Top News of the Day: Swati Maliwal Slams Zubair in Punjab Sheeshmahal Row; L&T To Manufacture MQ-Series Drone In India
1. FBI Foils ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot in Michigan During Halloween Weekend; Several Extremists Arrested
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) successfully prevented a terrorist attack in Michigan during Halloween weekend, arresting several individuals radicalized online by ISIS ideology. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the operation on social media, praising law enforcement for their constant vigilance in protecting the nation. Although Patel didn’t reveal the exact location, Dearborn Police confirmed FBI activity in their area, assuring residents of safety. Witnesses reported agents near Fordson High School and a nearby home, with further investigations at a storage facility in Inkster. Governor Gretchen Whitmer thanked the FBI and Michigan State Police for their swift action. This marks the second major anti-terror operation in Michigan since Patel took office earlier this year.
2. Durgapur Gangrape Case: Bengal Police File 861-Page Chargesheet Against Nasiruddin Sheikh and 5 Others
Almost three weeks after the brutal gangrape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur, the Asansol Police submitted an 861-page chargesheet to the Durgapur sub-divisional court. The report lists six individuals, Nasiruddin Sheikh (23), Firdaus Sheikh (23), Apu Bauri (21), Riazuddin Sheikh (32), Shafiq Sheikh (27), and Ali, among whom are the victim’s friend and a classmate. The document includes testimonies of 51 witnesses, medical examinations, and forensic evidence. Three of the accused have been charged with gangrape, dacoity, and extortion, while the remaining face charges of molestation and tampering with evidence. All six are currently under arrest. The court has denied bail and directed a fast-track trial to begin on November 8, sparking public anger over women’s safety in West Bengal.
3. Mumbai: Five Arrested in Major Drug Bust As DRI Seize Cocaine Worth ₹47 Crore Hidden in Coffee Packets
In a major operation against international drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 4.7 kg of cocaine valued at around ₹47 crore from a woman at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The drugs were cleverly hidden inside coffee packets. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted the passenger who had arrived from Colombo. Upon inspection, nine pouches of white powder were found and later confirmed as high-purity cocaine under the NDPS test kit. Following the arrest of the woman, four more persons linked to the smuggling network were detained, including those handling financing and logistics. Officials noted that international cartels are increasingly using Indian women as couriers. The investigation is ongoing.
4. India’s GST Collection Rises 4.6% in October 2025 to ₹1.96 Lakh Crore Amid Festive Spending Surge
According to government data released on November 1, 2025, India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for October stood at around ₹1.96 lakh crore, marking a 4.6% increase from ₹1.87 lakh crore collected in October 2024. The rise came despite GST rate cuts on 375 items, including essentials, electronics, and automobiles, announced before the festive season starting on Navratri, September 22. The collection reflects strong festive demand and delayed consumer spending after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day announcement of pre-Diwali GST rate reductions. Domestic revenue rose 2% to ₹1.45 lakh crore, while import taxes surged 13% to ₹50,884 crore. Maharashtra topped state collections with ₹27,762 crore.
5. Agra: Despite ASI’s Ban, Muslim Youth Offers Namaz Inside Taj Mahal Complex; Video Goes Viral
In Agra, a video of a Muslim youth offering namaz inside the Taj Mahal complex has gone viral on social media, despite restrictions imposed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The ASI has prohibited offering prayers or holding demonstrations within the Taj Mahal premises, except on Fridays and during Eid, inside the royal mosque.
In the video, the young man is seen wearing a white kurta-pajama and offering namaz in the garden area of the Taj Mahal. After the video surfaced, many people have demanded strict action for violating ASI’s rules.
6. ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ Campaign: India Achieves 3 Guinness World Records in Women’s Health Empowerment
The Government of India’s ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ (Healthy Woman, Empowered Family) campaign has achieved three Guinness World Records in the field of health. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda shared this achievement and described it as a major step toward a ‘Developed India’.
The first record was for the highest number of people registered on a health platform in one month (3.21 crore). The second record was for the most online breast cancer screenings conducted in one week (9.94 lakh), and the third record was for the most online vital signs screenings in one week.
Launched on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, this campaign ran from September 17 to October 2, 2025, alongside Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month). Its goal was to improve the health and nutrition of women, adolescent girls, and children, under which over 19.7 lakh health camps were organized across the country.
