Deepawali travel plans in Hyderabad collapsed as a statewide bandh over the Telangana High Court’s stay on 42% BC quota halted bus services and doubled cab fares. Stranded passengers crowded bus stops while protests shut fuel stations and shops. RTC depots, schools, and businesses stayed closed, leaving Telangana districts eerily silent and motionless.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan, stating every inch of its territory is within BrahMos missile range, while flagging off the first batch manufactured in Lucknow. Hailing its speed, accuracy, and power, he called BrahMos the “backbone” of Indian forces, highlighting its success in Operation Sindoor and India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP CM Yogi Adityanath flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles in Lucknow under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. Produced at BrahMos Aerospace’s Sarojini Nagar facility, this milestone strengthens the UP Defence Industrial Corridor and India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, as announced by PM Modi.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan met Amit Shah to discuss election strategies and aims for a 100% win rate. He highlighted that NDA has finalized all 243 candidates, while the Mahagathbandhan is still struggling to finalize seat-sharing. Paswan emphasized focusing on development and avoiding false narratives during the campaign.
The Assam government has transferred over 30 senior IPS and APS officers across districts and specialised units in a major administrative shake-up. The Home Department said the reshuffle, approved by the governor, was made “in the interest of public service” to enhance policing efficiency and strengthen district-level administration across the state.
Praveen Kumar, a Panchayat officer, was suspended for participating in an RSS event, violating civil service neutrality rules. The BJP slammed the Congress government, calling the move anti-Hindu and politically driven. Tensions escalate as Karnataka enforces strict rules on public events by ideological organizations like the RSS.
A fire broke out in a coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express at Sirhind Station, Punjab, around 07:30 hrs today. Passengers were quickly shifted to other coaches, and the fire was extinguished with no casualties. Operating thrice weekly over 1,716 km, the AC 3-Tier train will resume its journey shortly, covering 23 stops including […]
Two men linked to a Pakistan-backed naval spying ring have been jailed for leaking sensitive Indian Navy data. Honey traps and illegal trade funded the espionage, compromising bases in Visakhapatnam, Karwar, and Kochi. The NIA has convicted four so far, exposing deep infiltration aided by fake social profiles and cross-border networks.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized to Trump after facing backlash for urging him to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco. He revoked his statement on X, saying it was made out of caution ahead of Dreamforce. Benioff emphasized unity and praised city officials for ensuring a safe event without military involvement.
Heavy rains in Kerala’s Idukki district have raised Mullaperiyar dam’s water level to 138 meters, prompting the release of 14 shutters. Kallar Dam shutters were also opened. Severe waterlogging affects Kattappana, Nedumkandam, and Kumily. The IMD issued yellow alerts for 11 districts, warning of heavy rain, floods, and thunderstorms, urging caution near rivers.
The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to allow National Guard deployment in Chicago, escalating its clash with Democratic governors over domestic military use. A federal judge had paused the deployment of troops from Illinois and Texas for immigration support. After an appeals court upheld the block, Trump filed an emergency appeal.
Telangana Congress, BJP, and BRS support the BC JAC bandh today, October 18, protesting the High Court’s stay on 42% BC reservation in local body elections. Schools are closed for Diwali, government offices remain open, and RTC buses may run reduced services. Shops in Hyderabad will close. Police urge peaceful participation, warning against disruptions.
During the state funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a stampede broke out at a crowded soccer stadium, killing two and injuring over 100. Massive crowds had gathered to mourn the iconic reformer. The tragic incident underscores the deep public emotion and Odinga’s powerful legacy in Kenyan politics.
CPI(Marxist-Leninist) has announced 20 candidates under the INDIA bloc seat-sharing deal, 14 for phase one and six for phase two. The list includes six SC candidates, one woman, and two new seats for Rajgir and Pipra constituencies. So far, 18 have filed nominations, with 10 repeats, four newcomers, and one candidate dropped.
Twenty people fell about 20 feet after a balcony collapsed on Stetson Street in Cincinnati’s Corryville. Multiple injuries were reported, with bystanders rushing to help. Emergency teams quickly secured the area and provided medical aid. Officials are investigating the cause. A video circulating online shows the balcony giving way during an event.