Supreme Court Issues 'Extraordinary Order' for West Bengal Electoral Process
The Supreme Court of India has passed what it termed an "extraordinary order" in relation to West Bengal's electoral preparations. The apex court has directed the Calcutta High Court to appoint both serving and retired judicial officers as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). These officers will be tasked with adjudicating claims and objections arising from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state's electoral rolls.
Administrative and Security Support Mandated
The Court further mandated that these judicial officers receive comprehensive support from state authorities. This includes:
- Assistance from micro-observers and state government officials
- Logistical support from district collectors
- Security provisions from Superintendents of Police
This unprecedented move aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process ahead of upcoming polls in the state.
Political Controversy Erupts Over Youth Congress Protest
The BJP-led central government has launched a sharp criticism against the Congress party and specifically targeted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. This reaction came after approximately 10 Indian Youth Congress workers were detained for staging a shirtless protest at the AI Summit. The protesters were reportedly shouting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside Exhibition Hall No. 5 at the summit venue.
Government Condemns Protest as 'Despicable'
Central government officials described the protest action as "despicable" and directly blamed Rahul Gandhi for what they characterized as inappropriate political behavior at an international technology summit.
US Envoy Discusses India's Oil Diversification Strategy
United States envoy Sergio Gor has provided important insights into India's energy procurement strategy. He confirmed that India is actively diversifying its oil sourcing while reaffirming that commitments regarding Russian oil procurement are indeed part of the new India-US trade agreement.
Venezuelan Oil Talks Underway
Gor noted that ongoing discussions are taking place regarding potential Venezuelan oil sales to India. The US envoy emphasized that the final trade deal between India and the United States is expected to be signed in the near future, marking a significant development in bilateral economic relations.
Women's Rights Groups Demand Action Against Rajasthan MLA
Women's rights organizations have formally sought action against Rajasthan BJP MLA Bahadur Singh Koli for what they describe as patriarchal and regressive remarks made in the state assembly. The MLA had drawn an analogy comparing BJP budgets to "giving birth to a son" and Congress-era budgets to "giving birth to a daughter."
Formal Complaint Filed
The groups have written to Rajasthan assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, demanding appropriate action against Koli. They argue that his comments reflect an anti-women mindset and perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes that have no place in legislative discourse.
Baloch Liberation Army Releases Controversial Video
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has released a video that purportedly shows Pakistani Army personnel in its custody. This development comes as a deadline approaches for a proposed prisoner exchange between the group and Pakistani authorities.
Video Details and Appeals
The circulated footage appears to show several men presenting service cards and national identity documents while identifying themselves as detained servicemen. In the video, they make direct appeals to Pakistani authorities, questioning why their status is allegedly not being acknowledged despite their formal recruitment and assigned postings within the military establishment.
The video has been shared extensively on social media platforms and was reportedly disseminated through the BLA's official communication channels, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing tensions in the region.
