UPDATED: Oct 21, 2026 14:33 IST
The Prime Minister held a key economic review meeting to evaluate India's economic progress and discuss the roadmap ahead towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the meeting alongside members of the Economic Advisory Council. Discussions centred on India's GDP growth rate, economic policies, upcoming budget preparations, and a crucial trade deal underway with the United States. Key priorities highlighted also included boosting youth employment, multiplying growth, and addressing domestic economic concerns through planned policy measures.
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Delhi High Court Hearing: CJP Leaders Withdraw Plea Over Custody, Alternate Remedy Cited
The Delhi High Court questioned Cockroach Janta Party members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka over calls for regime change and the breach of peace bonds during a hearing regarding their judicial custody. The court observed that violent protests in Europe had escalated into arson and looting, questioning the petitioners' involvement and noting their departure from peaceful student demonstrations. The bench expressed disinclination to entertain the writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, emphasizing that alternate statutory appellate remedies were available before the district court and the Special Executive Magistrate. Following the bench's observations on maintainability and the procedural availability of legal remedies, legal counsel representing the petitioners chose to withdraw the petition. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing on behalf of the Delhi Police, highlighted that the petitioners had not filed replies before the Special Executive Magistrate despite being granted time and argued regarding the validity of sureties. The court directed that factual matters regarding sureties and custody be addressed through statutory authorities.
Bengaluru Blast Injures Two, Chennai Rains Trigger Waterlogging, Coimbatore Convicts Get Parole
An explosion at an under-construction building in Bengaluru's Pulikeshi Nagar left two labourers injured after they handled an unidentified bag containing a battery and wires. Forensic and internal security teams are investigating the incident to determine the nature of the blast. Meanwhile, heavy northeast monsoon rains triggered waterlogging and disrupted normal life across Chennai, with residents in areas like T. Nagar and Panagal Park facing inundation. Greater Chennai Corporation Mayor Priya raised concerns over targeted online trolling and AI-generated deepfake videos aimed at women leaders after she questioned civic authorities. In another development, the release on parole of five convicts from the 1998 Coimbatore blast has sparked a political clash, with the BJP alleging appeasement politics while the ruling establishment defends the move as a regular judicial and administrative protocol.
India-US Trade Pact Nears Final Stage; Key Tariff Relief Details and Timelines Awaited
US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have indicated that India and the United States are close to finalising a bilateral trade agreement. Talks have advanced to resolving technical details, with officials suggesting a pact could conclude within weeks. However, definitive timelines and specifics on tariff concessions remain undecided. The United States is India's largest export destination, recording over 42 billion dollars in Indian exports between April and August despite existing duties. While Indian and American leaders express confidence after prolonged negotiations, final benefits will depend on sector-specific concessions and signed terms.
HC Questions Protesters over Bond Breach, Maintainability of Plea & Alternate Legal Remedy
The High Court questioned the maintainability of a plea moved by CGP members challenging their custody extension by the Special Executive Magistrate. The court asked why the petitioners approached the High Court instead of seeking statutory alternate remedies before the district magistrate under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. During the hearing, the bench noted that a peace bond furnished by the protesters had been breached the very next day at the de-notified protest site of Jantar Mantar. The court also raised questions regarding the identity and age of the protesters, pointing out that individuals aged 27 and 31 could not claim to represent a Gen Z student agitation while raising different causes such as voting rights. The bench observed that in a writ petition it examines whether proper procedure was followed rather than the factual merits considered by the magistrate.