QUICKREADS

ISRO to launch India’s heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 today

ISRO is set to launch the Indian Navy's GSAT 7R (CMS-03) communication satellite on Sunday at 5:26 PM from Sriharikota. Weighing approximately 4,400 kg, it will be India's heaviest communication satellite, enhancing the Navy's maritime communication capabilities. The launch, featuring the LVM3 vehicle, will be streamed live on ISRO’s YouTube channel.

‘India Gate disappeared’: AAP, Congress take potshot as very poor AQI, smog choke Delhi

AAP accused the Delhi government of tampering with air quality data by spraying water around monitoring stations to show lower AQI readings. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi criticized the severe pollution in Delhi, urging political unity for action. Social media users expressed outrage over marathons held amid deteriorating air quality, while Congress and Shiv Sena leaders echoed concerns over the situation.

‘OMG they were playing till 12’: BJP's dig at Mamata Banerjee after Indian women cricket team's World Cup win

Mamata Banerjee faced backlash after suggesting that private institutions should restrict students from going out late following a rape case involving a medical student. The BJP criticized her for the comments after she praised the Indian women's cricket team for their World Cup win, highlighting the contradiction in her statements about late-night activities.

Himachal: Woman alleges harassment by BJP MLA, he says she is 'like my daughter'

A woman in Himachal Pradesh accused BJP MLA Hansraj of harassment, threatening her family, and sending obscene messages, claims he denies as attempts to incite communal tension. She filed an FIR last year and posted a video alleging pressure to withdraw her complaint. Hansraj refuted the accusations, suggesting they aim to damage his reputation and hinder regional development.

22-year-old kills man for not allowing daughter to marry him in Greater Noida

A 22-year-old man, Deepak Goswami, was arrested in Greater Noida for allegedly murdering 45-year-old Mahipal after his marriage proposal to Mahipal's daughter was rejected. The two had met online two years prior. Police engaged six teams in the investigation, leading to Goswami's arrest on Sunday.

ED attaches 40 properties worth ₹3,000 crore of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group

The Enforcement Directorate has attached 40 properties valued at ₹3,000 crore, including the Ambani family's Mumbai residence, amid a money laundering probe involving the Reliance Group. The investigation reveals fund diversion linked to Reliance Home Finance and Reliance Commercial Finance, with allegations of mismanaged loans and violations of financial regulations.

Why ISRO's mission with 'Bahubali rocket' LVM3 is a heavyweight, beyond its 4,400 kg lift

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, weighing 4,400 kg, aboard the indigenous LVM3-M5 rocket from Sriharikota. Designed for 15 years of service, CMS-03 enhances maritime communication and national security in the Indian Ocean Region, featuring advanced technologies and encryption capabilities. ISRO’s achievement showcases India's growing self-reliance in space technology.

Pune: Forest depart orders shooting of leopard after teen’s death in Shirur

The Maharashtra forest department has issued an emergency shoot order for a leopard that killed a 13-year-old boy in Pune's Shirur area, following public protests. This marks a rare decision in the Junnar forest division, known for human-leopard conflicts. Villagers expressed outrage over repeated attacks, prompting increased safety measures and tracking efforts, while wildlife experts caution against such drastic actions.

RSS, DSS seek nod to hold march on Nov 4 in Karnataka

Tensions rise in Karnataka's Yadgir district as the RSS and Dalit Sangharsh Samiti seek permits for separate marches on November 4. A mediation meeting failed to resolve the conflict over the RSS's use of sticks in their uniform. Minister Priyank Kharge criticized the RSS for lacking proper permissions and raised concerns about public safety, amid ongoing court proceedings regarding a similar event.

BJP leaders carry out signature campaign, silent protest against Bengaluru tunnel road project

The Karnataka BJP, led by R. Ashoka, is campaigning against Bengaluru's Tunnel Road project, labeling it elitist and environmentally harmful. Ashoka criticized the Congress government's prioritization of the project over practical traffic solutions, urging instead for Metro expansion. The opposition's rally drew significant crowds, and they launched a petition to scrap the project, citing fiscal irresponsibility and lack of transparency.

IUML distances itself from leader’s remarks on CM

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Kerala distanced itself from derogatory remarks made by state general secretary PMA Salam about Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. IUML leaders emphasized the importance of respectful political discourse, condemning Salam's personal insults. Despite the backlash, Salam has not issued an apology or retracted his comments.

Former MLA to be Congress mayoral candidate in Thiruvananthapuram

Congress leader KS Sabarinathan has been announced as the party's mayoral candidate for the upcoming Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation polls. Senior leader K Muraleedharan revealed that 48 candidates, including Sabarinathan, have been selected for the election, which is expected to occur in November-December. The Congress aims to strengthen its position in the council, currently holding only 10 of 101 seats.

Delhi AQI stays 'very poor', likely to worsen this week: What's behind the air quality drop?

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' on Monday with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 324, following a Sunday AQI of 366. Weak winds trapped pollutants, causing many monitoring stations to record levels above 300. Neighbouring NCR cities also reported 'very poor' air quality. Experts warn that conditions may not improve until November 4, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

Opposition pins hope on Rahul to woo Dalit, EBC voters in Bihar

At a rally in Bihar, Rahul Gandhi emphasized that a future Mahagathbandhan government would prioritize the most backward classes, minorities, and poor general castes. His strategy aims to attract Dalit and Extremely Backward Class votes, positioning him as a leader committed to social justice, despite challenges from the ruling NDA and its strong Dalit leadership.

NTA clarifies no calculator use during JEE Main examination

The National Testing Agency (NTA) clarified that no onscreen calculator will be available during the JEE Main 2026 exam, reversing an earlier announcement due to a typographic error. The use of calculators is prohibited in this exam, which is crucial for engineering and architecture admissions. The online application process is open until November 27, 2025.

India to host Unesco panel meet in December

India will host the 20th session of Unesco’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at Delhi's Red Fort from December 8-13. Over 1,000 delegates will attend, focusing on India's cultural submissions of Deepawali and Chhath Puja. This marks the 20th anniversary of India's ratification of the 2003 Convention and highlights cultural diplomacy efforts.