Tejashwi Yadav Claims He Would 'Repeal' Central Waqf Law Upon Coming To Power In State; US-China Inch Closer To A Trade Deal; And More

Election Commission Likely To Announce Voter List Revision for 2026 Poll-Bound States

The Election Commission of India is likely to announce a pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists at a press conference on Monday evening, reported many national dailies.

The first phase is expected to cover 10-15 states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry—all scheduled for Assembly polls in 2026.

This follows a two-day conference of Chief Electoral Officers, where the ECI reviewed preparedness and assessed progress on mapping current electors with previous SIR data across all states and Union Territories.

US-Pakistan Ties Won't Affect India Partnership, Says Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured over the weekend that Washington's efforts to strengthen ties with Pakistan would "not come at the expense" of its partnership with India. Speaking about the recent shift in US-Pakistan relations, Rubio emphasized America's long history of counterterrorism cooperation with Islamabad and expressed interest in expanding that partnership.

"We are interested in rebuilding an alliance, a strategic partnership," Rubio stated, acknowledging potential challenges ahead. He described India's diplomatic approach as "mature," noting that while New Delhi has concerns "for obvious reasons," they understand the US must maintain relations with multiple countries.

Rubio's remarks follow a Memorandum of Understanding signed between US Strategic Metals and Pakistan's Frontier Works Organisation for critical minerals collaboration, including a $500 million investment agreement.

The Secretary emphasized that strengthening US-Pakistan cooperation doesn't diminish America's strong relationship with India.

Other developments

US-China Trade Deal Nears as Trump, Xi Prepare for Thursday Meeting

The United States and China are moving closer to a trade agreement, with officials announcing an "initial consensus" ahead of President Donald Trump's Thursday meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea. China's chief negotiator Li Chenggang cited "preliminary consensus," while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described a "very successful framework."

The potential deal offers relief to international markets despite not addressing core issues like manufacturing imbalances and semiconductor access. Bessent indicated higher tariffs on China are "effectively off the table," with initial agreements including stopping fentanyl precursor chemicals and Beijing making "substantial" agricultural purchases while postponing rare earth export controls.

The progress emerged during the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, though Trump's dealmaking approach has caused disruptions domestically and internationally through import taxes and a government shutdown.

India Fast-Tracks 'Super Sukhoi' Upgrade as Fighter Squadron Strength Falls to 29

With the Indian Air Force's fighter strength down to just 29 squadrons following the MiG-21's retirement—far below the sanctioned 42—the government is expediting the "Super Sukhoi" modernisation programme to upgrade its Su-30MKI fleet, the backbone of India's air combat capability.

The Ministry of Defence is reviewing proposals to upgrade nearly 80 Su-30MKI aircraft, with the Cabinet Committee on Security expected to grant final approval soon. The comprehensive upgrade will include a new cockpit, advanced avionics, radar and infrared sensors, and next-generation electronic warfare suites with jammer pods.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to deliver the Initial Operational Clearance variant within five years and the fully combat-ready Final Operational Clearance version in seven years, extending the jets' operational life by up to two decades.

The urgency is compounded by delays in receiving 83 Tejas Mk1A jets from HAL and the scheduled retirement of Jaguar and Mirage 2000 fleets post-2030. In December 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council approved new Electronic Warfare Suite procurement to enhance the Su-30MKI's ability to evade enemy radars during strike missions.

The upgrade gains critical importance given ongoing border duties along Pakistan and China, where reduced squadron strength poses serious operational concerns.

Cyclone Montha: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha Brace for Landfall as Storm Intensifies

Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are preparing for Cyclone Montha, expected to make landfall late Tuesday with winds of 90-110 kmph between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam. The storm was located 830km from Kakinada and 930km from Gopalpur on Sunday.

Five Andhra districts—Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari—are implementing evacuations from vulnerable zones. Schools will close October 27-31, while 428 pregnant women nearing delivery have been moved to health centers. Shelters for over 6,000 coastal residents are ready, with NDRF teams on standby.

Odisha has designated eight districts as "red zones," including Malkangiri, Koraput, and Ganjam, expecting extremely heavy rainfall Tuesday-Wednesday. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea.

Bihar election corner

Tejashwi Yadav's Waqf Repeal Claim: States Cannot Override Central Laws

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav promised to "throw the Waqf (Amendment) Act into the dustbin" if the INDIA bloc wins Bihar's assembly elections, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP for misleading the public.

Constitutional Reality: A state cannot unilaterally override or nullify an Act passed by Parliament. Under Article 256, states cannot refuse implementing central laws. While Article 254(2) allows states to pass divergent legislation with Presidential assent, complete nullification is constitutionally impossible.

BJP leaders emphasized that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament in April, is beyond state jurisdiction. "The bill is passed in Parliament, not in the assembly," said BJP MP Manoj Tiwari.

The Supreme Court refused to stay the Act in September, holding that "presumption is always in favour of constitutionality," though it suspended certain provisions including the five-year Islam practice requirement for dedicating Waqf property.

Rahul Gandhi's Absence Dominates Bihar Election Discourse

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's conspicuous absence from Bihar's election campaign has emerged as a major talking point, with his last visit dating to September 1 during his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra.' In contrast, PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav have conducted multiple rallies.

Even Mahagathbandhan ally RJD has shown irritation, with one leader calling half-hearted participation "a burden."

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera defended the strategy, claiming Rahul Gandhi's rallies are being planned and emphasizing "issue-based politics" over crowd mobilization.