Vivek Joshi

DMK has strongly objected to the Election Commission of India's appointment of Avinash Kumar as IGP intelligence in Chennai, replacing Senthil Velan. DMK treasurer T R Baalu argued the transfer is illegal as the post has no direct role in election conduct and cited apprehension of bias due to Kumar's spouse's political connections.

Election Commission convened with top officials from poll-bound states and their neighbors to bolster election preparedness. The focus was on ensuring peaceful polls by strengthening border security and curbing illegal activities like cash, liquor, and drug smuggling. All agencies were directed to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent violence and inducements.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 hike in monthly honorariums for priests and muezzins, raising their pay to Rs 2,000. This move, along with the approval of all new applications, was made just before the Election Commission declared poll dates. Banerjee stated the decision recognizes the vital role of religious functionaries in community life.

A BJP delegation urged the Election Commission of India to conduct the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections in a maximum of three phases. They also called for violence-free polls, expressing dissatisfaction with the state police's deployment of central forces and demanding stricter identification of sensitive polling booths.

Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch Haryana-cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the election commissioner. The decision, made by a selection committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and including key political figures, was confirmed by President Droupadi Murmu. The Congress has requested a delay in the appointment, pending a Supreme Court hearing.

The registrar general of India and census commissioner is likely to visit states that have expressed reservations against the proposed updation of NPR in the coming days and meet their chief ministers or senior representatives to personally allay their concerns. Centre officials met Punjab CM Amarinder Singh on Friday to apprise him of the houselisting phase of Census 2021 as well as NPR updation.

In Guwahati, the Election Commission of India's full bench is embarking on a crucial three-day assessment of the electoral landscape in preparation for the looming Assam Assembly elections set for March-April. As the ruling BJP seeks to secure a third consecutive term, opposition parties are treading carefully, recalibrating their strategies amidst a backdrop of evolving alliances.

The Uttarakhand high court has issued a contempt notice to Vivek Joshi, Haryana cadre IAS officer, following a petition by Sanjiv Chaturvedi. Chaturvedi accuses Joshi of failing to comply with a court order requiring the release of records related to his empanelment with the Centre.

A native of Bhandara, Ashok Parteki (30) hanged himself at his rented room at Shakti Mata Nagar in Nandanvan on Monday midnight. Police are clueless about the reason behind the suicide.

India offers numerous opportunities for the aviation industry, with the government implementing initiatives to encourage investment in the sector, according to Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi. The launch of the UDAN scheme has led to significant growth, resulting in almost double the number of airports in the country. The government has also approved the establishment of 21 greenfield airports. Additionally, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has exempted aircraft transactions from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, providing further support to the sector.

Thaneites have given a thumbs up to the suggestion put forth by Aditya Thackeray to keep restaurants in Mumbai open 24x7.

The 55-year-old Agra district library, which holds more than 30,000 books and can accommodate over 80 readers, is now on the verge of dying due to lack of maintenance and proper facilities

An ECI delegation, led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, arrived in Patna to review preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, holding an all-party meeting. This follows a briefing for Central Observers, whom Kumar called "beacons of democracy" for ensuring free and fair polls. Bihar's election dates are expected to be announced on October 6 or 7.

Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new chief election commissioner, succeeding Rajiv Kumar. Haryana chief secretary Vivek Joshi has been named election commissioner. The appointments follow a meeting of the PM-led selection committee, despite objections from leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi.