Digest for 23 October, 2025
Belgian Court Paves Way for Mehul Choksi's Extradition to India
A Belgian court has rejected fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi’s arguments against his extradition to India in the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. The Antwerp Court of Appeals dismissed his claims of potential unfair treatment or torture as unsubstantiated, finding the offences extraditable under both Indian and Belgian law. The ruling marks a major breakthrough for Indian investigative agencies, clearing a significant legal hurdle in the effort to bring the high-profile accused back to face trial.
Supreme Court Seeks Centre's View on PIL for Nationwide Online Gambling Ban
The Supreme Court has asked the central government for assistance regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks a nationwide ban on online gambling and betting platforms. The plea argues that many such platforms operate under the guise of e-sports, causing significant social and economic harm. The petition calls for prohibiting monetary transactions to unregistered gaming apps and launching investigations into offshore companies for alleged tax evasion, a move that could reshape the country's multi-crore online gaming industry.
Assam Government to Introduce Bills on 'Love Jihad' and Polygamy
The Assam state government plans to introduce bills targeting 'love jihad' and polygamy in the upcoming Assembly session. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the legislative proposals, which are currently being drafted, will be presented once approved by the state cabinet. The move signals a significant policy push aligned with the government's socially conservative agenda, potentially leading to new laws that would have major social and legal ramifications within the state and fuel national debate on these contentious issues.
Suspected IED Blast Damages Railway Track in Assam, Disrupting Train Services
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on a railway track in Assam's Kokrajhar district, disrupting train services across Lower Assam and parts of north Bengal. The midnight blast damaged about three feet of the track, forcing an overnight suspension of operations and detaining at least eight trains. While there were no casualties, the incident has prompted heightened security measures and an investigation by state police, railway authorities, and intelligence agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of this act of sabotage.
Delhi's Air Quality Remains in 'Very Poor' Category Amid Unfavourable Weather
Air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to be in the 'very poor' category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 362 on Thursday morning. Some areas, like Anand Vihar, even slipped into the 'severe' category with an AQI of 428. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) II remains in effect. Meteorological officials have warned that low wind speeds and calm nighttime conditions are preventing the dispersion of pollutants, suggesting that the city's air quality is unlikely to improve in the coming days.