The Election Commission of India made changes to the Assembly election schedule on Saturday, adjusting the date of the Haryana assembly poll to October 5th from October 1st. This change was made to coincide with a centuries-old festival celebrated by the Bishnoi community. The counting of votes for both Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assembly polls will now be held on October 8th instead of October 4th. The Election Commission cited the need to honor both the voting rights and the traditions of the Bishnoi community, who observe a 300-400-year-old practice in remembrance of their Guru Jambheshwar.
Meanwhile, Gujarat was grappling with a flood-like situation on Saturday as Cyclone Asna moved across the Arabian Sea. The Army, NDRF, and SDRF were involved in rescue and relief operations, moving thousands of people to relief camps after they were trapped by rising water levels. IMD scientist Ramashray Yadav stated that Kachchh received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours. Since June 1st, Gujarat has received 882 mm of rainfall, exceeding the normal amount by 50%. Saurashtra and Kachchh regions have also seen above-average rainfall. Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar were predicted to experience light to moderate rains. The Indian Meteorological Department indicated that the deep depression was expected to move away from the Indian coast within the next 24 hours, heading West-Northwest over the Northeast Arabian Sea.
In a display of sporting prowess, India continued its successful run at the Paris Paralympics. Para-shooter Rubina Francis secured a bronze medal in the P2 – Women’s 10M Air Pistol SH-1 final. Preeti Pal added another bronze medal to India’s tally, winning the women’s T35 100m run event, making her the first Indian woman to achieve a medal in track at the Paralympics. Indian archer Sarita Kumari also delivered a strong performance, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the compound women’s open category. India has secured five medals at the Paris Paralympic Games so far, including a gold medal in shooting. Reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara successfully defended her title, winning gold in the women’s 10m air rifle final for the second consecutive year.
The Malayalam film industry faced a wave of #MeToo allegations this week, following a shocking 235-page report by the Justice Hema committee. The report highlighted allegations of sexual abuse by male actors and claimed that the Malayalam film industry was controlled by a small group of 10-15 male producers, directors, and actors. Several women actors came forward following the report, leading to FIRs against actor-politician Mukesh, Sidhique, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, and director Ranjith. The Hema Committee report also spurred calls for a similar investigation into the Telugu film industry. These developments suggest a growing awareness of sexual misconduct and a demand for accountability within the Indian entertainment industry.
