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Police recovered the final two bodies at Shiradi Ghat, completing the search for seven victims in the Bengaluru family murder investigation. By News National Editorial Team Karnataka Police have recovered all seven bodies connected to the murder investigation involving a family in Bengaluru, after finding the final two victims in the Shiradi Ghat forest area on Monday, November 9. The case involves a cab driver identified by police as S. Indushekhar, also known as Sekar, who is accused of killing seven members of his wife's family following domestic disputes. The investigation began after a missing-person complaint was registered on November 3. According to a Press Trust of India report published by ThePrint, the final two bodies were identified as Shankar and his wife Nalini. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) B. S. Nemagoud confirmed that the recovery brought the total number of bodies found to seven. Police said the accused allegedly disclosed the locations where the bodies had been disposed of during questioning. Search teams subsequently conducted operations across several locations in Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The earlier recoveries included the body of seven-year-old Puneeth near Nandi Hills, the bodies of the accused's wife Sunitha and her mother Roopavathi in the Yercaud forest area of Tamil Nadu, and the bodies of Shivakumar and his wife Divya near Chamundi Hills in Mysuru district. The latest recoveries at Shiradi Ghat completed the search for the seven victims. Police teams, forensic personnel and local authorities were involved in the operations. Investigators suspect that the killings took place over a period of approximately 15 to 20 days. Police are examining the circumstances of each death, the locations where the bodies were found and the evidence collected during the investigation. Post-mortem examinations and other forensic procedures are important to establish the identities and causes of death. The investigation is continuing, and the allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial proceedings. The case has involved police operations across multiple districts and two states, making coordination between investigating teams particularly important. Sources ThePrint/PTI, 9 November 2026: Police recover final two bodies in Karnataka family murder case Public TV English, 9 November 2026: Final two bodies recovered at Shiradi Ghat The News Minute, 9 November 2026: Background to the Bengaluru family murder investigation

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CEE Kerala published the NEET UG 2026 special stray vacancy allotment. Selected MBBS and BDS candidates must join by 2 p.m. on November 12. By News National Editorial Team The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, has published the special stray vacancy allotment for MBBS and BDS admissions under the 2026 NEET UG counselling process. The official CEE notification page lists the special stray vacancy allotment as published on November 8. Candidates who received seats in this round must complete the admission process within the prescribed period. According to the admission instructions, allotted candidates are required to pay the applicable fee and report to their allotted colleges between November 9 and November 12. The final deadline is 2 p.m. on November 12, 2026. The special stray vacancy round is intended to fill MBBS and BDS seats that remained vacant after the earlier counselling rounds. It gives eligible candidates another opportunity to secure admission, subject to the applicable counselling rules and seat availability. Candidates should log in to the official CEE Kerala portal using their application details to check their allotment status and download the allotment memo. The memo contains important admission information, including the allotted institution and payment instructions. Students who receive an allotment should carefully check the reporting requirements and documents listed in the official instructions. They should also confirm the fee payable and complete the admission formalities before the deadline. Failure to join within the stipulated time may result in the loss of the allotted seat. Candidates should not rely solely on third-party summaries or social media posts for admission instructions. The CEE notification page also lists other updates related to professional degree admissions, including notifications for medical and allied courses. The special stray vacancy allotment is particularly important for candidates still seeking MBBS or BDS seats after the regular counselling rounds. However, the availability of a seat depends on the official vacancy position, eligibility rules and the candidate's allotment. Official admission portal: CEE Kerala – KEAM 2026 notifications and allotment updates Additional reporting The Hindu's education coverage via Jagran Josh, 9 November 2026: Kerala NEET UG special stray vacancy admission deadline PW Live, 9 November 2026: Allotment memo and reporting instructi

