ISRO tests LME1100 gas generator
ISRO ran the first ignition of the full-scale gas generator for its 1,100 kN LOX-methane engine on 9 October. It was not a test of the whole engine.
Explainers
How a rule, a scheme or a number actually works.
India's Ramsar wetlands now 103
Sukhna Wetland, Chandigarh, and Sauj Jheel, Uttar Pradesh, are new Ramsar sites. India's tally of wetlands of international importance is 103.
Gaganyaan test was on the ground
ISRO's 16 October release says a ground set-up at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram, completed Crew Module and Service Module separation tests. This was not a launch. The first uncrewed mission, G1, is targeted for 2026.
Ramya Anche to lead a NASA telescope
NASA awarded a University of Arizona team $20 million for PUFFINS, an ultraviolet SmallSat. Bengaluru-born Dr Ramya Anche is principal investigator. The university and The Hindu give a 2030 launch target. A NASA page says 2029. The mission has not launched.
No added sucrose in infant food, a draft
FSSAI has published a draft amendment, dated 15 October 2026, saying sucrose and fructose shall not be added in products for infants up to six months. Objections are open for 60 days. The draft is not in force, and the final rule may change.
Caller names on phones from 1 Nov
From 1 November 2026, telecom operators must switch on caller name display for 4G and higher calls. A saved contact is shown first. Otherwise the name is the one in the caller's operator record. The rule is not in force yet.
Voter lists updated in 17 states
The Election Commission has ordered a Special Summary Revision of voter lists in 17 states and Union Territories. The qualifying date is 1 January 2027. The draft roll is on 12 November 2026, and the final roll on 4 January 2027. This revision is not the Special Intensive Revision.
An unlinked PAN is inoperative: the check, the fee, the exemptions
A PAN that is not linked with Aadhaar is inoperative until it is linked, and until the fee is paid where a fee applies. While it is inoperative there is no tax refund, no interest on a refund, and higher TDS and TCS. The fee to link is ₹1,000. The status check on the official portal is free and needs no login. This note is not legal advice.
From 1 October, subsidised LPG refills need a biometric Aadhaar scan
From 1 October 2026, booking a subsidised domestic LPG refill needs Biometric Aadhaar Authentication. Consumers who have already done it need not repeat it. Others can register to buy 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders at market price, without the subsidy. The scan is free. Last checked at 11:33 am IST on 13 October. This is not legal advice.
Veteran actor Nana Patekar dies at 75 after a cardiac arrest at his Goa home
Doctors at Manipal Hospital in Goa said he could not be revived after about 45 minutes of CPR and was declared dead at 5:20 am on 8 October. He won three National Film Awards and the Padma Shri.
NCW safety guidelines for women using app cabs: 5 checks to know
The National Commission for Women has asked all states and UTs to implement advisory guidelines covering driver checks, SOS buttons, route alerts and night-time measures.
Maharashtra orders a minimum 10% water cut from 16 October; drinking water stays first
On 5 October, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan directed a minimum 10% cut in water supply from 16 October. The stated reasons are a deficient monsoon, limited stocks and El Niño. The outlets do not agree on whether gram panchayats are covered. The order does not set city-wise hours.