The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib began on Saturday with Punjab Cabinet Ministers paying homage at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in New Delhi. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President and Punjab Minister Aman Arora visited the historic Gurdwara to take part in the commemorations. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "To mark Guru Sahib's 350th anniversary, the Punjab Government has organised a grand event. Four Nagar Kirtan processions will be held to spread Guru Sahib's teachings, and Sikh scholars from around the world have been invited. Guru Sahib's message embodies humanity."

Earlier, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh, addressing a high-level meeting at Rail Bhavan in New Delhi, said that Indian Railways will commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom day with due respect. According to a release by the Ministry of Railways, the initiative aims to educate the younger generation about the Guru’s teachings and sacrifices. Plans discussed include displaying Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Shlokas at railway stations and on trains nationwide, operating special commemorative trains during the Shatabdi period, and installing Punjabi signboards at railway stations in Haryana, Patna, and Hazur Sahib.

Ravneet Singh also noted that Indian Railways values suggestions from Sikh institutions for the event, including proposals to rename Delhi Railway Station as Guru Tegh Bahadur Railway Station. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured that the suggestions would be considered to ensure the success of the commemorations.

The Haryana Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed a resolution paying tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib during its monsoon session, moved by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The Chief Minister highlighted that this year marks the 350th anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, known as 'Hind Ki Chaadar'. The House expressed deep reverence for Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s supreme sacrifice, recalling that in November 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, he laid down his life defending the freedom of faith and conscience. His devotees—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji—also embraced martyrdom, exemplifying courage, righteousness, and unwavering devotion.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, inaugurated the new Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bhawan in Ghaziabad. In her address to officials and dignitaries, she emphasized that the next phase of GST reforms should prioritize transparency, efficiency, and respect for taxpayers.

Sitharaman said, “NextGenGST should be a distinctly positive experience for taxpayers. They must feel valued, as they contribute to the nation. While dishonest taxpayers should be addressed according to protocol, the system should not treat everyone with suspicion.” She stressed that ease of compliance and trust are central to effective tax administration.

Highlighting India’s economic progress, she referred to data from the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which showed that this year’s festive retail sales hit a record Rs 6.05 lakh crore—a 25% increase from last year. Of this, Rs 5.4 lakh crore came from goods and Rs 65,000 crore from services, with 87% of consumers opting for Made-in-India products. Sitharaman noted that the growth reflects the positive impact of reforms such as GST rate rationalization.

CAIT reported that nearly 72% of traders attributed the surge in festive sales to recent GST rate reductions on consumer goods, footwear, and home décor. “These figures indicate that our policies, including GST rationalization, are making a real difference,” she said, highlighting the government’s focus on simplification to benefit both traders and consumers.

Looking ahead, Sitharaman announced that starting November 1, the Simplified GST Registration Scheme will enable automatic registration within three working days for most applicants. She said this reform would ease processes for 96% of new applicants, relying more on technology-based checks, and directed field officers to ensure smooth implementation with adequate support from GST Seva Kendras.

The minister also stressed the importance of accountability, urging prompt disciplinary action for any misconduct in CGST field offices. Quoting the department’s new motto, she said, “(Galat Kiya Toh Khair Nahi, Sahi Kiya Toh Koi Bair Nahi).” Concluding her address, Sitharaman expressed confidence that sustained reforms, teamwork, and dedication would make the GST system more efficient, fair, and growth-oriented. “Continue the good work, maintain the pace of reforms, and always remember: the ultimate goal is to make life easier for the honest taxpayer,” she added.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@nsitharamanoffc.

The portals of Kedarnath Dham, the renowned eleventh Jyotirlinga, were ceremoniously closed for the winter season at 8:30 am on Thursday, October 23, coinciding with Bhai Dooj (Kartik Shukla Saptami, Anuradha Nakshatra). Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the occasion. Before the closure, the temple was beautifully decorated with flowers, while devotional music from the Indian Army band and chants of "Jai Baba Kedar" filled the air. Despite the chilly weather, around 10,000 devotees witnessed the historic event.

As part of the rituals, temple priests, led by Chief Priest Bagesh Ling, performed yajna, havan, and samadhi pujan during Brahmamuhurta. The swayambhu Shivling of Lord Kedarnath was adorned with local sacred flowers, dried flowers, and leaves, symbolically forming a samadhi. The sanctum doors were then closed amid chants, marking the start of the winter season. CM Dhami also participated in the ceremonial closure of the eastern and southern gates. The Panchmukhi Utsav Doli (five-faced ceremonial palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath was carried in a grand procession around the temple complex before commencing its first halt at Rampur, accompanied by chants and devotional music.