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Tiruchy's shopping streets saw heavy Deepavali crowds, but traders reported modest sales amid rising competition and changing shopping patterns. By News National Editorial Team Tiruchy's major shopping streets witnessed heavy crowds ahead of Deepavali, but traders said the increase in customer footfall did not translate into the level of sales they had expected. Popular commercial areas such as NSB Road, Singarathope, Big Bazaar Street and Thillai Nagar attracted shoppers on Saturday, November 7, the day before the festival. Customers visited shops and roadside stalls to purchase clothes, jewellery, firecrackers and other festive essentials. Despite brief spells of rain, the last-minute shopping activity remained strong. The movement of pedestrians and vehicles also caused congestion on several commercial stretches. However, traders told The New Indian Express that overall business remained modest compared with the levels seen before 2020. Some retailers said customers were buying fewer items, even when shops were crowded. Street vendors said business had been affected earlier in the week by disputes over shops operating in designated non-vending zones and the removal of certain stalls. The final-day rush brought some relief, but did not fully compensate for the earlier slowdown. Established retailers also reported changes in customer behaviour. Some said shoppers from nearby districts were increasingly choosing neighbourhood shops instead of travelling to traditional shopping centres in Tiruchy. The growth of retail outlets in areas such as Kattur and Karumandapam has given consumers more local shopping options. This may be reducing the need to travel to central commercial streets, particularly when customers want to avoid traffic and crowded markets. Retailers also pointed to increased competition and changing spending patterns. Wholesale business reportedly performed better than some retail segments, while firecracker sellers said higher prices had made buyers more selective. The market situation suggests that high footfall alone is not a reliable measure of retail performance. The number of visitors, average spending per customer, local competition and household purchasing power all influence festive sales. The report also highlights the challenges facing traditional shopping districts as neighbourhood retail centres expand. Traders may need to adapt through improved customer services, competitive pricing and better access to commercial areas. For Tiruchy's businesses, the festival rush offered some improvement, but traders said it was not enough to restore sales to earlier levels. Sources The New Indian Express, 8 November 2026: Deepavali footfall and modest business in Tiruchy The Hindu, 6 November 2026, report reproduced by Bharat Pulse: Tiruchi textile showrooms report weak seasonal sales

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COP31 opens in Antalya, Türkiye, with climate finance, food security, energy transition and global climate resilience among key priorities. By News National Editorial Team Antalya, November 10, 2026: The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP31, has opened in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing governments, scientists, environmental organisations and business representatives together to discuss the global response to climate change. The conference runs from November 9 to November 20 and comes at a critical time for international climate policy. Discussions are expected to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving climate resilience, strengthening financial support for vulnerable countries and accelerating the transition towards cleaner energy. Climate change remains a major international challenge The opening of COP31 coincides with a new World Meteorological Organization assessment highlighting continued warming across the planet. In its State of the Climate Update for COP31, released on November 9, the WMO reported that the average global surface temperature from January to September 2026 was approximately 1.47°C above the 1850–1900 average. The organisation also said that 2026 is expected to be one of the four warmest years on record. The report highlights record global mean sea levels and continuing increases in ocean heat. These developments are important because warming oceans, rising sea levels and extreme weather can affect coastal communities, agriculture, infrastructure and public health. El Niño increases climate risks The WMO also warned that the developing El Niño could increase climate-related risks. El Niño is a natural climate pattern involving changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation. Its effects vary by region, but it can influence rainfall, temperatures and extreme-weather patterns. The WMO said the developing event could increase risks of extreme heat, drought and heavy rainfall into 2027. These are risk assessments rather than precise predictions for every country. Energy transition and transportation November 10 is dedicated to energy and transport in COP31's thematic programme. The discussions are expected to address clean electricity, renewable energy, transport systems, energy security and infrastructure investment. Countries face different challenges in reducing emissions while maintaining affordable and reliable energy supplies. Developing economies also need investment in electricity networks, storage systems and cleaner transportation. World Leaders Summit The Antalya Leaders' Summit is scheduled for November 11–12. According to the UNFCCC, the summit will bring heads of state and government together for the high-level segment of the climate conference. Its central theme is a sustainable, resilient and equitable future. The discussions will provide an opportunity for national leaders to explain their climate commitments and priorities. Why COP31 matters Climate negotiations have consequences beyond environmental policy. They influence energy investment, international finance, food production, infrastructure development and public-health planning. For countries facing floods, droughts, extreme heat and coastal risks, the availability of financial and technical support is particularly important. The central question for COP31 is whether international commitments can translate into measurable action. News National will follow official announcements and independently assess major commitments as the conference progresses. Sources: UNFCCC: https://unfccc.int/cop31/high-level World Meteorological Organization: https://public.wmo.int/resources/publication-series/state-of-climate-update-cop/state-of-climate-update-cop31 COP31 official programme: https://cop31.tr/news-detail/thematic-days-announced-2026

