The Indian Army is fast-tracking the acquisition of six mobile AK-630 multi-barrel air defence gun systems to protect border population centres from hostile drones, rockets, and mortars. These 30mm guns, with a 4-6 km range and high rate of fire, will integrate into the Akashteer network.

Congress alleged that 23 lakh women, largely Dalit and Muslim, were removed from Bihar's voters' list, especially in 59 assembly seats across six key districts. Spokesperson Alka Lamba claimed this was an Election Commission «conspiracy» to help the BJP, despite these women having voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava urged states to enforce strict GMP compliance after child deaths in MP linked to substandard cough syrup. An investigation found 'Coldrif' cough syrup contained excessive Diethylene Glycol, leading to recommended license cancellation and criminal proceedings against the manufacturer. Officials also advised rational use of cough syrups for children.

Tamil Nadu police charged actor-politician Vijay's bus driver for negligent driving. This action followed a Madras High Court query regarding unfiled FIRs for alleged hit-and-run incidents during a Karur stampede. The September 27 event killed 41 people. A police SIT now probes overcrowding and security lapses. The stampede sparked a political row, with parties blaming each other.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat declared Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) an integral part of India, likening it to a room that must be reclaimed. Speaking in Satna, he emphasized the unity of undivided India. His comments follow the Indian government's condemnation of Pakistan for human rights violations amidst protests in PoK, reaffirming India's rightful claim.

Intelligence agencies suspect a recent Assam Rifles convoy attack in Manipur, which killed two personnel, was a politically motivated «contract killing» aimed at destabilizing the state. This unusual incident saw no claim of responsibility from the PLA, leading to arrests of 15 members. Authorities are probing potential political support amidst ongoing ethnic tensions.

Kaziranga National Park's new elephant calf has been named Mayabini, honouring late Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg. Assam's Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary announced the name, chosen after Garg's famous song, which held deep personal significance for him. Garg's recent death in Singapore triggered immense regional grief, making this tribute a poignant symbol of new life.

Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumar advised officials conducting the ongoing social and educational survey to avoid asking personal questions about assets like gold or livestock. He stressed that citizens should not feel compelled to share private information in the Rs 420 crore survey, which the High Court allowed with confidentiality and voluntary participation clauses.

Tamil Nadu Police registered a case against actor-politician Vijay’s campaign vehicle driver and his party, TVK, after an accident involving fans. The Madras High Court strongly criticised authorities for inaction, ordering a hit-and-run case against Vijay himself, condemning his party's irresponsibility for fleeing two collision scenes. A Special Investigation Team has also begun probing the Karur stampede tragedy.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar faces renewed scrutiny over his public conduct and health, with opposition leaders demanding his resignation. A viral video shows him sitting with folded hands during a virtual event, prompting RJD's Tejashwi Yadav to question his fitness to govern.

North Bengal is on high alert as Bhutan's Tala hydropower dam overflows due to a gate malfunction, raising fears of downstream flooding in West Bengal's Dooars. This situation compounds deadly landslides in Darjeeling, which killed at least seven people, prompting NDRF deployment and Prime Minister Modi's assurance of central assistance amidst ongoing heavy rainfall forecasts.

An Indo-Tibetan Border Police deputy commandant was found dead by suicide in Patiala, with a note accusing a Bihar Police officer. The suicide note blamed the Bihar Police SHO for molesting the deceased's sister, holding him responsible for the tragic death. Police are now investigating the incident after the 47-year-old officer was discovered by colleagues.

A 28-year-old Hyderabad student, Pole Chandrasekhar, was fatally shot in Texas on October 3 during a suspected armed robbery at a gas station where he worked part-time. He was pursuing a master's in data analytics at the University of Texas after moving to the US in 2023. His family confirmed the tragic news, highlighting his efforts to meet daily expenses.

