Will conduct 2 unmanned missions before Gaganyaan: ISRO chief K Sivan

A bomb threat received via email has targeted several prominent landmarks across Mumbai, including actor Amitabh Bachchan's residence Jalsa, the Bombay High Court, the Bombay Stock Exchange, and the Worli Racecourse. Mumbai Police have initiated an investigation to trace the sender and locate the IP address from which the email originated. Security agencies have been alerted, and thorough searches are being conducted across the specified locations as police probe the authenticity and source of the threat message.

Speaking from Mumbai's Zaveri Bazaar on Dhanteras, jeweller Kumar Jain observed steady consumer interest despite elevated gold prices. Jain noted that rates rose from 1,31,000 to 1,49,000, with buyers anticipating further increases. While purchases are being made in smaller quantities, overall customer footfall increased compared to the previous year, prompting shops to open as early as 9:00 AM. Jain noted that buyers continue purchasing coins and ornaments for puja due to sentimental value, alongside advance bookings.

The Supreme Court of India has raised sharp concerns over deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali, questioning the central government on vehicular emissions and stubble burning. While noting a reduction in farm fire incidents compared to previous years due to the provision of harvesting machinery, the top court highlighted practical challenges such as the affordability of fuel for farmers. The court suggested involving gram panchayats to pool resources and hire equipment collectively. Turning to vehicular pollution, identified by the Commission for Air Quality Management as the primary year-round contributor, the bench flagged traffic snarls worsened by commercialisation and excessive Diwali gifting by the elite. The bench also addressed commercial vehicle congestion at toll collection booths, the health impact on schoolchildren, and projections that air quality may hover in the severe category until January. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati presented data showing farm fire cases have decreased, while the court stressed community awareness and administrative action to curb the crisis.

National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah intervened to resolve growing internal discontent within the party following a recent cabinet reshuffle in Jammu and Kashmir. The veteran leader held a crucial meeting in Srinagar with dissident legislators who had voiced grievances over their exclusion from the council of ministers. Speaking to reporters alongside dissident leader Nazir Gurezi, Abdullah dismissed speculation of a split in the party, describing such reports as baseless and asserting that the National Conference remains united and intact. He acknowledged that the concerns raised by the legislators were genuine and assured them that their issues would be carefully examined, with steps being taken both immediately and gradually to strengthen the government and the party. Abdullah also reaffirmed the National Conference's continued push for the restoration of statehood along with Articles 370 and 35A.