UPDATED: Oct 30, 2026 19:20 ISTA helicopter flying from Badrinath crashed in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, killing all six people on board, including the pilot. Joint search teams comprising the police, SDRF, and the Indian Army recovered the bodies and wreckage near a cliff amid inclement weather and poor visibility.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, a power outage at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple during AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami's visit sparked a political storm against the government, with the power minister claiming possible foul play.

DMK leaders MK Stalin and Kanimozhi also raised law and order concerns in the state over multiple killings. Additionally, the Madras High Court issued notices to the Centre and Sourav Das over a public interest litigation seeking a probe into his antecedents, cancellation of his passport and Aadhaar card, and the blocking of his social media handles for alleged derogatory remarks against the judiciary.

Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSGovt Clears 100% Flex Fuel Rules; Why Regular Cars Cannot Run On E100The central government has amended motor vehicle regulations to establish a framework permitting flex-fuel vehicles to run on up to 100 percent ethanol, known as E100. However, conventional petrol vehicles cannot use E85 or E100 fuel, as higher ethanol blends require specialised engines, fuel systems, and sensors.

The amendment also increases the weight threshold for light petrol and diesel vehicles from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg. India is promoting ethanol blending to cut crude oil import dependency and create demand for agricultural produce like sugarcane and maize.

Amid the transition, concerns remain among motorists regarding reduced mileage and potential engine wear in vehicles not calibrated for higher blends.Siang Mega Dam, China Threat & Pasighat Clashes: Why Arunachal Pradesh Is On BoilIndia has proposed the 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh to counterbalance China's construction of a 60,000 MW mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. While the government contends that a large reservoir is vital for water security and managing river flows downstream, local communities are strongly opposing the pre-feasibility surveys.

Indigenous Adi youth fear submergence of up to 40 villages, loss of agricultural land, and disruption of their traditional way of life. The escalating standoff turned violent on October 23, resulting in arson at an NHPC office and a police station in Pasighat, leaving over 40 police personnel injured.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the violence, assuring that the project will advance only through public consensus.Kochi Hit-and-Run: CM Meets Victim's Kin, Assures Justice in Judge Son CaseThe Kerala Chief Minister has visited the family of 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, who was killed when a Mercedes-Benz driven by a judge's minor son collided with his two-wheeler in Kochi. The government assured the bereaved family that strict legal steps will be initiated to secure justice and that no individual will escape accountability due to influence.

Following public admission of police lapses, weak initial FIR sections, and the swift granting of bail to the minor, authorities initiated disciplinary action against responsible personnel, including suspensions and the transfer of the Kochi City Police Commissioner, while the judge was also booked as the car's owner.