India News Live Updates, 25 October 2026: BJP slams Kharge over remarks against PM Modi, calls Congress ‘mafia gang’

The BJP on Sunday announced committees to oversee the campaign, which will include foot marches, press conferences, youth dialogues and outreach programmes

The BJP on Sunday hit out at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Patna, accusing him of using “indecent and unparliamentary” language. Kharge had made the remarks after an audience member interrupted his speech, shouting that Modi would not be ousted.

BJP president Nitin Nabin said the remarks reflected the Congress’s “ideological bankruptcy”, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Kharge of crossing the limits of political decorum by referring to Modi’s father. The BJP also alleged that the Congress was functioning more like a “mafia gang” than a political party.

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If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in.

‘War anywhere threatens peace everywhere’, says Jaiashankar; warns against state-sponsored terror

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said terrorism cannot be justified or rationalised as an instrument of statecraft and called for stronger global cooperation to combat it in all its forms. Speaking at the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in Delhi on United Nations Day, he said some states continue to prioritise political calculations over zero tolerance for terrorism. He also warned that global progress and prosperity cannot be sustained if parts of the world remain deprived, calling such inequality a recipe for continued instability.

If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in.

8 kg of drugs seized in Kochi, West Bengal man arrested

Police arrested a man from West Bengal and seized eight kg of ganja from his possession after intercepting a bus arriving from Bengaluru at Angamaly near Kochi on Sunday. The accused, Jownal Abeed, a native of Murshidabad, had allegedly procured the contraband from Odisha and was transporting it for sale in Perumbavoor in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, police said. The seizure followed a tip-off, and Angamaly police have launched an investigation.

ISRO plans four functional launch pads by 2029, says Chairman Narayanan

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan on Sunday said India plans to have four functional launch pads by 2029, alongside a 2,000-acre Small Satellite Launch Vehicle complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu to meet growing satellite deployment demand. He said ISRO would support startups and private firms through technology transfers while retaining its public-sector status. Narayanan also said the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test is planned within the next two months, followed by two more uncrewed tests, and announced plans for Chandrayaan-5, a joint lunar mission with Japan featuring a 350-kg rover.

Tight security at UPSSSC PET 2026 centres as 33 lakh candidates appear

Tight security and elaborate administrative arrangements were put in place at examination centres across Uttar Pradesh on Sunday as candidates appeared for the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2026. Around 33 lakh candidates have applied for the eligibility test, which serves as a gateway to recruitment for various Group C posts in the state government. Aspirants travelling from other districts praised the crowd management and security checks, with authorities aiming to ensure a smooth and malpractice-free examination.

Woman, daughter die after consuming poison over loan pressure in Karnataka

A 42-year-old woman and her eight-year-old daughter died while undergoing treatment after allegedly consuming poison along with her two other daughters in Karadigudda village in Karnataka’s Dharwad district on Saturday, police said. The woman had reportedly borrowed Rs 5 lakh from self-help groups and private lenders and was allegedly unable to bear the pressure to repay the loans. Her two other daughters, aged six and nine, are undergoing treatment at Hubballi’s KIMS hospital. Police said an investigation is underway.

Odisha on high alert as cyclone threat looms, schools shut in 5 districts

Odisha is on high alert as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday, with schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri shut on October 28 and 29. Heavy to very heavy rainfall and winds of 80-90 kmph are forecast in several districts. The state has placed 60 ODRAF, 17 NDRF and 225 fire service teams on alert, while President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Odisha has been postponed to November 4-5.

Jamia shifts classes online as students’ union protest enters day 13

Jamia Millia Islamia shifted all classes online until further notice on Saturday after a confrontation between protesting students and university staff on the 13th day of an indefinite hunger strike demanding students’ union elections. While the administration alleged that protesters pushed staff and security guards, students accused officials of attempting to dismantle their tents and forcibly take hunger strikers to hospital. The protesters are demanding an election schedule, withdrawal of disciplinary action against students, and the removal of the chief proctor and security adviser. Jamia has not held students’ union elections since 2006.

Satheesan urges Centre to engage with Gen Z, says youth are ‘depressed’

Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan has urged the Centre to engage with Gen Z and restore young people’s hope, saying they are worried about changing job opportunities, rising unemployment and a lack of faith in the education system. Speaking at Express Adda in New Delhi on Friday, he described youth-led protests as an organic response to their concerns and dismissed allegations of a “foreign hand” behind them. Satheesan also said anti-incumbency was building against the BJP-led Centre, adding that the Congress must convert the sentiment into votes.

