India This Week: Cyclone Arnab, Joshimath helicopter crash and More (25–31 October 2026)
Cyclone Arnab, Joshimath helicopter crash, INDIA bloc versus CEC and Ramlila Maidan rally: the week’s biggest Indian news, in our own words.
In short
- Evacuation figures differ between outlets: 84,000 (Hindustan Times) and 89,000 (Mint).
- Rescue operations were still under way when these reports were published.
- The event was moved to 31 October because of rain.
- Police denied the mock impeachment request, according to The Hindu.
Cyclone Arnab dominated the week as Andhra Pradesh evacuated tens of thousands of people and the storm made landfall. A helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, a glacial lake flood alert in Bhutan and the INDIA bloc's campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner also drew wide coverage, while courts dealt with the voter-roll revision and a data law.
The week’s 10 biggest stories
-
1
Weather
Cyclone Arnab approaches Andhra coast as tens of thousands are moved to safety
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Andhra Pradesh, NDTV reported, with landfall expected between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. Hindustan Times quoted Chief Minister Naidu as saying 84,000 people were evacuated, while Mint put the figure at 89,000. The Times of India reported that flights were suspended at three airports in the state.
Why it matters: A severe storm on a densely populated coast puts large numbers of people at risk and strains power and relief systems.
Reported by The Hindu, NDTV, Hindustan Times
-
2
Disaster
Helicopter returning from Badrinath crashes near Joshimath, rescue under way
A helicopter returning from Badrinath to Dehradun crashed near Joshimath in Chamoli on 30 October, according to officials quoted by The Hindu. NDTV reported it took off around 1:14 pm amid snowfall. Outlets differ on those aboard: Hindustan Times said five pilgrims, while The Hindu, NDTV and Mint said six people were on board.
Why it matters: The crash raises fresh questions about flying in bad weather on pilgrimage routes in the Himalayas.
Reported by Times of India, Hindustan Times, NDTV
-
3
Politics
INDIA bloc plans 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner
The opposition bloc's 'public impeachment' of CEC Gyanesh Kumar was postponed because of rain in Delhi, NDTV and The Hindu reported, and rescheduled for 31 October. A rally is planned for 1 November. Separately, a Kerala minister said a preliminary vigilance inquiry linked to a 2006 road project is ongoing, ThePrint reported.
Why it matters: The campaign targets the head of the body that runs India's elections, deepening the row over voter rolls.
Reported by Times of India, ThePrint, Hindustan Times
-
4
Politics
Delhi Police clears 1 November Ramlila Maidan rally with conditions
Delhi Police cleared the rally subject to conditions, The Hindu reported, but said it had received no separate request for a mock impeachment. Mint said the permission carries six key conditions covering security, CCTV and speeches. Hindustan Times reported that roads will be barricaded and an evacuation plan prepared.
Why it matters: The rally is billed by the opposition as its biggest show of strength against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Reported by The Hindu, Hindustan Times, NDTV
-
5
Courts
Supreme Court asks Election Commission to act on bulk Form 7 filings in UP
The Supreme Court asked the Election Commission to take steps against bulk filing of Form 7 applications to delete voters in Uttar Pradesh, Scroll reported. The poll panel acknowledged that such applications had been filed in bulk but said no action had been taken on them. Hindustan Times reported the court did not direct the commission to preserve files.
Why it matters: The case goes to the accuracy of the electoral rolls ahead of future elections.
Reported by The Hindu, NDTV, Hindustan Times
-
6
Disaster
Bhutan glacial lake outburst puts Bengal and Assam on flood alert
A glacial lake outburst occurred at Shintaphu lake in Gasa district, Hindustan Times reported, citing Bhutanese media. The Hindu said West Bengal authorities issued high-alert and evacuation warnings along the Sankosh river. Scroll reported that flood alerts were also issued in Assam.
Why it matters: Floodwater from the Himalayas can reach downstream villages quickly and damage bridges and homes.
Reported by Hindustan Times, Times of India, Mint
-
7
Economy
Jio Platforms lists at 21% premium after record IPO
Jio Platforms shares jumped 21% on their Mumbai debut, Mint reported, valuing the company at $108.3 billion. It was Reliance Industries' first listing in two decades. Mint described the offering as a record $3.2 billion IPO in India.
Why it matters: It is one of the largest market debuts in India and a major event for investors.
Reported by Hindustan Times, NDTV, Mint
-
8
Politics
Council poll results spark BJP-Congress sparring over ballot papers
Prime Minister Modi posted that elections in 28 seats across four states used ballot papers and asked how many Congress had won, Hindustan Times and The Hindu reported. NDTV reported that the opposition MVA won three of five Maharashtra seats. The Hindu separately reported that the BJP-JD(S) alliance won all four Karnataka seats.
Why it matters: The results fed the continuing argument over voting machines versus paper ballots.
Reported by Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu
-
9
Courts
Chief Justice rebukes government over control of NCLT
Chief Justice Surya Kant said the corporate affairs ministry had 'completely hijacked' the tribunal's autonomy, Mint reported. The court observed that the government wants complete grip over the institution. NDTV reported that news publishers have also challenged the data protection law in the court.
Why it matters: The remarks concern the independence of tribunals that decide major corporate disputes.
