QUICKREADS

Playwright who put Malwani on centrestage through ‘Vastraharan’

Gangaram Gavankar, the acclaimed playwright behind the hit Marathi play ‘Vastraharan’, passed away at 86. Celebrated for its unique blend of mythology and the Malwani dialect, the play has seen over 5,300 performances since its debut in the 1980s. Gavankar’s work captured the essence of Konkan village life and resonated with audiences across diverse communities.

Bahraich boat tragedy: Two more bodies recovered, 4 missing

Rescue teams in Bahraich recovered two more bodies from the Kaudiyala river six days after a boat capsized, bringing the total fatalities to three. The incident, which occurred on October 29, involved a boat carrying 22 villagers. While 13 swam to safety, eight remain missing. Search operations by NDRF and SDRF are ongoing.

RailOne App launched: Now book tickets, track trains, order food, all at one place

The Northern Railway's Lucknow Division has introduced 'RailOne', a comprehensive mobile app for railway services. It facilitates ticket bookings, live train tracking, meal orders, complaint filing, and more. The app aims to enhance passenger convenience and digital engagement, allowing users to log in with existing IRCTC or UTS credentials. An awareness campaign will promote its features across major stations.

Four cops arrested in Siddharthnagar for attempted murder

Siddharthnagar police arrested four constables for the attempted murder of 24-year-old Rajneesh Patel, who was abducted after a dispute. The constables, identified as Manjeet Kumar Singh, Abhishek Gupta, Manoj Yadav, and Rajan Singh, were captured in separate locations following a reward announcement. They have been suspended and jailed as the police pursue justice in the case.

Milling non-hybrid paddy: UP announces 1% rebate on recovery rate

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a 1% rebate for milling non-hybrid paddy to boost the rice milling industry. This initiative aims to benefit 13–15 lakh farmers and support 2 lakh workers. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna announced an allocation of Rs 166.51 crore for the rebates, encouraging modernization and expanding milling capacity in the state.

Unstoppable in UP, bulldozers will now roar against mafia in Bihar too: Yogi

During a campaign in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath criticized the RJD and Congress, promising action against the mafia in Bihar similar to that in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the NDA's focus on development and governance, contrasting it with the "jungle raj" of the opposition. Yogi urged voters to reject the RJD-Congress alliance, highlighting past corruption and advocating for a prosperous future.

Chanting Jai Shri Ram not evidence of violence: Delhi HC acquits 2 in riot case

A Delhi court acquitted two men, Jony Kumar and Mithan Singh, accused of vandalism during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The judge stated there was no evidence linking them to the violence, noting that witnesses did not identify the accused as part of the mob. The court found the prosecution's claims unconvincing and lacking credibility.

Ex-madrasa teacher drew salary, pension for yrs after acquiring British citizenship: ATS probe

Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan, a former madrasa teacher in Azamgarh, received government salary and pension for nearly a decade after obtaining British citizenship. An investigation by UP Police's ATS revealed significant procedural lapses, allowing him to draw funds despite his absence. The case raises concerns over misuse of public resources and has led to an ongoing investigation.

CM rebukes officials for slow progress in Gorakhpur six-lane flyover construction

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reprimanded officials for slow progress on Gorakhpur's first six-lane flyover during a surprise site visit. He directed them to expedite work on the ₹429.49 crore project, emphasizing the need for increased manpower and resources. The project, started in February 2023, is 72% complete and aims for a January 2026 finish.

Will crush BJP govt if even one voter’s name is dropped in SIR: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee, leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), criticized the BJP during a Kolkata rally, warning of severe consequences if any voter is removed from the electoral rolls amid the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). She emphasized TMC's commitment to defending voter rights and hinted at future protests in Delhi, while BJP leaders accused her of inciting panic linked to recent suicides.

Bengaluru reality show dancer killed as truck rams car, accident caught on CCTV

Sudhindra, a 35-year-old dancer known for his performances on Kannada reality shows, tragically died in a road accident when a canter truck struck his broken-down car in Bengaluru. The truck's driver, Vedakumar, has been detained, and CCTV footage is part of the investigation. Sudhindra's untimely death has shocked fans and colleagues, prompting an outpouring of tributes on social media.

UP ex-minister Gayatri Prajapati granted one-month parole to attend ailing siblings

The Uttar Pradesh government has granted former cabinet minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati a one-month parole to assist his ailing siblings. The decision, approved by the governor, allows for his temporary release under specific conditions. Prajapati, convicted in a high-profile rape case and jailed since 2021, must report to the police regularly during this period.

Canadian in Bengaluru shares viral video on HSR Layout’s broken footpaths: ‘It all starts with encroachment’

A viral video by Canadian influencer Caleb Friesen highlights poor footpath conditions in Bengaluru's HSR Layout, showcasing uneven pavement, debris, and encroachments. Many locals echoed his frustrations, calling attention to widespread civic issues across the city. While some praised Friesen for raising awareness, others cautioned against targeting street vendors, emphasizing the need for broader accountability.

34 Vaishno Devi pilgrims’ death: Katra court gives police 3 weeks to file ATR

A Katra court has extended the deadline for Reasi district police to submit an action report regarding the August 26 landslide that killed 34 Vaishno Devi pilgrims. The Bhawan station house officer requested the extension to investigate negligence claims against shrine officials. The court will review the report on November 20, while a committee continues its probe into the incident's causes.

Bihar: Amit Shah promises to reopen all closed sugar mills, hike in Kisan Nidhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged to reopen closed sugar mills in Bihar and establish five new ones, during rallies in Champaran. He promised financial support for Jeevika accounts and an increase in PM-Kisan aid. Shah criticized the opposition, linking them to past governance failures and emphasized the NDA's commitment to preventing the return of 'jungle raj' in Bihar.

Bihar: Campaign ends for frist phase polls for 121 seats; 1,314 candidates in fray

Campaigning for the first phase of Bihar assembly elections, covering 121 seats, concluded on Tuesday. Polls are set for November 6, with 1,314 candidates vying for votes. The ruling NDA and opposition Mahagathbandhan presented their final appeals, focusing on youth employment and welfare promises. Key candidates include Tejashwi Yadav and various ministers. The JD(U) seeks to reclaim seats lost in 2020.