Rediff

A 25-year-old undertrial prisoner, Raghavan, escaped from police custody at Coimbatore Central Prison for the second time in 24 hours, and third overall. This incident, following other recent jailbreaks in Tamil Nadu, has triggered a political row, with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticising the ruling TVK. Authorities have announced a comprehensive security audit and suspended four police personnel for negligence.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the bullet train's north corridor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This project, which will be entirely 'Make in India', aims to significantly reduce travel times between major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Guwahati. Vaishnaw also highlighted the launch of new MEMU services in Varanasi and criticised previous governments' railway budgets for Uttar Pradesh.

The Haryana government has ordered a probe into the assault of a six-year-old girl with special needs by an eight-year-old boy inside a government school classroom in Panchkula. Police have registered an FIR against the school administration for alleged negligence, while the Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights also took suo motu cognisance. The government will cover the girl's treatment costs and conduct a safety audit of schools.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela by performing the 'dhwajarohan' ceremony at Ramkund. The mega religious event, which also saw the participation of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Ministers, will span 21 months and include several 'amrut snan' dates, concluding in 2028.

Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Azam Khan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate from Rampur jail in Uttar Pradesh in a money laundering case, immediately after securing bail in an alleged PAN fraud case. He is scheduled to be produced before a special PMLA court in Ghaziabad on Sunday.

Bihar's Education Department has mandated a formal dress code for teachers and non-teaching staff in all educational institutes and banned the use of DJs and disco during campus entertainment programmes. Education Minister Mithlesh Tiwary emphasised the need for discipline and dignity, citing concerns over casual attire and inappropriate entertainment undermining the academic environment.

Delhi Police have dismantled an organised cyber-fraud network that primarily targeted individuals in South India with promises of loans and scholarships. Four individuals have been arrested, and five women telecallers were bound down, with police recovering numerous mobile phones, documents, and cash. The network operated by inducing victims to transfer money into fraudulently arranged bank accounts.

A court in Kochi sentenced two former officials of Steel and Industrial Forgings Ltd (SIFL) to three years' rigorous imprisonment and imposed fines in a corruption case. The case involved manipulating a tender for battle tank components for the Ordnance Factory, Medak, leading to a wrongful loss of Rs 78 lakh to the government. Another company, AMW-MGM Forgings Pvt Ltd, was also fined, while three other accused, including a former General Manager, were acquitted.

A class 9 student in Tumakuru, Karnataka, died by suicide. Her mother alleges the girl was sexually and mentally harassed by a school teacher, who sent obscene messages. The mother had informed the school management, but no immediate action was taken. A case has been registered against the teacher, principal, and school management under POCSO and for abetment of suicide, and the teacher has been arrested.

India secured the women's title at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad, defeating Uganda 35-15. Sakshi led India's scoring with nine raid points, contributing to India's dominant performance throughout the match and the tournament.

Pat Cummins admitted Australia must answer tough questions and consider changes after consecutive heavy defeats against South Africa cost them the series and their No. 1 Test ranking.

Gokulam Kerala FC secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over debutants Samaleswari SC in their Indian Football League opener, with Crislan Da Silva scoring twice, including the winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Samaleswari fought back from a two-goal deficit to level the score before Crislan's late header sealed the win for the two-time champions.

Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC played out a goalless draw in their Indian Super League match at the Marina Arena. Adrian Luna missed a penalty for Chennaiyin, hitting the woodwork, while Kerala Blasters' Irfan Yadwad also struck the crossbar. Kerala Blasters goalkeeper Amrinder Singh made several crucial saves to secure a point for his team, with both sides ending the match with ten men after late red cards.

Manchester United slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea for their ninth straight game without a win, leaving Michael Carrick under mounting pressure and the club near relegation danger.

A man with a Rs 25,000 reward on his head, Rajesh Kumar Shukla, has been arrested in connection with the killing of three family members over a parking dispute in Lucknow. This brings the total number of arrests to seven. The incident also led to the suspension of two police officials and the transfer of four others. Senior officials visited the victims' family, assuring them of a fast-tracked case and support.

Delhi Police has announced elaborate security and traffic arrangements for the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday. Over 4,000 police personnel, along with CAPF companies, will be deployed, with the venue divided into 14 zones and monitored by over 200 CCTV cameras and drones. Traffic diversions are planned, and organisers have been instructed on crowd management and conduct, while local traders express concerns about business disruption.

