In a shocking revelation, it was uncovered that six people had been posing as "Arpit Singh" and holding full-time X-ray technician jobs in UP's health department for nearly nine years. Manipulating weak background checks and lack of coordination between district offices, these imposters drew separate salaries from each district, resulting in estimated losses exceeding Rs 4.5 crore to the public exchequer. The wrongdoing came to light during a digitisation drive when data comparison exposed the duplicate postings. A thorough investigation has been initiated and an FIR has been filed against the six "Arpit Singhs" at Wazirganj police station in Lucknow.
In Maharashtra, leaders from the ruling BJP party have expressed outrage over a proposed Muslim "halal lifestyle township" near Mumbai, accusing it of promoting "religious separation." However, this outcry ignores the ongoing issue of Muslim housing discrimination in India, where Muslims are routinely denied homes in Hindu-majority neighborhoods and often forced into ghettos. This hypocritical stance from the BJP only serves to further marginalize and exclude the Muslim community, while demonstrating a lack of understanding of the challenges they face.
The Indian parliament is currently in disarray as the ruling Modi government faces a boycott from the opposition INDIA alliance over the introduction of three anti-corruption bills. The situation escalated when a few opposition members resorted to tearing copies of the bills during proceedings, prompting the government to refer the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). However, this committee has now become a flashpoint, with the majority of the opposition refusing to participate. The Congress remains undecided, torn between internal opinions. This boycott is unprecedented in parliamentary history and has raised concerns about the opposition parties being portrayed as divided.
The carefully managed alliance between AIADMK and BJP in Tamil Nadu is facing turbulent times as the AIADMK leaders complain of increasing interference from the BJP into CM Palaniswami's leadership. Reports suggest that former AIADMK leader Panneerselvam is planning to start his own party, but has been asked to wait until December by the BJP. This has sparked talks of a possible exit from the NDA among the AIADMK ranks. The recent sacking of leader Sengottaiyan for demanding the return of expelled leaders further highlights the strained relations between the two parties. Some AIADMK leaders are advocating for an exit from the NDA in light of the current situation.
A new FIR has been filed against Dr Abhijeet Pandey, a dermatologist and assistant professor at RKDF College in Bhopal, for illegally running a cosmetic treatment clinic without proper registration and license. The case was filed on the complaint of a clerk, who reported that a team of officials had found Pandey using unregistered cosmetic treatment machines and illegally packaging and selling medicines in his two occupied flats in the MP Nagar area. This comes after Pandey was arrested in March for abetting the suicide of his wife, who was also a doctor and had allegedly faced harassment from her husband.
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Secretary of the Department of Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to propose a scheme for the administration of the Buddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Lucknow. This comes after a writ petition was filed seeking to unlock certain facilities within the temple premises, which were allegedly locked by the Sub Divisional Magistrate. Claiming violation of their fundamental rights, the petitioners argued that the SDM's actions were in violation of Articles 25, 26 and 14 of the Constitution. However, the Standing Counsel refuted these claims and stated that petitioner no. 2 is an imposter and that the previous Mahant's disciple is still alive and residing at the temple.
A press conference in Stockholm took a dramatic turn when newly appointed Health Minister Elisabet Lann collapsed on live television due to low blood sugar. The incident caused a temporary cancellation of the conference, but Lann returned later in the day to assure the public that she was feeling better and there was no cause for concern. Lann took over the position only days ago, following the resignation of her predecessor.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage to the state's first chief minister Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on his 138th birth anniversary. He praised Pant's contributions to the state's development and his role in steering it through the challenges of post-Independence. Despite the administrative chaos caused by colonial rule, Pant laid the foundations for UP's progress.
Shashi Tharoor, one of the 23 leaders who had written to Sonia Gandhi seeking large-scale reforms in the Congress party, reflects on the recent Chintan Shivir and the need for a consultative process where diverse voices are heard. While some proposals, such as the revival of the parliamentary board and elections to the Working Committee, were intended to bring fresh perspectives, the ultimate decision-making power still lies with the party leadership. As Sonia Gandhi forms an advisory group, Tharoor remains skeptical of whether this will lead to meaningful change in the party.
CP Radhakrishnan has been declared as India's next Vice President after securing 452 out of 752 valid votes in the recently held election. The NDA candidate's overwhelming victory was no surprise, as the opposition parties had chosen to abstain rather than challenge the NDA's clear majority. CP Radhakrishnan's brother, CP Kumaresh, expresses his joy and confidence in his brother's ability to successfully manage the Rajya Sabha and uphold PM Modi's trust. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets and congratulates the newly elected Vice President on his win.