Live Updates
Oct 25, 2026 07:36 PM IST
BJP slams Kharge over remarks against PM Modi, calls Congress 'mafia gang'

The BJP on Sunday hit out at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Patna, accusing him of using "indecent and unparliamentary" language. Kharge had made the remarks after an audience member interrupted his speech, shouting that Modi would not be ousted.

BJP president Nitin Nabin said the remarks reflected the Congress's "ideological bankruptcy", while Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Kharge of crossing the limits of political decorum by referring to Modi's father. The BJP also alleged that the Congress was functioning more like a "mafia gang" than a political party.

PTI

Oct 25, 2026 07:26 PM IST
Man killed, another injured as car crashes into pole in Maharashtra's Beed

A 35-year-old man was killed and another seriously injured after their car crashed into an electricity pole near Kasari bridge in Maharashtra's Beed district on Sunday. Police said the driver lost control of the vehicle, possibly due to incomplete roadwork and difficulty in navigating the route. The deceased was identified as Shahbaz Shabnur Syed, while the injured, Swastik Ganesh Salve (23), was shifted to Ahilyanagar for treatment. The collision also brought down live electricity wires, which were later removed by electricity department personnel. Residents blamed incomplete roadwork and raised concerns over road safety.

PTI

Oct 25, 2026 07:23 PM IST
Gurugram Police seize motorcycle with 95 pending challans worth Rs 3.66 lakh

Gurugram Traffic Police on Sunday impounded a motorcycle with 95 pending challans amounting to Rs 3,66,500 during a checking drive at Jai Singh Chowk. Police said Traffic Inspector Rajma Devi discovered the outstanding fines while examining the vehicle's records. The motorcycle was subsequently seized in accordance with traffic regulations. Police urged vehicle owners to clear pending challans and comply with traffic rules.

PTI

Oct 25, 2026 05:36 PM IST
BJP to launch 'Save Democracy, End Anarchy' campaign ahead of Uttarakhand polls

The BJP is set to launch its 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' (Save Democracy, End Anarchy) campaign in Uttarakhand ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for early next year. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had announced that the party would undertake a statewide yatra through November, covering all 70 Assembly constituencies. The BJP on Sunday announced committees to oversee the campaign, which will include foot marches, press conferences, youth dialogues and outreach programmes. A foot march is scheduled to be held in Srinagar on October 31.

PTI

Oct 25, 2026 04:31 PM IST
Tiger Shroff firing case accused Pranjal Thakran sent to police custody till October 31

Pranjal Thakran, the 11th accused in the Tiger Shroff car firing case, was produced before Mumbai's Esplanade court on Sunday. Police alleged that Thakran was in contact with Anil Pandit, the prime accused in the case. The court remanded Thakran in police custody until October 31.

Report-Apoorva

Oct 25, 2026 04:20 PM IST
Kharge calls for nationwide movement against SIR

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday called for a nationwide movement against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, describing it as a "second war of independence". Addressing a gathering in Patna, Kharge accused the BJP of stealing governments through "vote chori" in several states, including Bihar, Maharashtra, Haryana and West Bengal, and warned that those responsible would be jailed. He also criticised the Centre over rising living costs, questioning how a government unable to make basic necessities affordable could usher in "Amrit Kaal". Kharge further accused the BJP-RSS of undermining the legacy of Bihar stalwarts such as Rajendra Prasad.

PTI

Oct 25, 2026 03:58 PM IST
Hyderabad woman found dead at flat after video call with colleague

A 29-year-old woman working at a multinational company in Hyderabad was found dead at her flat on Sunday morning after allegedly threatening suicide during a video call with a colleague over marriage, police said. The woman, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had reportedly been in a relationship with the colleague for four years. According to police, the man reached her flat after the call but found the door locked from inside. Police were alerted and found her dead. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

PTI

Oct 25, 2026 03:09 PM IST
Udaipur artisans design special turban to honour Captain Smit Machchhar

Two turban-makers from Rajasthan's Udaipur have designed a special headwear to honour Captain Smit Machchhar, who saved 174 passengers aboard a flydubai flight. Named the 'Captain Smit Machchhar 174 Bravery Turban', the headwear combines Rajasthan's traditional Bhopalshahi style with aviation-inspired elements, featuring saffron and sky-blue colours, the number '174' and the word 'Sahas' (courage). Artisans Jinesh and Jayant Kothari, who spent four to five days crafting the turban, have written to the Prime Minister's Office seeking assistance in delivering it to the pilot.