7. BJP MP Ravi Kishan Receives Death Threat Over Call, Offensive Remarks Made Against ‘Lord Ram’
BJP MP Ravi Kishan has received a death threat over a phone call. In a post on X, he said that the caller abused him and his mother and also used disrespectful language against Lord Ram. Ravi Kishan stated that such threats will neither scare nor stop him. He firmly declared that public service, nationalism, and the path of religion are his life’s commitments, and he will remain steadfast on this path under all circumstances. He further added that he will continue to fight till the end to protect self-respect, faith, and duty.
8. Operation Mahadev Heroes Honored with ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’
In recognition of their outstanding bravery and dedication, 41 heroes from Operation Mahadev have been awarded the prestigious ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ (KGDP) this year. This includes 22 personnel from the CRPF and 19 from Jammu and Kashmir Police who played a pivotal role in neutralizing three Pakistani terrorists responsible for the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
Home Minister Amit Shah commended their exceptional skills in special operations, investigation, intelligence, and forensic science, highlighting how their efforts have fortified national security.
In addition, 30 members of the Delhi Police’s special cell, led by DCP Pratiksha Godara, who dismantled an Al Qaeda-inspired terror module in August 2024, are also recipients of the KGDP for excellence in special operations.
9. ‘Pakistan Kicked Us, We Didn’t Retaliate’: Telangana CM Stirs Row Over Remarks on Indian Army, Pakistan; BJP Calls It Insult to Forces
A political slugfest has broken out in Telangana over Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s contentious remarks against Operation Sindoor insulting the Indian Army during a Jubilee Hills by-poll rally. Reddy allegedly said that “when Pakistan kicked us, we didn’t retaliate,” and claimed BJP workers were now threatening to “carpet bomb” in Jubilee Hills.
The BJP sharply reacted, with Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar charged the Chief Minister with insulting the armed forces and echoing Pakistan’s narrative. They have demanded an unconditional apology.
The controversy comes amid an intense campaign for the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election. The row escalated further after the BJP flagged a separate comment by Congress MP Imran Masood, who is being accused of mocking a past surgical strike, calling it yet another attempt to demean the military.
10. “Bhura Baal Saaf Karo”: Lalu’s ‘Jungle Raj’ Slogan Sparks New Controversy in Bihar; Journalist Maria Shakil Calls It a ‘Political Necessity’
A new controversy has erupted in Bihar politics over the slogan “Bhura Baal Saaf Karo.” Maria Shakil, daughter of former minister Shakeel Ahmad Khan and currently associated with the India Today Network, has been accused of calling this infamous slogan from the 1990s a “political necessity” during a TV show. The slogan, raised during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s so-called ‘Jungle Raj,’ targeted upper-caste communities like Bhumihar, Rajput, Brahmin, and Kayastha (collectively referred to as ‘Bhura Baal’), leading to widespread massacres and atrocities. Maria Shakil’s defense of the slogan is being seen as justifying the violence and lawlessness of that era. Social media users have strongly criticized her remarks, calling them an endorsement of divisive politics.
11. Karnataka: BJP Slams Siddaramaiah Govt Over Rising Crimes Against Women and Corruption; Campaigns With “Killer Congress” Posters
In Bengaluru, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a state-wide campaign called “Killer Congress”, accusing the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of growing crimes against women and rampant corruption. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who inaugurated the campaign, said Karnataka has recorded over 1,800 cases of violence against women in two years. She cited shocking incidents, including the murder of a student in Hubballi, sexual assaults in Belagavi and Moodbidri, and the rape-murder of a balloon seller in Mysuru. Karandlaje also accused the Chief Minister’s son of bribery and claimed corruption has spread across departments. Criticizing the Congress for administrative failure, she said Bengaluru has become unsafe and lawless, turning from the “Garden City” into a city of crimes, drugs, and corruption.
