India and China are set to resume direct passenger flights by late October 2025, a significant move announced by the ministry of external affairs following technical discussions. This decision aims to restore normalcy in bilateral ties and expand people-to-people contact, contingent on commercial decisions and fulfilling operational criteria by designated carriers.

Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly division is under heightened security for Dussehra, with drones and armed police deployed. Bareilly district faces a 48-hour internet suspension until October 4, following September 26 unrest. This measure aims to curb rumour-mongering and communal tension on social media. Four districts are on high alert, with officials warned against lapses.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the RSS’s role in India’s freedom struggle, questioning the organization's contribution. He rejected claims of significant RSS participation in movements like Quit India, stating no member sacrificed their life. This came after PM Modi praised RSS's 100 years of national service and its historical role during centenary celebrations.

Calling Wangchuk an «inventor, and a social activist», RK Meghwal criticised the Leh administration for the violence, claiming police fired first on the protesters which led to the violence. Saying that Wangchuk has always been against violence, Meghwal mentioned how the climate activist had suspended his protest right after the violence broke out, but he was arrested anyway.

Ladakh administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the September 24 violence that resulted in four deaths, with the report due in four weeks. Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, criticized the Centre, alleging police brutality and misuse of Ladakh Police, comparing it to colonial repression.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi «a disgrace,» accusing him of defaming India and portraying its citizens as dishonest and brainless. Separately, Ranaut advocated for indigenous clothing, specifically khadi, citing its global demand and supporting the Prime Minister's appeal for self-reliance and purchasing khadi on October 2nd.

Bihar is witnessing a fierce political battle over «illegal migration,» with Prime Minister Modi accusing the Mahagathbandhan of shielding foreign infiltrators. This offensive, a recurring BJP poll strategy, targets the opposition ahead of elections, particularly in the Muslim-majority Seemanchal region. While BJP officially cites development, the infiltration narrative aims to reshape electoral dynamics, echoing past campaigns in Delhi and Jharkhand.

The Delhi High Court stayed the suspension of Ramanujan College Principal, Professor Rasal Singh, who faced harassment allegations. The court found his suspension violated natural justice, noting the matter should have been referred to the college's Internal Complaints Committee. It observed Singh, with an unblemished record, appeared a victim of vendetta, ordering the ICC to examine the case.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, accused the BJP-led central government of a “wholesale attack on Indian democracy” during an interaction in Colombia, emphasizing India's diverse traditions needing democratic space. The BJP hit back, calling him a “Leader of Propaganda” for denigrating Indian democracy abroad and wanting to «fight Indian state.»

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan compared RSS to Zionists. He called them twin brothers. Vijayan criticized Prime Minister Modi over US H-1B visa fee hikes. He also questioned Modi's response to increased tariffs on Indian goods. The Chief Minister condemned the release of a postage stamp and coin for the RSS centenary. He stated this insulted the Constitution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's centenary address, highlighting the organization's nation-building contributions. Bhagwat emphasized individual character building, the Shakha system's role in fostering discipline, and promoting social harmony. He also stressed the Hindu society's duty to contribute to global welfare, urging Swayamsevaks to uphold these values.

Union home minister Amit Shah lauded the RSS on its centenary, praising its workers for their unwavering devotion, service, and sacrifice for the nation. Shah, a proud swayamsevak, highlighted the organization's growth into the world's largest voluntary body since 1925, contributing significantly to national causes like liberation movements and fostering unity across all strata.

Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar warned Congress leaders against discussing a change in chief minister, emphasizing his collaboration with CM Siddaramaiah and adherence to high command directives. This warning followed an MLA's public support for Shivakumar as future CM, prompting Siddaramaiah to reiterate his commitment to a full five-year term, denying any rotational agreement.

Congress on Thursday cited excerpts from Pyarelal’s book to claim Mahatma Gandhi described the RSS as a «communal body with a totalitarian outlook.» Jairam Ramesh highlighted that Sardar Patel had warned the organisation’s activities created an atmosphere contributing to Gandhi’s assassination. The remarks came after PM Modi praised the RSS during its 100th anniversary celebrations, calling it committed to «nation first.»

Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to inquire about his health. Kharge, 83, was hospitalised in Bengaluru after experiencing uneasiness and breathlessness, undergoing an angiogram and pacemaker procedure. Doctors report him stable in cardiac ICU, with a viral fever noted earlier.

At the UN, India slammed Pakistan for hypocrisy on human rights and support for terrorism. Indian diplomats rebuked Pakistan’s claims as propaganda, citing its persecution of minorities and recent civilian deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. India also criticised Pakistan’s sheltering of terrorists and duplicity at global forums. Earlier, India had rebuked Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif’s UNGA remarks as absurd theatrics and misinformation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized Pakistan's intentions regarding the Sir Creek dispute, warning of a decisive Indian response to any misadventure. He highlighted India's capabilities demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, which neutralized hidden enemies and exposed Pakistan's air defence, while reiterating that escalating war is not India's objective.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's centenary by penning a blog, «100 years of national service.» He lauded the RSS for its century of dedication to nation-building and social service, describing it as a «virtuous incarnation» of India's spirit.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat led the organisation's centenary celebrations in Nagpur, performing Shastra Puja. In his address, Bhagwat confronted India's pressing challenges, from cross-border terrorism and internal destabilisation to the alarming state of the Himalayas due to climate change. He strongly advocated for national self-reliance and strategic diplomacy, urging a critical re-evaluation of current development models.

Renowned classical singer Pandit Channulal Mishra passed away at 89 in Mirzapur due to age-related ailments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, praising Mishra's immense contribution to Indian art and culture, and recalling his role as a proposer for PM Modi's 2014 Varanasi candidature. A doyen of Hindustani classical music, Mishra received Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan for his legacy.

India is hosting a conclave for Army chiefs of over 30 UN troop-contributing nations this month, notably excluding Pakistan and China. New Delhi reiterated its policy of deploying peacekeepers only under a UN mandate, making deployment to Ukraine or Gaza highly unlikely due to UNSC consensus challenges. India remains a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions globally.

Two prime accused in the Zubeen Garg death probe, Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma, were arrested in Delhi and remanded to 14-day police custody in Guwahati. Charged with culpable homicide and negligence, their apprehension followed Interpol notices. Garg's widow expressed relief, hoping for answers regarding his final moments in Singapore, as public demand for justice intensifies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to visit India in early December for the 23rd annual summit, marking his first trip since the Ukraine conflict began. Diplomatic sources suggest December 5-6 for the crucial meeting. This visit aims to review bilateral ties in trade, energy, and defence manufacturing, as India navigates its energy relationship with Moscow.

Security forces launched extensive searches in Juthana Rajbagh, Kathua, following reports of three suspicious individuals, one with a heavy backpack. J&K police and BSF are combing the area along the Ujh river near the Pakistan border. Footprints confirm movement, though no suspects have been apprehended yet. This operation follows a fierce gunbattle in the same vicinity this March.

A government school teacher in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district was suspended and booked under the POCSO Act on Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl student. Students staged protests following the incident, which ceased after the teacher's suspension and an FIR. The accused, Ajaz Ahmad, is currently absconding, prompting a police manhunt. This grave allegation has sparked significant concern.

Former Union Home Minister P Chidambaram refuted media claims that the US directly prevented India's military retaliation post-26/11, stating he was misquoted. He clarified that while he favored retribution, international diplomatic pressure, notably from then-US Secretary Condoleezza Rice, influenced the Manmohan Singh government against physical action.