# Today in India: 24 October 2026

2026-10-24T00:32:47+00:00 | Daily Digest | Indian Opinion Desk

24 October 2026 | 14 stories | Updated 08:07 IST

Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi flights stranding Kerala expats, Delhi Police clear Diljit Dosanjh concert after threat, and Assam institutes a national award with Usha Mangeshkar as first recipient.

## Saudi flight disruptions strand Kerala expats
World & Diplomacy | 2 sources, 1 neutral, 1 sensationalist
Houthi attacks targeting Saudi airports have disrupted flights connecting Kerala with the kingdom since October 8. Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have suspended services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until at least October 24, with Akasa extending its suspension to October 27. The Indian Embassy advises nationals urgently needing to leave Saudi Arabia to consider alternative routes through Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar, subject to visa requirements.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/saudi-flight-disruptions-after-houthi-attacks-leave-kerala-expats-stranded/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/saudi-flight-disruptions-after-houthi-attacks-leave-kerala-expats-stranded.md)

## Delhi Police clears Diljit Dosanjh concert
India | 8 sources, 8 neutral
Mumbai is on high alert after a threat email sent to Mayor Ritu Tawde on Friday, 23 October 2026, named actor Amitabh Bachchan's Juhu bungalow 'Jalsa' and singer Diljit Dosanjh's November 27 concert at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The email also warned of a grenade attack on a school on October 31. Security checks at all locations found nothing suspicious, police said. The message carried pro-Khalistan slogans and was attributed to the Khalistan National Army.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/mumbai-mayor-bachchan-dosanjh-get-threat-emails-delhi-concert-denied/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/mumbai-mayor-bachchan-dosanjh-get-threat-emails-delhi-concert-denied.md)

## ITBP raises drone platoons along LAC
India | 3 sources, 3 neutral
ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor said on Thursday, 22 October, that the force has raised drone platoons in all its border units and is constructing underground shelters along the Line of Actual Control. The DG stated that 70% of Rs 400 crore in modernisation funds have been earmarked for drone and anti-drone systems. The Ministry of Home Affairs has granted in-principle approval for a larger Rs 4,000 crore scheme, with Rs 1,000 crore for drone capabilities.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/itbp-raises-drone-platoons-builds-bunkers-along-lac/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/itbp-raises-drone-platoons-builds-bunkers-along-lac.md)

## Assam institutes Bhupen Hazarika national award
India | 3 sources, 3 neutral
The Assam Cabinet on Friday, 23 October 2026, approved the institution of the Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award, a national-level honour to be conferred every three years on internationally or nationally recognised personalities in music, arts or cinema. Veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar has been selected as the first recipient. The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/assam-institutes-bhupen-hazarika-national-award-usha-mangeshkar-first-recipient/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/assam-institutes-bhupen-hazarika-national-award-usha-mangeshkar-first-recipient.md)

## More from today

### Congress attacks Modi over ITBP chief's border remarks
Politics | 9 sources, 9 neutral
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Friday, 23 October, questioned the government after ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapur confirmed face-offs with Chinese troops at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh. She accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'busy criticising' Rahul Gandhi instead of taking responsibility for national security. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said 'enough clean chits to China' and demanded a comprehensive statement in Parliament. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged the government had hidden border details since July.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/congress-attacks-modi-over-reported-face-offs-in-arunachal-with-china/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/congress-attacks-modi-over-reported-face-offs-in-arunachal-with-china.md)

### Shah predicts NDA win in Punjab, sparks SAD alliance talk
Politics | 2 sources, 2 neutral
Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday, 29 October, predicted an NDA government in Punjab in the 2027 assembly election, reigniting speculation about a BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal reunion. Speaking at a New Delhi event, Shah said, 'Punjab ki janta ne is baar tai kar liy hai, is baar vahan NDA ki sarkar hone wali hai', referring to his 20 October visit to the state and asserting that the ruling AAP would be wiped out.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/shah-predicts-nda-win-in-punjab-sparks-sad-alliance-talk/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/shah-predicts-nda-win-in-punjab-sparks-sad-alliance-talk.md)

### Tusk calls for India-Poland tech and AI joint ventures
Politics | 8 sources, 8 neutral
Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Friday, 23 October 2026, called for India and Poland to move beyond traditional trade and deepen cooperation in technology, AI and aerospace, urging that the strategic partnership between the two countries translate into joint ventures. Addressing the India-Poland Business Forum in Bengaluru, Tusk said it was time to translate declarations into JVs, highlighting Bengaluru as a global technology hub. He proposed partnerships combining India's IT services sector with Poland's expertise in software, cloud solutions, automation and cybersecurity.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/polands-tusk-in-india-trade-defence-dialogue-launched/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/polands-tusk-in-india-trade-defence-dialogue-launched.md)

