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Delhi Acid Attack Case : Police give Clean Chit to Main Suspect

New Delhi, Oct 28, 2025

The man accused of throwing acid on a 20-year-old girl near Laxmi Bai College in Delhi has been given a clean chit by the police after officials reviewed evidence showing that he was not present at the crime scene.

In her complaint, the acid attack victim had alleged that the accused was involved in the acid attack. However, during police questioning, the accused claimed that he was not present at the crime scene and was instead in Karol Bagh for work.

According to the police officials, CCTV footage from the Karol Bagh area shows the accused riding a motorcycle when the incident happened near the Laxmi Bai College. Based on this footage, the police have so far given a clean chit to the man.

Additionally, the acid attack victim’s father, Akil Khan, has been arrested for sexually assaulting the accused’s wife.

The arrest, confirmed late Monday evening by senior officials at Bharat Nagar police station, marks a pivotal shift in an investigation already mired in contradictions, family vendettas, and competing narratives of harassment and revenge.

Khan, a 45-year-old factory owner from Mukundpur, was located hiding in a relative’s residence in neighbouring Ghaziabad after a tip-off from local intelligence networks.

According to police sources, he is being transported back to Delhi under heavy escort for intensive questioning, expected to commence early Tuesday at the station’s interrogation cell.

Authorities suspect his involvement in orchestrating elements of the incident or fabricating details to bolster the initial complaint, though no formal charges have been filed against him yet in the acid attack FIR.

The case erupted on October 26 around 10:52 a.m., when the victim—a second-year Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board student affiliated with Delhi University—was admitted to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital with severe burns on both hands and minor splashes to her stomach.

Forensic analysis by the Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed the liquid as a potent acid, causing five per cent burns primarily from her instinctive shielding of her face with her bag.

A case under Sections 124(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered as FIR No. 605/2025, with crime scene teams scouring the area near the college gate for residue and eyewitnesses.(Agency)

Shreyas Iyer out of ICU, stable after spleen injury in Sydney ODI: Sources

Sydney, Oct 28, 2025

Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is now in stable condition after sustaining a spleen laceration during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Sources confirmed to IANS that the team management remains in close contact with him and is keeping a constant watch on his recovery.

The injury, which was initially believed to be a rib cage issue, turned out to be more serious than first thought, prompting Iyer’s admission to the ICU in a Sydney hospital. He has since shown good signs of recovery, and his family is expected to travel to Australia soon to be by his side.

A spleen laceration occurs when the spleen, a soft, blood-rich organ located beneath the rib cage on the upper left side of the abdomen, is torn or ruptured. Given the organ’s role in filtering blood, such injuries can lead to significant internal bleeding, requiring immediate and careful medical attention.

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Iyer sustained an impact injury to his left lower rib cage while fielding in the third ODI on October 25.

“Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well. The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is closely monitoring his injury status. The Indian Team doctor will remain in Sydney with Shreyas to evaluate his day-to-day progress,” the board Had stated.

Iyer, who suffered the injury while taking the catch of Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carry, was immediately taken to hospital for further evaluation and has been admitted there in the ICU.

The incident occurred in the 33rd over of Australia’s innings, Carey miscued a short ball from seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana. Stationed at backward point, Iyer sprinted back with the ball swirling overhead and launched himself full length to complete a tumbling catch near deep third man.

With Iyer responding positively to treatment, both the team management and fans are optimistic about his full recovery in the coming weeks.(Agency)

Cyclone Montha: Chennai sets up relief centres, medical camps; field teams on high alert

Chennai, Oct 28, 2025

As the northeast monsoon intensifies across Tamil Nadu, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has stepped up its preparedness to prevent rain-related hardships and disease outbreaks in the city.

The civic body has established 215 relief centres across Chennai so far to provide immediate support to residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Each relief centre has been equipped with essential amenities such as food, sanitation, and clean drinking water facilities.

