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Indian Athletes Sweep Asian Para Games Shot Put Medals

Indian athletes Sachin Khilari, Mohammed Yasser and Parveen won gold, silver and bronze in the men's shot put F46 event in Japan. Indian Athletes Win Gold, Silver and Bronze in Asian Para Games Shot Put By News National Editorial Team Indian athletes secured all three medals in the men's shot put F46 event at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 21, 2026. Sachin Sarjerao Khilari won gold with a throw of 15.87 metres, setting a new Games record. Mohammed Yasser claimed silver with 15.06 metres, while Parveen secured bronze with 14.94 metres. India also recorded strong performances in other events. Praveen Kumar won gold in the men's high jump T44/64 with a Games-record clearance of 2.05 metres. Banti took silver with a personal-best jump of 1.92 metres. Ayush Verma won gold in the men's shot put F53 event with a throw of 8.16 metres. Indian para-archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag secured silver in the women's compound doubles competition. The results added to India's medal tally and highlighted the performances of its para-athletes at the competition. Source: Akashvani News | The Indian Express image :https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1691803642515976&set=a.269322134764141

Russian Attacks Kill Nine Across Ukraine, Officials Say

Ukrainian officials report nine deaths and 45 injuries in Russian attacks across several regions, with further strikes reported in Kyiv. Russian Attacks Kill Nine Across Ukraine, Officials Report By News National Editorial Team Russian attacks killed at least nine people and injured 45 others across Ukraine over a 24-hour period, Ukrainian regional authorities reported on October 21, 2026. In Kyiv, a Russian drone struck a 24-storey residential building, triggering a fire. Other casualties were reported in Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched cruise missiles and 186 drones during the overnight assault, including Shahed-type drones. Ukrainian officials said air defences intercepted many of the incoming drones. Attacks also damaged energy facilities and other civilian infrastructure in several regions, according to local authorities. Further attacks were reported overnight into October 22. Ukrainian authorities said a missile attack on Kyiv killed one person and injured 22, including four children. Claims from both sides of the conflict could not be independently verified. Source: The Kyiv Independent | Anadolu Agency image:TVP World's post

AMSU Protests in Imphal, Demands Removal of Sinai Camp

AMSU staged a protest in Imphal on October 22, demanding the removal of Sinai Camp and an end to the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups. By News National Editorial Team The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) staged a sit-in protest outside DM University in Imphal on Thursday, October 22, demanding the removal of the designated ‘Sinai Camp’ in Kangpokpi district and the reinstallation of the United National Liberation Front’s (UNLF) ‘Nongshum Camp’. The protest followed violence reported in the Nongshum area on October 19, which reportedly left three people dead and four injured. AMSU also demanded the termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, citing security concerns in villages near Imphal East. The student organisation urged the government to address its demands and take steps to restore peace and security in the affected areas. It warned that further public protests could follow if authorities failed to respond. The demands come amid continuing security concerns in Manipur, where tensions between communities and disputes over security arrangements remain sensitive issues. Source: https://www.facebook.com/northeastpublish/posts/amsu-stages-protest-in-imphal-demands-removal-of-sinai-campthe-all-manipur-stude/1578643404280414/

Global Markets Fall as AI Stocks Decline and Oil Prices Rise

Global stock markets declined as AI shares weakened and rising oil prices heightened concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty. Global Markets Decline as AI Stocks Slide and Oil Prices Climb By News National Editorial Team Global stock markets fell on Thursday as investors reassessed technology company valuations and rising oil prices added to concerns about inflation and borrowing costs. The S&P 500 declined 0.8%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 142 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.3%, according to the Associated Press. Several Asian markets recorded sharper declines earlier in the session. South Korea's Kospi fell 3.5%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 3% and Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 2.7%, reflecting investor caution over technology stocks and global economic uncertainty. Shares of several major technology companies weakened. Lam Research reportedly fell 10.1% after issuing a weaker-than-expected outlook, while Meta and Tesla also recorded losses. Oil prices added to market concerns, with benchmark crude rising amid renewed geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East. Higher energy prices can increase transport and production costs and complicate efforts by central banks to control inflation. Investors also moved towards safer assets, including US Treasury bonds, as markets reacted to the combination of technology-sector uncertainty, higher oil prices and geopolitical risks. Market movements remain sensitive to company earnings, central-bank policy signals and developments in international conflicts. Source: Associated Press