A local court in Sirmaur district has remanded 11 individuals to judicial custody for 14 days following their arrest in connection with a violent clash between two communities on October 23. The incident at Valmiki Chowk involved a dispute over a welcome gate installation, resulting in injuries to 14 people, including police personnel, and damage to property. Police are investigating the incident, analysing footage, and maintaining strict security in the area.

The Buddh International Circuit (BIC) recently hosted FIA-level racing for the first time in 13 years, sparking discussions about the potential return of Formula 1 to India. While drivers praised the circuit's current condition, organisers suggest 30-40% of the track needs revamping. The return hinges on confirmation from Formula 1 and FIA, alongside addressing financial and governmental support challenges, including tax rebates and significant hosting fees.

The Assam government has transferred two senior police officers who were part of the SIT investigating the Guwahati hotel firing incident, which resulted in five deaths. The transfers are among seven senior police officers moved across the state. The incident involved a dispute between a hotel owner and leaseholder, leading to a shootout. The prime accused, Ghanakanta Gogoi, was arrested, and his wife presented herself to the police.

A man in West Bengal's Alipurduar district has been arrested for allegedly repeatedly raping his minor sister-in-law, resulting in her nearly seven-month pregnancy. The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the survivor's father, and the accused was tracked down after attempting to evade police.

Himachal Pradesh honoured 419 outstanding sportspersons with the Him Ratna 2026 Awards, distributing Rs. 17.85 crore in prize money. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented cheques to athletes excelling in national and international events, including Asian Games medalists and Indian women's kabaddi team members. The state government also announced increased award money, incentives for coaches, and a new 'Khelo Himachal Campaign' to combat drug abuse and promote sports.

Meitei and Naga groups held massive rallies in Manipur, demanding protection for indigenous people and the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with militant groups. The protests follow recent militant ambushes and highlight concerns over non-compliance with the SoO pact amidst ongoing ethnic violence in the state.

A Fast Track Court in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, has sentenced Dawood Ahmad to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl in a 2016 case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000. The case involved a 12-year-old victim who was sexually assaulted and threatened, subsequently giving birth to a child.

Shillong Lajong FC secured a 1-0 victory over Mohammedan SC in their Indian Football League opener at Kalyani Stadium on Saturday. Substitute Nelson Rymbai scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute, following a dominant performance by Shillong Lajong who created numerous opportunities throughout the match.

Double Olympic medallist P V Sindhu secured her spot in the Hylo Open Super 500 final, defeating compatriot Anmol Kharb in straight games. Sindhu's dominant performance, marked by her attacking game and experience, led to a 21-13, 21-16 victory in the semifinals. This marks Sindhu's second consecutive final appearance in as many weeks, following her runner-up finish at the French Open.

Pope Leo XIV welcomed his alma mater Villanova and rivals Notre Dame at the Vatican, joking about divided college loyalties ahead of their basketball clashes in Rome on Sunday.

A head clerk of Ayroor Grama Panchayat in Kerala was arrested by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly accepting a Rs 5,000 bribe from a fish trader. The clerk had demanded money to avoid penalising the trader for operating an unlicensed business, despite the trader's pending licence transfer application.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah married journalist Nidhi Razdan at a private ceremony on Friday. The CM shared glimpses from his wedding on his X. In the pictures, the couple can be seen posing for the camera with beaming smiles.

The INDIA bloc conducted a symbolic public impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of operating under the influence of the Modi government and threatening voting rights. Led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and presided over by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, the event saw leaders demand Kumar's removal, the repeal of the 2023 law governing election commissioner appointments, and an end to the Special Intensive Revision exercise, alleging intentional

A case has been registered against Sushil Karad, son of controversial politician Walmik Karad, and two others for allegedly molesting a woman, assaulting her family, and seizing their property in Beed. The FIR was filed by Solapur police following a High Court order, after local police initially failed to register the complaint.

A special MCOCA court in Mumbai has remanded Amar Mundiya, the 12th accused in the Tiger Shroff firing case, to police custody until November 6. Mundiya is accused of transferring money to co-accused, and his custody is deemed essential for further investigation into the financial transactions and digital applications used by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang members involved in the October 18 incident.

Indian golfer Pranavi Urs experienced a difficult third round at the Wistron Ladies Open in Chinese Taipei, carding a 1-over 73. This performance caused her to slip to tied 23rd position at 5-under 211. Home favourite Ching Huang took a one-shot lead after an impressive 7-under 65, while Urs struggled with windy conditions but managed to limit damage with late birdies.

