Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued an interim order directing the release of actor Dulquer Salmaan’s car, which was seized by Customs officials during “Operation Nukkor.” The court stated that the vehicle should be released within a week upon submission of necessary documents. If Customs refuses to release it, they must submit a report explaining the reasons. Dulquer offered to deposit an amount equal to the car’s value, which the court considered while issuing the order. The court also observed that allegations must not be made without evidence. Customs had earlier seized two other vehicles owned by the actor, which he did not contest.
Salaries in India Expected to Rise by 9% in 2025: Aon Survey
Mumbai: Despite global economic slowdowns, salaries in India are expected to increase by 9% in 2025, according to an annual survey by global professional services firm Aon. The survey, covering 1,060 companies across 45 industries, found that India’s economy remains resilient. The automotive and engineering design services sectors are projected to see salary increases of 9.6%, while real estate/infrastructure may witness 10.9%, and non-banking financial services (NBFCs) around 10%.
Kerala Bans All Medicines from Sresan Pharma; Respifresh TR Syrup Withdrawn
Kerala has suspended the distribution of all medicines manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, following the cancellation of the company’s licence by Tamil Nadu’s Drug Controller, Health Minister Veena George said. Additionally, the sale and distribution of Respifresh TR 60ml syrup (Batch No. R01GL2523), manufactured by Gujarat-based Rednex Pharma, have been halted after reports of poor quality from the Gujarat Drug Controller. Distributors and pharmacies have been ordered to stop sales immediately. The minister warned that strict action would be taken against violators and urged the public not to use the medicine. The government clarified that these drugs are not distributed through government hospitals.
India Produces Defence Equipment Worth 1.2 Lakh Crore
New Delhi: India has produced defence equipment worth 1.2 lakh crore using domestic resources to strengthen national security and self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced. Speaking at a national conference on defence manufacturing held at Vigyan Bhavan, Singh highlighted the growing importance of drones and other modern warfare technologies. The minister noted that India’s indigenous capital procurement rose from 74,000 crore in 2021–22 to 1.2 lakh crore in 2024–25. He added that by 2047, India aims to become a developed nation by boosting domestic defence production.
Shilpa Shetty Questioned by Mumbai Police in 60 Crore Financial Fraud Case
Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) interrogated Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty for several hours in connection with a 60 crore financial fraud case. The case pertains to Best Deal TV Pvt. Ltd., where businessman Deepak Kothari alleges that Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra, along with others, conspired to cheat him. Kothari claims the couple took money from him under the pretext of business development but used it for personal purposes. Raj Kundra and five others were questioned earlier. Shilpa Shetty reportedly told police that she was not involved in the company’s operations. Mumbai Police said Raj Kundra will be summoned again for further questioning.
Kerala Forms Expert Panel on Cough Syrup Safety for Children
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has set up a three-member expert committee to submit an urgent report on the use of cough syrups for children, following concerns over safety. The panel includes the State Drugs Controller, Child Health Nodal Officer, and State IAP President, Health Minister Veena George said.
Based on the committee’s report, Kerala will issue specific guidelines on prescribing cough syrups for children. The minister also directed that no cough syrup should be administered to children under 12 years without a valid doctor’s prescription, and that expired or old prescriptions must not be reused.
The move follows the deaths of over 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups. Kerala had earlier banned certain Kondrif cough syrup brands as a precautionary measure.
Bihar Assembly Elections in Two Phases; Voting on November 6 and 11, Results on November 14
Patna: The Election Commission of India has announced that the Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases — on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes on November 14.The notification for the first phase will be issued on October 10, with nominations closing on October 17 and scrutiny on October 18. For the second phase, nominations close on October 20, scrutiny will be on October 21, and the last date for withdrawal is October 23.Bihar has 3.92 crore male, 3.50 crore female, and 1,725 transgender voters, with 14.01 lakh new voters added this year. The state will have 90,712 polling stations, all equipped with live webcasting facilities.
Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Confirmed in Kerala; Six-Year-Old Under Treatment
Kozhikode: A new case of amoebic meningoencephalitis — a rare and serious brain infection — has been confirmed in Kerala. The patient, a six-year-old girl from Malappuram, is undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Her condition is reported to be stable.This is the second confirmed case of the disease currently under treatment in the state.
Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded to Three Scientists
Stockholm: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their pioneering research on immune cells. Their studies on peripheral immune tolerance and regulatory T cells revealed how these cells protect the body from autoimmune diseases — conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
The Nobel Prize will be formally awarded on December 10.
Electric Vehicle Prices to Match Petrol Cars Within Six Months: Gadkari
New Delhi: Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has assured that within the next four to six months, electric vehicles (EVs) in India will be priced on par with petrol vehicles. Speaking at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit, Gadkari said the government aims to make India the top automobile hub globally within the next five years.
India currently spends around 22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports, he noted, adding that fossil fuels not only drain the economy but also cause severe environmental problems. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels is crucial for both the nation’s progress and environmental sustainability, the minister emphasized.
