QUICKREADS

Petitions against two PMLA provisions need to stop: Supreme Court

The Indian Supreme Court has said that petitions challenging the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) must stop. The court said that such challenges were already decided in a previous judgment. Section 50 of PMLA deals with the Enforcement Directorate’s powers to summon people for evidence, while Section 63 provides for punishment for giving false testimony. The court made the comments while hearing a batch of petitions filed by people facing probes related to a money laundering investigation into the allotment of liquor licences.

Is election patchwork enough to fix the ‘sorrow’ of Bihar?

In Kundah village, families are evacuating as the Kosi river erodes land, with villagers blaming the government for inadequate measures against avulsion. As elections approach, the Water Resources Department is hastily implementing flood management plans. Historical embankments have failed to prevent flooding and agricultural decline, leading to political tensions and community dissatisfaction with local governance and infrastructure.

30% candidates in fray for phase 2 face criminal charges: ADR report

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms reveals that over 30% of candidates in Bihar's second phase assembly elections have criminal records, with 26% facing serious charges like murder and crimes against women. Among analyzed candidates, 43% are wealthy, declaring assets of ₹5 crore or more. The report flags 73 constituencies as "red alert" due to criminal charges.

HT interview: No matter how hard he tries, no room for Nitish in GA, says Kharge

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted key issues for the Grand Alliance in Bihar's assembly polls, including unemployment, migration, and price rise. He criticized the NDA government's failure to address these concerns and emphasized their promise to provide jobs. Kharge dismissed BJP's claims of improved law and order, pointing to rising crime rates, and reaffirmed support for Tejashwi Yadav as the CM face.

NDA focuses on fine tuning vote transfer after seat reshuffle

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is focusing on over two dozen swapped seats in Bihar for the upcoming elections. Key leaders, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and various alliance partners, aim to ensure smooth vote transfers amidst past alliance challenges. The BJP is optimistic about winning two-thirds of the 243 seats while presenting a united front to counter new entrants like the Jan Suraaj Party.

Shooter among two arrested for murder of Odisha BJP leader

Police have arrested two additional suspects, Kurupati Bhuyan and Uma Shankar Bisoi, in the murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabash Panda. A total of 17 individuals are now in custody. Bhuyan, identified as the shooter, allegedly fired at Panda on October 6. The investigation revealed details of the suspects' escape and clothing disposal.

NDCs can help limit global warming: United Nations’ EP report

The UN's Emissions Gap report warns that full implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) could limit global warming to 2.3-2.5 degrees Celsius. However, current policies may lead to a 2.8-degree increase. Despite potential improvements, achieving the Paris Agreement's goals remains distant, with significant emissions growth observed in major emitters like India and China.

Chaos in BJP meeting in Kanpur Dehat as sitting and former MPs engage in verbal spat

A district-level government review meeting in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, descended into chaos when BJP MP Devendra Singh Bhole and former MP Anil Shukla Warsi engaged in a heated argument, nearly coming to blows. The confrontation, which revolved around local political issues, forced officials to suspend the meeting, leaving the ruling party embarrassed and open to criticism from opposition leaders.

India set to become third-largest economy, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted India's rapid economic growth, predicting it will soon become the world's third-largest economy. Speaking at the Delhi School of Economics, she emphasized the importance of technology and inclusive growth, noting that 25 million people have risen out of poverty. She urged students to focus on India-centric research and engage with local economies.

RJD stands for 'Rangdari', 'Jungle Raj', 'Dadagiri': BJP chief JP Nadda

BJP President JP Nadda criticized the RJD in Madhuban, Bihar, labeling it as synonymous with extortion and lawlessness during the campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections. He praised the NDA government for its developmental progress over the past 20 years and urged voters to choose stability and growth, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming elections on November 6 and 11.

IIT Delhi retains top spot among Indian institutions in QS rankings, 7 Indian institutions in Asia's top 100

The Indian government is focused on enhancing quality education and research, as highlighted by the QS university rankings 2026. IIT Delhi retains its title as India's top institution for the fifth year, ranking 59th in Asia. A total of seven Indian institutions made the top 100, with PM Modi praising the progress in educational rankings.

VIP to support RJD rebel contesting against its own national president

The Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) has announced support for rebel RJD candidate Afzal Ali, who is contesting against VIP's national president Santosh Sahni in Bihar's Gaura Boram seat. This decision comes amid last-minute negotiations and expulsion of Ali for indiscipline. VIP founder Mukesh Sahni expressed confidence in Ali's victory and hinted at a possible Deputy CM position for his party if the INDIA bloc wins.

Passenger train collides with stationary goods train in Bilaspur: What led to the accident?

A passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh, resulting in at least eight deaths and numerous injuries. The incident occurred around 4 pm, with preliminary assessments suggesting the passenger train ignored a danger signal. The Railways has announced compensation for victims and initiated a thorough investigation into the accident.

Bengal man ‘dies by suicide’ over error in identity document amid ongoing SIR

A 30-year-old man in Howrah, West Bengal, died by suicide, reportedly distressed over a spelling error in his identity document amid the electoral roll revision. Jahir Mal had sought corrections but faced challenges, fearing it would affect his citizenship and voter eligibility. Trinamool Congress leaders visited his family to offer support, as concerns about electoral roll omissions grow.

Women should ensure large voter turnout: PM Modi in Bihar

During a virtual meeting with BJP women workers in Bihar, Prime Minister Modi urged them to encourage women voters to participate in the upcoming assembly elections. He emphasized the NDA government's commitment to women's empowerment and highlighted past election turnout trends favoring women. Modi expressed confidence in the NDA's victory while criticizing opposition parties, asserting that development in Bihar is best achieved under NDA leadership.

14-year-old held for attacking woman after she resisted sexual assault in Himachal's Hamirpur

A 14-year-old boy in Himachal Pradesh has been arrested for attacking a 40-year-old woman with a sickle and stick after she resisted his alleged sexual assault. The woman suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized. Police found evidence at the scene, and investigations are ongoing. This incident follows a similar case involving a teenager in Punjab.