A network of 106 central kitchens has been set up to ensure an uninterrupted meal supply. Over four lakh residents from vulnerable areas were provided three meals a day during this period, underscoring the scale of the civic response.

To curb the spread of seasonal and waterborne infections during the monsoon, the corporation conducted 574 special medical camps, including 408 general health camps and 116 mobile camps, reaching out to 24,146 beneficiaries. These camps focused on fever screening, vector control awareness, and early medical intervention for monsoon-related illnesses.

On the infrastructure front, the GCC has readied over 2,000 motor pumps of varying capacities to drain rainwater from inundated zones. To handle emergencies caused by strong winds and falling trees, 457 trained tree surgeons have been deployed.

The civic body is also maintaining 22 key road tunnels round-the-clock to prevent water stagnation and ensure smooth traffic flow during heavy rain. A total of 22,000 personnel, including engineers, sanitary workers, and field staff, have been mobilised for flood-prevention and relief operations. Additionally, 2,149 field workers from the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) are on standby to address drainage blockages and sewage overflows.

The GCC has urged residents to promptly report rain-related damages, flooding, or emergencies through the toll-free helpline 1913.

Officials said complaints received via social media platforms are also being actively monitored and acted upon.

With the city bracing for more showers in the coming days, the civic administration’s coordinated measures — combining relief operations, public health initiatives, and infrastructure readiness — aim to minimise disruption and safeguard citizens during the monsoon season.(Agency)

Thousands of US flights delayed as government shutdown strains airports

Washington, Oct 28, 2025

More than 4,000 flights across the US were delayed on Monday, with roughly 118 additional flights cancelled, as the 27-day government shutdown continues to disrupt air travel.

The delays come amid growing shortages of essential workers at airports and air traffic control towers nationwide.

On Sunday alone, over 8,700 flights were delayed, according to FlightAware, as staffing shortfalls continue to mount. About 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay, resulting in widespread operational strain.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cited staffing shortages affecting flights across the Southeast and at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

At the Los Angeles International Airport, the FAA imposed a ground delay that held flights on the tarmac for an average of 25 minutes.

“They got their notice on Thursday and Friday. They get a notice of what they are going to be paid on Tuesday. And they got a big fat no paycheck is coming on Tuesday,” Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News on Sunday.

Duffy described the stress faced by air traffic controllers.

“I’ve been out talking to air traffic controllers, and you can see the stress. These are people that oftentimes like paycheck to paycheck … they are concerned about gas in the car, they are concerned about childcare,” he added.

The Transportation Department warned that while flights are continuing to operate, delays and cancellations are expected to persist as the shutdown drags on. Airlines have urged travellers to check flight status and prepare for longer wait times at airports.

Experts caution that even after the shutdown ends, it may take time to clear the backlog of delayed flights, as staffing shortages and operational bottlenecks continue to challenge the system.

Airport hubs nationwide are bracing for continued disruption as the federal impasse shows no immediate sign of resolution.(Agency)

US lawmakers unite to defend bilateral ties with India through letters and resolutions

Washington, Oct 28, 2025

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have joined hands to support the India-US relationship, months after the Trump administration announced a series of policies targeting Indian interests.

At least six bipartisan letters and resolutions have been drafted over the past 10 days defending the interests of the Indian American community, reaffirming support for the India–US partnership, and pressing the administration for accountability over its recent actions targeting New Delhi.

Last week, a group of House members expressed concern that an event at Rutgers University on Monday could “fuel further prejudice” against Hindus at a time when Hindu temples have been targets of violence.

The co-signers of the letter were Democrats Sanford Bishop from Georgia, Shri Thanedar from Illinois, and Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia, and Republican Rich McCormick, also from Georgia.

Two days earlier, another bipartisan group of six House Representatives wrote to US President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, expressing concerns over the H-1B proclamation.