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South Africa's 2026 local elections show the ANC receiving 30.76% of votes, with turnout reaching 52% across municipal elections. By News National Editorial Team Johannesburg, November 10, 2026: South Africa's political landscape is undergoing another significant shift following the announcement of the final results of the 2026 Local Government Elections. The African National Congress (ANC) received 30.76% of the vote, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) secured 24.64%, according to results announced by the Electoral Commission of South Africa. The results provide an important indication of changing political preferences and the growing competition among parties at the municipal level. The elections involved 213 municipal councils across the country. ANC remains the largest party but faces a difficult political environment The ANC received 3,246 council seats and achieved outright control in 53 municipalities, according to the government announcement. The party remained the leading political organisation in 128 municipalities. However, its national vote share highlights the challenge of maintaining support among South African voters. The ANC previously received 45.9% in the 2021 local government elections, according to the Electoral Commission figures cited in the official announcement. The decline represents a significant change in the country's political landscape. DA strengthens its position The Democratic Alliance received 24.64% of the vote and secured 1,695 council seats. The party achieved outright control in 12 municipalities and emerged as the leading party in 32 municipalities. The DA's performance reflects its continuing position as a major opposition force. Other parties gain representation The uMkhonto weSizwe Party received 9.76% of the vote and secured 785 council seats. The Economic Freedom Fighters received 6.22%, while ActionSA secured 5.67%. Other political parties and independent candidates collectively received 22.97% of the vote. These results demonstrate that South African politics is not limited to a two-party contest. Voter turnout increases The Electoral Commission reported a national turnout of 52%. Approximately 14.9 million people voted from around 29.2 million registered voters. This represented an increase compared with the 45.9% turnout recorded during the 2021 local elections. The increase suggests stronger participation, although turnout alone does not explain the reasons behind voters' political choices. Why local elections matter Municipal governments have direct responsibilities affecting everyday life. These include water services, electricity distribution, waste collection, local roads, housing-related administration and other public services. The performance of municipal councils can therefore influence public satisfaction with political parties. The results may also shape coalition negotiations in municipalities where no single party has secured enough seats to govern independently. What comes next? Political parties will now need to assess their performance and work towards establishing stable municipal administrations. Coalition arrangements could become particularly important in councils without a clear majority. For South Africa, the results represent another important stage in its evolving multiparty political system. Sources: South African Government / Electoral Commission announcement: https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/iec-declares-lge-2026-free-and-fair

