India news Live Updates, 8 November 2026: Karnataka tests petrol samples at 67 locations amid ethanol-blending row

"The government has taken serious note of complaints regarding 31.5 per cent ethanol being blended into petrol," Karnataka CM said.

08 Nov 2026, 04:19 · The Indian Express · Join

Shivakumar said thousands of motorists had complained of issues such as reduced mileage, vehicles failing to cover expected distances and engines stalling while in motion. (PTI Photo)

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Sunday that petrol samples had been collected and tested at 67 locations across the state following complaints that higher ethanol blending was affecting vehicle engine performance.

“The government has taken serious note of complaints regarding 31.5 per cent ethanol being blended into petrol. Necessary instructions have been issued to the concerned minister in this regard, and information has also been sent to the central government,” Shivakumar told PTI.

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He said thousands of motorists had complained of issues such as reduced mileage, vehicles failing to cover expected distances and engines stalling while in motion.

If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in.

‘Trademark abuse’: Jairam Ramesh slams PM Modi over ‘Dimagi Naxals’ jibe

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his “dimagi Naxals” remark targeting political rivals, accusing him of using a solemn occasion like Diwali to attack the Opposition.

“The Prime Minister has not spared the nation even on Diwali day his trademark abuse,” Ramesh wrote in a post on X.

He criticised Modi for using what he described as a non-political occasion to target political opponents while wearing the uniform of security forces personnel. Ramesh called the remarks “a brazen assault on all institutional norms”.

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Agitation against CEC will go on till he is removed, says Congress

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Sunday said the Congress-led agitation against CEC Gyanesh Kumar would continue until he was removed from the post and the country’s electoral system was made impartial and transparent. Speaking to reporters, Venugopal said protests were continuing across states and districts, with only a brief pause expected during the Diwali festival. He described the November 1 rally organised by the Congress in New Delhi as one of the strongest protests witnessed in the country, saying the party was fighting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “We will withdraw from this agitation only after Gyanesh Kumar is removed from the post and steps are taken to make India’s electoral system and processes flawless, impartial and fair. This is not a struggle that we will abandon midway,” he said.

PM Modi to celebrate Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that he will celebrate Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar, describing the region as having been freed from Naxalism. Announcing his visit, Modi said he would salute the brave security forces for their sacrifices, dedication and service to the nation.

“I am going to salute our brave security forces for their sacrifices, devotion to nation,” he said.

Hauz Qazi building collapse: Death toll rises to 7, rescue operation underway for over 70 hours

The death toll in the three-storey building collapse in central Delhi’s Hauz Qazi area rose to seven on Sunday after another body was recovered from the debris. The deceased has been identified as Luchhuman Mukhiya, 66, a resident of Bihar’s Darbhanga. His body was recovered during the ongoing search and rescue operation near Chawri Bazar and shifted to LNJP Hospital for further proceedings.

The building collapsed around 9.45 am on November 5 while construction work was underway. Rescue personnel have been searching the rubble for over 70 hours and are yet to rule out the possibility of other victims being trapped. The seven deceased have been identified as Sanjeet Kumar, Kishori Sah, Pankaj Sharma, Vipin Ram, Shantu, Dinesh Sah and Luchhuman Mukhiya. Four of the victims were residents of Bihar, while Vipin Ram lived in Mandawali, Delhi, police said.

Delhi chokes on Diwali: AQI hits 384, multiple pockets enter ‘severe’ zone

Delhi continued to grapple with high pollution levels on Diwali, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 384 and several pockets entering the ‘Severe’ category. The worsening air quality has renewed concerns over the health impact of prolonged exposure to polluted air across the national capital.

Read the full report: Delhi chokes on Diwali: AQI hits 384, multiple pockets enter ‘severe’ zone.

In Bengal’s medical colleges, interns negotiate, buy and sell hospital shifts on WhatsApp

A report from West Bengal’s medical colleges examines how interns are allegedly negotiating, buying and selling hospital duty shifts through WhatsApp. The practice raises questions about staffing, accountability and patient care at medical institutions, particularly when interns arrange paid stand-ins for their assigned shifts.

Read the full report: Who’s on call at your ER in Bengal? The intern may be a paid stand-in.

Live Updates
Nov 8, 2026 05:37 PM IST
Karnataka tests petrol samples at 67 locations amid complaints over ethanol blending

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said petrol samples had been collected and tested at 67 locations across the state following complaints that higher ethanol blending was affecting vehicle engine performance.

"The government has taken serious note of complaints regarding 31.5 per cent ethanol being blended into petrol. Necessary instructions have been issued to the concerned minister in this regard, and information has also been sent to the central government," Shivakumar said.

He said thousands of motorists had complained of issues such as reduced mileage, vehicles failing to cover expected distances and engines stalling while in motion.

-Inputs from PTI

Nov 8, 2026 05:21 PM IST
Jairam Ramesh hits back at PM Modi over ‘Dimagi Naxals’ remark on Diwali

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "dimagi Naxals" remark targeting political rivals, accusing him of using a solemn occasion like Diwali to attack the Opposition.

