Inside ISRO's GSLV-F18: Ananth Technologies Supplied 55 Avionics and Spacecraft Systems

Ananth Technologies, headquartered in Hyderabad, said it supplied 46 avionics and electronics packages for ISRO's GSLV-F18 launch vehicle and nine systems for the NVS-03 navigation satellite it carried to orbit. The company described itself as a long-standing partner in India's space programme, while specific contract values and timelines were not disclosed.

Karnataka zilla, taluk panchayat polls likely in January, says Minister Khandre

Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has said zilla and taluk panchayat elections are most likely to be held in the first or second week of January, with gram panchayat polls to follow. He said over 2,000 objections to the draft reservation notification are being examined and the final notification will be issued shortly. The government will also begin accepting e-swathu applications from November 2 for properties within gramathana limits that lack registered ownership documents.

₹1,793 crore for Mandya: Shivakumar puts irrigation, hospitals and cane farmers first

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched development works worth ₹1,793.74 crore in Mandya district, with ₹806 crore for lake filling and canal repair and ₹224 crore for canal modernisation. He also announced a plan for a 100-bed cardiac-care hospital, higher payments for sugarcane growers and ₹100 crore for the Agriculture University at V.C. Farm.

EKA Mobility to invest ₹1,000 crore in R&D, aims to fill 40,000-vehicle capacity by 2030

EKA Mobility will invest ₹1,000 crore in research and development over four to five years and aims to match its newly expanded annual capacity of 40,000 vehicles with sales by 2030. The Pune-based electric commercial vehicle maker, which has invested ₹3,500 crore so far, is also pursuing exports in Africa and has flagged limited availability of finance as a key constraint for the sector.

CPI(ML) Leader Ties INDIA Bloc's 'Vote Theft' Protests to Farmers, Workers

CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said the INDIA bloc's protests against alleged vote theft will be integrated with farmers' and workers' concerns. He criticised the proposed India-U.S. trade deal and the Labour Codes, and said all INDIA bloc constituents would join a protest rally in New Delhi on November 1. He also questioned the use of Special Executive Magistrates and peace bonds in Delhi.

Lokayukta names 11 officials after ₹50-lakh crop fire in Vijayapura

The Karnataka Lokayukta has registered a suo motu case against 11 officials, including senior Hescom and KPTCL officers, over a fire in Vijayapura district that destroyed crops and farm assets worth an estimated ₹50 lakh. The order cites alleged failure to maintain power lines and safety norms, and the inaction of local revenue and agriculture officials in assessing damage. The Deputy Commissioner has been directed to conduct a joint inspection and prepare a plan for interim compensation.

India's first private fusion company sets 2027 target for reactor blueprint

Pranos Fusion, a Bengaluru startup that says it is India's first private fusion energy company, has built a small tokamak called PRAGYA to test plasma control and superconducting magnets. It aims to finalise the blueprint for a larger reactor, PRANIK, by 2027, though producing electricity from fusion remains a distant goal, and the company has so far raised $7.2 million.

Rahul Gandhi Calls 2024 Election 'Illegal', Warns Top Poll Official: Top Quotes

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha election was illegal and warned Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar that he will not survive in office, speaking at an opposition event pressing for the CEC's removal. He claimed 13.3 crore voters were deleted from the rolls. The Election Commission and the ruling BJP have rejected the charges, and no court has found the election illegal.

Telangana plans private operators for MRI services in govt hospitals, scans to stay free

The Telangana government is examining a public-private partnership model to operate MRI services at government hospitals, aiming to cover all Government General Hospitals within two years and starting with a pilot in Mahabubnagar. Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha said scans will remain free for patients referred by government doctors. Officials estimate the model could cut state expenditure by about 20 per cent and reduce service disruptions.

Canada-based Punjab native detained for unauthorised drone flight near Kochi synagogue

The Mattancherry police in Kochi detained Ashu Kumar Khanna, a 66-year-old Punjab native settled in Canada, for allegedly flying a drone without permission near the Mattancherry synagogue. He was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Drone Rules, and later released after being served a notice. The incident follows an alleged arson attack on the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam.

Census 2027: 40 Questions and 25 Minutes a Household — How Enumerators Are Being Trained

Enumeration for the second phase of the Census begins on December 1 in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Punjab, ahead of the rest of the country in January 2027. Enumerators being trained for the Population Enumeration will ask 40 questions and must spend at least 20 to 25 minutes with each household, far longer than the houselisting phase.

Spain rail crash: minister refuses to quit as Sánchez's election bid falters

Spain's transport minister has refused to resign after a second serious rail collision in months, saying his duty is to explain what happened and reform the system. The accident has renewed scrutiny of rail safety and deepened the political difficulties facing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ahead of an early election.

