Category-5 Hurricane Melissa is devastating Jamaica, causing severe flooding that has already claimed four lives. The Meteorological Department confirmed that Melissa has intensified into one of the year’s strongest hurricanes, with wind speeds reaching up to 280 km/h. Authorities have also urged residents to remain indoors and stay alert.
From November 1, 2025, Aadhaar updates become fully online, allowing edits to name, address, date of birth, and mobile number from home. PAN-Aadhaar linking is mandatory by December 31, 2025, or PAN will be deactivated. KYC processes are simplified via Aadhaar OTP, video, or face verification, ensuring faster, secure, and paperless services.
The four-day Chhath Puja concluded today with the sacred “Usha Arghya,” as devotees across India offered prayers to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. From Delhi to Patna, ghats echoed with chants of “Jai Chhathi Maiya.” Elaborate arrangements ensured smooth rituals, marking a peaceful and spiritually uplifting end to the vibrant Hindu festival.
The Union Agriculture Ministry has approved the procurement of over 4,400 MTs of lentils, 100% of gram, and 25% of soybean from Telangana in the current Kharif season. The approvals were announced following a high-level meeting that also discussed other initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aaye Sanrakshan Abhiyan, aimed at supporting farmers.
The Telangana Excise Department reopens applications for 19 liquor shops today. The deadline is November 1, with the draw of lots on Nov 3. Shops are in Asifabad, Adilabad, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Shamshabad, and Sangareddy. Earlier applications were halted due to low submissions. Officials urge readiness and necessary approvals from the District Collector.
YSRCP Lok Sabha leader Mithun Reddy has arrived in New York to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly. He paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue before joining a delegation of MPs for the meetings. The UN sessions, where they will discuss global issues and India’s priorities, are scheduled to continue until October 31.
YSRCP Lok Sabha leader Mithun Reddy has arrived in New York to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly. He paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue before joining a delegation of MPs for the meetings. The UN sessions, where they will discuss global issues and India’s priorities, are scheduled to continue until October 31.
Cyclone Montha, nearing Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, was named by Thailand, meaning a fragrant flower. Under WMO’s North Indian Ocean system, cyclone names help in warnings, media reporting, and public communication. Names are short, neutral, non-offensive, and retired after use to avoid confusion in future storms.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued flash flood warnings for Andhra Pradesh’s coastal districts due to Cyclone Montha. Residents of Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari, East Godavari, Prakasam, Nellore, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Vizianagaram are urged to remain vigilant. Authorities have been advised to take necessary steps.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has shocked the United States by canceling the Plutonium Management and Disposition Deal, originally signed in 2000 and amended in 2010. The move, formalized through a recent law, has heightened nuclear tensions between the two powers. Russia cited national security as key reasons for terminating the deal with the US.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh said that Delhi may witness its first cloud seeding trial today if weather in Kanpur improves. The IIT Kanpur-developed method uses silver iodide and salts to induce rainfall, aiming to combat severe air pollution. Delhi’s AQI remains in the very poor category, prompting artificial rain efforts to improve air quality.
New Zealand women’s cricket captain and star all-rounder Sophie Devine has announced recently her retirement from international cricket amid the 2025 ICC ODI Women’s World Cup. The 36-year-old played 159 ODIs and 146 T20Is, scoring 4,279 ODI runs with nine centuries and 111 wickets, and 3,431 T20I runs with 119 wickets.
Oppo will launch its Find X9 and Find X9 Pro globally today, including in India, at 8:30 PM IST from Barcelona. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 chipset, both phones run ColorOS 16 on Android 16. Expected specs include up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, 120Hz OLED displays, triple rear cameras, and 80W fast charging support.
Global e-commerce giant Amazon has announced plans to lay off 30,000 corporate employees, starting today. The company, which employs over 1.54 million people worldwide, including warehouse staff, aims to reduce costs and address over-hiring during the peak demand of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amazon has not yet provided an official response regarding the layoffs.
As Cyclone Montha approaches the coast, the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has issued multiple alerts for ports across Andhra Pradesh. The 10th warning has now been issued for Kakinada Port. Authorities have urged caution, warning that winds could reach speeds of up to 120 km/h as the cyclone makes landfall, prompting safety measures and preparedness.