QUICKREADS

Mumbai to Ratnagiri in 4 hours, four ticket options: All about the Ro-Ro ferry

New Ro-Ro ferry service will connect Mumbai to Konkan, reducing travel time from 10-12 hours to 3-6 hours. Four ticket classes ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹9,000 available. Vehicles can also be transported. Service starts September 1st.

India-Japan partnership enhances Indo-Pacific strategic stability: Jaishankar

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the India-Japan partnership in enhancing strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific amid rising complexities. He emphasized the need for both nations to strengthen supply chains and invest in technology sectors. The partnership, marked by a recent joint vision, aims to tackle shared responsibilities and evolving global challenges.

Paratrooper injured in gunfight between terrorists and security forces in J&K's Kishtwar

A paratrooper was injured during a gun battle between terrorists and security forces in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday. The injured soldier was airlifted to a hospital in Udhampur for treatment.

Absence of Saptapadi does not exclude marriage from Hindu Marriage Act: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court ruled that the absence of the Saptapadi ritual does not invalidate a Hindu marriage or exclude it from the Hindu Marriage Act. The court upheld a family court's decision, emphasizing that Hindu marriages can be valid based on community customs, recognizing the diversity of matrimonial practices among Hindu groups.

Amid wait for ‘hydrogen bomb’, Rahul Gandhi to hold press conference in Delhi today

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will hold a press conference on Wednesday, hinting at a significant revelation regarding his allegations of electoral irregularities, described as a "hydrogen bomb." During the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra,' he criticized the BJP for attempting to undermine India's Constitution and vowed to expose what he calls "vote theft," asserting it threatens democracy and citizens' rights.

Veteran Congress leader HY Meti dies at 79

Senior Congress leader Hullappa Yamanappa Meti, 79, passed away in Bengaluru after battling kidney ailments. A five-term MLA from Bagalkot, he was influential in Karnataka politics, having served as forest and excise minister. Meti was known for his grassroots connections and played a crucial role in local political strategies. His death has drawn widespread condolences from political leaders.

'Saw bodies right in front of me': Survivors recount Chhattisgarh train tragedy; 11 dead

A passenger train collided with a goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, resulting in 11 fatalities and 20 injuries. The crash was severe, with a passenger coach atop a goods wagon. Survivors described chaotic scenes of panic and horror as the collision occurred suddenly, leading to multiple injuries and the tragic loss of lives, including the loco pilot.

2023 Malur poll votes to be recounted on Nov 11

The state election commission will recount votes in Malur on November 11, following a Supreme Court directive. This comes after BJP's Manjunath Gowda contested the narrow defeat by 248 votes to Congress's K.Y. Nanjegowda, alleging counting irregularities. The recount has heightened political tensions in Kolar district, with both parties preparing for a closely monitored process.

Amid rejig buzz, Cong high command treads carefully

The Congress high command is exercising caution regarding potential leadership changes in Karnataka, awaiting the outcome of the Bihar elections. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized stability over speculation, while party insiders noted that feedback from state legislators is being gathered. Internal discussions suggest that the Bihar results may influence any future decisions on leadership transitions.

SC seeks EC response on plea asking parties to disclose rules, donations

The Supreme Court has requested the Election Commission of India to respond to a plea advocating for political parties to disclose their governing documents and contributions. Filed by BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, the application highlights concerns over money laundering by political parties. The case will be heard again on January 9.

Key Delhi air monitor went dark in peak farm fire week

The Delhi government's pollution tracking system, the Decision Support System (DSS), went silent for four days in early November, missing crucial data on stubble burning's contribution to air pollution. When updated, it reported significantly lower contributions than previous years. Experts criticize the DSS for relying on outdated data and highlight ongoing monitoring failures, raising concerns about transparency and pollution management.

‘They speak frequently’: White House says Trump-Modi trade talks continue

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump maintains regular communication with Prime Minister Modi and that serious trade discussions with India are ongoing. She expressed Trump's positive sentiments towards India-US citizenship and highlighted the respect he has for Modi. Leavitt also dismissed allegations of voter intimidation related to Trump as baseless.

Northeast leaders announce new political party to ‘protect’ rights of indigenous people

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and leaders from Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland announced the formation of a new political party aimed at safeguarding the rights of indigenous people. The party, still unnamed, will unite their respective parties and focus on issues like land rights and immigration. A committee will detail the party's structure within 45 days.

Manipur: Four militants killed, one arrested in Churachandpur gunfight

In a morning raid in Manipur's Churachandpur district, security forces killed four insurgents from the banned Kuki group UKNA and arrested one. The operation, involving the Assam Rifles and 21 Para SF, was in response to recent violence by the group. UKNA condemned the attack, claiming the insurgents were asleep. The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.

Trace Mahadev app case accused Uppal: SC to ED

The Supreme Court directed the Enforcement Directorate to intensify efforts to locate Mahadev betting app co-founder Ravi Uppal, who has fled Dubai. The court expressed concern over white-collar criminals manipulating legal processes and urged Uppal to return to India to face charges related to a ₹6,000 crore betting syndicate. His extradition proceedings are complicated by his recent escape.

137 Indian institutions in QS rankings but none in top 50

No Indian university made it to the top 50 in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, released recently. Despite a significant rise in the number of Indian institutions ranked (294 total), major IITs have seen declines in their positions. India ranks second in additions to the list, following China, while several universities achieved their highest rankings.