Two foreign nationals die in suspected electrocution at Bengaluru's Conrad Hotel pool

A German national and a Slovak national died in a suspected electrocution in the third-floor swimming pool of the Conrad Hotel in Bengaluru's Ulsoor on October 30. Two others, an American guest and a hotel lifeguard, were injured while trying to rescue them and are stated to be out of danger. The police have registered a case and are investigating how the pool area came to be electrically charged.

Tanker With 27 Indians Hit by Limpet Mines in Hormuz: What Are These Naval Devices?

A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 27 Indian crew members was hit by two limpet mines in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire in its engine room and immobilising the vessel. Limpet mines are small, hull-attached devices designed to disable ships rather than sink them. Iran’s IRGC said three tankers were halted after incidents in the strait.

Congress to Amit Shah: 'You are damaging Sardar Patel's image, not us'

The Congress has countered Union Home Minister Amit Shah's allegation that the party sidelined Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saying the charge damages Patel's own image. The exchange is the latest round in a long contest between the BJP and the Congress over the legacy of India's first Deputy Prime Minister.

Buxa's relocated tigress crosses into Assam; West Bengal plans to bring her back

A three-year-old tigress released in West Bengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2 has crossed into Assam's Raimona reserve, with her movement traced about 25 km from the State border. Forest Minister Manoj Oraon will visit Raimona on October 31 to finalise plans to tranquilise and bring her back. Officials say the tigress is healthy and hunting, and will continue to be tracked through telemetry and camera traps.

France to Deploy 70,000 Security Personnel as Protests Coincide With Halloween

France will deploy around 70,000 security personnel on Saturday (October 31, 2026) as a protest movement over living costs, inequality and civil liberties holds a third weekend of demonstrations coinciding with Halloween. Authorities have restricted marches, imposed night curfews in parts of Paris and closed more than 40 metro stations. Business owners say the timing, with masked revellers expected on the streets, adds to their concern.

CBSE Date Sheet 2027 Awaited: Class 10, 12 Exam Schedule Not Yet Announced

CBSE has not yet released the date sheet for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for 2027, and the announcement is running later than last year's timeline. The board is expected to publish the schedule in PDF format on its official website, with the List of Candidates deadline having closed on October 21.

Body in California Canal Identified as Indian-Origin Woman, 72, Missing Since August

A 72-year-old Indian-origin woman, Ajit Kaur, who went missing from an apartment complex in Ceres, California, in August has been identified as the person whose body was found in an irrigation canal on October 24. The Stanislaus County Coroner's Office confirmed her identity on October 27, and police say they are continuing to investigate how she came to be in the canal.

Sugarcane farmers call Karnataka bandh on Saturday after Belagavi roadblock order

Sugarcane farmers have called for a Karnataka bandh on Saturday after the Belagavi district administration issued a prohibitory order against their planned rasta roko on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway. Farmers’ leader Chunappa Pujeri said they will respect the order and not block the highway, but will observe the bandh in all districts and start a Jail Bharo protest on Sunday.

Telangana Sends 2,077 Power Staff to Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Arnab Restoration Continues

Telangana has deployed 2,077 electricity personnel in 192 teams to help Andhra Pradesh restore power after Cyclone Arnab disrupted supply in 5,727 villages. Power has been restored in 5,277 villages and in seven districts, with work continuing in the remaining 450 villages.

Congress Accuses BJP of 'Normalising' China Border Transgressions After Arunachal CM's Remarks

The Congress has accused BJP leaders of 'normalising' Chinese transgressions along the Arunachal Pradesh border after Chief Minister Pema Khandu said such incidents 'keep happening'. Jairam Ramesh said Mr. Khandu's remarks contradicted his earlier dismissal of incursion reports in Taksing and followed an ITBP chief's confirmation of face-offs at several locations. Mr. Khandu has described the border situation as normal, attributing transgressions to the absence of a clearly demarcated boundary.

Supreme Court to ECI on 'False' Form 7 Objections: Look Into These Issues, File Compliance Report

The Election Commission has told the Supreme Court that though "false" Form 7 objections to voter entries surfaced during the Uttar Pradesh SIR, none were accepted and corrective steps were taken. The court, hearing a petition by Congress MP Tanuj Punia, asked the ECI to look into the allegations and file a compliance report, while the petitioner's counsel sought judicial scrutiny of the Commission's claims.

Ten kitchen staples, one ₹200 packet: cooperative supermarkets begin sales

Minister for Cooperation V. Gandhiraj on Friday launched ₹200 packets of ten essential commodities at cooperative supermarkets, beginning at a store in Red Hills. The packets contain fixed quantities of pulses, spices and condiments, including chana dal, moong dal, red chillies, tamarind and jeera. The government linked the sale to its price control measures, though details on stock levels and duration were not announced.

AI cost fears trigger sharp fall in US tech stocks

US technology stocks fell sharply on Friday as investors worried about the rising cost of AI infrastructure. Intel shares dropped as much as 30% and Amazon and Alphabet also declined, while the Nasdaq opened at a two-month low. Analysts said questions are growing over when heavy AI spending will translate into profits.