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia Sign Defence Pact

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia signed a defence cooperation agreement covering military production, training and technology development. Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia Sign Defence Cooperation Agreement By News National Editorial Team Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia signed a defence cooperation agreement in Doha on October 21, 2026, to strengthen military collaboration and expand cooperation in defence technology. According to Türkiye's Defence Ministry, the agreement, called the Badr Memorandum of Understanding, aims to encourage collaboration in military production, technical training, research and development. The arrangement is intended to help the participating countries combine their respective defence-industrial capabilities and develop opportunities for joint projects. Türkiye has expanded its defence manufacturing sector in recent years, including the production of drones, military vehicles and other equipment. Pakistan also maintains a domestic defence industry, while Qatar and Indonesia have pursued defence modernisation and international partnerships. The agreement signals closer cooperation among the four countries, although specific joint projects, funding commitments and implementation timelines will depend on further decisions. Source: Reuters

AP Municipal Elections 2026 Extended Nomination Window

Andhra Pradesh reportedly extends the nomination window in specified wards of four urban local bodies. Check the election schedule and official updates. Andhra Pradesh Municipal Elections 2026: Additional Nomination Opportunity in Four Urban Local Bodies Subtitle: State Election Commission reportedly extends nomination window following Supreme Court directions By News National Editorial Team Amaravati, October 23, 2026: The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has reportedly provided an additional opportunity for candidates who faced difficulties filing nominations during the municipal election process. The measure concerns specified wards in four urban local bodies: Kadapa Municipal Corporation, Rajampet Municipality, Mydukur Municipality and Tirupati Municipal Corporation. According to the information provided, the decision follows directions from the Supreme Court of India and is intended to address complaints that some candidates were prevented from filing their nominations within the original deadline. The details are attributed to State Election Commission Notification No. 1135/SEC-F1/2026, reportedly issued on October 22, 2026. The notification and its complete terms should be checked against the original official document before publication. Extended Nomination Window The schedule supplied for the additional nomination opportunity specifies October 23 and 24, 2026, as the dates for receiving nominations. The stated hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. The facility is reported to apply only to the specified wards in the four urban local bodies. Candidates should confirm their ward eligibility, the designated Returning Officer and the required nomination documents with the relevant election authorities. The additional window is intended to give eligible candidates another opportunity to participate in the electoral process where nomination-related difficulties have been reported. Scrutiny and Final List of Candidates The schedule provided states that scrutiny of newly filed nominations, the withdrawal process and publication of the final list of contesting candidates are scheduled for October 25, 2026. Candidates should verify the applicable procedures and deadlines directly with the State Election Commission or the concerned Returning Officer. Any change to the original election schedule must be confirmed through an official order. Polling and Counting Schedule The dates included in the information supplied are: October 23–24, 2026: Additional nomination window, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 25, 2026: Scrutiny, withdrawal-related proceedings and publication of the final list, as stated in the supplied schedule. November 1, 2026: Polling, subject to confirmation against the latest official notification. November 2, 2026: Re-polling, if required, subject to official confirmation. November 3, 2026: Counting of votes, subject to official confirmation. These dates should not be treated as independently verified until they have been compared with the original notification and any subsequent amendments. Importance of a Fair Nomination Process The opportunity to file nominations is an important part of the electoral process. Eligible candidates must be able to participate in accordance with applicable election rules, while complaints about procedural obstacles should be examined through the appropriate legal and administrative mechanisms. The latest reported development concerns four urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh. The precise wards covered, the scope of the Supreme Court's directions and the final election timetable require confirmation from primary official records. News National will report further developments after the relevant documents and dates have been verified. Sources for verification: Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission notification and relevant Supreme Court order. Background reporting may also be consulted through Moneycontrol and ThePrint/PTI.

