The Union Home Ministry's High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes has requested states and Union Territories to provide detailed data on "visible changes" in religious demography over the last 15 years. This includes information on birth registrations, religious structures, vehicle registrations, property transfers in tribal areas, and educational institutions, aiming to assess demographic shifts and recommend policy measures.
The Rajasthan government has approved an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation against senior IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal. He is accused of misusing his official position to benefit a private company, Goyal Fashions Private Limited, and causing financial losses to the state. Preliminary findings suggest Agrawal allegedly acquired properties at undervalued prices and facilitated undue benefits for the company.
Senior IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal of the Rajasthan government has been placed on Awaiting Posting Orders, citing administrative reasons. This move follows media reports alleging his involvement, along with his IPS wife, in the purchase of 40 villas from a single company over two and a half years. Agrawal was previously the Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department and held several other key responsibilities.
Oman and Iran discussed efforts to resume navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without obstacles during a telephone conversation between their foreign ministers on Thursday, with both sides emphasising the need for sustainable understandings to ensure maritime safety, facilitate international trade and energy flows, and prevent further confrontations in the region.
Himachal Pradesh's State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, in coordination with Excise Department officials, seized over 600 cans of illicit liquor from two vendors in Solan district. The liquor, intended for sale in Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, was found during inspections based on specific information about illegally sourced alcohol. A case has been registered, and further investigation is ongoing to trace the supply chain.
Cyclone Murasu unleashed severe destruction across coastal Andhra Pradesh, prompting mass evacuations and leaving a trail of damaged infrastructure and livelihoods as it crossed the coast early on Tuesday.
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.
Three Maharashtra PWD officials have been arrested in Palghar district for allegedly embezzling nearly Rs 73 lakh in government funds. The officials, including an Executive Engineer and an Auditor, are accused of tampering with documents to divert funds meant for unemployed engineers to a private construction company. Police registered a case in September 2026, and the main accused, a ruling party leader, secured anticipatory bail.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu has commenced its landfall process near Ongole in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, bringing heavy rainfall and gale winds of up to 120 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate, Flavio Bolsonaro, has declared himself the legitimate head of state from self-imposed exile in the United States, alleging electoral fraud. His move comes days after leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured victory, further highlighting political instability in Brazil. Bolsonaro faces corruption inquiries at home and departed Brazil despite instructions to surrender his passports.
Goa College of Home Science has launched a certificate course on "marriage readiness" to help young people prepare for healthy and lasting relationships. This initiative follows Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's announcement about introducing pre-marriage counselling statewide to reduce divorces, amidst rising marriage and divorce-related petitions in Goa's civil courts.
Haryana has rolled out UPI-based digital payment systems and expanded online OPD pre-registration facilities across 610 public healthcare institutions. This initiative aims to reduce queues, simplify registration, and enhance patient convenience, while still retaining traditional cash and walk-in options for those not using digital methods.
A 76-year-old retired education department employee in Indore was duped of Rs 2 lakh by cyber fraudsters offering at-home life certificate services via a Facebook ad. The police swiftly investigated, traced the money used for online purchases in West Bengal, cancelled the orders, and recovered the entire amount within 24 hours.
Two men have been arrested in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district for allegedly shooting an Indian-born cheetah, KNG-22, last month. The cheetah was found injured on October 25 and died two days later. A special task force investigated the incident, leading to the recovery of the double-barrel muzzle-loading gun used in the crime and the arrest of the two siblings.
Madhya Pradesh has achieved the top rank in India for drug destruction, eliminating over 2.74 lakh kilograms of narcotics in two years. The state is implementing a comprehensive strategy, including forming anti-drug committees in educational institutions, launching a three-year campaign to dismantle drug networks, strengthening intelligence, and expanding de-addiction centres. Authorities have also seized significant quantities of drugs, attached properties, and conducted extensive public awareness programmes.
The Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department plans to implement solar energy projects across its buildings and land to achieve zero electricity bills and generate revenue by selling surplus power. A MoU was signed with MAHAPREIT to prepare a Detailed Project Report, with pilot projects starting in Pune and Beed.
Delhi Police's crime branch has busted an interstate illegal pharmaceutical drug supply network, arresting four men and recovering over 14 kilograms of Alprazolam and Tramadol. The operation involved multiple arrests, including the initial interception of two individuals on October 31, leading to the apprehension of their supplier and another accomplice, with two vehicles also seized.
A 38-year-old man, arrested for allegedly strangling his wife, committed suicide inside a police station in Maharashtra's Nanded district. Sushil Mahajan Haibate was found hanged in the lock-up hours after his arrest and confession. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the probe into his death.
The Kerala government has initiated an internal inquiry into four police personnel from Pathanamthitta district. They are accused of maintaining close ties with a history-sheeter, Sarath, and assisting him in illegal activities, including unauthorised soil transportation. The inquiry follows a Crime Branch report submitted in February 2026.
The Congress-led INDIA bloc held a major protest rally in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and past corruption allegations. Leaders stated the protest was a "stern warning" to the government, vowing to continue until Kumar steps down, citing threats to parliamentary democracy.
Axios has reported that a new US intelligence report has found that Iran has "substantially increased" its efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East. The intel memo which Axios cited also said that plots against American diplomats were reaching "advanced stages."