PTI

Oct 25, 2026 02:16 PM IST
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake strikes Nepal’s Baitadi district

An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 struck Nepal’s Baitadi district on Sunday afternoon, with tremors felt in parts of Baitadi and neighbouring Darchula district, according to the Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre. The epicentre was in the Dilasaini area of Sudur Paschim Province, near the Nepal-India border.

There were no immediate reports of physical damage caused by the earthquake. Nepal is vulnerable to earthquakes as it lies in one of the Himalayan region’s most active tectonic zones.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 02:12 PM IST
Congress seeks Manipur CM’s resignation, dissolution of Assembly amid fresh violence

The Congress on Sunday demanded the immediate resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, dissolution of the state Assembly and fresh elections amid renewed violence in the state. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, party MP and Manipur in-charge Saptagiri Ulaka also sought immediate protection for civilians across communities, time-bound investigations into killings and arson, and accountability for those responsible.

Ulaka said three Meitei civilians collecting firewood in a forest were killed on October 19, while violence involving Kuki and Naga civilians was also reported in Kamjong. He cited protests across five districts on October 23 and alleged that both the Centre and state governments were responsible for the situation. The Congress also called for restoring free movement across Manipur and a time-bound roadmap for peace, rehabilitation and the safe return of internally displaced people. The ethnic conflict that began in May 2023 has claimed at least 306 lives, with 49 people still missing, according to the report.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 01:58 PM IST
Delhi Police seize 2,375 kg of green firecrackers from illegal godown

Delhi Police seized 2,375 kg of green firecrackers from an alleged illegal godown in northwest Delhi’s Haiderpur village and booked two men for unauthorised storage, an official said on Sunday. The accused, Rohan Gaba and Bhavya Jaggi, allegedly failed to produce valid licences or authorisation for storing the stock. Police registered an FIR after the firecrackers were found during a search of the locked premises.

During the investigation, police found that the accused had purportedly purchased the firecrackers intending to sell them after obtaining the required licence. However, the licensing process had not opened, and they could not provide valid authorisation for the stock, the official said.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 01:26 PM IST
Eight kg of ganja seized in Kerala’s Angamaly, West Bengal man held

Police arrested a West Bengal native and seized eight kg of ganja from his possession at Angamaly near Kochi on Sunday, officials said. The accused, Jownal Abeed, a resident of Murshidabad, was intercepted while travelling on a bus from Bengaluru following a tip-off. A team of the Ernakulam Rural Police’s District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force recovered the contraband from his bag during a search.

Police said the accused had procured the ganja from Odisha and travelled to Bengaluru before boarding the bus to Kochi. The consignment was allegedly intended for sale in the Perumbavoor area of Ernakulam district. Angamaly police have launched an investigation.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 01:01 PM IST
Terrorism as instrument of statecraft unacceptable: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the use of terrorism as an “instrument of statecraft” was unacceptable and could never be justified or rationalised. Speaking at an event in Delhi marking the 75th anniversary of the Chinmaya Mission, he said terrorism continued because “not all states really display zero tolerance” towards it, with some allowing political calculations to take precedence despite lessons from history.

Jaishankar said “war anywhere threatens peace everywhere” and referred to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. He said India reflected global sentiment in advocating dialogue and diplomacy as the only solution, and called for stronger international resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 12:30 PM IST
Terrorism as statecraft unacceptable, world must unite to counter it: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday described terrorism as a deadly threat to peace and said its use as an instrument of statecraft was unacceptable and could not be justified or rationalised. Speaking at the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan on UN Day in Delhi, he said some states continued to prioritise political calculations over zero tolerance for terrorism and called for stronger global resolve to counter it in all its forms and manifestations.

Jaishankar also said progress and prosperity were as indivisible as conflict and violence, arguing that a world divided between prosperity and deprivation would face continuous instability in an era of interconnected supply chains, globalised markets and shared resources.

