Kerala will officially be declared free from extreme poverty on November 1, 2025. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will announce this at a function in Thiruvananthapuram’s Central Stadium. Actors Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Kamal Haasan will attend as special guests.   The program started in 2021 to help 64,006 extremely poor families. The government provided houses, land, essential documents, and repairs to thousands of families. Out of the total, 59,277 families have been lifted from extreme poverty. The initiative combined existing government schemes with special programs and included social audits and geo-tagging of houses.   Minister M.B. Rajesh credited all local bodies for the success.

On October 22, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposed extending special provisions to Ladakh under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution. This move aims to address local demands for greater autonomy and protection of land, jobs, and cultural identity. Article 371 allows for decentralised governance and administrative autonomy, and is currently applicable in 12 states. However, Ladakh civil society groups, including the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, continue to advocate for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which would grant more extensive self-governance powers. The MHA has not yet provided specific timelines for implementing these provisions. (PC: The Hindu)

In a significant joint operation by Delhi and Bihar Police, four members of the infamous Ranjan Pathak gang were gunned down during an encounter in Rohini, Delhi, on October 23, 2025. The deceased—Ranjan Pathak (25), Bimlesh Mahto (25), Manish Pathak (33), and Aman Thakur (21)—were wanted for multiple murders and armed robberies in Bihar. Acting on intelligence that the gang was planning a major crime ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, police laid a trap. When intercepted, the gang members opened fire, leading to a retaliatory shootout. All four were declared dead at Dr. BSA Hospital. Police are investigating possible links to other criminal networks.

President Droupadi Murmu made history on 22 October 2025 by offering prayers at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, becoming the first woman head of state to do so. She is only the second President of India to visit the shrine after V. V. Giri. Arriving at Pamba on the morning, she carried the traditional ‘irumudikkettu’ bundle, climbed the 18 sacred steps (‘Pathinettam padi’), and followed all customs with humility and devotion. Her visit during a four-day tour of Kerala carries deep symbolism, reflecting both respect for tradition and inclusive national leadership. (PC: X)    

An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Srinagar made a priority landing at Varanasi airport on Wednesday evening after a suspected fuel issue. Flight 6E6961, carrying 166 passengers, landed safely around 4:10 pm, officials said. Sources revealed that a faulty sensor caused a false alarm of fuel leakage, prompting the precautionary landing. The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, was grounded for inspection, and another plane was arranged for passengers to continue their journey. IndiGo confirmed all passengers were safe. Airport authorities praised the pilot’s quick action and coordination with Air Traffic Control for ensuring a safe landing. (PC: Mint)

A 27-year-old woman was gangraped and her family robbed during an armed attack at their home in Bengaluru’s Gangondanahalli area on Tuesday night. Police said five men entered the house pretending to be “police informants” and later assaulted the woman and stole ₹25,000 and two phones. Three of the accused — Karthik, Glen, and Suyoga — have been arrested, while two others are on the run. A deputy SP is leading the investigation, and three special teams have been formed. The woman’s condition is stable, police said. A case has been registered under gang rape and robbery charges. (PC: HT)

Delhi’s plan to create artificial rain to reduce pollution remains delayed even after the post-Diwali air quality spike. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the India Meteorological Department found no suitable clouds yet for the cloud seeding trial. The project, led by IIT Kanpur, has all permissions and funds cleared, and an aircraft is ready in Meerut. The trial will begin once the weather allows. Approved by 23 departments, the experiment has faced repeated delays since July due to monsoon changes and shifting weather. Officials say it will start immediately when suitable clouds appear. (PC: HT)

President Droupadi Murmu made history by becoming the first woman President of India to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. She is only the second President to visit the shrine, after VV Giri in the 1970s. The visit comes years after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. Dressed in a black saree, President Murmu carried the sacred ‘irumudi’ and climbed the 18 holy steps to the sanctum. Her visit was part of a four-day tour of Kerala and was praised by leaders for its faith and symbolism. (PC: India Today)

A Muslim family has captured hearts nationwide by celebrating Diwali on a local street with their children, lighting diyas and sparklers in pure joy. Shared by Times Now, the video showcases the family’s infectious happiness and their embrace of the Festival of Lights, demonstrating love, inclusivity, and cultural harmony beyond religious boundaries. Neighbors and online viewers alike have applauded their beautiful gesture, praising it as a symbol of unity, togetherness, and positivity. This celebration reminds everyone that the spirit of Diwali—light over darkness, hope over despair, and community over division—belongs to all. A truly uplifting moment!

The Karnataka Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered a voter deletion scam in the Aland constituency, revealing that data centre operators were paid ₹80 per fraudulent voter deletion application submitted to the Election Commission ahead of the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. A total of 6,018 such applications were made between December 2022 and February 2023, amounting to ₹4.8 lakh in payments. The SIT's investigation has identified a data centre operated by Mohammed Ashfaq and Md Akram in Kalaburagi, with links to BJP leader Subhash Guttedar, who lost the 2023 election in Aland to Congress's B R Patil.