Cyclone Arnab kills three in Andhra Pradesh
At least three people died as Cyclone Arnab struck Andhra Pradesh on Oct 28, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds.
Classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, it damaged at least 180 houses, uprooted 220 trees and disrupted electricity supplies, reported Reuters.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah of the destruction as thousands were evacuated.
Media groups challenge privacy law in Supreme Court
Twenty-one Indian news publishers have challenged the government’s privacy legislation in the Supreme Court, warning that it could threaten investigative journalism and force newsrooms to close.
The groups argued that requiring journalists to obtain consent from people featured in reports amounts to pre-censorship. They also fear the legislation could expose confidential sources, Reuters reported.
Rahul Gandhi acquitted in defamation case
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was acquitted in a defamation case by a court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Oct 26.
The case stemmed from his 2018 election speech allegedly describing Bharatiya Janata Party leader Amit Shah as a “murder accused”, reported Reuters.
Supporters celebrated outside the court with drums, firecrackers and party flags as Mr Rahul emerged following the verdict.
Protesters clash with police over Himalayan dam
Violent protests against a proposed 11,200-megawatt dam in Arunachal Pradesh left around 40 police personnel injured, reported Reuters.
Demonstrators vandalised government buildings, police facilities and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation offices on Oct 23.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged dialogue instead of violence.
India considers the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project strategically important amid China’s massive upstream hydropower development in Tibet.
Govt orders probe after Cheetah shot dead
The Union government had ordered a high-level investigation after a 19-month-old cheetah died from gunshot injuries in Madhya Pradesh.
The animal, born under India’s cheetah reintroduction programme, was found wounded outside Kuno National Park, reported NDTV.
Veterinarians recovered five firearm pellets during surgery, but it subsequently died. The government promised swift action against those responsible.
Heatwaves cost India US$174 billion in lost earnings
Extreme heat cost Indian workers an estimated US$174 billion (S$222 billion)in potential earnings in 2025, equivalent to 4.2 per cent of GDP, according to the latest Lancet Countdown report.
Agriculture accounted for 54 per cent of losses.
The study warned that rising temperatures threaten livelihoods, productivity and health, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Jio platforms becomes India’s second-most valuable listed company
Shares of Mukesh Ambani-backed Jio Platforms surged more than 21 per cent on its stock market debut, making it India’s second-most valuable listed company.
The telecommunications giant serves over 530 million customers and counts Meta and Google among its investors.
The listing marks Reliance Industries’ first major stock market flotation in two decades.
Singapore investors propose high-tech township near Noida Airport
A 14-member Singapore business delegation has proposed developing a high-tech industrial township, tentatively called “Singapore City”, near Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh.
During discussions with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the investors expressed interest in semiconductors, logistics, data centres, renewable energy, urban planning and hospitality, reported NDTV.
The delegation was led by the Singapore Business Federation.
Tamil Nadu minister rejects corruption allegations
Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S. Keerthana has denied allegations linking her to a Rs3 crore (S$400,000) bribery demand involving the Thiruthangal railway overbridge project in Sivakasi.
Calling the accusations baseless and malicious, she threatened legal action against those spreading them, reported NDTV.
The minister, serving in Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s government, insisted she had never demanded or accepted bribes.
Bread manufacturer fined over misleading whole wheat claim
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has fined Sunrise Foods Rs100,000 for advertising its Everyday bread as “100% Whole Wheat Bread” despite containing only 64 per cent whole wheat.
The regulator ordered the company to withdraw misleading advertisements and submit a compliance report within 15 days.
Indian regulations require at least 75 per cent whole wheat flour for such labelling.
Airlines resist early shift to Navi Mumbai Airport
Airlines have sought additional time to transfer international flights from Mumbai’s existing airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport ahead of Terminal 1 redevelopment.
According to the Hindustan Times, carriers opposed changes before the winter 2027 schedule, citing operational planning requirements.
Around 50 representatives from 35 airlines attended discussions with airport authorities over the proposed transition.
All 17 prisoners recaptured after Tamil Nadu jailbreak
Police have recaptured all 17 prisoners who escaped from Thekkampatti sub-jail near Andipatti in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district on Oct 26. The final four were apprehended or surrendered on Oct 28, reported the Hindustan Times.
Investigators said the inmates allegedly overpowered guards after one feigned an epileptic seizure. Nine prison personnel, including two wardens, have been suspended.
Eleven re-arrested under organised crime law in Tiger Shroff case
Mumbai police have re-arrested 11 suspects under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act in connection with the Oct 18 shooting targeting actor Tiger Shroff’s car.
Two gunmen allegedly fired five rounds near a football ground in Juhu.
Tiger escaped largely unhurt, but his driver and a bystander sustained injuries. A special court approved the police application.
Airlines told to alert passengers ahead of winter fog
The Civil Aviation Ministry has directed airlines to promptly notify passengers about flight delays, cancellations and revised departure times during the winter fog season, expected from Dec 15 to Feb 15.
Updates must be provided through SMS, email and mobile applications, reported NDTV.
Airlines must also strengthen airport help desks, while aviation regulators will monitor low-visibility operational preparedness.