Saudi Coalition Intercepts Four Drones Targeting Saudi Arabia

A Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted and destroyed four drones launched towards Saudi Arabia amid regional security tensions. Saudi-Led Coalition Intercepts Four Drones Heading Towards Saudi Arabia By News National Editorial Team A Saudi-led military coalition said it intercepted and destroyed four unmanned aerial vehicles launched towards Saudi Arabia on October 21, 2026. The announcement was made by coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The interception comes amid heightened regional security concerns and continuing tensions involving armed groups operating in and around Yemen. Saudi Arabia has faced repeated drone and missile threats during the Yemen conflict. Air-defence systems play a central role in responding to such attacks and protecting populated areas and critical infrastructure. The coalition did not report casualties or major damage in its announcement about the four drones. Further details about their launch locations and intended targets were not immediately provided. Source: Saudi Press Agencyimage: Apna Watan Tv's post

Indian Diaspora Protests Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar Across 10 Countries

Indian diaspora groups protest across Europe, the US and Australia, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and changes to voter-roll revision. Indian Diaspora Protests Across Europe, US and Australia Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar Subtitle: Demonstrations under the “Jantar Mantar Is Everywhere” banner demand electoral accountability, changes to voter-roll revision and protection of voting rights in India. By News National Editorial Team NEW DELHI, October 23, 2026: Members of the Indian diaspora and their supporters have held demonstrations across several cities in Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia, expressing solidarity with protests in India over electoral-roll revisions and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The international demonstrations took place under the banner “Jantar Mantar Is Everywhere” during October 16–19, 2026. Participants called for changes to the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, restoration of eligible voters’ names that they allege were deleted, and greater accountability in the electoral process. Reports published by Hindustan Times, The Quint and The News Minute documented gatherings in several countries. The protests involved diaspora organisations, student groups, civil-society organisations and other supporters. Demonstrations Across Multiple Countries According to media reports, demonstrations were held in London, Berlin, Göttingen, Dublin, The Hague, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Barcelona and Prague, among other European locations. In the United States, solidarity gatherings were reported in cities including New York, Austin, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Chicago. Demonstrations were also reported in Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. In Australia, protests were announced or reported in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane during the same period. The scale of participation varied between locations. Organisers and participating groups shared photographs, videos and statements describing the gatherings as an international show of support for people protesting in India. The demonstrations were not organised by a single worldwide authority. Different diaspora associations, student organisations and civil-society groups participated in or coordinated events under the common campaign banner. Why Are Protesters Demanding the CEC’s Resignation? The demonstrations centre on concerns about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, an exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India to review and update voter lists. Protesters have alleged that the revision process risks excluding eligible voters and have questioned whether the process is being implemented transparently and fairly. They have called for the restoration of names they believe were wrongly removed and demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar step down. The concerns have also been linked to wider questions about access to voting, freedom of peaceful assembly and the treatment of demonstrators in India. However, allegations that the revision exercise has improperly disenfranchised voters on a large scale should not be treated as independently established facts without supporting evidence. Individual cases, official voter-roll data and the Election Commission’s responses need to be examined to establish the extent and causes of any wrongful deletions. ‘Jantar Mantar Is Everywhere’: The Campaign’s Message The campaign slogan reflects the organisers’ intention to extend the visibility of protests beyond India. Jantar Mantar in New Delhi is a recognised site for public demonstrations. By using its name in an international campaign, participating groups sought to connect overseas solidarity gatherings with the protests taking place in India. The events included speeches, placards, songs, poetry and readings from the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. Some gatherings featured Indian flags and calls for democratic accountability. In London, student groups organised demonstrations near the Indian High Commission and Parliament Square. In Dublin, more than 70 people reportedly gathered at the Spire on October 17, according to The News Minute. The Quint reported that solidarity demonstrations took place in at least 14 cities across 10 countries over the weekend. Other reports described a broader network of events involving more than 20 cities. These figures reflect different reporting scopes and should not be treated as a single definitive count of all protests. Election Roll Revision at the Centre of the Dispute The SIR exercise has become a contentious issue because electoral rolls determine who is eligible to vote in elections. The Election Commission’s stated rationale for revising electoral rolls is to maintain accurate voter lists, including identifying deceased voters, duplicate entries, people who have moved and other entries that do not meet eligibility requirements. Critics, however, have raised concerns about whether the procedures provide adequate safeguards for eligible voters whose names may be omitted or whose records require correction. The central question is how to balance the need for accurate electoral rolls with the obligation to protect every eligible citizen’s right to vote. Resolving that question requires transparent procedures, accessible correction mechanisms, reliable documentation and scrutiny of complaints. Claims of wrongful deletion should be investigated on the basis of verifiable records rather than political assertions alone. Protests in India and Concerns Over the Right to Demonstrate The overseas demonstrations followed protests in New Delhi on October 10, when authorities detained large numbers of demonstrators attempting to participate in a rally demanding the CEC’s resignation. Reuters reported that more than 2,000 protesters were detained during the operation and that security restrictions were imposed in parts of the capital. The protest was associated with the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party movement and its campaign over electoral-roll revisions. The restrictions and detentions generated further criticism from protest organisers and opposition voices, who raised concerns about the ability to demonstrate peacefully. The authorities’ handling of public demonstrations, the legality of specific detentions and allegations concerning police conduct are separate issues that require assessment against official records and independently verified evidence. The overseas campaign has brought these concerns to international audiences, with participants arguing that voting rights and peaceful dissent deserve protection. Political Reactions and the Question of Accountability The demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation is a political demand made by the protesters; it is not an established finding that he or the Election Commission committed wrongdoing. The controversy has brought the Election Commission’s responsibilities, the implementation of electoral-roll revisions and the handling of public demonstrations into sharper focus. For the Election Commission, maintaining accurate electoral rolls is an essential part of election administration. For citizens and civil-society groups, confidence in that process also depends on transparency, fair procedures and effective remedies when mistakes occur. The international demonstrations do not, by themselves, establish whether the allegations concerning voter-roll revisions are correct. They do show that concerns about electoral administration in India have prompted organised responses among sections of the Indian diaspora and their supporters abroad. What Happens Next? The principal demands voiced by participating groups include reversing the SIR exercise, restoring eligible voters’ names that they say were wrongly deleted, improving electoral transparency and securing the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Whether these demands lead to changes in policy or election administration remains to be seen. The issue will require examination of the relevant electoral rules, official data, complaints from affected voters and responses from the Election Commission. For voters, the practical priority is to check their electoral-roll status through official channels and follow the prescribed process for correcting omissions or errors. The demonstrations across Europe, North America and Australia have extended the debate over electoral accountability beyond India’s borders. The underlying issues—accurate voter registration, transparent election administration and the protection of peaceful dissent—remain matters of public interest. News National will continue to follow verified developments, official responses and documented evidence concerning the SIR exercise and the demands raised by protesters. Sources: Hindustan Times, The Quint, The News Minute, ThePrint/PTI and Reuters, reporting published in October 2026. Imagesource: millattimes

