were young and did not appear to be habitual offenders. The bail orders were passed by Judicial Magistrate First Class Animesh Kumar at the Patiala House Courts. The accused had been arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the protest and were produced before the court in separate proceedings.

Police had sought judicial custody of the accused for two weeks, citing allegations of violence and disruption during the demonstration. The prosecution also referred to injuries allegedly suffered by a police officer during the incident. The court, while considering the bail pleas, noted that the allegations could not be treated lightly. It observed that the right to protest does not give anyone the freedom to assault or use criminal force against police personnel performing their duties.

The court considered the age and background of the accused and the nature of the offences invoked against them. It noted that the accused were young and that the alleged offences carried comparatively limited maximum punishments. The court ultimately decided that continued detention was not necessary at this stage and granted bail to the 17 accused. Each was directed to furnish a bail bond of ₹15,000 along with one surety of the same amount.

During the proceedings, two of the accused also raised allegations of custodial torture. The court directed the police to submit a report on the claims and ordered preservation of CCTV footage from the Parliament Street Police Station. The bail order does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. The criminal case will continue, and the allegations made by the police will be examined during the course of the proceedings.

The case comes against the backdrop of protests linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and criticism surrounding the Election Commission. The court's observations underline that while peaceful protest is a recognised democratic right, alleged violence or obstruction during such demonstrations can still attract criminal proceedings.

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Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a broad set of initiatives covering family support, housing, technology and Singapore’s national resilience. Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss speak to SMU School of Law Associate Professor Eugene Tan about the major measures, their significance for Singaporeans and what they reveal about the Government’s priorities for the country’s next stage of growth.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Myanmar's military government has released rare images of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi meeting a Red Cross official, marking her first known contact with the outside world since the 2021 coup. The photos were released just ahead of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's first official visit to Thailand, prompting speculation about their political significance.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.