12. Karnataka: Unauthorized Madrasa Activities at Srirangapatna’s Heritage Site Triggers Fresh Row, Rekindles Dispute Over Monuments’ Religious Character
The centuries-old Jama Masjid in Srirangapatna, Mandya district, has once again stirred controversy after allegations surfaced that a madrasa is being illegally operating within its premises, which fall under the Archaeology Department’s protection. The monument, built during Tipu Sultan’s reign by replacing the ancient Anjaneyaswamy Temple, has long been a focal point of communal tension. Reports suggest that children are being taught and even residing inside the mosque complex, violating heritage preservation laws that ban all religious or educational activities. Hindu groups like Bajrang Dal have demanded the madrasa’s closure, accusing the government of double standards. The administration is expected to seek a formal report from the Archaeology Department soon.
13. Hyderabad Airport Receives Bomb Threat, Committee Labels It a “Specific Threat”
Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport received a bomb threat through an email, prompting airport authorities to divert an Indigo flight to a nearby airport. An airport official said that the Airport Operations Center received the email at 5:35 AM on November 1, 2025. The email was sent from the ID of a person named Papayya Rajan to the airport’s customer support address.
The threatening email stated that LTTE-ISI terrorists were planning a major explosion using an IED containing nerve gas and microbots. The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee categorized it as a “specific threat,” meaning a real and credible danger, and immediately took action by diverting the flight. Police have filed a complaint and begun an investigation into the matter.
14. Saudi Arabia: Indian Worker Vijay Kumar Mahato Killed in Police-Liquor Smuggler Crossfire
Indian worker Vijay Kumar Mahato (27) from Jharkhand’s Giridih district, was tragically killed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after getting caught in a crossfire between police and suspected liquor smugglers. Employed with Hyundai Engineering and Construction, he was collecting materials at a worksite when police opened fire during an anti-smuggling operation. Vijay was accidentally shot and later died on October 24. Before his death, he sent a voice note to his wife saying he was injured. The Indian embassy and Jharkhand labour department are making efforts to bring his body home and ensure compensation and justice for his wife, two young sons and family.
15. Kashi Shines for Dev Deepavali: Over 10 Lakh Diyas, Laser Show, and Grand Cultural Performances to Illuminate Varanasi
The sacred city of Varanasi, also revered as Kashi, is preparing for the divine spectacle of Dev Deepavali on November 5, when the ghats of the Ganga will glow with more than 10 lakh earthen lamps, including one lakh eco-friendly diyas made from cow dung. Declared a provincial fair by the Yogi Adityanath government, this year’s celebration blends devotion, art and sustainability. The main festivities at Raj Ghat will feature a breathtaking laser show and cultural performances by acclaimed artists such as Padma Shri Geeta Chandran, Malini Awasthi and Hansraj Raghuvanshi. Preceding the event, the Ganga Mahotsav (November 1–4) will host daily musical programs, marking a majestic prelude to Varanasi’s celestial night of light and devotion.
16. Pakistan’s Military Jihad Complex Feels Heat as Nearly 3 Dozen Terrorists Killed by Unknown Gunmen
In Pakistan, a member of the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, Moiz Mujahid, was brutally killed by unknown gunmen.
According to media reports, the incident took place in Punjab province, where Mujahid was shot dead outside his home by unidentified attackers.
Mujahid had long been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and played a key role in several terror operations. He was considered a close aide of the group’s founder, Hafiz Saeed, and was known as a senior commander. However, Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI has not yet issued any statement regarding the incident.
List of three dozen terrorists neutralised by “Unknown gunmen” inside Pakistan along with the date of the firing incident –
Saifullah Khalid – May 18, 2025
Abu Qatal aka Qatal Sindhi – March 16, 2025
Mufti Shah Mir – March 9, 2025
Maulana Kashif Ali – February 17, 2025
Mufti Fayyaz – May 20, 2024
Abdullah Shaheen – December 22, 2023 (road accident)
Haji Ulmar Gul – December 21, 2023
Habibullah alias Khan Baba – December 17, 2023
Adnan Ahmed alias Hanzala Adnan – December 6, 2023
Younus Khan – November 25, 2023
Md. Muzamil – November 15, 2023
Naeemur Rahman – November 15, 2023
Maulana Raheem Ullah Tariq – November 13, 2023
Akram Khan alias Akram Ghazi – November 9, 2023
Khwaja Shahid alias Mia Mujahid – November 7, 2023
Amir Sarfaraz Tamba – October 27, 2023
Asim Jameel – October 29, 2023
Dawood Malik – October 20, 2023
Shahid Latif – October 11, 2023
Mufti Qaiser Farooq – September 30, 2023
Sukha Duneke – September 20, 2023 (Canada)
Ziaur Rehman – September 12, 2023
Abu Qasim – September 8, 2023
Mullah Sardar Hussain Arain – August 2023
Ripudaman Singh Malik – July 14, 2023 (Canada)
Hardeep Singh Nijjar – June 18, 2023 (Canada)
Paramjit Singh Panjwar – May 6, 2023
Syed Noor Shalobar – March 3, 2023
Syed Khalid Raza – February 26, 2023
Mohammad Laal – September 19, 2022 (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Zahoor Mistry – March 1, 2022
Bashir Ahmad Peer – February 20, 2022
17. Stray Dog Menace Case: SC Orders Chief Secretaries to Appear in Person on November 3
The Supreme Court of India on 31st October 2025 reiterated its directive requiring Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to personally appear before it on 3rd November in connection with the stray dog menace case. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s request to allow virtual appearances.
