Security up as CM chief guest at Panchkula Dussehra event

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will attend Panchkula’s Dussehra celebrations as chief guest, with 625 police personnel and four ACPs overseeing security around Shalimar Ground, where organisers say the country’s tallest, 221-foot Ravana effigy stands. Police will establish seven checkpoints and patrol; traffic diversions apply in Panchkula and Chandigarh, with celebrations beginning at 3 pm.

At 15°C, Chandigarh records coldest October night in three years

Chandigarh recorded its coldest October night in three years, with temperatures falling to 15°C on Monday—1°C below normal. IMD linked the drop to snowfall in Himachal and clear skies, which allowed heat to escape overnight. Temperatures may rise before declining toward November; highs should remain near 32°C, while the city’s AQI was satisfactory at 51.

UP BJP chief meets Raja Bhaiya, fuels buzz amid 2027 build-up

Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary’s meeting with Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik) chief Raja Bhaiya in Lucknow has fuelled speculation about 2027 election realignments, though it was described as a courtesy visit and no alliance was announced. They reportedly discussed regional development, law and order, and state politics. A six-time Kunda MLA, Raja Bhaiya retains influence in Pratapgarh.

PHC, ZP school showcase rural infrastructure upgrades

Wadebolhai’s model primary health centre and Zilla Parishad school are advancing rural services through patient-friendly care and hands-on learning, Chandrakant Pulkundwar said after reviewing them on Sunday. He praised the centre’s cleanliness, facilities and service planning while commending the school’s Skill Lab. The lab develops practical skills, while Pune ZP initiatives add vocational and technology-based learning.

Signal glitches undermine Lko’s ₹109-crore smart traffic system

Several busy Lucknow intersections have non-functional or blinking signals, raising concerns over the ₹109-crore Integrated Traffic Management System’s upkeep. An official said about 50 of 155 signals face recurring problems, while adaptive signalling is largely operated manually. Authorities are reviewing a penalty against the maintenance agency. The system was designed to improve safety and ease congestion.

NZ delegates meet Chandigarh mayor, explore co-operation possibilities

Chandigarh and Rotorua, New Zealand, are exploring a friendly-city partnership after Rotorua representatives met Mayor Saurabh Joshi and municipal commissioner Amit Kumar. Discussions covered cultural exchange, tourism, sustainability, innovation and shared urban-development practices. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell cited the cities’ distinct identities and histories, sought practical mutual benefits, and invited Joshi to visit the Māori-heritage and geothermal destination.

Mohali MC to widen 2-km Quark City road, floats ₹3-crore tender

Mohali’s Municipal Corporation has invited bids to widen a 2-km road from Quark City to Sector 91, with the ₹3-crore project expected to finish within four months of contract award. Mayor Sarabjeet Singh Samana said it would ease peak-hour commuting. Bids close October 29 and open October 30; industrial-area congestion and heavy vehicles have disrupted movement.

Haryana: Three held with over ₹1 lakh intoxicant tablets, capsules in Sirsa

Sirsa CIA police arrested three youths and seized 100,155 intoxicant tablets and capsules worth about ₹50 lakh from a shop near Kabir Chowk, including 97,170 tramadol tablets and 2,985 pregabalin capsules. Acting on a tip, officers detained the suspects as they allegedly prepared to sell the medicines; a drug inspector examined the haul, and police vowed action.

Pune court grants anticipatory bail to couple booked over school relocation

Pune sessions court granted anticipatory bail to Sinhgad Institute trustees Maruti and Sunanda Navale, accused of cheating parents over admissions at a relocated Kondhwa Budruk school. The judge noted no parent complaints and questioned whether alleged circular breaches constituted a crime; the case involves nearly 62 first-grade admissions for 2026–27, while trustees said the school moved only 1.5 kilometres.

Mohali: 3 of Bishnoi gang nabbed for firing at Zirakpur property dealer’s house

Police arrested three Lawrence Bishnoi gang-linked shooters in Jalandhar for firing eight rounds outside Zirakpur property dealer Ram Kumar’s home and threatening him for ransom. The accused allegedly reconnoitered the target, used a rented Swift and filmed the attack; police seized the car, a 9mm pistol and phone. Investigators are probing accomplices amid extortion-linked shootings.

