🇮🇳 India’s Top 10 News – 26 September 2025

 1. Telangana’s Record Bathukamma Plan Lights Up Hyderabad

Telangana is going all out this year for Bathukamma. Authorities plan a 63-foot floral display at Saroornagar with 10,000 women participating on 29 September. Surrounding celebrations include a carnival at Tank Bund, bike/ cycle rallies, decorative lighting across major roads, and safety measures at immersion sites.  The festival is being positioned as a cultural spectacle and tourism draw — a statement of Telangana’s identity and ambition.

2. CESC Announces ₹5 Lakh Compensation After Kolkata Electrocution Deaths

In the aftermath of devastating floods in Kolkata, which led to dozens of electrocution deaths, CESC has pledged ₹5 lakh to each affected family. This comes after the Chief Minister earlier announced ₹1 lakh each.  The move reflects pressure on utilities to take liability for poor wiring and flooding in city areas, especially ahead of festival season.

3. Kolkata Hit by Record Non-Cyclonic Rainfall

Meteorologists say Kolkata experienced one of its strongest non-cyclonic storms in decades, with up to 185.6 mm of rain in one long spell.  The slow-moving cloud front caused concentrated inundation, while adjacent areas remained relatively unaffected — making this a highly localized but powerful event.

4. Floods, Traffic Chaos & Uprooted Trees in Kolkata

Heavy rains battered Kolkata’s drainage and infrastructure. Uprooted trees blocked roads, drainage systems choked by plastic and silt worsened waterlogging, and traffic snarls were widespread.  These disruptions came just as festival preparations were underway, raising public outcry about civic readiness and resilience.

5. Telangana CM Orders All Departments on High Rain Alert

Ahead of forecasted heavy rainfall, CM Revanth Reddy has placed government departments — from power to disaster response — on alert. Collectors have been asked to evacuate low-lying areas, inspect inundated roads, and ensure no hanging wires remain.  The proactive stance is being tested, especially in parts of Hyderabad vulnerable to flooding.

6. High Court Grants Interim Relief to Smita Sabharwal in Kaleshwaram Case

The Telangana High Court has temporarily protected IAS officer Smita Sabharwal from adverse action in the Kaleshwaram irrigation project case.  The court noted possible procedural gaps and directed that her matter be clubbed with other high-profile cases involving KCR, Harish Rao, and senior officials. The case has now moved to the CBI for further scrutiny.

7. La Niña Forecasted to Bring Cold Spell, Hard Winter in North India

Climatologists warn that La Niña conditions could lead to one of India’s harshest winters in decades, with northern cities potentially dropping near 3 °C.  Impacts could include elevated air pollution (esp. in Delhi), increased demand for heaters, and health stresses on vulnerable groups.

8. Security Clampdown in Ladakh After Deadly Clashes

Following protests in Leh and Kargil demanding greater autonomy and constitutional safeguards, authorities have imposed curfews and restricted gatherings. At least four people died in clashes, more were injured, and over 40 have been detained.  This escalation underscores tensions in this strategically important region, where local voices demand stronger protection and identity rights.

9. Kolkata Flood Toll Rises to 12, Infrastructure Smashed

Kolkata was battered by 251.6 mm of rain in 24 hours, leading to flash floods, stalled transport, and at least 12 deaths.  The worst affected were low-lying and peripheral districts. Power outages, road closures, and damaged festival pandals added to the chaos.

10. Revival of Bathukamma Kunta Lake Strengthens Tradition

Bathukamma Kunta lake in Amberpet, long encroached and neglected, has been restored ahead of the festival. Now about 4.7 acres, with better inlets, drainage, and beautification, it will host immersion ceremonies.  This revival strengthens cultural roots and ensures rituals happen in cleaner, safer waters.

💬 What do you think of these developments — floods, culture, law & order? Share your views in the comments below!