During the hearing, Justice Vikram Nath remarked that officials showed “no respect for the order of the court” and said, “When we require them to come and file compliance affidavits, they are just sleeping over it. Then alright, let them come, we will deal with them.” He further questioned, “Your officers don’t read newspapers or social media? They want a formal notice to be issued to them?”
The court expressed displeasure over the states’ failure to address the issue, noting that it should have been managed by municipal and state authorities. Earlier, on 27th October, the same directive had been issued, with Telangana and West Bengal being the only states exempted.
18. Terror Strikes Pakistan Again: Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorist Sheikh Moiz Mujahid Shot Dead Outside His Home
In Pakistan, a member of the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, Moiz Mujahid, was brutally killed by unknown gunmen.
According to media reports, the incident took place in Punjab province, where Mujahid was shot dead outside his home by unidentified attackers.
Mujahid had long been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and played a key role in several terror operations. He was considered a close aide of the group’s founder, Hafiz Saeed, and was known as a senior commander. However, Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI has not yet issued any statement regarding the incident.
19. Punjab: Kabaddi Player Shot Dead in Broad Daylight in Ludhiana Over Old Rivalry; Questions Raised on AAP Government’s Law and Order
In Ludhiana’s Jagraon area of Punjab, a 25-year-old Kabaddi player, Tejpal Singh, was shot dead in broad daylight on October 31, 2025, due to an old rivalry. Tejpal was with his friends on Hari Singh Hospital Road when a heated argument broke out with Harpreet Singh alias Honey and Jobanpreet Singh alias Kala. The dispute escalated, and the accused allegedly shot Tejpal in the chest before fleeing the scene brandishing their weapons. The incident occurred near the SSP office. Police have registered an FIR and launched a search for the suspects. The shocking daylight murder has raised serious questions about the law and order situation under the AAP government in Punjab.
20. ‘Why Not Embrace Hinduism Too?’: US Hindu Group’s Retort to JD Vance’s Evangelical Remark
US Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy after saying that he wishes his wife, Usha, who practices Hinduism, to eventually convert to Christianity. Although Vance later clarified that he has no intention of pressuring her, his remarks drew sharp criticism from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). In a detailed post on X, HAF questioned Vance’s stance, asking, “If your wife inspired you to reconnect with your faith, why not reciprocate by learning from Hinduism too?” The organisation highlighted Hinduism’s inclusive nature, stressing that it seeks no conversions and respects spiritual diversity. HAF also condemned rising anti-Hindu sentiment online, accusing certain Christian groups of unethical proselytisation. The Foundation reminded Vance that genuine religious freedom must equally protect Hindus’ right to practice their faith without prejudice.
21. Chhattisgarh: 140 People Return to Sanatan Dharma in Sarangarh; Event Organized by BJP State Vice President Prabal Pratap Singh Judev
In Sarangarh, Chhattisgarh, BJP State Vice President and All India ‘Ghar Wapsi’ chief Prabal Pratap Singh Judev organized a major religious event during the ‘Virat Hindu Sammelan’. On October 30, 2025, Judev facilitated the formal return (‘Ghar Wapsi’) of 140 people to Sanatan Dharma.
He welcomed them by washing their feet on the sacred land of Maa Samaleshwari. Judev described this campaign as an effort toward nation-building and cultural preservation. He dedicated the event to his late father, Dilip Singh Judev, who had initiated the ‘Ghar Wapsi’ movement.