Kerala Landslide Derails Bilaspur–Tirunelveli Express Locomotive

A landslide near Parassala derailed the Bilaspur–Tirunelveli Express locomotive. Railway officials said all passengers were safe. Landslide Derails Bilaspur–Tirunelveli Express Locomotive in Kerala By News National Editorial Team A landslide near Parassala railway station in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district derailed the locomotive of the Bilaspur–Tirunelveli Express early Thursday, disrupting train services in the area. The incident occurred at approximately 2:19 a.m. on October 22 after the train was stopped near Parassala following the landslide, according to railway officials. Southern Railway said all passengers and railway staff were safe. A relief locomotive was arranged to move the train, while an accident relief train and personnel were deployed to support restoration work. Three trains were held en route because of the disruption. The incident occurred amid heavy rain in southern Kerala, where weather alerts had been issued. Railway authorities worked to restore services on the affected Neyyattinkara–Parassala section. Passengers travelling through the area were advised to check the latest railway updates for changes to train schedules. Source: ThePrint — PTI report,image : beatrootnews

Alleged Attack on YSRCP Workers in Anantapur

Fact-Check: Alleged Attack on YSRCP Workers in Anantapur’s Nayak Nagar Remains Unverified By News National Editorial Team ANANTAPUR: Claims of an alleged attack on YSRCP workers in Nayak Nagar, the 39th Division of Anantapur, have not been independently verified by the sources reviewed for this report. According to information provided by YSRCP representatives, two party workers allegedly sustained serious head injuries after an attack with a stick while returning home following election campaigning. The injured workers were reportedly taken to Anantapur Government General Hospital for treatment. The allegations also name former Deputy Mayor Gampanna in connection with the incident. However, no independently verified police statement, FIR, hospital confirmation or reliable news report establishing his alleged involvement was located during this fact-check. The allegation should therefore not be presented as an established fact. Sake Chandrasekhar, identified in the supplied information as the YSRCP youth wing district president and the party’s candidate for the 39th Division, reportedly alleged that Telugu Desam Party workers were resorting to attacks because they feared defeat in the division. This is an attributed political allegation, not an independently established finding. The information further states that YSRCP district president Ananta Venkatrami Reddy, mayoral candidate C. Ramesh and senior leader Ananta Chandra Reddy visited the injured workers at the government hospital. This visit also requires independent confirmation. source: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1643465484233725&set=pcb.1643465567567050  

