SC Notice to Centre, EC on Plea Challenging Immunity To Election Commission ChiefsThe Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government and the Election Commission regarding petitions challenging the blanket immunity granted to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The petitions challenge the constitutional validity of Section 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023.

Activist-lawyer Arun Kumar Agrawal and political leader Manoj Jha filed pleas arguing that the provision offers blanket protection without exception, even for actions not carried out in good faith. The petitioners contend that this takes away civil and criminal remedies available to citizens, noting that protecting institutional independence should not grant immunity from legal accountability.

Furthermore, arguments highlighted that such lifelong immunity extends even after officials quit office, an exemption not granted even to judges of the Supreme Court, Parliament, or the President. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the combined matters concerning the issue in November.BJP Holds 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Conclave In Punjab As Rahul Gandhi CampaignsThe Bharatiya Janata Party launched a day-long conclave titled 'Wounds of 1984' in Punjab, coinciding with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's election campaign visit to Sangrur.

The event commemorated the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, gathering survivors, victims' families, and legal voices to demand accountability and justice. Accompanied by a photographic exhibition put together by H.S.

Phoolka and Aparna Singh, the conclave aimed to educate the younger generation regarding the violence and questioned the Congress party's record on justice. The counter-offensive follows a recent BJP pad yatra held in the national capital to mark the anniversary of the riots.

India Today correspondent Kamaljeet Sandhu reported that the BJP is seeking to expand its political footprint in Punjab by challenging both the Congress and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party ahead of elections. Meanwhile, Congress leaders claimed the principal electoral contest in the state remains between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party.Rahul Targets Amit Shah in Sangrur, Rakes Up Adani Port Drug Seizure & Law and OrderDuring a visit to Sangrur in Punjab, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi mounted a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government.

Gandhi predicted that the central government would fall within a year and asserted that Amit Shah would no longer remain the Home Minister. He questioned the Centre over massive drug seizures at Gujarat's Adani port, demanding answers on what action had been taken, while alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party protects gangsters inside jails.

In addition, Gandhi renewed his debate challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding foreign funding allegations and claimed the Prime Minister is influenced by Donald Trump. Addressing the deteriorating law and order in Punjab, Gandhi also raked up the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, alleging that such brazen killings have become widespread across the state under the current administration.Agnipath Scheme Revised: Agniveers' Service Tenure Extended To 6 Years, Second Tour Of Duty OfferedA major revision has been announced for the Agnipath scheme, extending the service tenure of Agniveers by two years.

Under the updated framework, the engagement period increases from the initial four years to six years. While 25 per cent of Agniveers will continue to be retained in regular forces based on merit, the remaining 75 per cent who were scheduled to exit will now receive an offer for an optional two-year second tour of duty.

Following the completion of this additional tenure, willing personnel will be evaluated for potential permanent absorption into the armed forces, subject to objective selection criteria, fitness, and qualifications. The decision follows recommendations from the armed forces to address operational preparedness requirements.

Currently, around three lakh Agniveers are serving across the three military branches. The extension comes ahead of the completion of the four-year tenure of the inaugural 2022 batch, offering eligible personnel the flexibility to either continue service or opt out.