At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai, customs officers intercepted two major smuggling attempts. In the first case, a passenger arriving from Bangkok was found carrying two baby Silvery Gibbon apes—one alive and one dead—hidden inside a basket in a trolley bag. The gibbons are an endangered species. In the second case, officers seized 7.97 kg of alleged hydroponic marijuana worth approximately ₹8 crore, also arriving from Bangkok via checked baggage. Both individuals have been arrested under relevant wildlife and narcotics laws. (PC: X)

In a dramatic incident in Mumbai, filmmaker Rohit Arya held 19 people — including 17 children — hostage in his Powai studio, demanding ₹2.4 crore from the Maharashtra government for his sanitation-project work. He contacted actor Ruchita Vijay Jadhav days earlier under the guise of discussing a film, according to her Instagram post. Police ended the crisis by fatally shooting Arya when he aimed a gun at a child; the hostages were safely freed. The government later clarified it owed him nothing and alleged he had collected fees from schools in the sanitation drive. (PC: NDTV)  

Former Indian cricket captain and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in the Telangana cabinet under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on 31 October 2025, bringing the total number of ministers to 16. His induction is viewed as a strategic move by the Congress to strengthen its appeal among minorities and urban voters in Hyderabad, particularly before the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-poll. The BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, questioning the timing of his appointment and alleging that it violates the model code of conduct. (PC: The Hindu)

In a tense standoff in Mumbai’s Powai area, police rescued 17 children and several adults who were held hostage inside a recording studio by aspiring filmmaker Rohit Arya. The accused had reportedly called the children for fake web series auditions over the past few days and later locked them inside. During the standoff, Arya released a video claiming he sought “moral answers,” not money, and threatened violence if interrupted. After two hours of negotiation, Mumbai Police safely rescued all hostages and arrested Arya. Investigations are underway to determine his motive and mental state. (PC: X)  

Thousands displaced by Manipur's 2023 ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities face uncertain futures as the government plans closing all relief camps by December. The clashes, sparked by Meitei demands for tribal status, killed 260 people and displaced 60,000. Prime Minister Modi announced 7,000 new homes during his first visit since violence began, but didn't specify locations. Manipur remains divided: Meiteis inhabit Imphal Valley, Kukis occupy surrounding hills, with security forces patrolling buffer zones. Many Kukis fear returning home, preferring separate federally-administered territory, while most Meiteis want returning. Residents complain about inadequate healthcare, mental health support, and livelihood opportunities. Experts warn resettlement failures could permanently redraw Manipur's social map. (PC: BBC)

Rohit Arya, shot dead by Mumbai police after holding 17 children hostage for 3.5 hours at a Powai audition theatre, claimed the Maharashtra education department owed him ₹2 crore in "dues." Arya served as Project Director for Swachhata Monitor under the Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala initiative, approved in 2022. The education department denied his claims, stating Arya failed to provide proper documentation for his ₹2 crore budget request and charged schools registration fees without approval. Despite receiving ₹9,90,000 previously, technical gaps left the 2023-24 scheme unimplemented. Former Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar personally gave Arya money after protests. The department demanded Arya deposit collected fees and submit proper documentation, which he never provided.

A tense three-hour hostage crisis in Mumbai’s Powai ended on Thursday evening after police rescued 19 people, including 17 children, from RA Studio. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Rohit Arya, was shot dead during the rescue. Arya had locked the children and a few adults inside the studio during what was supposed to be a film audition. He threatened to set the room on fire and refused to surrender despite repeated police appeals. The operation ended around 4.30 pm after officers entered through a bathroom window. All hostages were safely rescued. Police are investigating Arya’s motive. (PC: India Today)

Rohit Arya, a self-proclaimed filmmaker who held 19 people hostage, including 17 aspiring child actors at his Mumbai studio Thursday, died from bullet injuries during a police standoff. The children, approximately 15 years old, had arrived for auditions at RA Studio in Powai's L&T building area. Before his death, Arya released a chilling video threatening to burn the studio unless allowed to "talk to certain people" and ask questions, claiming no financial demands. He stated he took hostages instead of attempting suicide, wanting "simple moral and ethical" conversations. Police swiftly rescued all hostages safely. Joint Commissioner Satyanarayan confirmed everyone's safety. Arya appeared mentally unstable, authorities said, investigating his motives behind this dramatic incident.

A hostage crisis erupted in Mumbai's Powai area Thursday when studio employee Rohit Arya held 15-20 children captive, threatening their lives. The suspect released a disturbing video message demanding to speak with "certain people," warning the children would be harmed otherwise. Mumbai Police responded with swift action, successfully rescuing all children unharmed. Arya has been detained and is currently in police custody undergoing interrogation. Authorities are working to establish his motive while investigating potential mental health concerns that may have triggered the incident. The dramatic rescue operation concluded without casualties, though the incident has raised serious questions about security protocols and employee screening at public facilities hosting children.

A man was arrested on Thursday after taking at least 20 children hostage at an acting studio in Mumbai’s Powai. Police said the suspect, identified as Rohit Arya, appeared mentally unstable and claimed he wanted to speak to former Maharashtra education minister Deepak Kesarkar. Arya had released a video threatening to “set everything on fire” if his demands were not met. A joint police and fire brigade team rescued all the children safely after breaking into the studio. Officers recovered a weapon-like object from the man, who is now in custody as investigations continue. (PC: HT)