Three people were killed in a fire that broke out in a 14-storey residential building at Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, Mumbai, on Wednesday morning. The fire started around 8 a.m. on the 10th floor of the Riya Palace building. The victims, identified as Chandraprakash Soni (74), Kanta Soni (74), and Pelubeta (42), were rushed to Cooper Hospital, where they were declared dead. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 9 a.m. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, according to officials. The incident highlights the tragic loss of life despite the timely response from emergency services.

The Supreme Court has directed the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take penal action against state government officers over the issue of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. The court criticized both states for failing to implement effective measures to curb stubble burning, which significantly increases air pollution in Delhi and surrounding regions during winter. Citing a substantial rise in stubble burning cases, the court described the situation as "absolute defiance" of CAQM's orders. The Haryana Chief Secretary has been ordered to appear in court on October 23. The Supreme Court emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, which continues to impact air quality in the region.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation held a high-level meeting after five flights received bomb threats through social media. Security agencies conducted counter-terror drills at several airports. The flights affected included Air India Express, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Air India, and Indigo. The threats were later determined to be hoaxes. In a separate incident, three international flights from Mumbai also faced bomb threats. Air India diverted its Delhi to Chicago flight to Iqaluit, Canada, for security checks. SpiceJet and Akasa Air confirmed their flights landed safely and underwent security screenings before resuming operations.

Mumbai Police reported that the plan to kill former minister Baba Siddique started three months ago. He was shot dead on October 12 by three people in Nirmal Nagar. The police have arrested four suspects, including shooters Gurmail Singh and Dharmaraj Kashyap. They used Snapchat for messages and Instagram for calls. The shooters learned to use guns by watching YouTube videos. They received a photo of Siddique as their target. Police also said the attackers visited his house several times before the shooting, and the entire planning took place in Pune.

A video of a man getting Ratan Tata’s face tattooed on his chest has gone viral. The man explained that Tata Trusts helped his friend receive free cancer treatment during a difficult time, easing their financial burden. Moved by Ratan Tata’s generosity, he called Tata a "real-life God" and got the tattoo to honor his impact on countless lives. The tattoo artist, Mahesh Chavan, shared the video on Instagram, captioning it: "India has lost a legend." Social media users expressed their admiration for Ratan Tata, calling him a true gentleman and an irreplaceable gem of India.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar criticized exit polls, saying they create a "huge distortion" in public expectations. He urged pollsters and the media to reflect on their practices, questioning the sample size and transparency of the surveys. Rajiv Kumar also raised concerns about early trends shown by TV channels within minutes of vote counting. He noted that official results start coming in only after 9:30 am, while initial trends appear much earlier, causing confusion and frustration. The EC announced that Maharashtra will vote on November 20, and Jharkhand on November 13 and 20, with results on November 23.

Swedish prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday that a rape investigation is underway, following media reports linking French footballer Kylian Mbappe to the case. Though the prosecutor did not name the suspect, Swedish outlets Aftonbladet and Expressen reported Mbappe’s involvement after his visit to Stockholm on October 10. The alleged incident occurred at a hotel, with the victim filing a complaint after seeking medical attention. Mbappe, who was in Sweden last Thursday, denies any knowledge of the accusation. In a social media post, he dismissed the allegations as “fake news,” citing the timing before his wage dispute hearing with Paris Saint-Germain.

Kolkata Police imposed Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, in nine key areas of the city, including Rashmoni Avenue, ahead of the Immersion Carnival on Red Road. The law restricts unauthorized gatherings of five or more people to prevent potential disruptions. Protests, rallies, and processions are also banned. The order, effective October 15, was issued in the interest of maintaining public peace and safety. Police warned that violators would face penalties under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. A protest, the "Droho Carnival," is expected at Rashmoni Avenue, raising security concerns.

Jay Kishore Pradhan, a 64-year-old retired State Bank of India employee, successfully cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in 2020, challenging age-related stereotypes. Hailing from Odisha, Pradhan decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor after retirement. Balancing family responsibilities with his studies, he enrolled in an online coaching program for structured preparation. His determination paid off when he secured admission to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR). This inspiring journey reinforces the message that it's never too late to chase one's dreams.

Violence broke out in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, during a Durga idol immersion procession on October 13, leading to the death of a 22-year-old man, Ram Gopal Mishra. The clashes erupted over music played during the event, with stones thrown and gunshots fired. Miscreants set fire to a hospital, shops, and vehicles. Police detained 30 people, including one accused, Salman, whose home was linked to the shooting. Heavy forces, drones, and sealed borders were deployed to control the situation. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath vowed strict action against the rioters. Internet services remain suspended.