7 held for supplying bank accounts to route ₹30cr fraud money

Delhi Police arrested seven, including an MBA graduate, for allegedly creating fake firms and supplying mule accounts that helped cyber fraudsters route over ₹30 crore. Investigators linked 27 complaints nationwide to the network, which allegedly used three firms and SIM-linked bank accounts. The probe began after a student lost ₹6,450 in an online shopping scam.

Pune police bust inter-district fake currency racket; 4 held

Police arrested four men in an inter-district counterfeit currency racket, seizing 1,128 fake ₹500 notes worth ₹5.64 lakh and printing equipment. Investigators allege the notes were produced in a Shirol house and supplied for circulation. The case began with Salman Raje’s October 14 arrest near Mahatma Phule Mandai; three associates were arrested in Satara and Kolhapur.

After spending ₹12,000 crore, only 21 out of 130 cities meet clean air target

India’s seven-year NCAP review found that despite ₹12,087 crore of ₹16,824 crore spent, just 21 of 130 cities cut PM10 by 40%, while 117 still exceeded national limits. CREA found pollution rose in 23 cities, including Chennai, Jaipur and Bengaluru, despite spending. Launched in 2019, the programme’s revised 2025–26 target was measured against 2017–18 levels.

Pune court rejects bail plea of woman accused in ₹1.04 cr fraud

Pune sessions court rejected Priyanka Shinde’s anticipatory bail plea in an alleged ₹1.04-crore investment fraud, finding a serious case and requiring custodial interrogation. Prosecutors say Shinde and two others promised an investor 18% returns, securing ₹1.24 crore between 2022 and 2024, but failed to repay the balance. It cited guidance that pre-arrest bail is exceptional.

Pune RTO warns Rapido to get licence or stop bike-taxi ops

Pune’s RTO has urged residents to stop booking Rapido bike taxis, saying the company lacks a district licence, and warned two-wheeler owners they may face action if their vehicles are used without authorisation. Authorities have registered a case, while police have asked Google and Apple to remove the app. Rapido’s licence application remains pending, though rides continue.

Mahatransco plans ₹740-cr transmission project ahead of Purandar airport

Mahatransco plans a ₹740-crore substation in Saswad-Kodit to meet demand from the proposed Purandar airport and regional growth, targeting completion by January 2028. The 400/220 kV facility will provide 1,000 MVA through two 500 MVA transformers, alongside a 125 MVAr reactor and expansion provisions. A project-specific company, established for implementation, was later transferred to Mahatransco.

NDMC smart parking: Vehicles parked over 24 hours to face towing, steep fees

New Delhi’s smart parking system will flag vehicles parked over 24 hours, alerting NDMC and Delhi Police and triggering possible towing and storage fees. Cars face ₹1,000 towing plus ₹500 daily storage; after-midnight parking will cost double daytime rates, and cash payments will be doubled. The rules accompany upgrades to 157 NDMC sites, where rates may rise 40–50%.

Delhi records season-low for second day as temp drops to 16.2°C, air quality worsens

Delhi logged a season-low 16.2°C minimum for a second straight day Monday, while air quality worsened to a moderate AQI of 174 from Sunday’s 153. The IMD expects cooling and light rain Thursday and Friday. Calm overnight air and a low inversion trapped pollution, though afternoon winds limited buildup; the weekly AQI average was the second-lowest since 2015.

Trump backs Netanyahu ahead of Israel polls, says PM has done a ‘very good job’

Trump praised Netanyahu’s leadership under difficult conditions, while dismissing claims the Israeli prime minister sought his endorsement before Tuesday’s election. Voters face security concerns amid conflict with Iran and Hezbollah, disputes over ultra-Orthodox conscription, and uncertainty about the postwar future. Polling covers 7.3 million eligible voters at 12,018 stations. Netanyahu’s coalition includes Likud and far-right partners.

Corruption, ICC warrant and other charges: Netanyahu and the complicated arrest question

Benjamin Netanyahu faces a test of power in Israel’s October 27 election, the first since the Gaza war began, as he seeks another term amid discontent, wars, corruption charges and an ICC arrest warrant over alleged crimes. He denies all charges; defeat would not end his trial, while arrest abroad depends on travel to member states.

