## Top Headlines This Week: Statehood Restoration, Election Campaigns, Cyclone Dana, and More
This week was packed with news-worthy events across India, spanning from significant political milestones to a powerful natural phenomenon. Let’s take a look at the key developments that dominated headlines:
Jammu and Kashmir Statehood Restoration Takes a Step Forward
On October 19, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha approved a crucial resolution passed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led Cabinet. This resolution urges the Centre to restore statehood to the Union territory. The Cabinet also decided to summon the Legislative Assembly at Srinagar on November 4, with a request to the L-G to address the assembly.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections Heat Up as BJP and NCP (SP) Release Candidate Lists
The political landscape of Maharashtra saw a significant move as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls on October 20. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be contesting from his traditional Nagpur South West seat, while state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule will be contesting from Kamthi constituency.
Meanwhile, on October 24, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) also announced its first list of 45 candidates. State chief Jayant Patil will be contesting from Islampur, while Rohit Patil, son of late politician RR Patil, will be contesting from Tasgaon-Kavthemahankal constituency.
PM Modi’s Diplomatic Engagements at the BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took center stage at the 16th BRICS Summit, holding bilateral meetings with key world leaders. On October 22, he held his first bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Russia’s Kazan, discussing ways to strengthen ties in futuristic sectors. The following day, on October 23, PM Modi engaged in bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the importance of ensuring peace and stability on the border as a top priority. China, in turn, highlighted the “great significance” of the meeting, stating that they reached “important common understandings” to improve bilateral relations.
Cyclone Dana Hits Odisha Coast, Disrupting Life and Operations
On October 24, Cyclone Dana made a landfall between Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port, continuing into the early hours of Friday. This ‘severe cyclonic storm’ resulted in disruptions to train and flight operations, forcing the closure of schools in both Odisha and West Bengal.
Supreme Court Quashes Look-Out Circulars Against Rhea Chakraborty
In a significant legal development on October 25, the Supreme Court quashed look-out circulars against actress Rhea Chakraborty, her father, and brother. These circulars were issued by the CBI in connection with the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The court dismissed the Maharashtra government’s appeal against the Bombay High Court order, warning against filing frivolous petitions based solely on high-profile individuals.
These are just some of the prominent events that unfolded this week. Stay tuned for continued updates and analysis as the news cycle evolves.