India announced the resumption of direct air services with China from late October, a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations. This follows PM Modi's recent meeting with President Xi Jinping and earlier tourist visa resumption, aiming to boost people-to-people contact and economic cooperation. IndiGo will launch Kolkata-Guangzhou flights on October 26.

Congress asserted Thursday that Mahatma Gandhi labeled RSS a “communal body with totalitarian outlook,” citing his secretary’s book. This statement came as Congress leaders honored Gandhi, contrasting with BJP’s tribute to the RSS. Spokesperson Jairam Ramesh highlighted that Sardar Patel banned RSS five months after Gandhi’s observation and later warned against groups challenging the national flag.

A new book highlights how political interference and missed opportunities allowed Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to escalate tensions before 1984. Indira Gandhi's attempts for Rajiv to secretly meet Bhindranwale failed twice due to safety concerns, infuriating him. These cancellations, coupled with his quick 1981 release, led to the tragic 1984 events.

Tragedy struck Agra as three men died and five went missing during Durga idol immersion in the Utangan river on Thursday. The group entered an undesignated spot after being turned away from official sites, where strong currents swept them away. Rescue operations are underway, with one person saved so far. Authorities had warned against using non-designated immersion points.

India's National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is undergoing a significant overhaul, introducing a negative marking system for research malpractice. Universities will face penalties for retracted papers and their citations, aiming to curb academic dishonesty and misrepresentation. This stricter approach seeks to enhance research credibility and may lead to debarment for persistent offenders, signalling zero tolerance for academic fraud.

Karnataka High Court overturned a tribunal order. The order reinstated a village accountant removed for bribery. Shivanagouda Vasanad was compulsorily retired after a departmental inquiry. He was caught accepting money in 2011. A special court acquitted him on benefit of doubt in 2021. The High Court noted the acquittal was not honourable.

India's ties with the Taliban are set to intensify. Acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will likely visit India on October 9-10. He will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. This marks the first visit by a senior Taliban official since 2021. India secured a UNSC travel ban waiver for Muttaqi.

Suhani Kol, a 15-year-old from Shahdol, will train at FC Ingolstadt 04 in Germany. She is one of five selected footballers for this program. Suhani, a Class X student, plays as a goalkeeper. Her journey includes overcoming personal tragedy. She leaves for Germany to train with German coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer. This opportunity marks a step for the athlete.

Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan extended best wishes to the RSS on its centenary, praising its inclusive approach that embraces all without distinction. He highlighted its role in national progress and its «man-making ethos» for creating self-disciplined, responsible citizens. The VP described the RSS as the world's foremost patriotic organization, attributing its enduring success to fostering unity in diversity.

Chhattisgarh delivered a significant blow to Maoists as 103 Naxals, including 49 carrying a cumulative Rs 1 crore reward, surrendered in Bijapur. Each received Rs 50,000 under the rehabilitation policy, marking a defeat for Maoist ideology and their parallel governance structures. Officials urged remaining cadres to embrace the policy, following 410 surrenders this year.

The Enforcement Directorate has initiated a massive nationwide crackdown on cybercrimes across 28 cities, uncovering over Rs 28,000 crore in illicit gains and seizing assets exceeding Rs 8,500 crore. This extensive operation, involving zonal offices, has led to 106 arrests. Notable cases include the Mahadev Online Betting App, where Rs 8,000 crore was laundered by masterminds operating from abroad.

Sambhal authorities demolished a mosque and a 30,000-sq-ft marriage hall, allegedly built illegally on government pond land. These decade-old structures were declared encroachments after a recent survey. This marks the second mosque demolition in four months. Notices were issued, but owners failed to act, leading to the bulldozer action under heavy police presence.

Home minister Amit Shah credited Prime Minister Modi for reviving khadi, noting a five-fold sales jump to over Rs 1.7 lakh crore in 11 years. He urged families to purchase khadi products worth Rs 5,000 annually to boost employment and support the 'swadeshi' and 'Make in India' campaigns, aligning with India's 2047 development goals.

Expelled RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav urged younger brother Tejashwi to show him Laxman-like respect, blaming «Jaichand-like» aides for misleading him. Forming Jan Shakti Janata Dal, Tej Pratap confirmed he will contest from Mahua, adjacent to Tejashwi's seat. He also criticized RSS's independence role and condemned the «I love Muhammad» controversy.

Haryana police arrested YouTuber Wasim Akram for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI and High Commission, providing SIM cards and communicating via internet calls. His arrest followed the detention of Taufiq, who implicated Akram. Both are now being interrogated as investigations continue, with more arrests anticipated.

Uddhav Thackeray, at a Dussehra rally, jabbed at defectors as «brass» while calling loyalists «gold.» He accused the BJP of 'vote chori' and communal politics, demanding central funds for rain-hit Maharashtra farmers. Thackeray also vowed to expose the BJP's alleged «loot» of the BMC if his party wins civic elections.

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.

Chennai Police detained 39 RSS members near Porur for holding a Guru Puja and special shakha training at a government school without permission. This detention coincided with the RSS centenary, which drew sharp criticism from Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, who condemned the central government's commemorative stamp and coin release.

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.