UPDATED: Nov 2, 2026 08:58 ISTAn India Today crew comprising Associate Editor Abdul Basheer and video journalist S. Vijay was attacked by unidentified men while covering local body elections in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh.

The assailants smashed their camera and snatched their mobile phones near a polling booth. The incident sparked a political confrontation between the ruling TDP and the opposition YSRCP.

The TDP alleged the assault was orchestrated by the YSRCP to discredit the coalition government nationally. Rejecting the charge as a smear campaign, YSRCP chief Y.S.

Jagan Mohan Reddy met the targeted journalists, condemned the violence, and demanded an impartial probe, election reforms, and protection for media personnel. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSTamil Nadu Minor Abuse Case: Cops Seek Passport Freeze, Issue Lookout Notice for Key AideA special investigation team probing the Tamil Nadu minor sexual abuse case involving prime accused Veeramani has widened its investigation, taking multi-pronged action against several individuals.

Chennai Police have issued a lookout circular against key aide Prakash, accused of helping Veeramani destroy proof and suppress offences, while also initiating steps to freeze his passport after he allegedly escaped abroad. Parallelly, authorities conducted searches at the residence of accused Ganesan and a dance school run by accused Shanti to examine potential links.

Eight persons have been named and charged under major sections, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Meanwhile, a minor victim identified Veeramani during proceedings at a Chennai prison, reinforcing evidence for the prosecution.

Investigators are also probing financial transactions amounting to 70 crore rupees reportedly handled to hush up the case, alongside the suspected involvement of senior police officials.Row Over Separate Flag Demands in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as BJP Warns Against Separatist MindsetA fresh political flashpoint has erupted over demands for separate state flags in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In Tamil Nadu, a call was made for a state flag equal to the national flag, proposed to be hoisted by the Chief Minister on Tamil Nadu Day and November 1.

The demand drew strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which cautioned against pitching regional and national identities against each other and warned of fostering a separatist mindset. Concurrently, the Karnataka government is considering bringing a resolution and legal framework to hoist the Kannada flag alongside the tricolour on government buildings, with the proposal set for discussion at the Belagavi legislative session.Tamil Nadu Braces For Cyclone Murasu; Heavy Rains Lash Chennai, Schools ShutTamil Nadu is bracing for another severe cyclonic storm, Cyclone Murasu, days after Cyclone Arnob affected the east coast.

Cyclone Murasu is located 260 kilometres from the Chennai coast, bringing heavy rainfall across the city. Authorities have declared a holiday for all schools in Chennai.

The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Nellore in Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of November 3, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometres per hour.Delhi AQI Drops To Very Poor, Non-BS6 Vehicles Barred, Fines Over ₹68 Lakh ImposedAir quality across Delhi-NCR plunged into the very poor category as winter conditions set in, with Delhi's ITO recording an Air Quality Index of 349. Authorities imposed fines exceeding 68 lakh rupees on the first day of curbs and turned back 1,539 non-BS6 vehicles at Delhi borders under Graded Response Action Plan measures.

A ban on non-BS6 vehicles remains enforced from 1 November to 31 January. Ground reports from the Ghazipur border showed commercial vehicles undergoing verification at toll points, while checking for private vehicles remained minimal during early morning hours.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav is monitoring coordinated central and state efforts to address the crisis. With winter onset and the festive season approaching, thick smog has lowered morning visibility and raised health concerns for vulnerable groups, the elderly, and children as pollution levels persist above the 300 mark in several bordering areas.