Census 2027: Enumeration from January 25 to February 28; poll-bound and snow-bound areas excluded

Population enumeration for India's 2027 Census will be held from January 25 to February 28, 2027, with a reference date of midnight on March 1. Manipur, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are excluded from the main schedule, while a self-enumeration window runs from January 10 to 24. The eighth census since Independence was originally due in 2021 and has been approved at a cost of Rs 11,718 crore.

Andhra Pradesh credits ₹3,125 crore to 46.85 lakh farmer families under Annadata Sukhibhava

Andhra Pradesh has released ₹3,125.47 crore as the second instalment under the Annadata Sukhibhava-PM Kisan scheme, covering 46,85,838 farmer families. The State's share is ₹2,342.92 crore and the Centre's ₹782.55 crore, part of a combined annual assistance of ₹20,000 per eligible family.

Centre notifies social security boards for unorganised, gig workers; unions question makeup

The Union Labour Ministry has notified a 40-member National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and a 22-member board for gig and platform workers, both chaired by Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The boards will recommend, monitor and review welfare schemes under the Code on Social Security, 2020. Worker unions have questioned the boards' composition, while the Ministry called the move a historic shift towards formal welfare cover for platform workers.

BJP Calls Rahul Gandhi's Delhi Chalo a 'Direct Attack on Democracy' Ahead of Sunday March

The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to destabilise an elected government through Sunday's 'Delhi Chalo' march, alleging that the Congress is misrepresenting the Election Commission's voter-list revision and demanding the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. The Congress says the march is a peaceful exercise of democratic rights. The BJP has also announced a two-phase nationwide campaign to counter the Opposition's narrative.

ISRO set to launch GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03, a key step in reviving NavIC

ISRO is preparing to launch GSLV-F18 carrying the 2,250-kg NVS-03 navigation satellite from Sriharikota, with the rocket expected to place it in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit about 18 minutes and 40 seconds after lift-off. The satellite, equipped with an indigenous atomic clock and the L1 signal besides L5 and S-band, is part of efforts to gradually revive India's ageing NavIC constellation. NavIC is India's indigenous alternative to GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou.

Consensual intimacy cannot be branded rape later if a relationship fails: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has discharged a Kerala-based man of rape, bigamy and cheating charges, holding that physical intimacy in a consensual relationship cannot be retrospectively branded as rape simply because the relationship ended. The Bench of Justices B. V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan warned against the weaponisation of criminal law in failed relationships, while stressing that genuine cases of sexual violence remain under-reported and must be pursued with vigour.

Coimbatore removes 8.8 lakh mosquito breeding containers in dengue drive

The Coimbatore Corporation has collected and removed 8,81,931 containers that could hold stagnant water, using 12 teams across five zones as part of its dengue prevention measures. Alongside the drive, 297 special medical camps have been held since October 23, benefiting 16,394 people, with 54 fever cases referred to government facilities for blood tests.

Deepavali: Tirunelveli rolls out ₹200 grocery bags at 128 rural cooperative shops

Tirunelveli District Collector Anand Mohan has inaugurated the sale of ₹200 grocery bags containing 10 items, weighing 1.40 kg in all, through 128 cooperative society shops in the district's rural areas ahead of Deepavali. No ration card is needed and the items will not be sold separately. A similar sale was launched in Tenkasi district.

Tamil Nadu government jobs: upper age limits raised by five years

Tamil Nadu has raised the upper age limit for direct recruitment to government services by five years, with revised ceilings for Group I, II, IIA and IV posts. The relaxation, ordered by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, is additional to existing category-based age concessions and will remain in force for five years. It covers general-category candidates, reserved-category candidates and persons with disabilities.

Kerala clears ₹1,000-crore housing scheme for 32,000 SC and ST families

The Kerala government has approved a ₹1,000-crore housing scheme for 32,000 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families in the current financial year. The scheme raises assistance for SC and ST households, sets new income and land criteria, and opens applications from November 1 to 16. The Minister also flagged concerns about community kitchens in Attappady during a review of tribal welfare.

Minority leaders urge Karnataka to repeal conversion law, strengthen hate speech rules

Representatives of religious minority communities and civil society organisations in Karnataka have urged the state government to repeal the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, calling it a constitutional overreach. They also sought stronger laws against hate speech and hate crimes, while criticising earlier legislation affecting minorities and other vulnerable groups.

Ponnam Demands Amit Shah Apologise to Telangana Before Hyderabad Visit

Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah tender an unconditional apology to the people of Telangana over the Prime Minister's alleged remarks in Parliament on the State's formation, ahead of Mr. Shah's planned Hyderabad visit. He also questioned the Centre's priorities on Manipur and border tensions, and said he would write to Mr. Shah seeking caste enumeration of Backward Classes in the national Census.