CM Dhami extended greetings to devotees from across India and abroad, highlighting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Kedarpuri has undergone significant reconstruction and divine transformation. He noted that over 5 million pilgrims visited the Char Dham shrines in 2025, a record number, and encouraged devotees to undertake the winter Char Dham pilgrimage to visit the winter abodes (gaddi sthals) of the deities. He emphasized that winter pilgrimages sustain devotion and support local communities, including traders, homestay owners, and hoteliers.

The Chief Minister thanked all involved in the pilgrimage, including security personnel, temple committees, local residents, voluntary organizations, and devotees, for ensuring a safe and well-organized yatra. He noted that the 2025 Kedarnath pilgrimage saw 17,68,795 pilgrims, about 1.25 lakh more than in 2024. Despite a few natural challenges, the yatra period remained peaceful, and robust security arrangements will continue during winter along with traditional worship rituals. Following the closure, Baba Kedar’s Panchmukhi Utsav Doli will rest tonight at Rampur, then proceed to Shri Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi on October 24, and reach the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on October 25.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Detailed architectural blueprints and interior photographs of Mumbai’s high-security Arthur Road Jail — where fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi would be held if extradited — have been submitted to a Belgian court as part of India’s affidavit assuring humane detention conditions. The materials, comprising six technical sheets titled “Prison Conditions Barrack 12, Arthur Road Prison, Mumbai,” were prepared by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). They were included in India’s submission to demonstrate that the jail facilities are safe, sanitary, and meet international standards.

According to the documents, Barrack No. 12 — the designated unit for Choksi — spans about 46.5 square metres (around 500 sq. ft.) and includes a main room, passage, toilet, and wash area. The barrack features ventilated windows with mosquito netting, grilled security doors, ceiling fans, tube lights, CCTV cameras, and a mobile jammer. It also has a wash basin, running water shower, and PVC flooring with tiled walls to maintain hygiene.

The affidavit highlights that the barrack has been recently refurbished and fully complies with global detention norms. Authorities attached the architectural visuals to assure the court that Choksi would be housed in a well-ventilated, secure, and continuously monitored unit, not in overcrowded general wards.

The technical drawings, dated June 5, 2025, were signed by architect Shailja Sakharkar and CPWD Chief Engineer D. Roychowdhury. Each document bears the CPWD seal and includes detailed 3D renderings, floor plans, and section diagrams created under the supervision of the Chief Engineer’s office at Pratishtha Bhavan, M.K. Road, Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the Antwerp Court of Appeal ruled that the charges against Mehul Choksi are extraditable under both Indian and Belgian law, clearing the way for his return to India to face trial in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. The court noted that the offences fall under Sections 120-B, 201, 409, 420, and 477-A of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 — all punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.

Choksi, accused in the multi-crore PNB fraud case, faces extradition proceedings in both Antigua and Belgium. Indian authorities have repeatedly assured foreign courts that its prison conditions meet international human rights standards, citing improvements such as the upgraded barrack at Arthur Road Jail.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Last weekend, millions across the U.S. took part in No Kings protests opposing Donald Trump. Although the president denied any desire to be a king, he shared an AI-generated video showing himself as one, piloting a fighter jet and dropping excrement on demonstrators. Jonathan Freedland discusses with political scientist Barbara Walter the strategies the Trump administration is employing against protesters.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian

Recent reports indicate an increase in online threats and scams, alongside a local company under police investigation for suspected involvement in a Cambodian scam operation. What do these incidents reveal about our digital vulnerabilities? Hairianto Diman discusses this with Helena Huang, Associate Research Fellow at the Digital Impact Research team, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

From banking apps and WhatsApp to Netflix and AI chatbots, Singaporeans rely on data centres daily. These centres currently consume about 7% of the nation’s electricity, a figure expected to grow as digital service usage increases. Hairianto Diman and Syahida Othman explore the crucial role of data centres in Singapore’s everyday digital life, and discuss strategies to reduce their impact on the energy grid with Arun Bhatia, Executive Managing Director of APAC Strategy at Carrier.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

As world leaders conclude several days of speeches at the UN, the spotlight is on the White House meeting between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, featuring an ambitious Gaza peace plan that could potentially end the conflict if Hamas agrees. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the situation with Dr. Alica Kizekova, Lecturer at the School of Media, Creative Arts, and Social Inquiry, Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.