HILL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Ladakh announces December 4 council polls amid shutdown
Ladakh's State Election Commission has announced December 4 as the polling date for all eight LAHDCs, with counting scheduled for December 8. The announcement comes amid protests and shutdowns in Kargil and Sankoo, with the Apex Body Leh opposing winter elections and demanding a review of the delimitation exercise.
Ladakh's Kargil region may witness 'complete shutdown' today
Civil society organizations in Kargil have called for a complete shutdown on November 10. They demand the postponement of elections for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. Concerns arise that elections may take place during the winter migration period. Political parties and various groups have shown their support for this shutdown. A candlelight march will further emphasize their demand for democratic representation in the region.
Indian-born Nithya Raman elected Mayor of Los Angeles, scripts history as first South Asian mayor of the city
Nithya Raman has made history by becoming the first South Asian mayor of Los Angeles. She won the election against incumbent Karen Bass during the recent mid-term elections. Raman, an urban planner with degrees from Harvard and MIT, aims to address housing and transit issues. The Indian-American community has achieved significant political gains across the country in these elections.
Big tech, green groups in talks over data center guardrails
The "Responsible Data Center Collaborative" counts Google, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon, Nvidia and Anthropic among its members, alongside environmental stalwarts the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Sierra Club.
What awaits the fate of suspension of operations agreement in Manipur?
In Manipur, over 2,200 militants are housed in designated camps as the Suspension of Operations agreement has expired. Tensions have risen between Kuki and Meitei communities, fueling ongoing violence and conflict. The local government acknowledges the concerns of the Meitei majority regarding the continuation of the SOO agreements. Ethnic clashes have resulted in significant casualties and displacement among the affected populations.
Who is Eric Swalwell and what did he do?Why did billionaire Stephen Cloobeck let him stay at his California mansion before the FBI raid?
Eric Swalwell is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to the FBI's recent raid. The operation targeted billionaire Stephen Cloobeck's mansion, who previously supported Swalwell during his campaign. After allegations surfaced, Cloobeck ended his association with Swalwell and expressed his disappointment. Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing while the investigation continues to unfold with multiple women coming forward.
Ladakh SEC puts draft delimitation plan in public, seeks feedback
On October 21, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena notified 100 constituencies for the eight LAHDCs, nearly doubling the existing strength of 52 seats. Under the new structure notified through the LAHDC (Amendment) Regulation, 2026, Leh will have 22 constituencies, Kargil 21, Sankoo 13, Changthang 10, Nubra, Sham and Zanskar nine each, and Drass seven.
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil chief to seek dissolution, likely to join BJP
Akhoon, an NC leader, rebelled against the party earlier this year when he refused to step down as chief executive councillor after completing two and a half years in favour of the alliance partner Congress, as per a power-sharing arrangement. This term of the LAHDC (Kargil) will end in October 2028.
Amending Article 371 to give safeguards, says Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra
Ladakhi leaders are engaged in negotiations with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding constitutional safeguards. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra stated that Article 371 is being amended to address regional demands. He highlighted that there are major gaps in the current discussions, particularly concerning the elected legislature's powers. Kundra emphasized the importance of patience and mutual trust in moving forward.
Govt brings regulation to revise structure, electoral procedure of Ladakh Hill Development Councils
The Centre has amended the legal and administrative framework governing Ladakh's Autonomous Hill Development Councils to align it with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The changes allow the Ladakh administration to set elected seats between seven and 24, nominate up to four members, and extend council terms if elections are impracticable.
Manipur CM says free movement on NH-2 boosted state's economy, cites Rs 1,200 crore GST revenue loss during ethnic crisis
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised the cooperation of local communities in resuming highway movement. He highlighted the negative impact of recent crises on the state's economy and daily lives. Singh emphasized the importance of community unity for resolving differences and achieving development goals. The government plans to establish two medical colleges in the state for equitable growth.
ICE officer shoots a man while making an arrest in New York, officials say
A shooting incident in New York City resulted in a federal immigration officer injuring a Dominican man. The event occurred during an ICE targeted enforcement operation, which has raised concerns among local officials. Witnesses reported gunfire as the man was apprehended while inside a vehicle. Protests erupted in reaction to the shooting, with demonstrators calling for an end to ICE operations.
BJP ally TMP sweeps Tripura village committee polls
The Tipra Motha Party achieved a significant victory in the Village Committee elections in Tripura's tribal areas, winning 3,177 of the 4,078 declared seats. The BJP, its ally, secured 668 seats, while the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura won 20 seats. Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed confidence in a strong mandate for the ruling coalition, emphasizing development for the state.
Assam Cabinet approves Green Cess on vehicle ownership transfers, 12% quota for ex-Agniveers
In a recent meeting, the Assam Cabinet has ratified a Green Cess on vehicle ownership transfers. This initiative aligns with the introduction of a 12% recruitment reservation for ex-Agniveers residing in Assam, specifically for police and emergency roles. Furthermore, the Madhupur Satra will receive financial support of Rs 1 lakh each month.
Manipur CM Khemchand stresses peace, assures action on Pherzawl issues
Tipaimukh Assembly Constituency MLA Ngursanglur Sanate, along with representatives of various organisations from Pherzawl district, called on Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and apprised him of various issues and grievances concerning the people of the area.
Assam raises Orunodoi payout to Rs 1,500 for October as Durga Puja gift
Assam Cabinet has announced a special Durga Puja holiday on October 17, 2026, in addition to existing holidays. The government will provide Rs 1500 to Orunodoi beneficiaries this October as a festival gift. A total investment of Rs 11,000 crore by JK Lakshmi Cement Limited is approved to establish manufacturing units. Elections for Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council are scheduled for November 2026.
'We will never, ever forget': Trump renews sacred oath on 25th anniversary of 9/11
President Trump renewed the sacred oath to remember September 11 victims. He spoke at the Pentagon marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Americans responded to the immense and horrible evil with courage and unity. Remembrance ceremonies honored nearly 3,000 people killed in the coordinated attacks. The attacks reshaped the United States and ushered in a new era.
Centre to hold fresh Ladakh talks on September 9 amid statehood demand
The Ministry of Home Affairs will hold talks with Ladakh representatives on September 9. These discussions aim to deepen democratic processes and address Ladakh's demands. Representatives seek statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the constitution. Recently, FIRs against 25 individuals were revoked following earlier incidents. Seven Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils will now be established across all districts.
Leh gears up for hill council election; Aam Aadmi Party latest to throw hat in the ring
The contest in the hill council elections is mainly between the two national parties, as the regional parties including the National Conference and People’s Democratic Party haven’t filed any nominations. The new entrant in the contest is Aam Aadmi Party, which has fielded candidates on 19 out of 26 seats going to the polls. A total of 94 candidates have filed nominations – 26 each from the BJP and Congress and 23 independent candidates – while 67 candidates have withdrawn their nominations.
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