Telangana plans ₹84,790 crore for Hyderabad, Deputy CM asks builders to focus on affordable housing

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has outlined a ₹84,790-crore development plan for Hyderabad and its surrounding areas, covering infrastructure, water supply, municipal services and roads. Speaking at a real estate industry event, he urged developers to build affordable housing alongside luxury projects. He also spoke about the ₹7,500-crore first phase of the Musi rejuvenation project and plans to relocate industries from within the Outer Ring Road.

Delhi-NCR construction and demolition ban from Nov 5 to 20 as air pollution measures tighten

Delhi and the NCR will bar dust-generating construction and demolition work from November 5 to 20, with exemptions for nationally important projects, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced. The CAQM is also expected to order 50% work from home in the high-traffic districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Officials say the timing reflects Deepavali on November 8 and the expected peak in stubble burning.

Jaishankar in Atlanta for G20 foreign ministers' meeting, Quad talks on sidelines

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in Atlanta for a two-day G20 foreign ministers’ meeting chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with discussions set to focus on energy supply chains and shared economic and security challenges. Quad foreign ministers will meet on the sidelines, and Jaishankar will later travel to Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

ISRO's NVS-03 Launch on October 30: Why This Satellite Is Critical for India's NavIC

ISRO is set to launch the NVS-03 satellite on October 30, a mission aimed at reinforcing NavIC, India's regional navigation system. The constellation has been weakened by failures of onboard atomic clocks and by the failure of NVS-02 to reach its intended orbit. NVS-03 is part of the second-generation series meant to replace ageing satellites and add L1-band signals for wider civilian use.

'Unavailable in India': Why Your Social Media Posts Are Being Blocked — and What the Rules Say

Users across India report that posts, reels and accounts are being blocked on Instagram, Facebook and X, with notices stating the content is "unavailable in India". The takedowns come amid protests against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demands for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation. Here is how platform enforcement and Section 69A blocking orders work, and what remains unclear.

Indian Railways Offers Rs 10 Lakh Insurance Cover at 45 Paise for Counter Bookings

Indian Railways has extended its optional travel insurance facility to reserved tickets booked at counters, with a premium of 45 paise for cover of up to Rs 10 lakh. The cover is subject to policy terms and conditions, and the maximum amount is not a guaranteed payout. Passengers can opt for it while booking and should read the policy details before making a claim.

Binance says $6.3bn in crypto assets affected by suspected record hack

Binance said $6.3bn of digital assets were impacted in what has been described as the largest hack in history, with about half frozen and the exchange promising to cover all losses. Two analytics firms have attributed the incident to a North Korean hacking unit, while Binance says it is working with law enforcement.

World Bank: India Lifted 496 Million People Out of Extreme Poverty in 12 Years

The World Bank's October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief estimates that India lifted about 496 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011 and 2023, with the share of the population in extreme poverty falling from 27.1 per cent to 2.6 per cent. It credits consumption growth, rising employment and expanded social transfers, while flagging a concentration of poverty in a belt from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal and rising youth unemployment.

Tamil Nadu Cabinet approves Social Justice Survey commission, to seek review of SC quota ruling

The Tamil Nadu Cabinet has decided to set up a multi-member commission headed by a retired High Court judge to conduct the Social Justice Survey next year, after the ongoing Census. The Cabinet also decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its ruling on reservation benefits for converts, and approved eight new industrial proposals.

J&K: 10 Alleged Overground Workers Held in Shopian Terror Financing Case

Ten people have been arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district in a case relating to the financing of terrorism, with investigators describing them as overground workers. Key details — identities, amounts allegedly involved and the agency handling the case — were not immediately available, and all those arrested retain the presumption of innocence until a court rules otherwise.

Supreme Court ends 23-year land battle, protects 550 acres of Telangana government land

The Supreme Court has dismissed appeals by private individuals claiming rights over more than 550 acres of government land in Miyapur village, Rangareddy district, ending litigation that ran for nearly 23 years. The State had relied on historical revenue records and earlier court orders in its favour from 1997 and 2003. The land, spread across Survey Nos. 100 and 101, remains recorded as government property.

Census 2027 trainers flag Aadhaar, caste and parents’ birthplace queries

Ahead of the second phase of Census 2027, trainers in Uttar Pradesh and three other poll-bound States are preparing enumerators for sensitive questions on Aadhaar, caste, age and parents’ birthplace. Officials say the Aadhaar question is optional and not linked to citizenship, while caste will be recorded through an open column for non-SC/ST respondents.

PM Modi to release 24th PM-KISAN instalment: ₹18,690 crore for 9.34 crore farmers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to release the 24th instalment of PM-KISAN in Banaskantha, Gujarat, on October 30, 2026. More than ₹18,690 crore will be transferred to over 9.34 crore farmers. He will also inaugurate 521 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund units and 12 horticulture clusters.

