October 12, 2026: Punjab has published the final electoral rolls for all 117 Assembly constituencies following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), taking the state’s electorate to more than 2.1 crore. Lakshadweep has also been declared a Union Territory that has achieved total literacy, while the Supreme Court has emphasised public awareness and voluntary participation to tackle firecracker-induced air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Top India Headlines
- Punjab Publishes Final Electoral Rolls for All 117 Assembly Constituencies Punjab has published the final electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise across all 117 Assembly constituencies. The state’s electorate has increased to more than 2.1 crore, including 506 electors belonging to the third gender.
- Lakshadweep Declared Fully Literate Union Territory Lakshadweep has been declared a Union Territory that has achieved total literacy, Administrator Praful Patel announced at a function in Kavaratti. The achievement follows teaching and evaluation campaigns under the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram.
- Supreme Court Says Public Awareness More Effective in Tackling Firecracker Pollution The Supreme Court said public awareness and voluntary participation could be more effective in addressing firecracker-induced air pollution in Delhi-NCR than restrictive orders that may be difficult to enforce on the ground.
- Himachal Pradesh Gets India’s First High-Altitude Health Research Centre Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda announced the establishment of the country’s first High-Altitude Health Research Centre in Himachal Pradesh. The centre will study the effects of extreme conditions on human health.
- Delhi Tightens Security Ahead of Opposition March; Six Metro Stations Face Restrictions Delhi authorities strengthened security ahead of a protest march called by opposition parties. Entry and exit gates at six Metro stations were scheduled to remain closed until 4 PM, while the Delhi Traffic Police warned of disruptions on several road stretches.
- IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Across Several States The India Meteorological Department forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab and Chhattisgarh until October 13. Similar weather conditions were expected in parts of southern India, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
- Northeast Bankers’ Conclave to Boost Credit Access for MSMEs, Entrepreneurs and Farmers Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said the Northeast Bankers’ Conclave in Mizoram would open new opportunities for the state’s development, including improved credit access for entrepreneurs, MSMEs and farmers.
- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Inaugurates BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 in New Delhi. He highlighted the role of culture in promoting global harmony amid geopolitical tensions, conflicts and growing uncertainty.
- Veteran Marathi Actress and Lavani Artist Madhu Kambikar Dies at 72 Veteran Marathi actress and Lavani artiste Madhu Kambikar died in Pune on October 12 following a prolonged illness. Trained in Kathak and Lavani, she made significant contributions to Marathi cinema and traditional performance arts.
- BJP MP K. Laxman Joins Cycling Rally Against Drug Abuse BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dr K. Laxman participated in the “Nasha Mukt Bharat – Cycling Ride”, organised by social organisation Akshara Spoorthy to raise awareness against drug abuse. The cyclists began their ride from Balahanuman Temple in Seetharampet, in Hyderabad’s Goshamahal constituency.