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Delhi's AQI reached 372 in the latest CAQM update, with GRAP Stage III restrictions active across Delhi-NCR to control worsening pollution. By News National Editorial Team New Delhi, November 10, 2026: Air pollution continues to be a major concern across India's National Capital Region, with official monitoring data showing Delhi's air quality in the very poor category and authorities maintaining restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported a Delhi AQI reading of 372 in its latest displayed update dated November 9. The reading falls within the very poor category under India's air-quality classification system. The pollution situation has increased concerns among residents, particularly children, older people and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular vulnerabilities. Why is Delhi experiencing severe pollution? Delhi's winter pollution problem results from several interacting factors. Vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, waste burning and emissions from other surrounding areas contribute to pollution levels. Weather conditions also play an important role. During colder months, weaker atmospheric mixing and unfavourable wind conditions can prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively. Agricultural residue burning in parts of northern India can contribute additional pollution, although its impact varies according to weather and the location of fires. It would therefore be misleading to attribute the entire pollution episode to one source. GRAP Stage III restrictions The CAQM invoked Stage III restrictions across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on November 6. The decision followed a review of the air-quality situation and forecasts indicating a possibility of further deterioration. The restrictions operate alongside measures under the earlier GRAP stages. Depending on the applicable orders, Stage III measures include restrictions on certain construction and demolition activities, controls on particular categories of vehicles and other steps intended to reduce emissions. Authorities may also implement school-related arrangements and other public-protection measures according to official directions. Residents should consult the latest CAQM orders because individual restrictions and exemptions can change. Health risks associated with poor air quality Prolonged exposure to polluted air can affect respiratory and cardiovascular health. People may experience coughing, throat irritation, breathing difficulties and worsening symptoms of existing respiratory conditions. Children and older adults can be particularly vulnerable. Public-health advice generally recommends reducing prolonged outdoor exertion during periods of very poor air quality, following official advisories and seeking medical attention when serious symptoms occur. What can residents do? Residents can follow official air-quality updates, avoid unnecessary vehicle journeys, use cleaner transport options where practical and avoid open burning of waste or other materials. Schools, workplaces and public institutions should follow the applicable government directions. What happens next? The CAQM continues monitoring air quality across the National Capital Region. Pollution levels can change quickly depending on weather, emissions and enforcement measures. The November 9 reading should not be treated as a permanent or live value. Residents should check the latest CPCB monitoring information before making decisions. Sources: Commission for Air Quality Management: https://caqm.nic.in/ Press Information Bureau: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2333904&lang=2&reg=48

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A water inflow incident at Pakistan's Tarbela 5th Extension Project prompted an emergency response, with WAPDA reporting all workers safely evacuated. By News National Editorial Team Swabi, November 10, 2026: An incident involving sudden water inflow during excavation work at Pakistan's Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project prompted an emergency response on November 9, with authorities confirming that all workers were safely evacuated. The incident occurred during construction activities connected to the under-development hydropower facility at Tarbela Dam. The situation drew attention after reports described a sudden surge of water entering the project area. What happened at the project? According to Pakistan's state broadcaster, Radio Pakistan, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) said a weak rock mass collapsed during excavation work on the second bench connecting tunnel. The collapse allowed water from the intake pit to enter the tunnel and powerhouse area. WAPDA said an emergency response was initiated and all workers were evacuated safely. The authority also reported that water from the intake pit had been drained and that dewatering work had begun in the under-construction powerhouse. WAPDA clarifies damage reports WAPDA said reports suggesting that the main T-5 tunnel had collapsed were incorrect. According to the authority, there was no damage to the main tunnel, the under-construction powerhouse, the tailrace culvert or the switchyard. It also confirmed that no one had been injured or killed in the incident. These details are important because initial reports had described a protective bund collapse and a sudden water surge. Dawn reported on November 9 that a protective bund associated with the under-construction Tunnel-5 had collapsed, triggering water inflow from the reservoir. The precise technical description and extent of damage should therefore be assessed using the findings of the ongoing engineering review and WAPDA's official updates. What is the Tarbela project? Tarbela Dam is a major hydropower and water-management facility in Pakistan. The wider project plays an important role in electricity generation and water storage. The fifth extension project is intended to increase the hydropower capacity associated with the existing infrastructure. Construction work at large hydropower facilities involves complex engineering operations, including excavation, water-control arrangements and underground construction. Sudden water inflow can create serious safety risks for workers and equipment, making emergency procedures essential. Why is the incident significant? The incident highlights the importance of engineering supervision, construction safety and water-control systems during major infrastructure projects. The safe evacuation of workers is an important development, but technical assessments are still necessary to determine the cause and any impact on the construction schedule. Officials will also need to evaluate the condition of the affected excavation area before work can safely resume. What happens next? WAPDA said senior officials, project engineers and contractors were assessing the situation. The next important updates will concern the engineering investigation, restoration of the affected area and the timing of construction activities. At present, there is no official confirmation of fatalities or damage to the main tunnel. News National will continue following official statements and verified reporting. Sources: Radio Pakistan / WAPDA statement: https://radio.gov.pk/09-11-2026/all-workers-safely-evacuated-after-water-inflow-incident-at-tarbela-project Dawn: https://www.dawn.com/news/2043275/protective-bund-of-tarbela-dam-tunnel-collapses-triggering-water-surge