### FSDC flags AI boom, global bond yields as financial risks
Business & Economy | 8 sources, 8 neutral
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 30th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council in New Delhi on Friday, 23 October 2026, attended by the RBI Governor, financial regulators and senior officials. The council flagged risks to financial stability from geopolitical uncertainties, the artificial intelligence boom and a steep rise in global bond yields, calling for proactive measures to strengthen the financial system's resilience, the finance ministry said.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/fsdc-flags-ai-boom-global-bond-yields-as-financial-risks/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/fsdc-flags-ai-boom-global-bond-yields-as-financial-risks.md)

### RBI governor says upper-layer NBFCs must list
Business & Economy | 7 sources, 7 neutral
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday, 23 October, that non-banking financial companies classified in the upper layer, including core investment companies like Tata Sons, are required to list on stock exchanges. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, he said such entities 'sit on top of group companies' and can leverage funds through them, exposing public money to risk.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/tata-sons-must-list-if-it-remains-upper-layer-nbfc-rbi-governor/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/tata-sons-must-list-if-it-remains-upper-layer-nbfc-rbi-governor.md)

### Prabhas returns as Bhairava in Kalki 2 BTS video
Entertainment | 8 sources, 8 neutral
On 23 October, Prabhas's 47th birthday, the makers of 'Kalki 2898 AD' released a behind-the-scenes video showing the actor reprising his role as bounty hunter Bhairava in the sequel. The 32-second clip, posted on social media by Vyjayanthi Movies, shows the crew preparing a blue-screen set before director Nag Ashwin calls action, with Prabhas wearing his character's armour and getting into his vehicle, Bujji. Several outlets report that the video teases the character's return but keeps his look largely under wraps.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/prabhas-returns-to-kalki-2-sets-on-his-birthday/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/prabhas-returns-to-kalki-2-sets-on-his-birthday.md)

## Useful today

### Goa's driest monsoon in 50 years triggers crop advisory
Governance
The Goa agriculture department will advise farmers in water-stressed areas to shift from paddy to short-duration vegetables and pulses during the upcoming Rabi season, after the state recorded its driest monsoon in five decades. Director of agriculture Chandrahas Desai said the advisory would guide farmers according to water availability, warning that a further lack of rainfall could lead to a shortage of irrigation water.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/goas-driest-monsoon-in-50-years-triggers-crop-advisory/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/goas-driest-monsoon-in-50-years-triggers-crop-advisory.md)

### UPESSC releases UP TGT notification for 17,735 vacancies
Governance | 4 sources, 4 neutral
The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission has released the notification for 17,735 Assistant Teacher (Trained Graduate Grade) posts in non-government aided secondary schools across Uttar Pradesh under Advertisement No. 07/2026. Online applications begin on 24 October 2026 through the One Time Registration system on the official website. The fee payment deadline is 23 November 2026. The written examination is scheduled for 23 and 24 December 2026.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/upessc-releases-principal-notification-for-1475-posts/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/upessc-releases-principal-notification-for-1475-posts.md)

### TNPSC releases Group 2, 2A hall tickets for 1 November exam
India | 4 sources, 4 neutral
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission has released hall tickets for the Combined Civil Services Examination II (Group 2 and 2A Services) on 21 October 2026. Candidates can download the admit card from tnpsc.gov.in or tnpscexams.in by logging into their One Time Registration dashboard with application number and date of birth. The preliminary examination is scheduled for 1 November 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The commission is filling 821 vacancies under notification number 07/2026.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/tnpsc-releases-group-2-2a-hall-tickets-for-november-1-exam/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/tnpsc-releases-group-2-2a-hall-tickets-for-november-1-exam.md)

### Ultraviolette X-47 Venom electric motorcycle launched at Rs 2.65 lakh
Business & Economy | 7 sources, 7 neutral
Ultraviolette Automotive launched the X-47 Venom electric motorcycle on 22 October 2026 at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 2.65 lakh, applicable to the first 5,000 customers. Bookings opened on 22 October, with deliveries expected to begin in November 2026. The motorcycle is the first model built on the company's new VX-100 100V architecture, which it says will underpin future vehicles including scooters.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/ultraviolette-launches-x-47-venom-electric-bike-at-rs2-65-lakh-introductory-price/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/ultraviolette-launches-x-47-venom-electric-bike-at-rs2-65-lakh-introductory-price.md)

## The closing thought

The day's stories show a government facing heat on multiple fronts: the opposition seizes on ITBP chief's border remarks to question the PM's handling of national security, while the RBI governor's listing mandate for upper-layer NBFCs like Tata Sons could reshape corporate governance. On the global stage, Poland's PM pushes for tech joint ventures with India, even as the FSDC flags risks from the AI boom. In culture, Prabhas's return in Kalki 2 teaser gives fans something to look forward to. Watch how the opposition's border accusations play out in Parliament next week.

## Earlier digests

- [24 October 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-24-october-2026.md)
- [23 October 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-23-october-2026.md)
- [22 October 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-22-october-2026.md)
- [21 October 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-21-october-2026.md)
- [20 October 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-20-october-2026.md)
- [19 October 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-19-october-2026.md)
- [18 October 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-18-october-2026.md)

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