The Engineer Behind QR Codes and Why the Technology Is Free to Use

Discover how Masahiro Hara and Denso developed QR Codes in 1994 and how an open-use policy helped the technology spread worldwide. The Engineer Behind QR Codes Helped Make the Technology Free to Use By News National Editorial Team A small black-and-white square has transformed the way people share information, make payments, access websites and verify tickets. Known as the Quick Response (QR) Code, this technology is now part of everyday life around the world. Behind its development was Japanese engineer Masahiro Hara, who led a team at Denso that created the QR Code in 1994. https://www.qrcode.com/en/history/ What makes the QR Code story particularly significant is not just the invention itself, but the decision that helped it spread: Denso Wave made the specifications publicly available and chose not to exercise its core patent rights against QR Codes that follow the standard. This allowed the technology to be used without the usual patent-licensing barriers. https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/news/koho/innovation/01_qrcode_e.html Why Was the QR Code Invented? In the early 1990s, manufacturers needed a faster and more effective way to track automotive components. Traditional one-dimensional barcodes were useful, but their limited data capacity made them less suitable for increasingly complex production and inventory systems. Denso's development team set out to create a code that could store more information, fit into a compact space and be scanned quickly. The new system also needed to support Japanese characters, including Kanji, and remain readable when part of the printed pattern was dirty or damaged. The result was the QR Code, announced in 1994. Its name refers to “Quick Response,” reflecting the emphasis on rapid scanning. Unlike conventional barcodes, which encode information in lines, a QR Code uses a two-dimensional arrangement of dark and light squares to store data. How the Technology Became Freely Usable Denso Wave's approach to intellectual property played a major role in the QR Code's expansion. The company did not simply give away ownership of the invention. It retained patent rights while making the specifications publicly available and adopting a policy of not exercising its core patent rights against standardized QR Codes. This distinction is important: the technology could be used freely under that policy, even though the company continued to hold intellectual property rights. https://www.qrcode.com/en/history/ By reducing licensing concerns, the company made it easier for businesses, software developers and equipment manufacturers to incorporate QR Codes into their products and services. This open approach encouraged innovation beyond the original automotive industry. International Standardization Expanded Its Reach QR Code adoption grew as the technology became standardized. It was recognized by industry standards bodies during the late 1990s and became an international ISO/IEC standard in 2000. Standardization helped manufacturers and developers build compatible systems across different countries and industries. https://www.denso-wave.com/en/system/qr/qr30th/ Mobile phones later brought QR Codes to a much wider public. In Japan, phones equipped with QR Code-reading features became available in 2002, allowing users to access mobile websites and coupons simply by scanning a code. As camera-based scanning became increasingly common, QR Codes moved well beyond factory floors. From Automotive Factories to Everyday Life Today, QR Codes serve a wide range of purposes, including: Digital payments: Customers can scan codes to pay merchants or transfer money through supported payment services. Travel and events: Airlines, transport operators and event organisers use QR Codes for tickets and check-in systems. Retail and logistics: Businesses use them to identify products, track stock and improve traceability. Restaurants and hospitality: Customers can open digital menus and access service information. Healthcare: QR Codes can help link people to product details, records and verification information where appropriate. Websites and communication: Organisations use them to direct users to webpages, contact details, forms and other digital resources. The code itself does not guarantee that a link or payment is safe. Users should still check the destination before opening a website or authorising a transaction. The Broader Lesson Behind the QR Code The QR Code illustrates how technical innovation and access policies can work together. A useful invention can reach far beyond its original purpose when people and organisations are able to build on it without unnecessary barriers. Masahiro Hara and the Denso development team designed the technology to solve a practical industrial problem. Denso Wave's decision to make the specifications available and not enforce its core patent rights against standardized QR Codes helped others adapt it for applications the original developers could not have fully anticipated. The story is therefore not one of an inventor surrendering ownership, but of a company retaining intellectual property while adopting an open approach to the technology's use. That choice helped a factory-oriented tracking system become a widely adopted tool for digital communication. Sources: Denso Wave's QR Code history; Japan Patent Office's account of QR Code development; Denso's official history of the technology. Editorial note: This article distinguishes between patent ownership and the decision not to exercise patent rights against standardized QR Codes. Trademark rights and other intellectual property considerations may still apply in particular contexts.