A fraudulent toll plaza operated for 1.5 years on private land in Gujarat's Morbi, bypassing a national highway. Charging half the toll price, it deceived drivers, including government officials and police. The scam was exposed by the authorized Vaghasia toll plaza, revealing daily extortion. Truck drivers, tempted by reduced tolls, unknowingly contributed to the illegal tax collection, diverting traffic from the actual highway route. Morbi district authorities and police took action after receiving information, filing a complaint against the owners of White House Ceramic Company, whose land facilitated the scam. The incident raises concerns about security and oversight.

India's anti-terror agency NIA conducted extensive raids across 40 locations in Maharashtra and 1 in Karnataka on Saturday, arresting 13 people linked to an ISIS module case. Most raids were carried out around Mumbai, targeting 31 places in Thane Rural and 9 in Thane City, along with sites in Pune and Mira Bhayandar. The operation is connected to suspect Aakif Ateeque Nachan arrested last August for allegedly making explosives for the busted terror cell. It builds on September arrests of 5 other module members from Mumbai, Pune and Thane where explosives and conspiracy plans were uncovered. The raids expose the expanding web of the Islamic State-affiliated network.

A disturbing incident transpired at an Aligarh police station as a woman named Ishrat was accidentally shot in the head during passport verification. Caught on camera, the mishap occurred when a policeman, inspecting a firearm, misfired while Ishrat awaited her turn. The victim, in critical condition, was swiftly taken to the hospital. The family alleges financial harassment by the officer, leading to an argument culminating in the tragic shooting. Inspector Manoj Sharma faces suspension, with a criminal case initiated. Authorities, including SSP Kalanidhi Naithani, assure a thorough investigation, vowing strict action against the accused policeman, as shocking footage circulates online.            

The Income Tax department has recovered around ₹250 crore in unaccounted cash so far from raids on an Odisha-based distillery group. Premises linked to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu were also searched. Huge stacks of cash were found stashed away in almirahs across locations in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Tagging a news report on the raids, PM Modi tweeted: "Countrymen should look at these piles of currency notes and then hear the addresses of its (Congress) leaders on honesty. Every penny looted from people will have to be returned. This is Modi's guarantee." The raids launched against Boudh Distillery Private Limited on Wednesday are continuing.

A six-year-old girl was raped at a wedding in eastern Rajasthan’s Dausa district on Thursday. The girl had gone to attend the wedding with her parents at a hotel. While playing, she went missing for a long time before being found unconscious by her mother. There were blood stains on her clothes. She was rushed to JK Lone Hospital in Jaipur where she is in critical but stable condition. Inspector General Umesh Chand Dutta said teams are questioning guests present at the event and checking CCTV footage, while forensic teams gather evidence. Police have launched a manhunt for the unidentified perpetrator.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung and heavy rains, schools and colleges in Chennai remain closed for the fifth consecutive day. The Tamil Nadu government declared a holiday, prioritizing student safety amidst widespread flooding and civic issues. District Collector Kalachelvi Mohan ordered continued closures in flood-affected circles, including Sriperumbudur and Kunradathur. With at least 20 lives lost due to the rains and flooding, relief efforts are underway. The Tamil Nadu School Education Department postponed half-yearly exams, rescheduling them after assessing the situation. Parents and students are urged to stay updated on school notifications.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to announce its verdict on December 11 regarding petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370, which conferred special status on Jammu and Kashmir. The five-judge bench, headed by CJI DY Chandrachud, will disclose the decision following a September 5 reserve order after 16 days of hearings. The petitioners, including leaders from the National Conference and People's Democratic Party, contested the government's 2019 move to revoke Article 370 and Article 35A. The latter accorded Jammu and Kashmir distinct legal provisions. The impending verdict holds significance in determining the constitutional ramifications of the abrogation.

A holiday was announced for Chennai schools and colleges on Friday as areas remained flooded after Cyclone Michaung's landfall earlier this week. Power supply disruptions also continued across suburbs. Torrential Michaung rains previously led to December 7 closures as places like Velachery and Tambaram faced inundation. On Thursday, Mudichur volunteers waded through knee-deep water to distribute food and water. Meanwhile, milk and curd shortages persisted for the third straight day. Responding to the situation, PM Modi directed the Home Ministry to release the second Rs 450 crore tranche for Tamil Nadu cyclone relief efforts. As the Chennai region deals with the compounding impact of the extreme weather, the Center bolstered monetary assistance.

A promising young doctor in Kerala, 26-year-old Dr. Shahana, died by suicide last week, allegedly after her boyfriend refused to marry her because her family could not meet exorbitant dowry demands. Dr. Shahana was due to marry fellow doctor E.A. Ruwais when his family demanded 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land, and a BMW luxury vehicle as dowry. Unable to fulfil such extravagant demands, the wedding was called off, causing Dr. Shahana immense grief. She left behind a tragic suicide note that read "Everyone wants money only." Police have charged Dr. Ruwais with abetment to suicide and launched an investigation. The disturbing case highlights the ongoing scourge of dowry abuse and violence against women in parts of Indian society. Authorities have promised action and consequences over the young doctor's needless death.

Cyclone Michaung weakened over Tamil Nadu but left parts of Chennai still grappling with floodwaters, power outages, stranded residents, and a rising death toll on Wednesday. Three more bodies were found in a collapsed building, taking the total dead to 20. Multiple agencies carried out relief efforts, but neighborhoods remained inundated. Large parts of Chennai had no power for the third straight day. Chief Minister MK Stalin sought ₹5,060 crores in interim relief from PM Modi and asked for the floods to be declared a national calamity. Modi said his thoughts were with affected families, praising authorities working tirelessly on the ground. The cyclone made landfall Tuesday afternoon in Andhra Pradesh, which also saw damage, before weakening. Recovery efforts were underway there as well, but Chennai continues to deal with coastal devastation in Michaung's wake.