7,000 kg explosives stored despite 15 kg limit in Mundathikode fireworks tragedy
A judicial commission headed by Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair submitted a report to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala regarding the Mundathikode fireworks tragedy. The commission found that 7,000 kg of explosives were stored at the site despite a 15 kg limit. It identified the use of banned potassium chlorate as the cause of the explosion that killed 16 people and injured 40.
Alluri Sitharama Raju district MPTC and ZPTC polls scheduled for November 5
T. Nishanthi, the District Collector and District Election Officer, briefed the media on Tuesday regarding the MPTC and ZPTC elections in Alluri Sitharama Raju district. The polls are scheduled for November 5, following a rescheduling by the State Election Commission. Officials identified centers across 11 mandals to manage polling, security, and the safe transport of election materials.
Jana Sena secures sweeping victories in Amalapuram, Tuni, and Samarlakota municipalities
Jana Sena secured sweeping victories in the Amalapuram, Tuni, and Samarlakota municipalities. In Amalapuram, Nalla Sridhar won with 20,174 votes against D. Veerutha Devi. In Tuni, S. Srilatha won with 15,470 votes over Pitla Rama Tulasi. In Samarlakota, Pitta Janaki Rama Rao won the chairperson seat with a 10,970 majority against Uba Jhon Mozes.
BJP forms 12-member committee for Hiriyur bypoll after former Minister D. Sudhakar's death
The BJP formed a 12-member committee to manage the upcoming Hiriyur Assembly constituency bypoll following the death of former Minister D. Sudhakar. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy met with leaders to discuss candidate selection, while Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar claimed surveys showed Congress support at 72%. The JD(S) is also expected to advocate for its own party leader as the candidate.
Government draws lots to select beneficiaries for 1,920 affordable flats at Indiramma Housing
The government held a draw of lots on Tuesday to select beneficiaries for 1,920 affordable flats at Indiramma Housing towers in four assembly constituencies. Ponnam Prabhakar stated the project aims to assist residents who own land but cannot afford construction. The state plans to build 1 lakh affordable flats, utilizing lands from TGSRTC and the Police department.
Raju Shetti launches indefinite road block demanding ₹5,500 per tonne for sugarcane
Farmers and sugar factories failed to reach a consensus on sugarcane prices during meetings in Belagavi on Tuesday. District in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that factories are willing to pay the Fair and Remunerative Price, but farmers rejected this offer. Meanwhile, Raju Shetti of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatan launched an indefinite road block demanding ₹5,500 per tonne for sugarcane.
NC leader Aga Syed Ruhullah resigns, accuses Abdullah brothers of betraying promises
Aga Syed Ruhullah, a ruling National Conference (NC) leader and MP, resigned from the party and his Srinagar Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday. He accused Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah of betraying promises and misusing him for electoral gains. Ruhullah claimed the party abdicated its role in the struggle against the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A.
Storm Murasu kills 2, causes ₹344 crore losses and destroys 52,459 hectares of crops
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu killed at least two people and caused ₹344 crore in losses across south coastal Andhra Pradesh. According to Prakhar Jain of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, the storm destroyed 52,459 hectares of crops and damaged 312 houses. The India Meteorological Department reported maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph during landfall.
Tigress Dooars Rani returned to Buxa Tiger Reserve after crossing into Raimona National Park
Forest officials returned a three-year-old tigress named Dooars Rani to the Buxa Tiger Reserve on November 3, 2026. The tigress had crossed into Assam's Raimona National Park after being relocated from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Forest Minister Manoj Oraon stated the animal was tranquilized and caged for safety. Officials will continue monitoring her movement and health.
No update on Ganga Water Treaty renewal before December 12 expiry
The Ministry of External Affairs stated on November 3, 2026, that India and Bangladesh have a structured mechanism to manage the Ganga Water Treaty requirements. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that India invited Tarique Rahman to New Delhi, but no update exists on treaty renewal before its December 12 expiry. The agreement requires consultations between Narendra Modi and Rahman.