Oct 25, 2026 12:28 PM IST
'War anywhere threatens peace everywhere', says Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that “war anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere”, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only solution to the two major conflicts currently underway. Speaking at the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan on UN Day in Delhi, he said India was expressing a global sentiment by advocating a diplomatic resolution to conflicts.

Jaishankar also described terrorism as a deadly threat to peace and said its use as an instrument of statecraft was “simply unacceptable”. He called on the international community to unite with greater resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 12:25 PM IST
Two Varanasi-bound IndiGo flights diverted to Lucknow amid air show

Two IndiGo flights scheduled to arrive in Varanasi on Sunday were diverted to Lucknow due to the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026, the Chowdhury Charan Singh International Airport said. The Delhi-Varanasi flight (6E5025) landed in Lucknow at 10.14 am, followed by the Hyderabad-Varanasi flight (6E915) at 10.19 am. Both aircraft landed safely.

The three-day air show is being held at Varanasi’s Namo Ghat to mark the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The event began on Thursday, with no show on Friday due to the state legislative council elections.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 12:24 PM IST
Bihar sub-inspector suspended for allegedly making obscene calls to woman

A sub-inspector posted at Ahiyapur police station in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district has been suspended for allegedly making obscene calls and sending objectionable messages to a woman whose complaint he was investigating, police said on Sunday. An inquiry found that the officer, Lalan Kumar, had allegedly misused his position, based on evidence including call records and audio recordings submitted by the complainant. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against him.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 12:24 PM IST
PM Modi urges citizens to strengthen ‘Vocal for Local’ ahead of Diwali

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to buy products made by local artisans and strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative ahead of Diwali during his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He highlighted the growing international demand for Bihar’s makhana, Karnataka’s arhar dal and Maharashtra’s tribal products, while noting that Khadi’s popularity was supporting traditional artisans.

Modi also highlighted initiatives promoting organic cotton farming in Punjab’s Malwa region and efforts by villagers and local authorities to revive Uttarakhand’s Heval river. He said rainwater conservation, groundwater recharge and plantation drives had helped restore the river and revive dozens of natural water sources. He described ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as an opportunity to learn about and pay tribute to the contributions of people across the country.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 12:21 PM IST
Oil companies step up petrol pump toilet inspections, introduce QR-code feedback

Public-sector oil marketing companies are stepping up inspections and maintenance of toilets at petrol pumps under the Petroleum Ministry’s Swachhata Abhiyan, aiming to make washroom hygiene a key part of customer service. Senior executives from IndianOil and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) have personally inspected facilities at fuel outlets, while QR codes allow travellers to rate washrooms and submit feedback.

The initiative combines regular inspections, dedicated cleaning staff and sensor-based monitoring to improve upkeep and accountability across outlets. IndianOil’s Director (Marketing) Saumitra Priya Srivastava and BPCL’s Director (Marketing) Subhankar Sen have highlighted the facilities during recent visits. The companies aim to use customer feedback to identify shortcomings and ensure toilets remain clean and usable beyond scheduled inspections.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 12:20 PM IST
IMD issues red alert in 3 Kerala districts as heavy rains continue

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a red alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in Kerala as heavy rains continued to disrupt normal life, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas. Educational institutions and tourist destinations, including adventure tourism and trekking locations, were ordered to remain closed in the three districts. An orange alert was issued for 10 districts, while Kasaragod was placed under a yellow alert.

The IMD also forecast strong winds of 40-50 kmph in parts of the state. A red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, while orange and yellow alerts indicate very heavy rainfall of 11-20 cm and heavy rainfall of 6-11 cm, respectively.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 11:45 AM IST
Two key accused in interstate drug trafficking network arrested in Manipur

Manipur Police have arrested two alleged key members of an interstate drug trafficking network from Kangpokpi and Bishnupur districts, officials said on Sunday. The accused, Roman Rai, 21, and Amit Kumar Thapa, 35, were arrested on Saturday in connection with three cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Senapati police station. Both had allegedly been absconding for a considerable period, and a non-bailable warrant had been issued against Thapa.

Police suspect the duo played a key role in a network linking poppy cultivators in Manipur with drug traffickers in Rajasthan. Further investigation is underway to identify other members and establish the network’s wider links.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 11:25 AM IST
ISRO aims to have four functional launch pads by 2029: Chairman

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on Sunday said India plans to have four functional launch pads by 2029 as the space agency expands its operations and partnerships with private industry. He said a 2,000-acre Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) complex is being developed at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district to meet growing demand for satellite launches. Narayanan clarified that ISRO would not be privatised but would support startups and private firms through technology transfers and partnerships.