Karnataka Cabinet Approves K-Monitor to Evaluate Welfare Schemes, Including Guarantees

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved Project K-Monitor, a ₹14-crore exercise to evaluate the impact of government schemes, including guarantee programmes, across all Assembly constituencies. It also cleared funds for a Sainik School, set up an Adivasi Development Board and advanced the Winter Session in Belagavi to November 30.

CBSE clarifies 2028 Class 10 exam plan: five compulsory subjects, skill paper as safety net

The CBSE has clarified that students entering Class 9 in 2026-27 and appearing for Class 10 board exams in 2028 will have five compulsory board subjects: two languages, mathematics, science and social science. They may also opt for an additional skill paper, which can help them clear the exam if they fail in mathematics, science or social science. Vocational education remains compulsory, with students choosing either Kaushal Vikas or one of 22 notified skill subjects.

Puducherry CM seeks ₹50 crore Central aid for Cyclone Arnab relief in Yanam

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has sought ₹50 crore in immediate central assistance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for relief work in cyclone-hit Yanam. Preliminary assessments show damage to paddy, coconut and banana crops, 30 houses, fishing boats and public infrastructure including the Government General Hospital. Amit Shah has promised all assistance to restore normalcy, the CMO said.

Andhra Pradesh restores power to 4,765 cyclone-hit villages; ₹29.69 crore loss estimated

Power supply has been restored to 4,765 of the 5,400 villages affected by Cyclone Arnab in eastern Andhra Pradesh, APEPDCL said. Work is continuing in 635 villages, with full grid recovery in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Kakinada and Eluru districts. Preliminary estimates put infrastructure losses at ₹29.69 crore, and residents have been urged to report hazards on helpline 1912.

Serbia's student movement seeks police and judicial resignations before taking power

Serbia's student-led Students' List, which won last Sunday's parliamentary election against Aleksandar Vucic's governing SNS, has demanded the resignation of senior police, intelligence and judicial officials and urged election authorities to certify the results without delay. The students, who rose to prominence through protests over a deadly railway station canopy collapse, say institutions must serve citizens and the law must apply to everyone. Outgoing leader Vucic has accused the winners of "revolutionary terror", while the police, judges and prosecutors named have not responded.

Kerala private bus operators' hunger strike enters day 4, agitation to widen to other districts

The Kerala Bus Operators' Federation's indefinite hunger strike entered its fourth day on Friday (October 30), with the federation deciding to extend the agitation to other districts after the State government did not initiate talks. The operators are demanding protection for the private bus industry from the impact of the KSRTC free travel scheme, implementation of the Padmakumar Commission report, and a fare revision that includes student fares.

IMD Warns of Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Across East, Northeast and Delhi Tomorrow

The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms over east and adjoining central India, northeast India, peninsular India and the east coast on October 30. Delhi is likely to see showers and gusty winds, while hailstorms are possible in parts of Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab. Isolated extremely heavy rain is expected over east Chhattisgarh, north Odisha and north Bihar.

India Offers Battle-Tested Counter-Terror Expertise to ASEAN, Proposes 'Youth Bridge'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Cebu that India is ready to share its counter-terrorism expertise with ASEAN partners through joint exercises, training and intelligence sharing. He proposed a defence 'Youth Bridge' to boost people-to-people ties and highlighted India's maritime cooperation, including the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation in 2026 and the Navy's continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008.

Bangladesh tribunal sentences Awami League leader Hanif to death over 2024 protest killings

A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced Awami League leader Mahbubul Alam Hanif to death and three local party leaders to imprisonment until death over killings during the 2024 protests. All four were tried in absentia and are absconding; the Awami League and rights groups have questioned the fairness of the proceedings.

Bapatla police launch Samarth app for real-time tracking, faster deployment during elections

Bapatla Superintendent of Police B. Umamaheswar launched the Samarth mobile application to strengthen security for the upcoming local body elections, allowing the control room to track personnel on Google Maps, identify sensitive polling stations and rush striking forces to trouble spots. The app includes an SOS alert facility, direct communication with the control room and district-wide notifications that work even without mobile internet. The district police IT wing will oversee its operation.

Tigress relocated from Bihar to Buxa crosses Sankosh, enters Assam's Raimona National Park

A three-year-old tigress moved from Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve to West Bengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2 has crossed the Sankosh river into Assam's Raimona National Park. Officials say the animal is exploring for suitable habitat and is being tracked by radio collar, with no plans to tranquillise or bring her back. The translocation is part of a science-based effort to restore tigers in Buxa, which has recorded no tiger presence in recent years.

Tiruppur disburses ₹38.56 crore in bank loans to 20 new entrepreneurs under State schemes

The Tiruppur District Industries Centre disbursed ₹38.56 crore in bank loans to 20 new entrepreneurs at a Credit Facilitation Camp held on Wednesday. The loans, under four State self-employment schemes, will fund manufacturing, service and trading enterprises. Two more camps are planned for November and December.