Tragedy struck Amritsar Saturday when an 18-wheel trailer truck fatally crushed three individuals, including a mother and her son, on the city's outskirts. The victims, on a motorcycle, were caught by surprise as the truck, carrying iron girders, suddenly reversed. Raman, 23, his mother Geeta, and friend Sunny, 27, died instantly. Police have detained the driver, investigating the horrific incident.

UPSC has finally agreed to release provisional answer keys immediately after the preliminary examination, bowing to student demands and a Supreme Court directive. This significant move, aimed at enhancing transparency, will allow candidates to raise objections to discrepancies in the paper with supporting sources. Previously, keys were published almost a year later, making corrections difficult.

Flyers From Other Cities Going Abroad Can Complete Process At Point Of Origin

The Unique Identification Authority of India has waived all charges for mandatory biometric updates for children's Aadhaar cards. Effective October 1 for one year, this pro-people measure benefits approximately six crore children. Previously, updates outside specific age windows incurred a Rs 125 fee. Now, all first and second mandatory biometric updates for children aged 5-17 are completely free.

Dhami Outlines Road Map For Self-Reliant State

Bhiwandi police arrested a 58-year-old US national and two local residents for allegedly attempting to convert villagers to Christianity in Chimbipada. The accused, including James Watson on a business visa, reportedly preached during a prayer meet, claiming Hinduism was superstitious and offering miraculous cures. They face charges under new laws and the Foreigners Act for misusing the visa.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make his first official visit to India on October 8-9, heading to Mumbai. He and PM Narendra Modi will address the Global Fintech Fest and hold bilateral talks. Their agenda includes reviewing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vision 2035, and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

Eleven children died in MP's Chhindwara from renal failure after consuming cough syrup. A lab report confirmed Coldrif syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a poisonous industrial chemical. This prompted MP to ban the medicine and other products from its manufacturer, Sresan Pharmaceuticals, while multi-state checks on drug units are now underway.

A Samajwadi Party delegation, including MPs, was repeatedly stopped from reaching Bareilly to meet families affected by recent communal clashes. This occurred as authorities demolished a marriage hall linked to an aide of an arrested leader, citing violations.

Bengal houses the highest number of foreign prisoners in India, with 2,508 inmates, primarily Bangladeshis detained for illegal entry. These foreigners constitute 9% of the state's total prison population, contributing to severe overcrowding at 120% occupancy. Low deportation rates and a large shared border exacerbate the issue, with many being undertrials.

The Congress party criticized the Modi government's foreign policy after Russia proceeded with supplying advanced jet engines to Pakistan's JF-17 fighter aircraft, despite India's objections. This move highlights the perceived failure of «personalised diplomacy» and India's inability to diplomatically isolate Pakistan, even as Moscow remains a key defence partner for New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Tamil Nadu freedom fighters Tiruppur Kumaran and Subramaniya Siva on their birth anniversary. PM Modi lauded Kumaran's selfless sacrifice, martyred at 27 while holding the national flag, and Siva's fearless writings that inspired patriotism. The Prime Minister emphasised their enduring contributions, urging citizens to draw inspiration for national development and unity.

A 26-year-old Hyderabad student, Chandrashekar Pole, was tragically shot dead by an unidentified gunman at a Dallas gas station where he worked part-time. Pole had moved to the US in 2023 for higher studies, completing his master's degree six months ago. BRS MLA T Harish Rao met the bereaved family and demanded that the Telangana government make arrangements to bring Pole’s mortal remains back to his hometown.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was admitted to a private hospital in Srinagar after developing an abdominal infection earlier this week. National Conference leaders confirmed his condition is now improving significantly. He had been unwell for several days but is expected to be discharged either later today or by tomorrow, according to party sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled youth-centric initiatives exceeding Rs 62,000 crore, significantly impacting poll-bound Bihar. Key launches include the Rs 60,000 crore PM-SETU scheme to modernize ITIs, new vocational labs, and enhanced financial aid for students. Modi also inaugurated a skill university and dedicated NIT Patna's Bihta campus, underscoring a commitment to youth empowerment and skill development.