Narayanan also said ISRO plans to conduct its first uncrewed Gaganyaan test within the next two months, followed by two more uncrewed tests before the crewed mission. He added that four astronaut-designates are undergoing specialised training. Looking ahead, ISRO is planning Chandrayaan-5, a joint lunar mission with Japan’s space agency featuring a 350-kg rover designed to conduct surface experiments for 100 days.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 11:13 AM IST
UP history-sheeter escapes after family allegedly attacks police team

A wanted history-sheeter, Sahil alias Bhuria, escaped after his family members allegedly attacked a police team that had arrived to arrest him in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district on Saturday evening, officials said. A case has been registered against Sahil, his mother Aysha, three sisters and brother Zaid for allegedly assaulting police personnel, obstructing official work and injuring two officers. Sub-Inspector Rupesh Kumar and constable Kuldeep were taken for treatment, and police teams have been formed to arrest the accused.

In a separate incident, head constable Ajit Kumar sustained a bullet injury when a police team was allegedly fired upon during a checking operation near Jasoi village in the Titawi area on Saturday evening. He was taken to hospital, and eight police teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused, Senior Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai said.

- With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 10:42 AM IST
Expelled JD(U) MLA Anant Singh plans to float own party, targets leadership

Expelled Janata Dal (United) MLA Anant Singh on Sunday announced plans to form his own political party, claiming the JD(U) would struggle to win even 10 seats in future elections. Singh said he had no regrets over his expulsion and maintained that his personal ties with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar remained cordial. The JD(U) on Saturday expelled Singh and his wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, for six years over alleged anti-party activities and revoked their primary memberships.

The party also recommended the cancellation of Singh’s membership in the Bihar Legislative Assembly under the Tenth Schedule, citing allegations that he disregarded party directives, used derogatory language against its leadership and campaigned for another party’s candidate during the recent Legislative Council elections. Neelam Devi was also expelled for alleged anti-party activities.

– With ANI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 10:40 AM IST
Rajnath Singh welcomes PM Modi to Varanasi for IAF’s ‘Wings Over Ganges’

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Varanasi, where he is scheduled to attend the Indian Air Force’s ‘Wings Over Ganges’ aerial display marking the force’s 94th anniversary. The event at Namo Ghat will feature the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and aircraft including the Tejas, Rafale, SU-30MKI and Prachand light combat helicopter. Aircraft from the Indian Navy and Army are also expected to participate.

During his visit to his parliamentary constituency, Modi is also scheduled to inaugurate a garment manufacturing facility. Preparations for his arrival include a planned reception by members of Generation Z, who intend to shower rose petals along the route. The Prime Minister’s roadshow is scheduled to pass through Police Lines, the Cultural Complex and Chowkaghat before reaching Namo Ghat.

- With ANI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 10:18 AM IST
Tight security at UPSSSC PET 2026 centres as 33 lakh candidates appear

Tight security and elaborate administrative arrangements were put in place across Uttar Pradesh on Sunday as candidates arrived at examination centres for the UP Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2026. Security personnel checked candidates’ identity cards and managed queues to ensure a smooth and malpractice-free examination. Around 33 lakh candidates have applied for the test, which serves as an eligibility gateway for recruitment to various Group C posts in the state government.

Candidates travelling from other districts praised the arrangements, with some saying crowd management had improved compared with previous examinations. Aspirants said designated counters were available outside centres to deposit mobile phones and bags, while police and administrative personnel maintained security and order.

- With ANI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 09:44 AM IST
Delhi-NCR air quality deteriorates as toxic foam resurfaces in Yamuna

Delhi-NCR’s air quality slipped into the ‘unhealthy’ category on Sunday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 168, while thick white foam reappeared on the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj. PM2.5 and PM10 remained the dominant pollutants, with monitoring stations recording AQI readings ranging from around 110 to over 180. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on October 21 in response to deteriorating air quality.

Under GRAP Stage 1, the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries is prohibited, while diesel generator use is restricted to essential and emergency purposes. The foam’s reappearance comes days after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted projects worth around Rs 9,000 crore aimed at infrastructure development and Yamuna rejuvenation, reiterating the government’s commitment to cleaning the river.