Sting video fabricated to malign Karnataka figures, Bengaluru police say

Bengaluru City Police said the sting video purportedly showing sexual abuse appears to be based on a fabricated narrative, with evidence so far not substantiating the incident. One accused was arrested in the National Capital Region in connection with procuring the phone used for an upload, and investigators are examining whether a coordinated effort was made to discredit individuals in positions of responsibility in Karnataka.

Only 20% of stroke patients reach hospital in time, warn Hyderabad doctors

Hospitals in Hyderabad marked World Stroke Day with walkathons and awareness sessions, urging people to treat stroke as a medical emergency. Doctors cited an ICMR registry showing that only about 20% of patients reach hospital within 4.5 hours of symptoms appearing, and stressed prevention through control of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.

Telangana SIR: 37% of new voter applications rejected over declaration form

Of 5,20,331 Form-6 applications received in Telangana between January 1 and June 14, 2026, before the Special Intensive Revision began, 1,92,574 were rejected — about 37 per cent — mainly because they lacked a declaration form that became mandatory only during SIR. Officials say rejected applicants will not figure in the final rolls unless fresh forms are processed by November 7, 2026, even as Booth Level Officers are now collecting the forms door-to-door.

Ugrappa asks Centre to shield Karnataka's SC/ST quota hike under Ninth Schedule

Congress leader V.S. Ugrappa has urged the Union government to include Karnataka's law raising SC reservation by two percentage points and ST reservation by four percentage points in the Ninth Schedule, which shields listed laws from judicial review. He said the Centre never responded to the State's request and that the High Court has since quashed the enhanced quota, and called on Karnataka MPs to press the issue.

Capping cancer drug margins is only step one — patients must feel the savings, says former NHA CEO

The NPPA has capped trade margins on 137 anti-cancer medicines, with revised prices due to take effect from November 9. Former National Health Authority CEO Indu Bhushan says the move could meaningfully cut costs for patients on long treatment courses, but cautions that price caps alone cannot deliver financial protection unless the savings reach patients.

Telangana SIR data shows 27% Form-6 rejections, over 80 lakh possible exclusions

Information from Telangana’s Chief Electoral Officer shows 2,43,643 Form-6 applications were rejected during the SIR, a rate of about 23%, or 27% after excluding pending cases. Pre-SIR rejections were 37%, while deletions included 73,39,235 during enumeration and 4,54,340 through Form-7 before SIR. The data raises questions about verification and redress, though it does not establish how many rejected or deleted people were eligible voters.

Rain, Thunderstorms Lash Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Stays 'Poor' at AQI 227

The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR as moderate rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds sweep the region, with isolated hailstorms possible until October 30. Meanwhile, the city's air quality remained in the 'poor' category on Thursday morning, with the AQI at 227 and PM2.5 and PM10 as the main pollutants.

US Warns West Asian Allies to Brace for Possible New Iran Strikes After November 3 Vote

US diplomats and defence officials have told several West Asian countries and regional allies to prepare for possible renewed military action against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, and for potential Iranian retaliation, two diplomats say. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, though he has publicly said he is weighing new strikes once the vote is over. Iran says it is still giving diplomacy a chance, while the UAE has urged restraint.

US DOJ examines Nvidia’s $12.9 billion Hugging Face deal over AI competition concerns

The US Department of Justice has asked whether Nvidia’s $12.93 billion purchase of Hugging Face could reduce competition in artificial intelligence, according to people familiar with the matter. The questions come as the department continues a broader investigation into Nvidia’s business practices. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2027, and Nvidia says Hugging Face will continue to support a range of chip, cloud and AI providers.

UP MLC Results: BJP Wins 6 Of 10 Declared Seats, Samajwadi Party Takes 4

The BJP has won six of the ten Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council graduates’ and teachers’ seats declared so far, while the Samajwadi Party has won four. The SP gained Lucknow Graduates’, Agra Teachers’ and Allahabad-Jhansi Graduates’, and was leading in Varanasi Graduates’. In 2020, the BJP had won six of these 11 seats, the SP three and independents two.

Rajnath Singh Pledges 'Unwavering Commitment' to ASEAN, Calls for Stronger Defence Ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed India's "unwavering commitment" to ASEAN centrality and sought deeper defence cooperation with the ten-nation bloc at the ADMM-Plus meeting hosted by Malaysia. He stressed that ASEAN must remain the hub of the region's security architecture and underlined India's backing for freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute resolution under international law.

US and Japan Agree to Jointly Produce Air-to-Air Missiles at New Japan Facility

Japan and the United States have agreed to set up a facility in Japan to jointly produce advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles for F-35 fighter jets, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said after meeting US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Cebu. Both sides said the move is aimed at strengthening deterrence amid what they call a severe regional security environment, while stressing that their talks were not aimed at any specific country.