New Zealander Zack Swanwick has taken a two-stroke lead in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship after a second consecutive four-under 67 in Saturday's third round. Swanwick is now seven under par, ahead of defending champion Fifa Laopakdee and fellow Kiwi Cooper Moore. Indian golfers Anshul Mishra, Arkesh Bhatia, and Ribhav Verma missed the cut. Swanwick, a University of Florida junior, expressed confidence heading into the final round, aiming to become the first New Zealander to win the event.

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh stated that the controversy over the national team's jersey colour change to saffron before the World Cup was unnecessary. He claimed that federation president Dilip Tirkey was aware of the decision, contradicting Tirkey's earlier denial. Bhola Nath asserted the change was based on player and team management preference and criticised the timing of the dispute.

India's top-ranked player Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli are set to compete in the WTA 250 Chennai Open, facing tough international opponents in the first round. Seventeen-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi also has a challenging draw. This marks the final edition of the Chennai Open as the WTA 250 slot moves to Manila next year. Meanwhile, all four Indian players in the qualifying rounds were eliminated.

Police in Lohardaga, Jharkhand, arrested eight inter-district drug peddlers and seized 98 grams of brown sugar worth Rs 20 lakh. The arrests were made during a raid on an under-construction house, and an SUV was also confiscated. An FIR has been registered under the NDPS Act.

Two schoolgirls were injured in Anantapur district's Raptadu on Saturday after a man barged into their classroom with a chainsaw and attacked them, the police said.

The Delhi Police conducted 'shuddh prahar', a 10-day operation in northeast Delhi, leading to the arrest of 569 individuals for various criminal activities ahead of the festive season. The crackdown resulted in significant recoveries, including remote radio units worth Rs 4 crore, over 800 kg of firecrackers, and 221.5 kg of adulterated ghee, alongside arrests for murder, theft, drug peddling, and gambling.

Meghalaya Police arrested two individuals and seized heroin valued at approximately Rs 60 lakh in West Garo Hills. The operation, conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, also led to the seizure of cars and mobile phones, with officials suspecting an inter-state drug trafficking network.

A woman and her 16-year-old son were found dead in separate rooms of their house in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Police suspect suicide, but the circumstances are under investigation. The woman's husband had died three years ago.

On October 31, 2026, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the hugely popular outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, inspected the ceremonial guard of honour and paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Excise officials in Palghar district, Maharashtra, seized foreign liquor valued at Rs 6.07 lakh. The consignment, intended for sale exclusively in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, was found concealed in a secret compartment of a pickup truck on Saturday. The driver has been charged under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.

The WTA 250 Chennai Open will conclude this year as India lost its slot to the Philippines. Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj revealed that the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association is now aiming to host three to four WTA 125 events in January-February 2028 to provide more opportunities for Indian players. The move was influenced by Chennai's monsoon season and the rise of a Filipino tennis star.

Two agricultural labourers were arrested in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang district for allegedly killing a 55-year-old farmer in Rani village on October 30. The police launched a search operation and apprehended the suspects on Saturday morning.

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has taken over as the new Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A P Singh. An accomplished fighter pilot with extensive experience, Dixit brings a distinguished career spanning four decades to his new role, having held various command and staff appointments.

The Odisha government launched a search operation for 12 people who went missing after a rain-triggered landslide struck a village bordering Ganjam and Kandhamal districts a day ago, officials said on Saturday.

The Indian Olympic Association has released a Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Athletes' Commission and Sportspersons of Merit elections. The code prohibits criticism of private lives, bans all forms of publicity including social media, and mandates neutrality from IOA and NSF office-bearers, aiming for fair and ethical campaigning.

The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 31.70 crore and filed a supplementary prosecution complaint against 17 individuals in connection with the alleged misappropriation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds in Chhattisgarh. The scam, which occurred during the previous Bhupesh Baghel-led government, involved an organised syndicate siphoning off funds through inflated procurement costs and illegal commissions.

Police in Ludhiana have arrested Sandeep Singh in connection with a staged firing incident at Gurdwara Gopalsar Sahib. The event was allegedly orchestrated by Baba Amarjit Singh of the gurdwara to obtain police protection. Sandeep Singh fired two rounds and dropped a threatening letter on October 27, using an illegal weapon. Police are now searching for Baba Amarjit Singh.

West Indies secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Mirpur, chasing down 170 on the fourth day to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.