He affirmed that he would continue this mission throughout his life.
22. Anti-Conversion Law Enforced in Rajasthan, 20-Year Jail Term for ‘Love Jihad’ Cases
The Rajasthan government has implemented the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025 with immediate effect. The Home Department issued the official notification on October 30.
Under the new law, cases of conversion carried out through deceit, inducement, or allurement will now be registered under this Act, and bail will not be granted in such cases.
The law provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years in cases related to ‘Love Jihad’, and marriages conducted solely for the purpose of religious conversion will be annulled.
Even for voluntary conversions, prior approval from the administration must be obtained 90 days in advance. Institutions violating the law may have their buildings sealed or demolished.
23. AAP MP Swati Maliwal Slams AltNews’ Zubair for ‘Propaganda’ to Shield Kejriwal’s Punjab ‘Sheesh Mahal’
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has slammed AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair for spreading propaganda to defend Arvind Kejriwal. The row erupted after Maliwal charged the Punjab government with misusing state machinery to serve Kejriwal’s personal needs. According to her, a “Sheesh Mahal” has been built in Punjab for the AAP chief after he was asked to vacate his official Delhi residence, popularly dubbed a Sheesh Mahal by the media.
Zubair, attempting to dismiss her claims, shared a mobile recording of Google imagery to suggest otherwise. Ironically, Maliwal countered him with excerpts from an Indian Express report stating that Kejriwal has been holding meetings at the said bungalow in Punjab at the expense of the state exchequer, thereby misusing public resources for personal comfort. She also asked Zubair, who has been notorious for furthering fake news in the garb of fact-checking, to delete his tweet and apologise for posting without research.
24. L&T Joins Hands with U.S. Firm General Atomics to Manufacture MQ-Series Drones in India
Indian engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has entered a strategic partnership with the U.S.-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to locally produce MQ-series Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones for India’s armed forces. The collaboration aims to participate in the Ministry of Defence’s ₹20,000 crore tender for 87 indigenous MALE RPAS units. Under the agreement, GA-ASI will provide complete technology transfer while L&T leads manufacturing and system integration, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India missions. The partnership strengthens Indo-U.S. defence cooperation and supports India’s goal of self-reliance in aerospace. This initiative follows India’s earlier ₹32,000 crore deal for 31 Predator MQ-9B drones from General Atomics.
25. Rajasthan: Maulvi Ayub and Usman among 5 suspects detained by ATS; accused of terror funding under the cover of madrasas
In Rajasthan, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has detained five suspected individuals from four districts. All of them are accused of being linked to the funding network of terrorist organizations. Among those detained are Maulvi Ayub from the Arabia Madrasa located in Chokha, Jodhpur, and Maulvi Usman from a madrasa in Sanchore. The investigation revealed that these clerics had been providing religious education in madrasas for several years. The ATS has sealed Ayub’s house and seized religious books and documents. Intensive interrogation of all suspects is underway to uncover the entire funding racket.
26. Assam: Store Staffer Ripon Ahmed Caught Hiding A Spy Cam In Women’s Trial Room
A shocking case of perversion has come to light from Assam’s Barpeta Road. A store employee, later identified as Ripon Ahmed, was caught hiding a spy camera inside the women’s trial room beneath an air conditioner unit.
The incident came to light when a vigilant customer noticed the device and immediately alerted police. Ahmed was arrested on the spot, and his mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination.
It is being suspected that he had been secretly recording women for months and possibly selling the footage on the dark web. Authorities are expanding the probe to identify other potential victims and collaborators.
27. Reduction in LPG Cylinder Prices: 19-kg Commercial Cylinder Becomes Cheaper by ₹5
From November 1, 2025, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been reduced. In Delhi, the cylinder has become cheaper by ₹5 and will now cost ₹1,590.50. Similarly, in Mumbai, its new price is ₹1,542. In Kolkata and Chennai, after a reduction of ₹4.50, the cylinder will now be available at ₹1,694 and ₹1,750 respectively.
There has been no change in the price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder since April 8, 2025. The domestic cylinder price in Delhi remains stable at ₹853. The prices of LPG cylinders are revised on the first day of every month.