Stroke Accounts for 40% of NIMHANS Neurology Emergencies; Hubballi Link Brings Care Closer to Home

About 705 of the roughly 1,700 patients attending NIMHANS neurological casualty services each month are stroke cases, with stroke accounting for nearly 40% of emergency neurological care. A hub-and-spoke model linking NIMHANS with KMCRI in Hubballi is helping treat 100 to 120 stroke patients a month in northern Karnataka through teleconsultation and coordinated protocols. Doctors stress early recognition using the BE FAST signs and immediate hospital care.

PNB Greater Noida: Rs 35 Crore Missing From Accounts, Customers Say They Got No Alerts

About Rs 35 crore is alleged to have vanished from savings accounts and fixed deposits at a PNB branch in Greater Noida, with customers saying they received no alerts or authorisation requests. Several employees, including the branch manager, have been suspended and a police case is under investigation at the Beta-2 station.

22 Indians, Including 14 Seafarers, Killed in West Asia Conflict, Says MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have been killed in the conflict in West Asia, with three of the deaths reported in attacks in Saudi Arabia. The ministry said it remains in close touch with the Indian community in the Gulf and has not announced any evacuation or repatriation plan.

Cockroach Janta Party backs INDIA bloc's Nov 1 SIR rally, renews demand for CEC's resignation

The Cockroach Janta Party has extended its support to the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The party has renewed its demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, saying the exercise has undermined public confidence in the electoral process. The Election Commission has maintained that the revision is aimed only at removing duplicate and deceased entries.

Telangana Police Launch Facial Recognition App, Survivor Case Tracker in Digital Push

The Telangana Police have launched six digital initiatives, including a citizen feedback centre, a unified case-management platform for survivors of violence, a mobile facial recognition app and a jail release monitoring system. The systems were inaugurated by DGP C.V. Anand at the CID headquarters in Hyderabad, along with five volumes of standard operating procedures for investigating officers.

Cargo ship stranded off Kakinada coast as Cyclone Arnab crosses Andhra shore

A Singapore-bound bulk carrier, Sigma Pearl, is reported stranded off the Kakinada coast near the Ravva oilfield, with an engine failure suspected as the cause. District officials in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema confirmed they received word of the vessel near Gadimoga but have not yet established the number of crew on board or the ship's current status.

Kavitha Threatens to Stall Census Work in Telangana Over OBC Column Demand

BRS leader Kalvakuntla Kavitha has warned that she will block census operations in Telangana unless the State government secures a dedicated OBC column and standardised caste codes in the national census. The demand was raised at a Hyderabad meeting that adopted the nine-point Hyderabad OBC Declaration, which also seeks proportional representation and an end to the 50% cap on reservations.

Five dead, hundreds injured as delayed NH 66 bridge work raises safety concerns

At least five people have died and hundreds have been injured since the old Souparnika bridge on NH 66 was closed for rehabilitation, diverting traffic to a new bridge at Arate. Residents blame the NHAI for the slow pace of work and inadequate signage at diversion points, while the authority says it has asked the concessionaire to expedite repairs.

Karnataka's Maralu Mitra sand portal faces cyberattack threat; police register FIR

Karnataka police have registered an FIR over a suspected website defacement threat to Maralu Mitra, the state's online sand booking portal, following an alert from the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre. The case has been filed under Sections 43, 66 and 66(C) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Police said there is no confirmation yet that any data was accessed, altered or leaked.

Andhra teachers' body demands immediate release of CPS DA arrears, with interest

The Navya Andhra Teachers Association has asked the Andhra Pradesh government to immediately clear pending Dearness Allowance arrears for employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, along with interest for the delay. The association says deadlines set under several government orders have lapsed and some employees are still owed lakhs of rupees. It has also sought employee-wise details of dues and a clear schedule for the remaining instalments.

Maldives fines three Tamil Nadu boats ₹4.79 crore for alleged illegal fishing

The Maldivian government has imposed a total fine of ₹4.79 crore on three mechanised boats from Thoothukudi after they were detained for allegedly entering Maldivian waters without permission and fishing with prohibited gear. The boats and 25 crew were intercepted on October 12; owners and masters say bad weather pushed them into the Maldives EEZ and that the catch was from Indian waters. The vessels will remain detained until the fines are paid, with appeals possible within five days.

Coimbatore Collector: Joint action, swift response key to tackling human-wildlife conflict

Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar has called for close coordination among departments, faster response and greater use of technology to reduce human-wildlife conflict in a district with over 300 km of forest boundary. At a workshop under Project Kaliru 4.0, West Zone IG R.V. Ramya Bharathi said 36 people died in animal conflicts across eight western districts last year and stressed that the Forest Department cannot handle the problem alone.

Supreme Court: Legality of EC's 'Logical Discrepancy' Checks in SIR Still Undecided

The Supreme Court has clarified that the legality of the Election Commission's use of the 'logical discrepancy' category in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is still undecided. A bench led by CJI Surya Kant said its earlier order allowing the category's use in West Bengal was interim, and its ruling on the Bihar SIR did not settle all legal questions.