“We are concerned that the recent proclamation related to H-1B visa petitions will create significant challenges for US employers and overall weaken our competitiveness,” the letter stated.

The group again included Democrat Suhas Subramanyam along with Republican Congressmen Jay Obernolte and Don Bacon, among others.

On October 17, four US lawmakers wrote to President Donald Trump, urging him to attend the Quad Leaders’ Summit in India and other meetings in Asia.

The same day, a bipartisan resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives to recognise the “contributions made to the United States by the Indian American diaspora” and condemn recent acts of racism against Indian Americans.

The resolution also termed the India-US relationship as “one of the most important democratic partnerships in the world”.

It was a sharp departure from just days earlier, when 19 House members, all Democrats with no Republican support, wrote to President Donald Trump on October 8, urging him to “reset and repair” the India-US “critical partnership”.

Leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties have faced criticism for mostly remaining silent as senior officials of the Trump administration, like Trade Advisor Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, repeatedly targeted India over its purchase of Russian oil and trade imbalance.

In August, the Trump administration imposed 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi, which included a 25 per cent levy for importing Russian oil.

Then, in September, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on H-1B visas, imposing a $100,000 application fee to restrict the programme. Over 70 per cent of the approved H-1B applications in 2024 went to Indian nationals.

While a handful of Democrats opposed the administration’s stance publicly, Republican lawmakers, until recently, decided to keep quiet.

In early October, Democratic Representative Ami Bera, a leading advocate of the US-India relationship, told IANS that some Republican lawmakers have remained silent out of fear of the president.

“I think they’re certainly afraid to take on President Trump directly,” he said.

In recent weeks, ties have stabilised, and negotiators have resumed talks to finalise the first phase of a trade agreement.

Last week, President Donald Trump held a special Diwali event at the White House where he termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a great person” and said he loves “the people of India.”

Bera added that more members should come out to support the relationship.

“Instead of making this about President Trump, let’s make it about the US-India relationship. Let’s make it about what we think as members of Congress – Democrats and Republicans. I don’t want the India-US relationship to be a Democratic thing or a Republican thing. It should be an American thing,” he told IANS.(Agency)

U-23 World Wrestling C’ship: Sujeet wins gold medal; women’s team secure team title

Novi Sad (Serbia), Oct 28, 2025

India’s Sujeet (65 kg, Freestyle) won the first gold medal for the country at the 2025 Under-23 Senior World Wrestling Championship held in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Sujeet gave an excellent performance throughout the tournament. He started with a strong win over the Moldova wrestler by 12-2, and in the next round, he defeated the Polish wrestler by technical superiority (11-0).

In the quarterfinal, Sujeet faced a tough bout but won a close fight 4-2 against a UWW wrestler to move into the semifinal. There, he defeated the Japanese wrestler in another close contest by 3-2 to reach the final.

In the final bout, Sujeet showed great skill and confidence, defeating the Uzbek wrestler by technical superiority (10-0) to claim the gold medal for India.

Earlier, the Indian women’s wrestling team had already won 5 bronze medals and 2 silver medals, and also secured the team championship title at the same event.

Sujeet’s medal is the only medal for India in the men’s Under-23 Senior World Wrestling Championship this year. Two other wrestlers competed for the bronze medal bouts but could not succeed.

Today marked the final day of the Under-23 Senior World Wrestling Championship 2025.(Agency)

Govt announces Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar honouring scientific achievements

New Delhi, Oct 28, 2025

India’s scientific community received a resounding tribute last week with the announcement of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2025 list, honouring 24 distinguished scientists and one pioneering research team for transformative contributions across diverse domains.

Building on the inaugural edition, the awards underscore the Union government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ through Vigyan, a developed India powered by scientific temper and innovation.

At the apex stands the Vigyan Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian honour in science and technology, instituted in 2023 and first conferred in 2024 upon Dr. Govindarajan Padmanabhan, the eminent biochemist whose decades-long work on the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum illuminated drug resistance mechanisms and inspired global anti-malarial strategies.