"The Prime Minister has not spared the nation even on Diwali day his trademark abuse," Ramesh wrote in a post on X.

Citing earlier instances, Ramesh said Modi had described those demanding a caste census as “urban Naxals” on April 28, 2024, but later announced on April 30, 2025, that a caste census would be conducted as part of Census 2027. He also said that in September 2020, Modi had accused those protesting against the three farm laws of supporting a Naxal ideology. The Prime Minister later announced the withdrawal of the laws on November 19, 2021.

"The PM is clearly distraught, disturbed and desperate. Jhola-picking-up time is fast approaching," Ramesh said.

Nov 8, 2026 05:12 PM IST
Kerala High Court backs TDB's plan to introduce technology for Sabarimala ghee sales

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has informed the Kerala High Court that it will introduce scientific and technological measures to strengthen transparency, accountability and financial discipline in the sale and distribution of ‘Adiya Sishtam Ghee’, a sacred offering at the Sabarimala temple.

A bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar observed that such a system was essential to ensure that the entire quantity of ghee was properly accounted for.

The court expressed satisfaction with the measures proposed by the TDB, noting that they would address major deficiencies in the existing mechanism and strengthen transparency, accountability and financial discipline in the sale and distribution of the offering. It directed the Board to ensure that the measures are implemented strictly and in their entirety.

-Inputs from PTI

Nov 8, 2026 05:10 PM IST
Suvendu Adhikari announces ‘Seema Mitra’ award for BSF, SSB personnel from 2027

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that his government would institute the ‘Seema Mitra’ award from 2027 to recognise the exceptional contributions of personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and West Bengal Police in securing the country’s borders.

A selection committee will be constituted to decide the awardees, Adhikari said while addressing BSF personnel at a border outpost in Hingalganj, in North 24 Parganas district, which shares a border with Bangladesh.

“We will give the ‘Seema Mitra’ award from next year for BSF, SSB and West Bengal Police personnel,” Adhikari said.

-Inputs from PTI

Nov 8, 2026 04:07 PM IST
4 terrorists wanted by security forces named on banner in Srinagar

A banner seeking information about four terrorists wanted by security forces was found hanging on a wall at Pratap Park in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area on Sunday morning, PTI reported.

The banner named Mohammad Lateef Bhat, who is allegedly involved in the killing of a police personnel in Anantnag in July this year.

The other three named in the banner were Bilal Ahmad Mir, Mohammad Umar Mir and Abid Qayoom Lone, all residents of Baramulla district.

"Anyone who can provide credible information regarding the movement/presence of these terrorists, the identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential and a handsome reward will be given for reliable information," the banner read.

-Inputs from PTI

Nov 8, 2026 04:02 PM IST
Punjab police secures deportation of gangster Afridi Tootawala from Ethiopia

Punjab Police has secured the deportation of fugitive gangster Gurwinder Singh, alias Afridi Tootawala, from Ethiopia, marking its first such success involving an African country.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said at a press conference at the Punjab Police Headquarters that the accused, a key kingpin of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang, was detained in Ethiopia on November 6 and subsequently deported to India. He was taken into custody by Punjab Police upon arrival at New Delhi Airport and is being brought to Punjab to face trial.

- Man Aman Chhina reports from Chandigarh

Nov 8, 2026 02:57 PM IST
Sonia Gandhi reminisces her early memories of celebrating Diwali

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday shared a video on Instagram, recalling how her family celebrated Diwali when they lived at 1, Safdarjung Road, the former residence of prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Sitting in the garden of the house with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and granddaughter Miraya Vadra, Sonia said she loved Diwali and that the celebrations in those days were lovely.

In the video, Sonia recalls that a Ganesh statue at the entrance used to be decorated, while diyas were lit along the pathways and on the roof of the house. She also tells her granddaughter that people used to go "berserk" with firecrackers in those days, adding that she particularly liked fireworks like the 'phuljhadi'.

Sonia also reminisces about the blue skies and pleasant weather "in those days" around this time of the year.

Priyanka recalls how her father, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, used to take them to Old Delhi to buy firecrackers.

Sonia says the family would have Kashmiri food during festivals.

Sharing the video on Instagram, Sonia said, "Revisiting my early memories of celebrating Diwali - the traditions, the festivities and the little moments that made it so special." "Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali," she added. Sonia Gandhi recently made her debut on social media, joining Instagram and X. Her memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', published by HarperCollins India, is scheduled to hit the stands on Tuesday.

PTI

Nov 8, 2026 02:46 PM IST
Sensex jumps 401.80 points to 81,406

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PTI

Nov 8, 2026 01:01 PM IST
Agitation against CEC will go on till he is removed: Venugopal

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Sunday said the Congress-led agitation against CEC Gyanesh Kumar would continue until he was removed from the post and the country's electoral system was made impartial and transparent.