Rice at ₹85 a kg: Telangana warns traders against artificial shortage as prices bite

Rice prices in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana have risen from about ₹45 to ₹80–₹85 a kilogram, straining household budgets. The State Civil Supplies department has warned wholesalers and retailers against creating an artificial scarcity and directed them to display stock and price details at their outlets. Officials said stocks and prices will be monitored continuously.

Aavin Hikes Prices of 25 Milk Products Ahead of Deepavali, Cites Rising Input Costs

Aavin has increased prices of around 25 milk-based products, including ghee, curd, and buttermilk, ahead of Deepavali, citing rising raw material and procurement costs. The federation says 90% of the additional revenue will go to dairy farmers. A consumer activist criticised the timing, noting that consumers are already dealing with high prices of essential commodities.

Telangana HC orders status quo on passport notice to KTR, asks ACB to explain its move

The Telangana High Court has ordered status quo on a Regional Passport Office notice proposing to impound the passport of BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, in a case linked to the Formula E Race being probed by the ACB. The court issued notices to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Regional Passport Officer and the ACB Director General, and asked the ACB to explain why it informed passport officials after a charge-sheet had already been filed. The matter will be heard again on November 6.

Hyderabad Police launch dedicated probe wing in Golconda Zone to speed up serious crime cases

The Hyderabad City Police have launched a Zonal Investigation Branch in the Golconda Zone as a pilot project, separating serious crime investigation from routine law and order duties. The 14-member team will work with forensic, health and prosecution officials to file charge sheets on time. Similar branches may be set up in other zones based on the pilot's outcome.

Karnataka's first tribal university to come up on 120 acres in Chitradurga's Challakere

Karnataka's first tribal university has been proposed on about 120 acres in Challakere taluk of Chitradurga district, Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare T. Raghumurthy has said. The university is intended to focus on tribal art, language, literature, culture and traditional knowledge, along with skill-based and professional courses. A proposal has been submitted and further steps will follow discussions with the Chief Minister, though no timeline or funding details have been announced.

Madurai hospital introduces advanced techniques for complex aneurysms and stroke care

Delhi to Set Up Over 1,400 Chhath Ghats; CM Rekha Gupta Fixes November 6 Deadline for Preparations

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has set a November 6 deadline for completing basic preparations at more than 1,400 Chhath Puja ghats across the city, up from 1,326 last year. Officials have been asked to inspect sites personally and ensure major arrangements are ready at least two days before the festival, with November 16 declared a public holiday.

PM Modi at ESTIC: Science succeeds only when it moves from lab to land and improves lives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave that science succeeds only when it moves from the laboratory to the land and improves people’s lives. He cited funding commitments, a rise in patents and advances in space, AI and nuclear energy, while cautioning that AI must not limit scientists’ independent thought.

Kerala Wants More Elephants for Festivals, But Bringing Them In Isn't Simple, Says Forest Minister

Forest Minister Shibu Baby John told the Assembly that the government faces pressure from the public and temple committees to allow captive elephants into Kerala from other States, but that complicated procedures make this difficult. He said Kerala has 324 privately owned captive elephants and that the government is studying ways to increase their numbers, while Congress MLA Rajan J. Pallan sought talks with the Centre to simplify the law.

Kozhikode police arrest two in ₹1.35-crore 'digital arrest' fraud; probe widens

Two Kannur natives have been arrested by the Kozhikode City Cyber Crime police in a "digital arrest" fraud in which a Kozhikode woman allegedly lost ₹1.35 crore after callers posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officers threatened her over a SIM card purportedly linked to her Aadhaar. Police say ₹5 lakh of the defrauded amount reached the account of one of the accused, and a probe is on to trace the wider financial network and recover the funds. A local court has remanded both in judicial custody.

Delhi Police Clears Congress November 1 Rally, Says No Request Received for Mock Impeachment

Delhi Police has granted the Congress conditional permission to hold a rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The force also said it had received no request for a mock "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30 and November 1, and denied that such permission had been refused. The conditions cover CCTV coverage, water and toilet facilities, no marches outside the venue, and a bar on speeches that disturb public harmony.

Degrees alone won't make students self-reliant, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says at Daulat Ram College

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated a Centenary Academic Building, Computer Centre and Skill Development Centre at Daulat Ram College, saying education must go beyond degrees to practical skills. She also outlined progress on one lakh smart LED streetlights and 50,000 new CCTV cameras announced in the March Budget, and called for a change in societal attitudes towards women's safety.

Karnataka Deputy CM G. Parameshwara hospitalised after heart rate spike; condition stable

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara was admitted to a private hospital in Bengaluru on Tuesday after his heart rate rose at a badminton event. Doctors said his condition is stable and he is likely to be under observation for a day or two. Parameshwara has asked the public not to visit the hospital to avoid inconveniencing other patients.