Conferred annually on National Space Day which is celebrated on August 23, it mirrors the prestige of the Bharat Ratna but is dedicated solely to lifetime scientific excellence.

Complementing this pinnacle are three other categories.

Eight senior researchers received the Vigyan Shri for sustained impact in fields ranging from quantum materials to sustainable agriculture.

Fourteen early- and mid-career innovators, all under 45, were named Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardees, a reimagining of the iconic SS Bhatnagar Prize to nurture India’s next generation of scientific leaders.

The sole Vigyan Team award went to the CSIR Aroma Mission, a multi-institutional consortium that has revitalised aromatic crop cultivation across 60,000 hectares, empowering more than 50,000 farmers in 26 states with high-yielding lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass varieties, generating Rs 1,200 crore in rural revenue since 2017.

The 2025 cohort reflects India’s widening scientific footprint.

Among the Vigyan Shri recipients are a climate modeller whose AI-driven monsoon forecasts have reduced crop losses by 18 per cent in Odisha, and a materials scientist whose biodegradable polymer from agricultural waste is now scaling for medical implants.

The Yuva awardees include a 38-year-old astrophysicist decoding fast radio bursts at Pune’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and a 41-year-old biotechnologist engineering salt-tolerant rice strains already under field trials in coastal Tamil Nadu.

Launched in 2023 to replace 16 fragmented science awards, the RVP scheme streamlines recognition under a single, transparent framework.

Nominations are vetted by a 300-member search-cum-selection committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to Union government, Ajay Kumar Sood, ensuring peer-driven meritocracy.

Unlike earlier prizes, RVP carries no cash component, instead offering a sanad, citation, and a medal cast in panchdhatu, symbolising unity of five classical elements.

The awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony on National Science Day on February 28, 2026.

As India targets a $1 trillion research economy by 2047, the RVP not only celebrates past breakthroughs but signals a national resolve to place science at the heart of development.(Agency)

Chandrababu Naidu for developing Vijayawada, Vizag railway stations as iconic structures

Amaravati, Oct 27, 2025

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati railway stations should be developed as iconic railway stations.

He said the proposed Amaravati railway station should also be developed as a special attraction.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of several railway projects in the state with railway officials at a meeting held at the State Secretariat.

The Chief Minister said that Vijayawada railway station redevelopment works should be taken up immediately, and a skywalk should be constructed at Tirupati railway station for the benefit of pilgrims.

The railway officials informed the Chief Minister that the development of 73 railway stations is in progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

The Chief Minister directed the railway officials to resolve the issues in the Kothavalasa-Kirandole and Kothavalasa-Vizianagaram sections.

He said the South Coastal railway zone works should be sped up. When he asked the officials to complete the Rajahmundry station development works before Godavari pushkarams, the officials said the upgradation works costing Rs 271 crore will be completed, and efforts are on to run 1,012 special trains for Pushkarams.

The Chief Minister asked the railway officials to improve railway connectivity to ports, including Mulapet, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Ramayapatnam. He said the state government is focusing on the development of logistics in a big way, and the railway officials should cooperate in that direction.

He discussed the progress of Nadikudi-Kalahasti, Guntur-Guntakal, Gunadala-Mustabad bypass and Raidurg-Tumukuru railway lines. The Chief Minister discussed with officials various railway project works worth Rs 33,630 crore.

CM Naidu also discussed the Hyderabad-Bangalore elevated corridor via Amaravati. He said a bullet train should be proposed connecting the Amaravati international airport in future.

He also mentioned the progress of the proposed 1,564 km new railway lines in the state. He said the state government is determined to develop the state as a logistics corridor, and the railway connectivity to north-south and west-east should be improved.

The CM accepted the proposal of the railways to allot land for a new railway coaching terminal at Gannavaram. They said that the railway authorities are planning to develop railway coaching terminals at Vijayawada and Guntur, as well.