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Karnataka will introduce common state-level question papers for First PUC annual examinations from 2027, with KSEAB preparing the papers. By News National Editorial Team Karnataka will introduce a common state-level question paper system for First Pre-University Course (First PUC) annual examinations from 2027, replacing the existing arrangement under which individual colleges prepare their own question papers. The state government has assigned the responsibility of preparing the common papers to the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB), according to reports published on November 9. Under the revised system, students across the state's pre-university colleges will write examinations based on common question papers and a common timetable. The papers will be prepared centrally and transmitted digitally to colleges on the day of each examination. The Department of School Education (Pre-University) will continue to oversee the conduct of the examinations. The change does not mean that First PUC examinations will become entirely centralised under KSEAB. Practical examinations will continue to be organised separately, with schedules prepared at the district level. Answer-sheet evaluation will also remain at the college level. After evaluation, the results will be reviewed and approved by the respective district Deputy Directors of Pre-University Education before publication. School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the new arrangement would help the department monitor students' academic performance from the first year of the PU course itself. Identifying learning gaps at this stage could help students prepare more effectively for their Second PUC examinations. The move is also intended to improve consistency in examination standards across colleges. Under the earlier system, individual institutions prepared their own papers, which could result in differences in question-paper difficulty and syllabus coverage. A common paper system could make it easier to assess performance across institutions and identify areas where additional academic support is required. Students and colleges should follow official instructions from the Department of School Education and KSEAB for the detailed examination timetable, paper distribution and practical examination arrangements. The revised system is scheduled to take effect with the 2027 First PUC annual examinations. Sources NDTV, 9 November 2026: Karnataka First PUC common question papers from 2027 NDTV Profit, 9 November 2026: Details of the revised examination system Careers360, 8 November 2026: KSEAB state-level question paper announcement

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Kerala Police plans public horse-riding classes in Thiruvananthapuram under Operation Toofan Car, beginning with two pilot batches. By News National Editorial Team Kerala Police is preparing to open horse-riding training to members of the public through its mounted police unit in Thiruvananthapuram as part of an initiative aimed at engaging young people in constructive activities and keeping them away from drugs. The programme will be introduced under the police anti-drug initiative, Operation Toofan Care. The Home Department has approved a proposal submitted by Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Arul B. Krishna, according to reports published on November 9. The mounted police unit currently has 18 horses procured and trained by the Indian Army. These horses have traditionally been used for training police personnel. Under the proposed public programme, the initial phase will operate as a pilot project. The first two batches are expected to include approximately 10 to 20 participants each, with a training duration of 20 days. Initially, the programme will be offered to relatives and acquaintances of police personnel. Officials will evaluate the pilot before deciding how to open admissions to the wider public. The training will involve the mounted police unit and its trained horses. Police officials said participants would be charged a fee, although the amount had not been finalised at the time of the announcement. The intention is to keep the fee lower than that charged by commercial equestrian clubs. The initiative is designed to offer young people an opportunity to learn a new skill while participating in a structured physical activity. Horse riding can require discipline, concentration, balance and regular practice. The programme also aims to improve interaction between the police and the public by making an existing police facility available for a wider community purpose. However, the pilot has not yet become a general public admission programme. Interested participants should wait for official announcements regarding eligibility, registration, fees, safety requirements and the start date. If the trial is successful, the department may consider expanding the programme to include more participants. The initiative offers a different approach to youth engagement within the state's broader anti-drug efforts, using sport and skill development as alternatives to harmful activities. Sources The Indian Express, 9 November 2026: Kerala Police horse-riding training under anti-drug campaign ThePrint/PTI, 9 November 2026: Police mounted unit to offer public training

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BREAKING NEWS | TARBELA DAM, PAKISTAN A sudden water inflow incident occurred at the Tarbela 5t.

