Prashant Kishor has ignited a political firestorm in Bihar, levelling explosive corruption allegations against top NDA leaders, including Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and Minister Ashok Choudhary. While leaders deny charges, Kishor claims proof. The state BJP has retaliated, accusing Kishor of funding irregularities.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Haryana's conviction rate doubled to 80% under new criminal laws, targeting three-year case disposal post-2026. In Kurukshetra, he launched development projects, praising the state's BJP government. Later in Rohtak, Shah unveiled plans for 75,000 new dairy cooperatives, crediting the Modi administration for significantly boosting the khadi sector and India's dairy growth.

Congress expressed doubt over «Operation Sindoor,» citing conflicting statements from top defense officials and demanding clarity. Air Force chief Amar Preet Singh dismissed Pakistan's claims of downing Indian jets as «Manohar Kahaniyan,» while India had shown evidence of damage to Pakistani targets. Earlier, CDS General Anil Chauhan had acknowledged initial Indian losses during the conflict.

IAF Chief A P Singh stated terrorist groups are relocating deeper into Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor, but India retains accurate deep-strike capabilities. He revealed Operation Sindoor destroyed 4-5 Pakistani fighter jets, damaged airfields, radars, and command centers, and hit other high-value targets, demonstrating India's effective response to terror.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized Rahul Gandhi, coining «Modi-a-bindu» to describe his alleged blindness to India's development. This came after Gandhi claimed in Colombia that Indian democracy is under attack and the country doesn't manufacture. Trivedi labeled Gandhi a «henchman of anti-India forces» for his foreign remarks against PM Modi, calling him the «biggest symbol of democracy.»

Indian Air Force Chief A P Singh dismissed Elon Musk's assertion that drones will replace manned aircraft, emphasizing the continued relevance of human pilots and collaborative manned-unmanned systems in future warfare. He also refuted Pakistan's «fanciful stories» about shooting down Indian jets during Operation Sindoor, challenging their lack of evidence.

Speaking about India-Russia relations, Putin said, «Our relations with India are of special nature ever since the Soviet Union and since the days where the Indian people fought for their independence. India knows, remembers, appreciates that. And we appreciate the fact that India never forgets that. And so our relations are developing.»

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the treatment of Muslims in India, highlighting objections to «I love Mohammad» slogans amidst Bareilly protests. He condemned the violence but accused authorities of mishandling the situation, urging Muslims to act lawfully. Owaisi also questioned the government's law and order record, citing recent demolitions.

Congress leader Udit Raj ignited a political storm by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “Ravana of Delhi,” predicting his imminent downfall. BJP's Shehzad Poonawala swiftly condemned these remarks, questioning the Congress party's intentions. Raj further commented on India's foreign policy challenges, including a Taliban minister's visit and US tariffs, while dismissing reports of internal party conflict in Karnataka.

Singapore Police shared Zubeen Garg's autopsy report with Indian authorities following his death last month. Assam Police arrested four individuals, including the manager and festival organiser, invoking murder charges. Investigations are ongoing, with a Special Investigation Team formed and financial crime allegations also being probed against the organiser.

Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh discussed Operation Sindoor. He stated the four-day campaign achieved its objectives swiftly. India avenged innocent killings and brought Pakistan to its knees. Newly inducted long-range surface-to-air missiles were crucial. They achieved a 300 km kill. The media also helped manage disinformation during the conflict. India responded to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Bareilly suspended internet services, including mobile data and broadband, from October 2 to October 4, fearing unrest during Friday prayers. This precaution follows last week's clashes over an 'I Love Muhammad' procession, which led to over 80 arrests, including prominent cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan. Security remains heavily deployed across the division.

Eleven people, mostly teenagers, drowned in a pond in MP's Khandwa district when a tractor-trolley carrying Durga idol immersion devotees overturned on Vijayadashami. The vehicle lost balance and toppled into the water, despite a warning to the driver. Seven females and eight minors were among the deceased in the tragic accident.

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.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding its military build-up near the sensitive Sir Creek region, threatening a strong response that would alter the area's history and geography. He also revealed details of «Operation Sindoor,» where India successfully countered Pakistani attempts to penetrate its borders, emphasizing India's targeted fight against terrorism while showing restraint.

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.