Minister BC Janardhana Reddy, Principal Secretary MT Krishnababu, South Central Railway General Manager Sanjay Srivastava and other officials were present.(Agency)

Odisha on high alert as Cyclone Montha nears; over 3,000 evacuated

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27, 2025

The Odisha government on Monday placed its entire administrative machinery on high alert to tackle the possible impact of Cyclone Montha, which is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, on the evening or night of October 28.

Senior officials of key departments, including Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM), Agriculture, Health and Energy, reviewed preparedness at the grassroots level. The R&DM Department has been holding regular coordination meetings with district collectors, NDRF and ODRAF units to achieve a “zero casualty” target.

After a high-level review, R&DM Minister Suresh Pujari said that 140 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Services have been deployed across eight high-risk districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur. He added that the state has also coordinated with the Indian Coast Guard to ensure that trawlers and fishing boats return to shore.

Senior officers have been assigned to each “red zone” district to oversee cyclone management. Around 3,000 people have been evacuated to 1,445 cyclone shelters in southern Odisha, and the state plans to shift another 32,528 people to safer locations as a precaution. Both dry and cooked food are being arranged at the shelters.

Pujari said that 1,496 pregnant women have already been shifted to nearby Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), while the evacuation of another 760 women is in progress.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has issued an advisory urging farmers to harvest crops that have reached at least 85 per cent maturity and store them safely. Farmers have been asked to cover harvested produce with polythene sheets, ensure quick drainage of storm water from fields and take steps to prevent post-cyclone pest attacks. Agriculture Principal Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee has directed that no agriculture officer will be allowed leave till October 31 and that crop loss assessments must begin immediately after water recedes.

The Health and Family Welfare Department has also said it is fully prepared to handle any emergency. As of Monday evening, 4,511 pregnant women have been identified for special monitoring, including 3,823 in the eight high-risk districts.(Agency)

Muslim Rashtriya Manch slams Tejashwi Yadav over remarks on Waqf Act

New Delhi, Oct 27, 2025

The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) on Monday strongly criticised Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav for his reported remarks calling for the “throwing of the Waqf Bill into the dustbin”, terming it an attack on the rights of poor Muslims, widows and orphans.

Addressing a press conference, Dr Shalini Ali, National Convener and head of the MRM Women’s Wing, said Tejashwi’s comments were “a betrayal of the Muslim community” and alleged that the RJD leader was “engaging in vote-bank politics”.

“This statement is an open fraud against widows, orphans and the destitute. Throwing the Waqf law into the dustbin is nothing short of an attack on the rights of poor Muslims,” she said.

The remarks made by Tejashwi Yadav at a rally in Bihar’s Seemanchal region on October 26 have triggered a sharp political response, particularly from the MRM, which accused him of undermining reforms aimed at transparency in Waqf properties. Dr Ali said the Waqf Amendment Act, 2024, would help modernise and digitise Waqf records, introduce third-party audits and ensure that revenues are used for education, healthcare and welfare schemes for widows, orphans and the Pasmanda community.

“Waqf is a sacred trust, not a vote bank. The Act is designed to curb corruption and ensure that Waqf income reaches the needy,” she said, adding that leaders opposing the law were “afraid of a self-reliant and empowered Muslim society”.

The MRM also alleged that Tejashwi Yadav’s stance reflected a “political mindset that views Waqf assets only as tools for electoral gain”. The organisation said it would launch an awareness campaign to inform the community about the provisions of the amended law. “We will not allow anyone to misuse Waqf properties for politics. The community wants development, not exploitation,” Dr Ali said.

The MRM further stated that the Act aligns with the Centre’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” agenda and called upon political leaders to support transparency and accountability in Waqf management.

There was no immediate reaction from Tejashwi Yadav or the RJD on the MRM’s allegations.(Agency)

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