Reported by The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Times of India
-
10
Crime
Supreme Court tells expelled JD(U) MLA Anant Singh to surrender by 1 December
The Supreme Court cancelled bail granted by the Patna High Court and ordered Anant Singh to surrender by 1 December, NDTV reported. He is accused of orchestrating the killing of a Jan Suraaj worker in Mokama, according to Scroll. The Hindu reported he denied wrongdoing and alleged a conspiracy by a JD(U) MLC.
Why it matters: The order concerns a politically charged murder case from last year's election period.
Reported by NDTV, Times of India, Hindustan Times
Questions people ask
What were the biggest news stories in India this week?
The biggest stories in India in the week of 25–31 October 2026 were Cyclone Arnab, Joshimath helicopter crash, INDIA bloc versus CEC, Ramlila Maidan rally and Voter deletion forms. Each is summed up below with links to the outlets that reported it.
Where did Cyclone Arnab make landfall?
Hindustan Times reported that it crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The weather department had expected landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
How many people were on the Badrinath helicopter?
Most outlets, including The Hindu and NDTV, said six people were on board. Hindustan Times reported five pilgrims, and the pilot may account for the difference.
Why was the INDIA bloc's public impeachment postponed?
Rain made the lawns muddy in New Delhi, The Hindu reported, citing sources. It was moved to 31 October.
Is the 1 November Ramlila Maidan rally allowed?
Yes, Delhi Police cleared it with conditions, The Hindu and Mint reported.
How we wrote this. Written in our own words by the TrendingPunjabi news desk with the help of an AI model, from the outlets’ reports linked on each story. Every claim is the outlets’; follow the links for their full reports. Something wrong? Tell us at /legal/contact.
Sources
- The Hindu: Rivers in north Andhra under watch amid cyclone-triggered rains
- NDTV: Cyclone Arnab Nears Andhra Coast, Red Alert Issued Ahead Of Landfall
- Hindustan Times: Andhra govt fully geared up for Cyclone Arnab, 84,000 evacuated to safer places: CM Naidu
- Times of India: Uttarakhand: Chopper returning from Badrinath crashes near Joshimath; rescue op under way for 6 on board
- Hindustan Times: Helicopter crashes near Joshimath after taking off from Badrinath with 5 pilgrims, rescue ops on
- NDTV: Uttarakhand Joshimath Helicopter Crash Updates: 6 People Were On Helicopter That Crashed In Chamoli
- Times of India: 'Vote chori' row: INDIA bloc to hold 'mock Parliament' to 'impeach' CEC Gyanesh Kumar; mega rally on Nov 1
- ThePrint: Vigilance probe against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in connection with 2006 road project ongoing: Minister
- Hindustan Times: INDIA bloc meet LIVE: Opposition bloc preps for ‘public impeachment’ of CEC Gyanesh Kumar
- The Hindu: Delhi Police grants Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan with strict conditions, denies mock impeachment request
- Hindustan Times: Ramlila Maidan Congress rally: Roads to be barricaded, contingency plan in place for evacuations
- NDTV: Why Ramlila Maidan Rally's Success Is Crucial For Congress And Rahul Gandhi
- The Hindu: Bombay High Court stays ‘Leave India Notice’ against actor Imran Khan till November 2
- NDTV: Noida Twin Towers Echo In Ghaziabad As Court Orders Demolition Of 2 Towers
- Hindustan Times: Cockroach Janta Party announces support for INDIA Bloc’s November 1 rally against CEC
- Hindustan Times: West Bengal on alert after Bhutan glacial lake outburst, authorities monitor Sankosh river
- Times of India: 'Strong flow, bridges feared washed away': Bhutan glacial lake outburst puts Bengal, Assam on alert
- Mint: Bhutan Glacial Lake Burst triggers flood alert in Bengal, Assam: All you need to know
- Hindustan Times: Mahayuti leads in 3 Maharashtra Council seats, MVA ahead in 2; preferential votes hold key
- NDTV: NDA Dominates Karnataka Legislative Council Polls As BJP Wins 3, Ally JDS 1
- Mint: Jio lists at 21% premium on debut after record $3.2 billion India IPO
- Times of India: 'Failed to establish presence': BJP takes 'ballot paper' jibe at Rahul after Congress draws blank in MLC polls
- Hindustan Times: 'Guess how many seats Congress won': PM Modi takes jibe at Opposition after MLC elections
- The Hindu: PM Modi taunts Congress for dismal show in MLC polls despite use of paper ballots
- The Hindu: Supreme Court needs transparent roster system, says former Judge Oka
- Hindustan Times: Supreme Court refrains from directing Election Commission to preserve files amid SIR row
- Times of India: Need to balance right to free speech, privacy: Supreme Court
- NDTV: Expelled JDU MLA Anant Singh Must Surrender By December 1 In Murder Case: Top Court
- Times of India: 'I will be present in court': Anant Singh to surrender by Dec 1 after SC cancels bail; accuses Neeraj Kumar of plotting case
- Hindustan Times: Sowjanya murder case: Karnataka names Chetan Singh Rathore as new SIT
PromotedSaga of the KharkusPrem DhillonListenPaid placement · Promote your song