The retail inflation rate for farm and rural workers reached 6.36 per cent and 6.39 per cent in the month of September, compared to 6.70 per cent and 6.55 per cent in the same month last year, the government said on Tuesday.

The corresponding figures for August were 5.96 per cent for agricultural labourers and 6.08 per cent for rural labourers, according to the Labour Ministry data.

The All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) registered an increase of 7 points each in September, reaching levels of 1304 and 1316, respectively.

Meanwhile, the CPI inflation jumped 5.49 per cent in the month of September, up from 3.65 per cent in August, due to high base effect and weather conditions. During the month of September, a significant decline in inflation is observed in pulses and products, spices, meat and fish and sugar and confectionery sub-group.

The Aam Aadmi Party has sharply criticized the BJP government for the slow purchase of paddy in Punjab's markets, claiming that the central government is taking revenge on farmers for the farmers' movement.

AAP senior leader and cabinet minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal stated that no central government has ever treated Punjab as poorly as the current one. He warned the BJP to stop such low-level politics or face severe consequences, noting that it will harm the BJP in Punjab.

Dhaliwal claimed that the actions are intended to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's friend, Adani, making farmers dependent on capitalists. He pointed out that Punjab's farmers, laborers, and traders are facing difficulties while the BJP government remains indifferent.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan condemned the BJP government for its poor governance and its betrayal of farmers, laborers, and arhtiyas in Punjab. He expressed deep concern over the government's political tactics, which he believes target the hardworking Punjabis who bravely protested against the three controversial farm laws.

Sandhwan said that these laws were aimed at allowing corporate control over agriculture, which would severely impact the livelihoods of farmers. In response to the widespread protests, the central government had to repeal the laws and now BJP is resorting to underhanded tactics to take revenge on those who stood against these unjust laws.

Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said on Tuesday that it arrested four suspected drug offenders in recent operations and seized more than 7 kg of drugs.

The CNB seized over 6.3 kg of cannabis and 769 grams of ICE (methamphetamine), among other drugs, with an estimated street value of more than 320,000 Singapore dollars ($243,000).

The confiscated drugs can feed 1,310 abusers for a week, news agency reported.

Bihar’s Economic Offence Unit (EOU) on Tuesday conducted a raid at the house of Sanjeev Mukhiya in Nalanda, the alleged mastermind behind the NEET UG question paper leak which occurred on May 5.

The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into the case, and Mukhiya has been absconding since the paper leak scandal came to light.

During the raid, a nine-member team from the EOU, led by DSP Sunil Kumar, seized multiple documents and pieces of evidence from Mukhiya's residence.

“The raid began at 10 a.m. and lasted until 4 p.m. We have questioned Mukhiya's family members and conducted a detailed search of the property,” Kumar said.

He added that the collecting materials will be thoroughly examined by EOU.

AAP Punjab leader and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora strongly criticized the central BJP government for its neglectful and hostile policies towards Punjab, particularly affecting the farmers and arhtiyas (commission agents) in the state.

In his recent statement, Arora said that the Punjab government has consistently raised concerns about the surplus food grains stored in Punjab's warehouses. Despite numerous communications and personal meetings with central authorities, the BJP government has failed to act. This neglect has created a dire situation for farmers, who are struggling due to the central government's ineffective policies.

The Minister highlighted the long-standing grievances of Punjab's farmers, stating that the BJP has repeatedly implemented decisions detrimental to their interests. The AAP leader mentioned the three controversial farm laws and accused the central government of retaliating against Punjab farmers by continuing to ignore their needs and concerns. "Farmers in Punjab deserve better. The BJP government has repeatedly turned a blind eye to our requests. They have failed to remove the stockpiled food grains," Arora remarked.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Tuesday announced seven new initiatives aimed at revolutionising how India connects, communicates and enhances its digital security.

The new initiatives are built on three key pillars -- security, affordability and reliability.

BSNL also unveiled its new logo, which represents its renewed focus on delivering secure, affordable, and reliable connectivity to every corner of Bharat. The logo was launched by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M Scindia in the presence of Minister of State for Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar.

Cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, a respiratory disease caused by bacteria, in Japan have marked a record high for the third straight week, local media reported on Tuesday.

During the seven days leading up to October 13, the average number of cases reported by about 500 medical institutions nationwide was 1.95 per institution, news agency reported quoting public broadcaster NHK, citing data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

The figure marks a rise for seven consecutive weeks and the highest-ever weekly total since the current reporting method was introduced in 1999.

Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) on Tuesday reported 20 per cent EBITDA growth at Rs 4,518 crore in the first half of FY25, as cash profit surged by 27 per cent YoY to Rs 2,640 crore.

On the quarterly basis, EBITDA from power supply saw 17 per cent growth at Rs 2,143 crore in Q2 FY25, from Rs 1,835 crore in the previous quarter.

In the first half of current fiscal, the revenue surged 20 per cent to Rs 4,836 crore in H1 FY25, from Rs 4,029 crore in H1 FY24.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the state is on the threshold of a revolution in the education sector as about 27 lakh parents are attending mega parent-teacher meetings (PTM) in government schools.

Interacting with the media during his visit to the School of Eminence during the PTM organised here, the Chief Minister said it is a historic day as this PTM is taking place. “Around 27 lakh parents are enquiring about the studies, atmosphere, curriculum and other things being offered to their kids.”

Mann said it would also provide an opportunity for teachers to explain the performance of students in the schools.