Cuttack witnessed fresh communal tensions and violent clashes on Sunday. Police denied permission for a bike rally, leading to stone pelting and arson. At least 25 people, including eight police personnel, sustained injuries. Authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services. The chief minister urged peace. The unrest began during a Durga idol immersion procession on Friday night.

The Election Commission of India is set to announce the Bihar assembly election schedule today at 4 pm, alongside bypolls. CEC Gyanesh Kumar confirmed 17 new initiatives, including voter list cleansing and 100% webcasting, after a two-day review. Political parties urged phased elections post-Chhath Puja.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju accused Rahul Gandhi of «India-shaming» abroad, expressing worry over his remarks on Indian democracy. Rijiju praised India's Gen-Z as patriotic, asserting they would reject Congress's legacy of poverty and family rule. This follows Gandhi's appeal to Gen-Z against «vote theft,» which drew sharp BJP retorts about their anti-corruption stance and desire for a Hindu state.

Six patients died and five remain critical after a short circuit caused a fire at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital trauma ICU on Sunday night. The blaze quickly spread, releasing toxic gases, leading to the evacuation of 24 patients by staff. Authorities are investigating the incident.

A political spat erupted after Congress accused the Modi government of permitting Russia to supply RD-93MA engines for Pakistan's JF-17 jets, citing a media report. The BJP quickly hit back, referencing another report where Moscow denied the claim, further alleging Congress's source was pro-Pakistan propaganda.

Fourteen children from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district are critically ill in Nagpur hospitals after consuming the banned Coldrif cough syrup, which caused renal failure. Six earlier deaths at GMCH-Nagpur were confirmed due to diethylene glycol (DEG) toxicity from the contaminated syrup. Maharashtra has banned Coldrif, and Nagpur authorities are advising against prescribing cough syrups to young children.

Bereaved parents of six children who died after consuming Coldrif cough syrup, contaminated with diethylene glycol, are demanding justice. They vow to ensure the culprits are punished, with one father, Yashin Khan, pledging to file an FIR and urging the government to seal the responsible company to prevent further suffering.

North Bengal faced devastating floods due to an unexpected recurve of a low-pressure system, meteorologists confirmed. Originating in the Bay of Bengal, the system shifted from its usual path towards north Bihar, bringing extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm in areas like Darjeeling. This unusual trajectory, influenced by retreating monsoon winds, also impacted Kolkata.

Uttar Pradesh's forest department issued «shoot on sight» orders for aggressive wolves in Bahraich district following six deaths and recent injuries. While fresh attacks occurred, one animal killed by villagers was identified as a jackal, not a wolf, adding confusion. Authorities are taking measures to neutralize threats, and a state minister has pledged aid to affected families.

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.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah controversially declared Lingayat a separate religion, reigniting past allegations of community division. This statement comes amidst internal Lingayat confusion over identifying as a distinct religion or Hindu caste in ongoing surveys. While BJP urges Hindu caste identification, Congress promotes separate religious status.

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.