Delhi air pollution hits dangerous levels
Toxic air pollution in New Delhi surged to more than 30 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily limit on Nov 4, AFP reported.
PM2.5 concentrations exceeded 461 micrograms per cubic metre in parts of the capital. Despite restrictions on traffic and construction, conditions remain hazardous.
Pollution could worsen during Deepavali on Nov 8, with limited use of green firecrackers permitted.
Actor Imran Khan allowed to stay
The Bombay High Court has allowed Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American citizen, to remain in India until Dec 7 after he apologised for participating in an election-related protest.
The 43-year-old had been ordered to leave by Oct 28 for allegedly violating immigration rules.
According to LiveLaw, Imran agreed not to participate in, encourage or instigate further protests, as directed by the court.
Woman bus conductor dies after fare dispute
A 24-year-old Telangana bus conductor died on Nov 3 after allegedly being pushed from a moving bus during a fare dispute.
Ms Gundla Pravalika suffered critical injuries near Mittagudem village on Oct 25 when she fell under the vehicle’s rear wheels.
According to IANS, passenger Mounika allegedly pushed her following an argument over her son’s ticket fare and change. Ms Pravalika died in a Hyderabad hospital.
Two foreigners die in Bengaluru hotel pool
A German flight crew member and a Slovak business manager died following an incident at the swimming pool of Conrad Bengaluru Hotel.
Local media reported on Oct 31 that police suspected electrocution, although the cause remains unconfirmed.
One victim was declared dead on arrival at Manipal Hospital, while the other could not be revived. The hotel said it was cooperating with investigators.
Cybercrime agency warns banks of AI cyberattacks
The national cybercrime agency has warned financial institutions about increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks using artificial intelligence.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre said AI agents were enabling financially motivated attacks at unprecedented speeds. The warning follows recent breaches, including a leak affecting 3,900 State Bank of India customers.
The Reserve Bank of India has also sought details of banks’ cybersecurity preparedness and compliance measures, Reuters reported.
Deleted voters can re-enrol, says Election Commission
The Election Commission has clarified that voters removed during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls can apply for re-inclusion using Form 6 without facing penalties.
The clarification follows concerns that the form requires applicants to declare themselves first-time voters.
The controversial revision has resulted in millions of deletions, prompting opposition allegations of electoral manipulation and demands for greater transparency.
Agniveers may receive two-year service extension
The government is reportedly preparing to offer Agniveer soldiers (young men and women recruited into the Indian Armed Forces under a short-service agreement) a voluntary two-year service extension, according to the Hindustan Times.
The announcement is expected before the first batch completes its four-year tenure in December 2026.
More than 18,300 personnel are scheduled to leave under the Agnipath recruitment scheme, introduced in 2022. Currently, only 25 per cent can enter regular military service.
