Latest: 2 Bangladeshis Executed In Mecca Over 'Indecent A...

2 Bangladeshis Executed In Mecca Over 'Indecent Act': Capital Punishment Sparks Global Outrage

Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, in Mecca following their conviction for an alleged indecent act inside a mosque. The death sentences, upheld by the highest court and authorised by royal decree, were issued under Ta'zir, a category of Islamic law permitting judicial discretion. Authorities cited the gravity of violating sacred time and place without detailing the specific acts. Bangladesh objected to the secret execution, stating its consulate in Jeddah was not informed beforehand and learned of the deaths through media reports, raising concerns under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The incident has intensified global scrutiny over Saudi Arabia's capital punishment practices.

K Annamalai Clarifies Stand on PM Modi, Opposes Crackdown on ProtestsFormer BJP leader K. Annamalai has clarified his political position following controversy over his remarks criticising the central government's handling of protests.

Annamalai, who launched the platform We The Leaders, drew a distinction between supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and questioning government actions. While affirming he does not back the CJP platform, he stated that the crackdown on them is wrong and defended their right to protest.

His comments triggered a sharp reaction from the BJP, questioning his stance and accusing him of siding with elements seeking to cause confusion across the nation, sparking speculation over his political trajectory.TVK Leader Held In Kanyakumari For Alleged Sexual Assault Of College StudentA Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam functionary, identified as Christopher, has been arrested in Kanyakumari over the alleged sexual assault of a college student. The accused reportedly offered a ride to two college girls who were waiting at a bus stop amid heavy rain.

One of the passengers was a fellow party cadre. After dropping the party cadre at her residence, Christopher allegedly stopped the vehicle forcibly and attempted to sexually assault the other student before fleeing the spot.

The arrest has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties questioning safety and party links, while the political outfit is yet to issue an official statement or take action against the accused.Veeramani POCSO Case: Daughter Archana Held at Chennai Airport, Flights to Singapore Halted, SIT ProbeThe Special Investigation Team investigating the POCSO case against Gem Granites founder R. Veeramani has taken his daughter, Archana Veeramani, into custody from Chennai International Airport.

Officials intercepted her inside an aircraft as she was preparing to fly to Singapore. This marks the first arrest of a family member in connection with the wider investigation, which examines allegations under the POCSO Act as well as suspected financial cover-ups.

Sources indicate she was questioned regarding past management of finances linked to Veeramani. The SIT escorted her from the terminal to its offices in Chennai for further interrogation alongside ongoing inquiries into other arrested associates.Delhi Air Quality Worsens Post-Dussehra as AQI Nears 300; Firecrackers Spike PM2.5, GRAP Stage I EnactedDelhi's air quality has deteriorated sharply following Dussehra celebrations, with the Air Quality Index reaching 292, placing it in the poor category and approaching the very poor zone.

Although the national capital was absent from the global top 20 most polluted cities list on 19 October, post-festival cracker burning and seasonal weather shifts trapped pollutants near the surface. Citing a 2024 IIT Delhi study, the report notes firecrackers drove an 85% spike in PM2.5 levels compared to a 4% increase linked to stubble burning.

With GRAP Stage I curbs now enforced across Delhi-NCR, authorities have urged citizens to restrict vehicular movement, control construction activities, and halt garbage burning.