With 24 cases, Chandigarh dengue tally hits 5-year low

Chandigarh has reported 24 dengue cases so far this year, a five-year low, with nine infections in September and nine this month, health officials said. The city’s total fell from 1,596 cases in 2021 to 66 in 2025, with no deaths. Dengue spreads through Aedes mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, with cases rising after monsoons.

Umesh Chauhan, vlogger who went to film Tiger Shroff lands in ICU with bullet wound

A 35-year-old vlogger was shot in the chest as gunmen fired at Tiger Shroff’s car in Juhu, suffering a liver injury but remaining stable in KEM Hospital’s ICU. Witnesses said seven rounds were fired before attackers escaped by motorcycle. Shroff was discharged, while his driver underwent surgery; Chauhan films celebrities on Sundays to supplement his income.

No chai, coffee or cooked food at Pune railway station grocery kiosks

Central Railway’s rules allow Pune station grocery kiosks to sell staples, packaged snacks, drinks, personal-care goods and essentials, but prohibit cooked food, tea and coffee. Introduced October 19, 2026, the guidelines standardise sales, improve convenience and hygiene, and curb unauthorised vending; operators must meet FSSAI rules and maintain stall cleanliness under Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0.

IIT-B suicide: Parents seek CM’s intervention, DCP-rank officer to probe case

Parents of an IIT Bombay student who died by suicide sought Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s intervention, demanding a DCP-level probe and questioning the investigation, while saying officials ignored a 16-day protest. Their lawyer raised concerns over evidence handling and caste abuse; students and Dalit groups demanded accountability and reforms after the student faced exam-malpractice allegations.

IIT-B alumni appeal to political parties to stay away from campus

More than 175 IIT Bombay alumni urged political parties to stay off campus, warning that involvement in protests over a student’s alleged suicide could disrupt studies and harm students’ well-being. They backed peaceful protest but called for safety, uninterrupted academics and a swift, fair police investigation. Undergraduate students also raised security and campus-access concerns.

Chandigarh: Golf Ninjas halt Sultans’ winning run, Golf Masters close in

Golf Ninjas ended the Sultans of Swing’s unbeaten run 4-3, while Golf Masters beat Capital Golfers 5-2, tightening Group D’s qualification race in the GB Realty Chandigarh Golf League 2026. The Sultans lead on 19.5 points, but four challengers span 1.5 points; Masters swept singles, Seven Iron won, and Moksha Royals drew in Group C.

Finserv firm MD kidnapped, assaulted with belts

A Mumbai financial-services executive, 57, was kidnapped, assaulted and robbed, then threatened with circulation of semi-nude videos unless he paid ₹6 lakh; police have made no arrests. Lured to Chinchpokli on October 8 by an acquaintance seeking money, he was held overnight and filmed, while assailants took ₹55,000 and his iPhone. He reported the crime Sunday.

‘Bullet for bullet, declares Eknath Shinde after attack on Tiger Shroff

Mumbai police identified three suspects in the attack on actor Tiger Shroff, and Rajasthan police arrested them at Kota railway station, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, as investigators pursue the masterminds. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde vowed a “bullet for bullet” response to gangs. Shroff escaped injury, but his driver and a passerby were hurt in Sunday’s Juhu shooting.

Dharavi residents launch signature campaign seeking transparency in revamp project

Dharavi Sector 1 residents have launched a weeklong signature campaign demanding transparency and rehabilitation safeguards, including public release of the master plan, permanent accommodation agreements before eviction, clear surveys and independent grievance redressal. The developer says the plan will be disclosed at an appropriate stage and more than 3,000 rental agreements have been signed; the project has faced resident resistance.

Girls’ share in state law admissions rises to 43.38%

Girls’ enrolment in Maharashtra law courses rose in 2026–27, with their share of admissions climbing from 40.75% to 43.38% and total admissions reaching 14,761, up 1,240. Five-year LLB courses led the increase, adding 963 women. Officials linked the gains partly to a 2024 scheme waiving tuition and examination fees for eligible girls in professional courses.

