A thick layer of smog enveloped parts of North India, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Western Uttar Pradesh, a day after Diwali celebrations. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels soared to 'very poor' and 'severe' categories, with Delhi recording its most polluted Diwali in five years. Residents reported severe health issues, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.
Fashion model and social media influencer Shraddha Dubey, accused in the alleged murder of Lucknow cafe owner Shiva Sharma, claims Sharma committed suicide by jumping from her balcony due to heavy debt. Dubey has released videos denying her involvement and expressing her desire to cooperate with the police, while Sharma's family alleges torture and murder. Police are investigating and seeking to arrest Dubey and other absconders.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was acquitted by a special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur on Monday in a defamation case stemming from his 2018 remarks against then BJP president Amit Shah. The court ruled that Gandhi's statement was not defamatory and the complainant, Vijay Mishra, was not an aggrieved person. Mishra's lawyer plans to challenge the verdict.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday that the BJP would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttar Pradesh if it returns to power in the upcoming assembly elections. Addressing a state working committee meeting, Shah expressed confidence in the BJP's victory, criticised opposition parties on issues like the Ram temple and alleged voter list irregularities, and highlighted the Adityanath government's achievements in law and order and development.
Punjab Police, with central agency support, has secured the deportation of wanted gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi from Ethiopia after a 10-month international manhunt. This marks the first time Punjab Police has secured a fugitive's deportation from an African country. Afridi, a key kingpin of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang, is wanted in over 30 heinous criminal cases, including five murders, and was allegedly directing organised crime from abroad. The operation, codenamed 'Operation SHAHID', involved extensive international coordination and tracking across multiple continents.
Delhi Police have dismantled an organised cyber fraud network responsible for duping individuals of over Rs 10 crore. Five individuals have been arrested across India in connection with 544 complaints. The fraudsters used a foreign-based application to send phishing messages, impersonating traffic challans and reward schemes, to steal money from victims.
Delhi Police initially denied permission for Diljit Dosanjh's October 30 concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium due to security concerns. However, after a meeting with organisers BookMyShow Live and a detailed plan submission, permission has been reconsidered and granted, ensuring the concert will proceed as scheduled.
The Election Commission has suspended two electoral registration officers (EROs) in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, for alleged irregularities in the electoral roll. The EC also directed the addition of a penal provision to an existing FIR against them and a computer operator. This action follows complaints from opposition parties about large-scale manipulation and an inquiry revealing misuse of login IDs for voter detail changes without proper documentation.
The NDA alliance secured 16 out of 28 legislative council seats across four states, while the Congress managed to win only one seat. The Samajwadi Party made significant gains in Uttar Pradesh, and the Jan Suraaj Party opened its account in Bihar. The results show mixed fortunes for major parties, with notable setbacks for the BJP in Nagpur and the Congress in Karnataka.
From personal stories of love, marriage and fatherhood to Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan sharing their fondest Diwali memories from childhood, there were plenty of heartwarming, candid moments on the special Ramayana episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati.
The Allahabad High Court has barred four advocates from entering any court premises in Lucknow and ordered a confidential inquiry by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) into their background and activities following an alleged assault on a litigant and Delhi lawyers.
Meethe Mein Kya Hai's pursuit of happiness and finding joy in the little things exudes the emotionality of a greeting card, not life, rues Sukanya Verma.
Nuh police have arrested three alleged cyber fraudsters involved in fraudulent Rapido bookings and scams related to buying old coins. Mobile phones and SIM cards were recovered from their possession, and two separate cases have been registered.
Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra has been appointed as the spin-bowling coach for the Delhi Capitals. Mishra, an IPL veteran who played 10 seasons for the franchise, joins a high-profile support staff.
Bodies of two more trekkers, part of a group of eight missing on the Kedartal route, were recovered on Wednesday, bringing the total to four fatalities from the group. The trekkers went missing six days ago after an avalanche. Rescue operations are hampered by heavy snow, while families of the missing, including those from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, await news.
The BJP is increasingly integrating its digital outreach with on-ground mobilisation, using social media attacks, political songs, marches, rallies, and public meetings to amplify its political messaging and counter opposition narratives. This evolving strategy, exemplified by the 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' campaign, aims to take political contests beyond online platforms to streets and campuses, especially in response to the INDIA bloc's recent rally and accusations against the Election Commission.
Former cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara believes the Indian team is well-prepared for the slowish tracks expected in the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, particularly the first match in Lucknow, thanks to their recent experience on challenging pitches at the Asian Games in Japan.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed an INDIA bloc rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, likening the venue to the "Haldighati of democracy" due to the massive public turnout. He asserted that the BJP, which came to power through Uttar Pradesh, would also be ousted from there, criticising their claims of an unshakeable political stance. Yadav accused the BJP of manipulating electoral rolls and predicted their defeat in upcoming elections, starting from UP.
Shreyas Iyer has climbed to a career-high fourth position in the ICC T20 International rankings for batters, following his strong performance in the ongoing series against West Indies
Six alleged members of a notorious burglary gang, active across several Uttar Pradesh districts, have been arrested in three separate police encounters. Three of the accused sustained gunshot injuries during the operations, which also led to the recovery of stolen goods and weapons.
A 56-year-old Uttar Pradesh Home Guard was arrested for allegedly strangling his wife and daughter to death in Lucknow. The accused, Ravindra Shankar, reportedly used a data cable while they were asleep. Preliminary investigations suggest a history of domestic disputes, including the wife leaving home with jewellery and the daughter having two failed marriages. In a separate incident, a painter was found dead after an alleged assault during a party in the same area.
