Addressing a press conference in Patna at the conclusion of the Election Commission’s two-day visit, Kumar also said the Commission is introducing a series of reforms and logistical changes.
Good evening. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s confirmed that Bihar Assembly polls will be held before November 22. The death toll in Darjeeling landslides rose to 14 and ICC Women’s World Cup between India and Pakistan dominated news headlines on Sunday, October 5. But much more has happened in the worlds of politics, business, technology, sport, and entertainment. Don’t worry, Express Catch-up is here to bring you up to speed.
- 01
Bihar Assembly polls to be held before November 22
Bihar Assembly elections will be held before November 22, the date on which the term of the current legislature ends, Gyanesh Kumar Chief Election Commissioner, confirmed on Saturday. During a press conference in Patna, Kumar said the poll body is coming up with a series of reforms and logistical changes. This time, the number of electors per polling station will be reduced to 1,200 down from the existing limit of 1,500. “Earlier, long queues used to form, especially during the final hours of polling. This change is aimed at cutting congestion and reducing waiting times,” Kumar said.
- 02
Darjeeling landslide death toll mounts to 14
The death toll due to floods and landslides Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in West Bengal mounted to 14 and the rescue operation is underway. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a high-level meeting at Nabanna (state secretariat)and opened a 24/7 control room. While condolences have been pouring in, Banerjee is set to visit North Bengal on Monday. “I am deeply worried and concerned that several areas in both North Bengal and South Bengal have been flooded due to sudden huge rains within a few hours last night as well as due to rush of excessive river waters in our State from outside,” Banerjee wrote on her X handle.
- 03
Sonam Wangchuk’s statement from prison
More than a week after being detained under the National Security Act following violent protests in Ladakh, climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk sent out a message from Jodhpur Central Jail, saying he is prepared to remain in custody until an independent judicial inquiry is ordered into the incident. On Friday, Wangchuk’s lawyer, Mustafa Haji, and his elder brother, Ka Tsetan Dorjey Ley, met him and conveyed his words to the people of Ladakh and the rest of the country. “I am doing well, both physically and mentally, and thank everyone for their concern and prayers,” Wangchuk said in the statement. Extending condolences to the kin of those killed in the recent violence in Leh, he added, “My heartfelt condolences to the families of those people who lost their lives and my prayers with people who are injured and are arrested.” Read more
- 04
IND vs PAK Women’s World Cup
As India faces Pakistan during the ICC Women’s World Cup, captain Harmanpreet Kaur did not shake hands with her Pakistan counterpart Fatima Sana during the toss, maintaining the trend set by the men’s team in Asia Cup. At the time of writing of this story, Diana Baig picked up Harmanpreet Kaur for 19, the Indian Women’s Team are three down against Pakistan in their group stage match.
- 05
Greta Thunberg on Israeli authorities’ treatment while in custody
Amid the ongoing tensions in Gaza, climate activist Greta Thunberg informed Swedish authorities that she had been subjected to harsh treatment while in Israeli custody after she was detained and removed from a flotilla ferrying aid to Gaza, as per The Guardian report. An email sent by the Swedish foreign ministry to Thunberg’s close associates states that an official, who visited the environmental activist in prison, said she claimed she was detained in a prison cell which has been infested with bedbugs and she was provided with very little food and water, Guardian’s report added.