Supreme Court adjourns Tarun Tejpal's rape plea hearing to November 5
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on Tarun Tejpal’s plea challenging a Bombay High Court judgment convicting him of aggravated rape to November 5. The court will also consider his interim bail request for Deepavali festivities. The Goa government plans to contest the bail plea. The Bombay High Court previously sentenced Tejpal to 10 years’ imprisonment in a 2013 case.
Kamareddy MLA alleges senior Minister verbally abused and threatened him at Delhi hotel
A Congress MLA from Kamareddy district alleged that a senior Minister in the State verbally abused and threatened him at a Delhi hotel. The MLA claimed the minister warned of physical harm and political retribution over an alleged influence in a party appointment. He stated the minister held a grudge because he refused to support sand mining activities involving a close aide.
Thiruvananthapuram police find 17-year-old Abhiram's murder was a premeditated plan
The Thiruvananthapuram City police have gathered findings suggesting the murder of 17-year-old Abhiram was a premeditated plan. According to official sources, the accused allegedly killed him after he refused to bring a friend to a meeting. Police arrested Umar Muqthar S. and Ananda, while Aishwarya remains in custody. Arul R.B. Krishna formed a Special Investigation Team.
Voter IDs and biometrics to replace Aadhaar for welfare scheme payments
Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, announced that voter identity cards and biometric authentication will replace Aadhaar as the primary identification for welfare scheme payments. Speaking in Gangtok, he stated this shift aims to eliminate fraudulent beneficiaries and improve transparency. The move ensures benefits reach eligible individuals by requiring EPIC numbers and biometrics to verify identities for government payments.
NHRC to probe alleged sale of blood by students in Prayagraj for coaching fees
A Congress delegation led by Rajendra Pal Gautam moved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on November 3, 2026, seeking an intervention into the alleged sale of blood by students in Prayagraj. The complaint cited a report stating low-income aspirants sold blood to pay coaching fees up to ₹1.80 lakh per year. The NHRC Chairperson assured Gautam the matter would be probed.
Airlines refusing to move to Navi Mumbai International Airport could stop flying to Mumbai
Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings, stated on November 3, 2026, that international airlines refusing to move operations to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) could stop flying to Mumbai. The move follows a plan by Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) to redevelop Terminal 1. Bansal said airlines were given notice to vacate existing facilities from April.
Nara Lokesh: Municipal polls verdict is a mandate to serve rather than celebrate
Nara Lokesh, the IT & HRD Minister, stated that the municipal polls verdict is a mandate to serve rather than celebrate. He noted on X that the TDP-led coalition accepts the result as a blessing for good governance over the last two-and-a-half years. He emphasized that the focus remains on service and delivering on citizen aspirations beyond party lines.
Cyclone Murasu brings 100 mm rain to Vijayawada; schools, colleges declared holiday
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu brought very heavy rainfall of around 100 mm to Vijayawada and surrounding areas on Tuesday. According to district officials, the rain caused significant waterlogging across several roads. NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Wednesday as a precaution. Officials are monitoring the Velagaleru regulator for potential inflows from the Budameru rivulet.
High Court quashes committee for regularising unauthorised land occupation in Byndoor Assembly constituency
The High Court of Karnataka quashed the constitution of an additional committee for regularising unauthorised land occupation in the Byndoor Assembly constituency. The court allowed an appeal by Gururaj Gantihole, who challenged the appointment of K. Gopal Poojary as chairperson. The bench ruled that public office cannot be a reward for political loyalty and ordered the government to frame new guidelines for appointments.
MHA replaces Arunachal Pradesh DGP following protests over hydropower project and police high-handedness
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) replaced Arunachal Pradesh’s Director General of Police on November 3, 2026. Rajesh Kumar was appointed the new DGP, replacing SDS Jamwal, who was sent to Delhi. The move follows protests against a proposed hydropower project and demands for accountability regarding alleged police high-handedness since October 23. Chief Minister Pema Khandu promised dialogue with local residents.
