QUICKREADS

RBI repo rate pause brings relief to home buyers, real estate sector

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the repo rate of 6.5% unchanged, giving the real estate industry a boost. The rate is the interest at which the central bank lends money to commercial banks. This follows six consecutive rate hikes since February aimed at controlling inflation, which had pushed home loan interest rates up to 9.5%. The real estate sector had anticipated a 25 basis point hike. Niranjan Hiranandani of the National Real Estate Development Council said the RBI's move would "boost a demand rally in real estate".

Vishwas Patil elected president of 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan

Acclaimed author Vishwas Patil unanimously elected president of the 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. The four-day event in Satara from January 1-4, 2026, will focus on literary discussions, book exhibitions, and cultural exchanges.

Rahul Gandhi to visit flood-hit Punjab today

Rahul Gandhi will visit flood-affected areas in Punjab's Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot districts. He'll tour damaged villages, meet locals, and assess flood impact. The state has suffered 56 deaths and extensive crop damage, with PM Modi previously announcing ₹1,600 crore relief.

Punjab: Son of SAD leader Kaypee dies in Jalandhar mishap

Richi Kaypee, 36, son of SAD leader Mohinder Singh Kaypee, died in a four-car collision in Jalandhar. A speeding Hyundai Creta hit his Toyota Fortuner, causing fatal injuries. Police registered a case against the unidentified Creta driver.

70 pedestrians deaths in city in last 9 months

In nine months, Pune recorded 70 pedestrian deaths, averaging eight monthly. Causes include reckless driving, footpath encroachments, and poor infrastructure. Citizens demand urgent safety measures, petitioning authorities to address road hazards and protect pedestrian rights.

Iron jack falls from Bhayandar metro; ₹10-lakh penalty imposed on contractor

An iron jack fell from a metro construction site in Bhayandar, causing no injuries. MMRDA imposed a ₹10-lakh penalty on the contractor, blacklisted the subcontractor, and removed responsible personnel, emphasizing safety protocols.

Mumbai Post Authority awaits green nod to reclaim 13.14 hectares of sea at Jawahar Dweep

Mumbai Port Authority plans to reclaim 4.14 hectares of sea at Jawahar Dweep for crude oil storage facilities. Green activists warn of potential shoreline pressure and flooding risks. Phase 2 involves additional 9 hectares, with project cost estimated at Rs 25 crore.

Heavy rain leads to waterlogging in Hyderabad, two feared washed away

Heavy rain in Hyderabad led to water-logging and traffic snarls, with two individuals feared washed away in a nala. The downpour caused significant rainfall in various areas, prompting search operations for the missing persons. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation is actively managing the situation, while the IMD warns of continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the region.

Rail boost for Kashmir apples brings cheer to growers, traders

Rail connectivity to Kashmir boosts apple transportation, with trains efficiently moving goods from Anantnag to Delhi. Parcel trains offer quick, cost-effective transport for traders and fruit growers, significantly improving the Valley's economic prospects.

Ludhiana: Six booked for damaging idols

Six individuals were booked for vandalizing religious idols during a land possession dispute in Ludhiana. The accused damaged temple items and used offensive language, prompting an FIR under multiple sections targeting religious sentiments and potential atrocities.

Ludhiana: Sewage in streets a health concern

Ludhiana residents face severe sewage flooding in multiple neighborhoods, with over 40,000 people affected by a blocked main sewer line. Contaminated water has entered homes, causing health risks and distress, while municipal authorities struggle to identify and resolve the blockage.

AAP forms legal team to challenge arrest of its lone MLA Mehraj Malik in J&K

AAP forms a 10-member legal team to challenge the arrest of MLA Mehraj Malik under Public Safety Act in J&K. Malik was detained for allegedly disturbing public order, sparking protests and reactions from opposition leaders demanding his release.

3 arrested for sexually assaulting two minor sisters in MP’s Singrauli: Police

Three men were arrested in Singrauli, MP, for sexually assaulting two minor sisters after stopping their motorcycle, beating their brother-in-law, and attempting to kill the victims. The girls survived and reported the incident to police.

Manipur: Women’s body urges governor for ‘free movement’ on NH-2

Women's group Imagi Meira demands free movement on NH-2, giving Manipur's governor 10 days to implement the central government's agreement for safe passage of commuters and essential goods across Kangpokpi district.

FM Sitharaman to inaugurate Brihaspati Kund in Ayodhya

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate Brihaspati Kund in Ayodhya on October 8, featuring statues of South Indian musicians. The renovated sacred pond aims to showcase Ayodhya's cultural diversity and spiritual heritage to pilgrims.

Bank manager, 3 aides land in STF net for loan fraud

Bank manager Gaurav Singh and three accomplices arrested by UP STF for massive loan fraud, forging documents and misusing bank systems to sanction fake Mudra and auto loans, diverting ₹25 lakh to shell companies through sophisticated cyber scam.