QUICKREADS

New makeover plan for prime MCD land in Delhi
MCD plans to redevelop six prime properties with NBCC, potentially generating ₹15,000 crore. The project involves replacing aging staff quarters with multi-storey residential-commercial complexes to address financial challenges and clear municipal debts.

With education, important to have good values: MP Jangra
Rajya Sabha MP Ramchandra Jangra emphasized the importance of integrating values with education during the Diwali Milan Utsav at Jeevan Chanan Women’s College in Karnal. He highlighted that student life is foundational for future success. Jangra announced a ₹10 lakh donation to the college, joined by fellow MPs who contributed ₹5 lakh each, while dignitaries viewed an exhibition of student-made indigenous products.
'Need more women auto drivers': Bengaluru entrepreneur’s late-night kindness goes viral
A Bengaluru entrepreneur shared a heartwarming experience on X about a woman auto driver who offered him a ride home late at night after several drivers refused. She charged him only Rs 200, despite the usual fare being Rs 300. The story resonated with many users, praising her kindness and calling for more women drivers in the city.

'Dragged her to men’s toilet': Bengaluru engineering student raped on campus
A 22-year-old student, Jeevan Gowda, was arrested for allegedly raping a senior student at a Bengaluru engineering college. The incident occurred on October 10 but was reported five days later. The survivor, traumatized, sought help from her parents before filing a complaint. The case has sparked political outrage, highlighting rising sexual assault incidents in Karnataka.

Pune court discharges MLA Jitendra Awhad in 2016 Fergusson College violence case
The additional sessions court in Pune has discharged MLA Jitendra Awhad from all charges related to a 2016 violence incident at Fergusson College, citing insufficient evidence. The court overturned a previous magistrate's order, stating Awhad was more a victim than an assailant, and found no grounds to frame charges under the Indian Penal Code or the Bombay Police Act.

Delhi fire service boosts readiness as city decks up for Diwali. Check details
To ensure safety during Diwali, the Delhi Fire Service will deploy additional fire tenders and quick response vehicles on October 19-20. Fire personnel will focus on high-density areas and crowded markets, maintaining readiness for emergencies. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has permitted the sale of green firecrackers, with strict compliance measures in place to regulate their use.

'Our kids took 2 hours to reach school': Bengaluru resident’s viral rant on Varthur-Sarjapur Road
A viral post from a Bengaluru resident highlights severe traffic issues, particularly affecting school children commuting 14 km from Whitefield to Sarjapur-Varthur Road, taking two hours even during off-peak hours. Residents expressed frustration over long commutes, criticized infrastructure, and called for pedestrian-friendly solutions. October 14 was deemed a “Black Day” for traffic, emphasizing the urgent need for better city planning.

Delhi student sends bomb threat to his school. Reason: He hadn't studied for exam
A bomb threat email to Vishal Bharti Public School in outer Delhi was a hoax, sent by a student hoping to avoid exams. Police evacuated the school and conducted thorough checks, finding no explosives. The juvenile was apprehended and admitted to the act, leading to further action under juvenile justice provisions.

When is Diwali 2025 in Bengaluru? Full festival dates and schedule
Bengaluru will celebrate Diwali on October 20 and 21, coinciding with the Amavasya Tithi. Key festivities include Dhanteras on October 19, Chhoti Diwali on October 20, and Lakshmi Puja that evening. Residents are encouraged to celebrate sustainably by using eco-friendly practices. Travelers should plan ahead for increased demand at local transportation hubs during the festive season.

Delhi pollution woes linger as city sees ‘poor’ air again ahead of Diwali. Check area-wise AQI today
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated, with an AQI of 242, marking four consecutive days of poor conditions. The government plans strict enforcement of regulations regarding green firecrackers for Diwali, including designated sale areas and monitoring teams. Experts warn vulnerable populations may be severely affected as pollution levels rise, coinciding with winter and stubble burning.

Torn clothes, blood on head, no number plate : Man’s chilling encounter on Bengaluru road
An Instagram user reported a suspicious incident on Ayyappa Nagar–Batarahalli Road in Bengaluru, where a man in torn clothes, seemingly injured, blocked the road with a car lacking a number plate. The user warned it might be a robbery setup and urged for increased police patrolling. The post has gone viral, but no official police complaint has been confirmed.

IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s gunshot wounds consistent with suicide, reveals post-mortem report
The post-mortem of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar confirmed his gunshot wounds were self-inflicted. Investigations continue into his suicide, which his family attributes to a conspiracy involving several officials. A suicide note has been linked to an FIR filed under abetment of suicide laws. The Chandigarh Police's SIT is examining evidence and questioning family members.

Chandigarh: Admn finalises ₹124-crore plan for new DC office building in Sector 17
After a seven-year delay, the UT engineering department has estimated ₹124 crore for a new deputy commissioner's office building in Sector 17, set to begin construction next year. The existing office will be transformed into a modern art gallery. The seven-story structure will feature sustainable design and accommodate multiple government departments, with a focus on green technologies.

Lights, candles, diyas! Chandigarh markets aglow with festive fervour as residents get Diwali-ready
Chandigarh's markets are bustling with festive spirit as Diwali approaches, with shopkeepers allowed to set up stalls outside. Popular trends include warm-toned LED lights, designer candles, and eco-friendly diyas. Despite a preference for cheaper, China-made lights, Indian products are still sought after. Sales are booming, aided by GST cuts, while some areas show solidarity with flood victims by skipping decorations.

J&K govt orders Darbar Move from Oct 31, hours after CM Omar announcing its restoration
The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the restoration of the Darbar Move tradition, which involves transferring government offices between Srinagar and Jammu. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the decision, reversing a 2021 scrapping by the previous administration. The offices will close in Srinagar on October 31 and reopen in Jammu on November 3, with some operating in a limited capacity.

Chandigarh: Missing Sohana resident’s body found in drain, 2 friends arrested
The body of Gurvinder Singh, a Sohana resident, was found in a drain pipe in Chandigarh four days after he went missing. Police arrested two friends, Amit and Shubham, who allegedly dumped him after he overdosed on drugs. Gurvinder had planned to celebrate his son's birthday shortly before his death. Investigations into drug sourcing continue.