UPDATED: Oct 23, 2026 20:06 ISTOn India Today's Democratic Newsroom, anchor Preeti Choudhary leads an editorial debate with journalists Rajdeep Sardesai, Gaurav Sawant, Pooja Shali, and Akshita on allegations of foreign funding and external interference in domestic protests across India. The panel examines whether claims of covert influence represent an established national security issue or a political narrative used to counter public demonstrations.

Rajdeep Sardesai argues that agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate must establish concrete money trails rather than relying on unverified claims that risk delegitimizing dissent. In response, Gaurav Sawant points to court documents, National Investigation Agency rulings, and Delhi Police remand applications concerning protest funding networks.

The discussion analyzes legal records linked to the Northeast Delhi riots, legal submissions concerning Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the detention of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, Meta reports on influence operations, and international reactions during the farmers' protest, focusing on the divide between judicial proof and ongoing investigative assertions. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSTrump Blames France Riots on Immigration as Europe Faces Migrant SurgeViolent protests across France have caused widespread unrest, with demonstrators clashing with police and damaging shops and public buildings over poor school conditions, soaring living costs, and declining public services.

Addressing the situation, US President Donald Trump claimed the turmoil stems entirely from immigration rather than domestic issues, asserting that he had previously warned French President Emmanuel Macron to shut borders. The crisis unfolds against broader concerns over irregular migration, housing pressures, and political polarisation across Europe, where France alone hosts approximately 7.97 million immigrants.India Today: Madhavanthi Mahendra, Sumanth C.

Raman, Dr. Sudarshan SeshadriA panel discussion on India Today evaluates the emerging political strategy, ideology, and future plans of former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K.

Annamalai following his recent moves and public remarks. The debate features BJP leader Madhavanthi Mahendra, political analyst Sumanth C.

Raman, and Dr. Sudarshan Seshadri representing the initiative 'We The Leaders'.

The conversation focuses on whether Annamalai is distancing himself from the BJP or trying to adopt Dravidian political stances, drawing criticism from fellow panelists who argue that his core support base feels confused. Defending the movement, Dr.

Sudarshan Seshadri insists that the organisation is currently focusing on grassroots social activities, asserting, 'We are neither a left nor a right wing. We want to walk the straight path.' He also affirms that the platform is training one lakh citizens to emerge as leaders ahead of local body elections rather than building a conventional cadre base.Tiger Shroff Car Firing, Bishnoi Gang Footprint & Return of 90s FearA firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff's car has renewed concerns over underworld intimidation in Bollywood, drawing parallels to the 1990s Dawood Ibrahim era.

The attack follows repeated threats and violent incidents linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's network, including the killing of former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique and gunfire outside Salman Khan's home. Despite Bishnoi being incarcerated since 2015, the syndicate allegedly operates through a coordinated framework comprising overseas coordinators, local shooters, and intermediaries who leverage social media to project terror.

The incident raises questions about the reach of modern criminal syndicates and the challenge of dismantling cross-border command structures.Why Washington Eyes Jamnagar: Reliance Mega Refinery, Venezuelan Crude & Global Oil DiplomacyJamnagar in Gujarat, home to Reliance Industries' massive refining complex processing approximately 1.4 million barrels per day, has emerged as a central focal point in global energy geopolitics. With advanced facilities capable of processing heavy crude varieties into diesel, petrol, and aviation fuel, Jamnagar plays a vital role in international fuel supply chains.

The hub has attracted significant diplomatic attention from Washington, highlighted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to discuss Reliance refining more Venezuelan crude. While India's purchases of discounted Russian crude previously created friction with the United States, Washington now seeks to reshape Venezuelan oil trade and ensure global refined fuel stability amid shipping disruptions in routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

In addition, Reliance's ties to a proposed refinery project in Brownsville, Texas, endorsed by US President Donald Trump, underscore expanding bilateral commercial and energy infrastructure cooperation.