Doctor shares warning signs of vision loss you may be ignoring: From wavy lines to blurred faces

Sudden flashes, new floaters, or a curtain-like shadow may signal retinal tear or detachment, requiring urgent same-day care, warns Dr Vikas Jain. Wavy lines, blurred faces, reading difficulty, dark patches, or narrowing side vision may indicate disease; diabetic eye damage can remain symptomless. Blindness Awareness Month highlights early checks and prompt assessment of sudden changes.

Sashi Cheliah on judging Celebrity MasterChef Tamil with Samantha 8 years after winning in Australia

Chef Sashi Cheliah says Samantha Ruth Prabhu brings empathy and a human dimension to Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, complementing judges’ culinary perspective and helping contestants manage pressure. The MasterChef Australia winner says contestants surpassed expectations. After two decades in law enforcement, Sashi pursued passion, winning MasterChef Australia Season 10; Tamil series airs weekdays on Sony VIZHA.

Spain dominate on Harry Kane’s big night: Full list of winners at Ballon d’Or 2026

London traffic delayed the Ballon d’Or ceremony nearly an hour, but Harry Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the men’s prize. Alexia Putellas claimed her third women’s title, while Spain’s contingent collected eight of 13 awards overall. The ceremony marked 70 years since inaugural winner Stanley Matthews received the award.

Apple gives the new iPad mini significant updates, as component prices catch up

Apple’s eighth-generation iPad mini adds an 8.5-inch OLED display, the 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, IP67 resistance and a brighter screen, while keeping its footprint; prices start at ₹82,900 in India. Storage reaches 512GB, Nano-texture glass is available, and pre-orders begin October 28 ahead of November 6 sales. It follows 2024’s A17 Pro model amid costs.

Pearson MyLab faced ‘Gateway Timeout’ errors as users complain about outage

Pearson MyLab users reported disruptions on October 26, and the company acknowledged the issue on its status page, citing “Gateway Timeout” errors affecting some services. Students voiced frustration on social media, with some concerned outages could block assignment submissions when late work is not accepted. Widely used in higher education, the platform provides AI-powered learning, homework, assessment, and course materials.

Die another day: the politics and economics of Lula da Silva | Number Theory

Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential run-off, overturning a roughly two-point first-round deficit to Flávio Bolsonaro and securing another term, though he faces a more difficult legislature. The victory puts the 81-year-old left-leaning leader among rare politicians to recover from a first-round loss, rewriting expectations that voters would end his winning streak.

Netanyahu pushed for attack on Iran before Israel polls; army resisted pitch: Report

Israeli military leaders reportedly resisted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for action against Iran before Tuesday’s election, saying no urgent operational need existed and warning that a move could invite retaliation or widen conflict. IDF chief Eyal Zamir and Air Force commander Omer Tischler challenged the timing as Netanyahu foregrounded Iran’s nuclear threat in a campaign dominated by security concerns.

Centre clears E100 certification for flex-fuel vehicles

India has formally recognised E100 alongside E85 in vehicle-emission rules, clearing certification for flex-fuel vehicles but not permitting either fuel in conventional petrol cars. The change enables manufacturers to certify purpose-built vehicles, though weak sales and scarce fuel hinder adoption. It supports ethanol and energy security; India reached 20% petrol blending in 2025, advancing climate goals.

BJP plans nationwide outreach from Nov 1 to counter Opposition campaign against SIR

BJP plans outreach from November 1, with Union ministers and chief ministers joining marches and media briefings to counter the INDIA bloc’s allegations of irregularities in electoral-roll revision. Amit Shah is expected at a Telangana march on November 2, a day after Congress’s planned rally. The campaign follows protests over Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about Modi.

Satcom and Starlink: Reviving a faltered dream, with a bigger constellation

Satellite internet’s promise predates Starlink: Iridium launched 66 satellites in 1998, but expensive handsets, costly calls and expanding mobile networks drove it into bankruptcy within months. Today, Starlink revives the vision with a low-Earth-orbit broadband constellation, targeting communities and industries beyond terrestrial coverage. In India, affordability, capacity, approvals and security rules remain hurdles, while satellite links serve niche needs.