An independent inquiry committee formed by the Indian Olympic Association to investigate harassment allegations by former women's hockey captain Asuntha Lakra against Hockey India secretary Bholanath Singh has not yet met. The delay, two months after its formation, is reportedly due to Hockey India's failure to release necessary funds for the proceedings, despite directives from its president. Lakra has expressed deep disappointment and appealed to top officials for immediate action.
Police in Latur, Maharashtra, raided an unlicensed moneylender's house in Nilanga on Tuesday, seizing blank cheques, account diaries, and bond papers. The Cooperation Department has urged the public to report illegal moneylending.
Three train passengers were arrested on Saturday night in Jhansi for allegedly assaulting an on-duty Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) and damaging his Hand-Held Terminal (HHT). The incident occurred after the TTE intervened to resolve a dispute in a coach, leading to a 54-minute delay for the Ahmedabad-Asansol train.
Niti Aayog has launched the India Science and Technology (S&T) Scoreboard, highlighting state-wise performance in research publications and patent applications. Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are the top three states in research publications, with Tamil Nadu also leading in patent filings. The interactive platform aims to help states benchmark progress and formulate better S&T policies.
The last absconding resident doctor, Nirali Vasave, has been arrested in connection with the suicide of first-year postgraduate student Harsh Pandya at Government Medical College, Surat. Pandya allegedly faced severe ragging and harassment from four senior resident doctors, leading to his death on August 9. The case is registered under abetment of suicide and the SC/ST Act.
Police conducted a search at the Kasba residence of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in connection with the alleged Durga Puja pass scam, days after his arrest. The investigation involves the unauthorised use of the UNESCO name and logo to sell VIP passes and preview show tickets, with Sen's wife and daughter also under scrutiny for their alleged roles and financial irregularities.
The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) is encouraging pensioners to adopt Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) through face authentication technology. A nationwide campaign is underway to facilitate this process, aiming for digital empowerment and convenience for pensioners, including those in remote areas.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted multi-state searches in a money laundering case involving a Gurugram-based liquor vend, 'The Theka', for alleged illegal sale of foreign liquor without proper holograms and evasion of duties, generating over Rs 10 crore in proceeds of crime.
Senior IPS officer Prashakha Mathur has been placed on awaiting posting orders (APO) by the Rajasthan government. This action follows similar measures against her husband, IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal, who is under an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation for alleged irregularities in the purchase of 40 villas and cottages. Mathur also has some of these properties registered in her name. The ACB alleges Agrawal misused his position to benefit a private company from which the properties were bought at undervalued prices.
The CBI has withdrawn approximately 20 petitions from the Supreme Court that sought to transfer cases related to the 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence outside the state. The agency cited "changed circumstances" for its decision, which comes after the state's CID initiated fresh inquiries and reopened cases concerning the violence.
A parliamentary committee on Monday reviewed the large number of pending sexual offence cases against children under the POCSO Act and the performance of fast-track courts in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Data reveals over 2.45 lakh such cases are pending nationally, with many trials exceeding the one-year deadline.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Indian government will release a draft consultation paper on Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations within the next 30 days, focusing on safety, a human-first approach, skilling, inclusivity, and harm restriction.
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) have achieved nearly 60 per cent of their FY27 annual capital expenditure (capex) target of approximately 8.43 trillion during April-October, broadly aligning with the previous financial year's performance. This significant spending, up 13 per cent year-on-year, is a crucial component of India's investment-led growth strategy.
India's eastern coastal states are bracing for Cyclone Murasu, the second severe cyclone within a week, leading to flight cancellations, deployment of disaster response teams, and the evacuation of thousands. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in south Andhra Pradesh with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph.
The opening day of the WTA 250 Chennai Open was completely washed out on Monday due to persistent heavy rain, exacerbated by an active northeast monsoon and a cyclonic weather system over the Bay of Bengal. Organisers have rescheduled all 16 first-round singles matches for Tuesday, with play set to begin at 11 am, as they grapple with the challenging weather conditions that also affected last year's event.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested four more individuals in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation into a call centre scam that defrauded US nationals. The scam involved callers posing as US agency officials to intimidate victims into transferring money or assets, with proceeds laundered through cryptocurrency and hawala channels.
Kolkata Police's Detective Department questioned Avery Sen, daughter of former minister Indranil Sen, regarding an alleged multi-crore scam involving Durga Puja pass distribution. An associate, Dhruvajyoti Basu, was arrested and remanded to police custody. Investigators are examining financial transactions between Sen's organisation, his daughter's company, and his wife's accounts.
The Supreme Court has asked the Patna High Court to decide on the bail plea of Bihar-based contractor Rishu Shree, who has been jailed for five months in a money laundering case linked to alleged commissions in public tenders. The Patna High Court had previously questioned the ED's investigation, suggesting it was targeting "pawns" while principal actors remained free.
A 29-year-old man in Beed was arrested on Thursday for allegedly running an Ayurveda clinic using a forged medical degree. The arrest followed a joint raid by health department, FDA, and police officials, during which the man, Rushikesh Dattatray Kanade, failed to produce valid medical credentials. He has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act.