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Ernakulam Central Police registered a case against 12 IUML leaders over alleged traffic obstruction during a large Kochi rally. By News National Editorial Team Ernakulam Central Police have registered a case against 12 Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders following a rally in Kochi that allegedly obstructed traffic and pedestrian movement. The procession was organised on Sunday, November 8, as part of the Muslim Youth League's state conference. According to the First Information Report, around 2,000 people assembled at Goshree Junction at approximately 4 p.m. and proceeded towards Marine Drive. The rally continued until around 5.30 p.m. Police alleged that the procession obstructed vehicle and pedestrian movement along Shanmukham Road near High Court Junction. Those named in the case include IUML state president Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal, general secretary P. K. Firoz, treasurer P. Ismayil and several other office-bearers. IUML MLA Fathima Thahiliya has also been named. The FIR reportedly invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to unlawful assembly, rioting and obstruction of public ways, along with provisions of the Kerala Public Ways legislation. The case follows complaints about disruption to commuters during the procession. Separate media reports also described allegations of confrontations between some rally participants and motorists who questioned the road obstruction. Those allegations require investigation and should not be treated as established findings. The police action has brought attention to the arrangements required for large political gatherings in busy urban areas. Kochi's central roads connect important commercial, residential and transport locations, making traffic management particularly important during public events. Political organisations have the right to organise lawful meetings and processions, subject to applicable permissions and restrictions. Authorities are responsible for ensuring that such events do not create avoidable risks or prevent ordinary public movement. The registration of an FIR is the beginning of a legal process, not a finding of guilt. The allegations against the named leaders and participants will have to be examined through the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings. Sources The New Indian Express, 9 November 2026: IUML leaders booked over Kochi rally traffic obstruction Onmanorama, 9 November 2026: Police case following Muslim Youth League rally The Daily Pioneer, 9 November 2026: Details of leaders named in the FIR image source: the hindu

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Karnataka CM D. K. Shivakumar reaffirmed support for the Mekedatu reservoir as Tamil Nadu renewed its opposition to the proposed Cauvery project. By News National Editorial Team Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has reaffirmed the state government's commitment to implementing the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery River, despite renewed opposition from neighbouring Tamil Nadu. His remarks on November 8 followed a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Union government not to grant approval for the project. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Hasanamba Temple in Hassan, Shivakumar said Karnataka did not require Tamil Nadu's permission to pursue the project. He argued that the proposal should be considered in the context of existing legal decisions and Karnataka's obligations under the Cauvery water-sharing arrangement. The Deputy Chief Minister also said the proposed reservoir would benefit Tamil Nadu by helping regulate water releases. He referred to Karnataka's plan to identify approximately 5,400 acres of forest land for compensatory afforestation and said the state would submit the relevant application after completing the necessary process. Shivakumar appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to send a team for discussions, saying the two states should work together and share water in accordance with the law. The Mekedatu project is a proposed balancing reservoir and drinking-water supply scheme near the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka has argued that it would help regulate Cauvery water releases and support Bengaluru's water needs. Tamil Nadu has repeatedly objected to the project, raising concerns about its possible impact on the state's share of Cauvery water and the river's downstream flow. The disagreement is part of a longer-running interstate water dispute. The implementation of the project depends on regulatory and statutory approvals, including clearances from relevant central authorities. Statements by political leaders do not by themselves establish that construction can begin. The issue is likely to remain a major point of discussion between the two states, particularly because the Cauvery is a vital water source for agriculture, drinking-water supply and other needs across the basin. Any progress will depend on the applicable legal framework, technical assessment and decisions by the competent authorities. Sources The New Indian Express, 9 November 2026: Karnataka CM reaffirms commitment to Mekedatu project The Hindu, 9 November 2026: Latest Mysuru and Karnataka news coverage

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