6 years jail, ₹6 lakh aid: SC tells UP to pay for ‘poor probe’ after man acquitted in murder case

The Supreme Court ordered Uttar Pradesh to pay ₹6 lakh to a man jailed six years before acquittal in a murder case, holding police and prosecutors accountable for a “slipshod” probe that jeopardised his liberty. The bench found evidence unproved, including remains, CCTV and call records; the case stemmed from a 2019 kidnapping and murder.

Kerala HC stays FIR, vigilance probe against former CM Pinarayi Vijayan in CMRL case

Kerala High Court on Monday stayed the FIR and VACB investigation into alleged ₹2.78-crore payments from CMRL to Exalogic, a firm owned by Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter Veena, pending orders. It admitted appeals against a single judge’s direction to register a corruption case; the Supreme Court had stayed the FIR. ED alleges services were unproven.

Noel objects to Tata Sons board minutes, RoC filing over Chandrasekaran's reappointment

Noel Tata escalated his dispute with Tata Sons, demanding it correct board minutes and tell regulators N. Chandrasekaran’s reappointment is contested, while alleging the company filed an invalid resolution as final. He challenges Venu Srinivasan’s deciding vote over alleged family business ties and seeks recordings, disclosures and legal briefs. The board approved Chandrasekaran’s third term in September.

Keerthy Suresh was told not to do web series as she was a theatrical star | Interview

Keerthy Suresh makes her web-series debut as Bhavani, an underworld leader, in *Akka*, premiering on Netflix October 30; she says she chose the role for its appeal, not its language, and regards streaming and cinema as equal. Radhika Apte co-stars in the period drama, set in a fictional town ruled by women, from Netflix and YRF Entertainment.

5 dead in shooting at Assam hotel; rift involving property owner, renter triggered horror

Five people were killed and one injured in a shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn on Guwahati’s GS Road on Monday night, with police saying the hotel’s leaseholder has been arrested. The attack followed a dispute between the leaseholder and property owner; all victims were associated with the owner. The incident occurred near Assam Police headquarters.

Rahman on complaints about Tamil songs in his concerts: Music engages beyond language | HT Exclusive

AR Rahman says balancing languages in concert set lists is toughest challenge, but he prioritizes musical appeal as audiences embrace songs across linguistic lines. The Wonderment Tour brings performances to Mumbai on November 1 and Delhi on November 21, blending 1990s classics with work. His Ramayana soundtrack, created with Hans Zimmer, is due November 5.

Panchang Today, October 27, 2026: Krishna Pratipada under Bharani Nakshatra

October 27, 2026, in New Delhi calls for measured effort and careful decisions, with planning or reflection favored over rushed beginnings. Traditional Panchang guidance highlights Brahma Muhurta for focus, while mixed auspicious and cautionary yogas counsel checking details and honoring needs. These interpretations are prompts, not predictions, and should not replace sound judgment or responsibilities.

A win in Brazil that is a blessing for India

Lula da Silva’s re-election as Brazil’s president signals that right-wing politics is not inevitable, with consequences for democracies. His narrow win over Flávio Bolsonaro followed youth outreach and a dignified response to a personal insult. For India, his final term strengthens BRICS ties; Brazil’s response to US tariffs and rare-earth reserves offer prospects for multilateral and energy cooperation.

'So terrible': Trump says Brazil election looked ‘rigged’ after Lula's big win

President Donald Trump called Brazil’s election “rigged” without evidence after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated Flávio Bolsonaro, but said he would not intervene. Jair Bolsonaro has refused to concede and sought annulment, while Brazilian officials said the result was difficult to dispute and expected Washington to recognize Lula’s victory. Trump had previously embraced Bolsonaro.

Collegium’s crisis of credibility

Kaul’s memoir exposes India’s collegium as vulnerable to political pressure, opacity, inconsistent procedures and the Chief Justice’s discretion, despite its purpose of shielding appointments from executive interference. It urges clear formal rules, published criteria, reasoned decisions, complaint procedures and transfer timelines to balance independence and accountability, following the Supreme Court’s 2015 rejection of the NJAC.