Maha CET cell forms task force, serves YouTuber notice

Maharashtra’s CET Cell formed a task force to monitor social media and take legal action against accounts spreading misleading exam and admission information, citing confusion among families. It issued YouTube channel Digital Master a notice over a podcast claiming MHT-CET 2027 dates, ordering removal, clarification and written explanation. The cell stressed that the dates remain unannounced.

PMC sets deadlines for Baner-Ganeshkhind road works ahead of Pune Grand Tour 2027

PMC ordered Tata Projects to complete median upgrades on 4.5 km of the Pune Grand Tour 2027 route by November 30 and remaining Baner-Ganeshkhind road works by December 31, 2026, after officials criticized poor workmanship and supervision. A joint task force will track progress weekly, while plans include debris clearance, safer junctions and a 75-km cycle network.

Army’s communications satellite likely by mid-2028: Top officials

The Army’s first dedicated communications satellite, GSAT-7B, is expected to launch around mid-2028 after a six-month technical delay, strengthening secure, round-the-clock links for troops and battlefield command. The satellite will connect forces, weapon systems and aircraft in remote terrain, especially when networks fail. A ₹3,000-crore contract supports the project, part of India’s expanding military-space programme.

Anti-rabies vaccine unavailable at 126 govt hospitals, RIG at 375

Anti-rabies vaccine is unavailable at 126 of Maharashtra’s 633 government hospitals, while rabies immunoglobulin is out of stock at 375, raising concerns over timely treatment for dog-bite victims. State health secretary Nipun Vinayak ordered officials to ensure adequate supplies at every government hospital by October 31, 2026. Both medicines are used in post-exposure rabies treatment.

Pune RTO turns up heat on illegal bike taxis, seeks police action against apps

Pune’s RTO intensified its crackdown on unauthorised bike taxis, acting against 10 aggregator-linked vehicles and detaining three over two days. It plans to ask police to examine apps facilitating rides, saying action against riders alone may not stop illegal operations. An October 16 FIR accuses Rapido operator Roppen Transportation Service of running services without approvals.

PMC gets defence land for KP’s North Main Road widening, targets 30-metre width before monsoon

Pune Municipal Corporation has secured defence land to widen North Main Road in Koregaon Park from 18 to 30 metres before next monsoon, clearing a hurdle to easing congestion toward Hadapsar station. Work underway near Tadigutta Chowk will add lanes for commuters and businesses. The corridor serves homes, shops and the Osho International Meditation Resort.

Cong sceptical of Jagan’s stance on CJP, SIR controversy

Congress has ruled out YSR Congress Party’s entry into the INDIA bloc, citing its past support for BJP-backed legislation and questioning Jagan Mohan Reddy’s recent outreach. Some opposition parties welcomed his criticism of election practices, while the CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress favor broader coordination. Congress-YSRCP relations fractured after Jagan’s father died and Congress denied him Andhra Pradesh’s chief ministership.

UP rolls out tax interest waiver scheme, offers up to 100% relief

Uttar Pradesh’s Interest Waiver Scheme-2026 offers taxpayers 50%–100% interest relief and full waiver of eligible penalties on tax arrears, provided principal dues are paid; relief depends on the amount owed. Notified October 16, it runs for three months across 75 districts and covers arrears through December 31, 2025. Disputed demands qualify, while court cases require prescribed conditions.

No irregularity in Parliament not being prorogued: Rijiju

Union minister Kiren Rijiju said Parliament’s non-prorogation after the Monsoon Session ended on August 13 involved no impropriety, because the Constitution sets no deadline and past Houses stayed unprorogued for up to 87 days. Replying to Kharge, he said the government sought opposition support for delimitation and women’s-reservation bills; Kharge demanded consultation and an all-party meeting.

D Sivanandhan: Mumbai Police has a lot of answering to do

Attack on Tiger Shroff has revived fears that Mumbai’s underworld is targeting Bollywood for intimidation and extortion. A fugitive claimed responsibility and warned Salman Khan, while a retired police chief demands answers over how Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly operates from jail. Earlier, MCOCA, arrests and weapons seizures crippled gangs, halting attacks on Bollywood for 22 years.