Speaking to reporters, Venugopal said protests were continuing across states and districts, with only a brief pause expected during the Diwali festival. He described the November 1 rally organised by the Congress in New Delhi as one of the strongest protests witnessed in the country, saying the party was fighting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"We will withdraw from this agitation only after Gyanesh Kumar is removed from the post and steps are taken to make India's electoral system and processes flawless, impartial and fair. This is not a struggle that we will abandon midway," he said.

Venugopal alleged that the deletion of names from electoral rolls would deprive poor people of their voting rights and access to various government benefits, which, he claimed, were increasingly being linked to voter identity cards. He said the Congress would launch a nationwide 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' (Save the Vote, Save the Nation) campaign at the panchayat level over the next one-and-a-half months.

PTI

Nov 8, 2026 12:18 PM IST
Man kills roommate after fight over kitchen chores in Palghar

A man allegedly stabbed his 28-year-old roommate to death following a dispute in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Boisar area on Saturday night. Both men worked as painters and shared a rented room in Mahavir Nagar.

According to a police official, an argument broke out between the two roommates over kitchen chores and washing utensils, and soon turned violent. Dhananjay Sahani (29) allegedly attacked his roommate, Chottelal Saini, with a sharp weapon, leaving him critically injured, the police said.

PTI

Nov 8, 2026 11:05 AM IST
Lawrence Bishnoi gang member Hari Boxer detained in US, extradition process underway

Harichand Jat alias Hari Boxer, an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, has been detained in the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with efforts underway to bring him to India, Rajasthan Police said on Sunday, according to PTI. The detention was secured by the Rajasthan Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) through coordination with international agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Interpol. Boxer is allegedly involved in extortion threats, firing incidents and weapons supply for the Lawrence Bishnoi-Rohit Godara gang.

Nov 8, 2026 11:01 AM IST
Fire breaks out at a compound in the Dadar area

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Nov 8, 2026 10:59 AM IST
3 killed, 14 injured as auto-rickshaw collides with truck in Hyderabad

Three people were killed and 14 others injured after an auto-rickshaw carrying 17 passengers collided with a truck on Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road near Himayat Sagar around 12.45 am on Sunday, police said, according to ANI. According to Rajendranagar Police, all the injured were shifted to a hospital for treatment. Police are investigating the cause of the accident, with further details awaited.

Nov 8, 2026 10:57 AM IST
Kanpur accident: CM Yogi Adityanath directs officials to expedite rescue operations in Panki

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the accident in Panki, Kanpur, and directed officials to immediately reach the spot and expedite relief and rescue operations. He expressed condolences to the families of those killed, instructed authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Nov 8, 2026 10:48 AM IST
Fire breaks out at Jaipur's Kanota Complex, spreads to four shops

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Nov 8, 2026 10:40 AM IST
Rs 8,000 Diwali gift in PM Modi’s name: Cyber Police warn against fake messages with malicious links

Manoj More from Pune reports that the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police, along with national security authorities, have issued an urgent warning regarding fraudulent messages circulating on social media that falsely claim Prime Minister Narendra Modi is offering an Rs 8,000 Diwali gift. These messages contain malicious links designed to steal personal and banking information; authorities caution that clicking these links or sharing sensitive details—such as Aadhaar, PAN, OTPs, or UPI PINs—could lead to unauthorized transactions and financial fraud. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid such messages, verify government schemes exclusively through official channels, and report any potential financial losses to the national cyber crime helpline at 1930 or via the official reporting portal.

Nov 8, 2026 10:31 AM IST
JNU student attacked with meat cleaver over friendship with woman student, loses vision in one eye

A Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student allegedly attacked a fellow student with a meat cleaver inside the Barak Hostel on campus over his friendship with a woman student, leaving him with severe injuries, including loss of vision in one eye, police said, according to PTI. The incident took place around 3 pm on November 5 in Room 119 of the hostel. The accused, identified as Ajay, allegedly attacked Saurabh, a second-year language student, after objecting to his friendship with the woman, police said.

Nov 8, 2026 10:16 AM IST
UP: 23-year-old killed, another injured in knife attack over toy payment at Budaun Ramlila Fair

A 23-year-old man was killed, and another sustained serious injuries after a dispute over payment for toys escalated into a knife attack at a Ramlila fair in Uttar Pradesh's Budaun district late Saturday night, according to PTI. Police said the incident took place in the Dataganj town area, where an argument between two groups over the money for toys allegedly purchased at the fair turned violent. The accused, identified as Mohammad Barish, allegedly attacked the two men with a knife before fleeing the scene.

Nov 8, 2026 10:00 AM IST
PM Modi to celebrate Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that he will celebrate Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar, describing the region as having been freed from Naxalism. Announcing his visit, Modi said he would salute the brave security forces for their sacrifices, dedication and service to the nation.

"I am going to salute our brave security forces for their sacrifices, devotion to nation," he said.

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Nov 8, 2026 09:54 AM IST
Akhilesh to visit Ayodhya temple on Dec 12, Yogi says should apologise to Ram bhakts first

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Nov 8, 2026 09:50 AM IST
Hauz Qazi building collapse: Death toll rises to 7, rescue operation underway for over 70 hours

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