Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from NextMinuteNews. It’s Friday, October 6, and the news cycle is already in full swing. From a shocking incident in India’s highest court to a major political shake-up in France, we’ve sifted through the headlines to bring you the essential updates.
Here are the 5 must-read stories for October 6 to get you up to speed.
1. Lawyer Throws Shoe at CJI D.Y. Chandrachud in Supreme Court
In an unprecedented act that stunned the nation, the sanctity of the Supreme Court was violated when a lawyer threw a shoe towards the bench of Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud. The incident occurred during a tense Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing. The lawyer, Vikram Singh, was reportedly frustrated by repeated adjournments in his case. While the shoe did not hit the CJI, it landed near the dais, causing immediate chaos.
Security personnel apprehended Singh as he shouted slogans about judicial delays. The Supreme Court Bar Association strongly condemned the act, calling it an assault on the judiciary. The court has initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the lawyer, which could result in severe penalties and has sparked a nationwide debate on court security and systemic frustrations.
2. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Resigns, Macron Plans Cabinet Reshuffle
The French government is facing a period of uncertainty after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu tendered his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron. The resignation follows weeks of intense political pressure over the government’s controversial pension reforms and its failure to secure a clear majority for its latest budget proposal.
Sources from the Élysée Palace suggest the move is a strategic “government reset” by Macron to regain political momentum before next year’s crucial EU elections. Lecornu’s departure after just over a year in office triggers an immediate cabinet reshuffle, with France now waiting to see who Macron will appoint to lead the government through this turbulent period.
3. RBI Holds Repo Rate at 6.50%: No Change in Loan EMIs For Now
In welcome news for millions of borrowers, the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the key repo rate unchanged at 6.50%. This marks the fourth consecutive time the central bank has paused its rate-hiking cycle.
Announcing the decision, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said that while inflation remains a concern, the current policy rate is deemed adequate to gradually bring it down to the 4% target. For the common person, this means that EMIs on home, car, and personal loans are unlikely to increase in the immediate future. The RBI also maintained its GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year at a resilient 6.5%.
4. Kenyan Author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Wins 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature
The prestigious 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to Kenyan novelist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a celebrated figure in post-colonial literature. The Swedish Academy honored him “for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents.”
Thiong’o is renowned for novels like “A Grain of Wheat” and for his decision to write in his native Gikuyu language as a form of anti-colonial resistance. His win is being celebrated globally as a landmark moment for African literature and a powerful recognition of voices from the Global South.
5. Amazon Great Indian Festival vs. Flipkart Big Billion Days: Sale Dates Announced
The annual battle for India’s festive season shoppers has officially begun. E-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart have announced the dates for their flagship sales, both set to kick off on October 8. Flipkart’s ‘Big Billion Days’ and Amazon’s ‘Great Indian Festival’ are promising massive discounts on electronics, fashion, and home goods.
Consumers can expect special offers on new smartphone launches and attractive bank cashback deals. This week-long shopping event is a critical barometer for consumer sentiment and the overall health of the Indian retail sector.
That’s your news download for today. Stay informed with NextMinuteNews as these stories develop.
