The Karnataka Wine Merchants’ Association has accused state Excise Minister RB Thimmapur and his department of widespread corruption, including bribery for officer transfers and the illegal issuance of liquor licenses. A letter sent to top officials claims that Rs 16 crore was collected for transfers and that up to 1,000 illegal licenses were granted, generating hundreds of crores in corruption.
The Bombay High Court rejected Aakifahmed Dafedar’s challenge against the rejection of his nomination for the Bandra West seat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The court said Dafedar submitted his nomination late and didn’t provide key information, including details about his criminal record and financial status.
Andhra Pradesh’s capital city, Amaravati, is adopting the Netherlands’ gravity canal system for flood control. The initiative, announced by the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), aims to prevent flooding by constructing gravity canal reservoirs. This project is part of a larger infrastructure upgrade, with the World Bank contributing Rs 15,000 crore, contingent on effective flood prevention measures. The CRDA is also inviting fresh tenders for various development projects.
Rakesh Gangwal, billionaire and co-founder of IndiGo, has been named the new Chairman of Southwest Airlines. Gangwal, who joined the airline’s board in July, also bought $108 million worth of Southwest shares. His appointment comes after Southwest settled its issues with Elliott Investment Management, one of its biggest shareholders. Gangwal plans to work with the airline’s management team to improve its financial performance.
A Canadian police officer has been suspended after attending a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple. The protest, which took place in Canada, attracted attention because of its political nature and the officer’s involvement. His suspension followed public criticism over his participation, raising concerns about fairness in policing.
A 20-year-old man named Dhanush, driving a Mercedes Benz while drunk, hit and killed 30-year-old Sandhya in Kengeri, Bengaluru. Dhanush lost control of the car and tried to run away, but bystanders caught him. He was arrested and charged with culpable homicide. The accident happened after Dhanush had been drinking with a friend and lost control while driving.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized that judicial independence doesn’t mean ruling against the government. He said a judge’s role is to follow the law, no matter the outcome. Speaking at an event, he explained that independence means making decisions based on the law and personal conscience, not external pressures or public opinion.
NASA has issued a warning about asteroid 2024 UT7, which is 190 feet wide and will pass dangerously close to Earth today. Traveling at speeds of nearly 30,000 km/h, the asteroid will come within 1 million kilometers of Earth. Although it’s not considered a “potentially hazardous asteroid,” its close distance and high speed make it a priority for observation. NASA tracks such objects through its NEO Observations Program to monitor any potential risks.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern over a pro-Khalistan attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, calling it “deeply concerning.” The incident involved clashes between protesters and temple-goers, leading to multiple arrests. Both Indian and Canadian leaders condemned the violence, with India urging Canada to protect places of worship and prosecute the perpetrators.
The Andhra Pradesh Assembly will share the complete budget for FY25 on November 11. This comes after two temporary budgets for the current year. The new budget could be over ₹3 lakh crore and will focus on important welfare programs promised by the NDA government.