Cyclone Arnab Nears Andhra Coast; Red Alert Issued, Evacuations Under Way
Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal and is heading towards the east coast of India. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert across Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching 115 to 125 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 140 kilometres per hour. Landfall is expected along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. In response to the impending disaster, National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed across multiple states, while the Indian Navy and Coast Guard remain on standby. Coastal administrations have initiated evacuations from low-lying areas, set up temporary relief shelters, and declared holidays for schools and colleges. Fishermen have been strictly directed to avoid venturing out into the sea as authorities aim for zero casualties.
Uday Bhanu Chib: 'Bina Bataye Video Khinchna Aur Photos Khinchna Sab Galat Hai'
The Indian Youth Congress faced sharp criticism over a promotional social media video uploaded for its upcoming rally at Ramlila Maidan, which reportedly depicted a young boy secretly filming and clicking photos of young women on a mobile phone without their consent. Following an India Today report highlighting concerns over the normalisation of street harassment and stalking, the video was removed from social media platforms. Responding to the controversy, Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib stated that recording videos or clicking photos of people without consent is wrong: "Bina bataye video khinchna aur photos khinchna sab galat hai." He added that the video was handled by the organisation's IT cell, explaining that it was not possible to review every proposal beforehand. Chib noted that he would speak with the IT cell team to understand their point of view before deciding on further action, maintaining that one cannot form perceptions or reach conclusions based on a one-sided account.
Opposition Rally at Ramlila Maidan, BJP Nationwide March, Diwali Trade Row
A political faceoff has broken out as the opposition prepares for a mega Save Democracy rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on 1 November. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party has planned nationwide padayatras under the slogan 'Loktantra Bachao, Anrajakta Hatao', countering what it calls an opposition-led narrative of anarchy. Meanwhile, traders' associations have expressed apprehension over festival season business, urging a delay to avoid potential losses estimated at 10,000 crore rupees ahead of Diwali. Rahul Gandhi has linked calling off the agitation to the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while the Vishva Hindu Parishad accused the opposition of intentionally impacting festival-driven commerce.
Delhi Police Denies Mock CEC Impeachment; Congress Alleges Bias Over Ramlila Ground Event
The Congress party has claimed that Delhi Police denied permission for a planned mock public impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition alliance had initially scheduled the event at the Ashoka Hotel on 30 October as a curtain raiser for its larger rally at Ramlila Ground on 1 November. After permissions for hotel and stadium venues were refused, the alliance attempted to shift the mock impeachment to Ramlila Ground, where they held booking clearance from 25 October to 3 November, but were again denied approval. Congress leaders accused the central government of double standards, contrasting restrictions on their gatherings with permitted marches by ruling party leaders in commercial areas. Organisers maintained that preparations for the 1 November mega rally remain underway, projecting attendance exceeding ten lakh participants. Opposition floor managers also indicated ongoing discussions to broaden the alliance platform by coordinating with additional parties ahead of the scheduled demonstration.