Counting of votes has commenced for Legislative Council seats across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka, with significant political implications ahead of upcoming electoral battles. The elections saw varied turnouts and intense contests between ruling alliances and opposition parties.
The latest streaming sensations this week, from the gripping psychological horror Obsession and the poignant Matthew Perry documentary to the action-packed Mirzapur: The Movie and a host of regional and international series across major OTT platforms.
Gurugram police have arrested a deaf and non-speaking man, Adnan Khan, for allegedly raping a woman with similar disabilities. The victim met Khan through Instagram and was lured to Gurugram on the pretext of a job. She alleges he drugged and raped her on February 14, threatening her afterwards. A Zero FIR was initially filed in Lucknow before the case was transferred to Gurugram.
The massive fire broke out on Monday afternoon in the three-floor commercial building housing an animation centre, killing at least 15 people, mostly students.
Twelve retired police personnel in Kanpur have been booked 35 years after a CB-CID inquiry revealed they allegedly falsely implicated 12 men in a robbery case following a staged police encounter in 1991. The FIR, registered on Tuesday, includes charges of fabrication of evidence and wrongful confinement. The original complaint stemmed from a dispute over a plot of land, leading to the alleged framing of Rakesh Pathak and his associates.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Ankit Shankhwar, 24, from Kanpur for allegedly creating and selling fake email IDs to individuals in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries. These IDs were reportedly used to send bomb threats to schools and establishments in major Indian cities, as well as to a concert and a Bollywood actor's residence. The investigation revealed Shankhwar used proxy servers and cryptocurrency for transactions, establishing links with foreign nationals for this illicit trade since 2021.
Tokyo Paralympic champion shuttler Pramod Bhagat has urged authorities to take action against former head coach Gaurav Khanna. The controversy stems from Khanna's public prediction of India's medal tally before the finals at the recently concluded Asian Para Games, which Bhagat deemed unprofessional and unethical, causing undue pressure on athletes.
Delhi Police's Operation CyHawk 6.0 led to the arrest of 944 people and registration of 1,032 cases in a two-day cybercrime crackdown. The operation investigated 4,002 complaints involving an alleged fraud of Rs 479 crore, targeting organised networks across 17 states and five Union Territories.
Indian para badminton coach Gaurav Khanna has responded to allegations of deflating player morale at the Asian Para Games. He claims his controversial social media post, which predicted medal counts, was due to his account being hacked. Khanna further alleges that the accusations are a "misleading public narrative" designed to discredit him for raising "documented irregularities" in player selection, including the omission of deserving players and the inclusion of a banned athlete.
A widow in Kanpur has alleged that jewellery worth approximately Rs 50 lakh vanished from her State Bank of India (SBI) locker, leading police to register an FIR against the branch manager and unidentified staff members. The complainant, Rashmi Arora, discovered the locker empty after a period of non-operation and a bank merger.
Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala, fresh off her historic senior World Championships gold, is now focused on winning a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She attributes her strength and determination to the enduring memory and guidance of her late father, who introduced her to wrestling.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, despite her experience and influence, went unsold at the Women's Premier League 2027 auction in Kochi, failing to attract any bids from franchises.
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced new guidelines for state government jobs, barring individuals involved in violent protests aimed at changing the "established social system" and those implicated in serious offences. The rules also clarify that political ideology alone won't disqualify candidates and outline procedures for character verification and provisional appointments. The move has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
Diljit Dosanjh successfully launched the India leg of his Aura tour in Delhi, overcoming initial police permission issues. The sold-out concert featured a high-energy performance, strong fan engagement, and a dramatic drone show finale. During the show, Dosanjh addressed his critics, stating, "Don't teach Punjabis how to fight battles," referencing past controversies surrounding his film "Satluj." He also thanked a CRPF personnel on stage and shared his experiences with challenges in organizing Indian shows.
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached the land and buildings of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, promoted by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. The agency alleges diversion of government funds for public works and illegal land occupation, estimating the current market value of the attached property at Rs 1,170 crore.
Two foreign nationals, a man from Ghana and a woman from Uzbekistan, were arrested in Greater Noida on Monday for alleged drug-trafficking. Police recovered 920 grams of MDMA, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore, and seized a scooter used for the illicit trade. Efforts are underway to apprehend a third individual involved in preparing the MDMA.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that survivors of sexual assault under the POCSO Act cannot be denied compensation solely because their medical report does not record physical injuries. The court directed authorities to pay Rs 3 lakh to a minor under the Uttar Pradesh Rani Lakshmi Bai Mahila Samman Kosh scheme, emphasising that absence of injury marks does not negate sexual assault allegations and that the scheme's provisions must be interpreted liberally.
Authorities in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, raided Sapna Dairy and seized significant quantities of adulterated paneer, desi ghee, cream, and other food ingredients. The raid followed a tip-off, leading to the recovery of 10 quintals of paneer and other items. Samples have been sent for testing, and an FIR is being registered against the dairy operator.
Four members of a Nepal-based international gang, including a domestic maid, have been arrested in connection with the murder of a retired IPS officer's wife in Hyderabad in May. The gang allegedly smothered the victim during a robbery, then fled to Nepal, and was apprehended after extensive police tracking across multiple states.