- With ANI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 09:13 AM IST
Fire guts shanties in Delhi’s Rani Garden, no casualties reported

A fire broke out in shanties in Delhi’s Rani Garden, under the jurisdiction of Geeta Colony police station, on Sunday, gutting several hutments and household belongings. No injuries or casualties were reported, officials said. A fire officer said firefighting teams brought the blaze under control within half an hour, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

An affected resident said the family was asleep when the fire broke out and lost all its belongings, but all family members, including the children, were safe. Separately, firefighting and cooling operations continued at a factory in Delhi’s Mayapuri Industrial Area after a blaze broke out on Friday night, affecting three factories. More than 35 fire tenders were deployed, and the fire was reported to be under control by 8 am on Saturday, though cooling operations continued.

- With ANI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 08:23 AM IST
Karnataka woman, 8-year-old daughter die after alleged suicide attempt over loan repayment pressure

A42-year-old woman and her eight-year-old daughter died on Saturday after allegedly consuming poison along with her two other children in Karnataka’s Dharwad district, police said. The woman, identified as Savita, and her elder daughter, Nivedita alias Gadigevva, died while undergoing treatment at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) hospital in Hubballi. Her other daughters, aged six and nine, remain under treatment.

The incident was reported from Karadigudda village. According to preliminary information, Savita had borrowed money from several self-help groups, mortgaged agricultural land for Rs 3 lakh and taken private loans worth another Rs 2 lakh. Police said she allegedly administered poison to her three children before consuming it herself, unable to bear pressure from lenders over repayment. Further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

– With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 08:21 AM IST
Nanded Railway Police solve two train theft cases, recover valuables worth Rs 10 lakh

The Nanded Railway Police have solved two train theft cases and arrested a 20-year-old man, recovering stolen jewellery, a mobile phone and cash worth around Rs 10 lakh, an official said on Saturday. The accused, Ramesh Krishna Solanke, a resident of Vasmat in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district, was arrested based on technical and other evidence.

In the first case, a Hyderabad resident lost two gold chains worth Rs 6 lakh and Rs 6,000 in cash while travelling on the Ajanta Express on October 1. In the second, a gold mangalsutra valued at Rs 1.5 lakh was stolen from a woman travelling on the Marathwada Express near Manwath Road station on July 3. Police said Solanke allegedly confessed to involvement in both thefts during questioning. Further investigation is underway.

– With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 08:19 AM IST
UP conducts special voter registration drive to include eligible voters in electoral rolls

Uttar Pradesh conducted a special voter registration drive at polling stations across the state on Saturday to include eligible citizens missing from electoral rolls and facilitate first-time registration for young voters, the Chief Electoral Officer’s office said. Form-6 was used to enrol eligible citizens, with a focus on women and youth.

Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa visited polling stations in Lucknow to review arrangements, while election officials across districts supervised the exercise. Rinwa said the campaign aimed to ensure electoral rolls were accurate, up to date and free of errors, with no eligible voter left out.

– With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 08:18 AM IST
Amit Shah reviews Delhi Police preparedness for protests, law and order

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed Delhi Police’s preparedness to handle protests, large gatherings and other law-and-order challenges at a meeting with senior officers and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The meeting at the Delhi Police headquarters lasted over three hours and focused on crowd management, intelligence gathering, coordination among police units and preventing demonstrations from escalating into violence, sources said.

The review comes amid protests over the NEET controversy and demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Officers also discussed the police response to recent demonstrations, women’s safety, drug trafficking, organised crime, extortion networks and the use of artificial intelligence to ease traffic congestion. The meeting also examined the impact of protests and traffic restrictions on businesses in the capital.

– With PTI Inputs

Oct 25, 2026 08:16 AM IST
Manipur to form committee representing all 36 communities to promote peace: CM

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday announced plans to form a committee representing all 36 communities in the state to promote peace, harmony and inclusive development. He said the proposal followed a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether such a body existed to bring all communities together.

Speaking at an event to felicitate hill chiefs of different tribes in Imphal, the chief minister said all communities had contributed to safeguarding Manipur’s land, identity and heritage. He expressed hope that the Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2026 would strengthen brotherhood and help restore peace. He also described the newly inaugurated Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House as a symbol of brotherhood between the hill areas and the valley.

- With PTI Inputs

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