Punjab's government has initiated compensation for flood victims, releasing Rs 209 crore in the first installment. Farmers will get Rs 20,000 per acre for crop loss, and house damage compensation has surged to Rs 40,000. This relief aims to address extensive damage caused by recent heavy rains and flooding across the state.

The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, with specific time restrictions to mitigate pollution. While designed to reduce emissions by up to 30% and use less toxic materials, experts emphasise they are less harmful, not entirely safe. Limiting overall firecracker use remains crucial for reducing festival pollution.

JD(U) released its first list of 57 candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections, fielding nominees from seats reportedly eyed by LJP (RV). The party has renominated at least 18 MLAs, including several ministers, while also giving tickets to three 'strongmen'.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah hinted at a potential cabinet reshuffle post the Bihar elections, as his government approaches its halfway mark. This move is seen as a signal of his continued leadership, potentially impacting Deputy CM D K Shivakumar's aspirations. The reshuffle also addresses demands for new ministerial inductions amid vacant positions.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra urged Delhi residents to refrain from complaining about air quality this year, as the government, elected by them, has permitted the use of firecrackers. The Supreme Court allowed green firecrackers from October 18-21, with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta welcoming the decision as a balance between tradition and environment.

Bihar's 2025 election race heats up with BJP and JD(U) announcing candidate lists, while Tejashwi Yadav files nomination from Raghopur. Prashant Kishor opts out to focus on Jan Suraaj, predicting a tough fight for JD(U). The NDA appears to have finalized seat-sharing, contrasting with the opposition INDIA bloc's ongoing talks.

Violence erupted outside Baksa District Jail as five individuals accused in singer Zubeen Garg's death were transferred there. A crowd demanding justice for the late singer pelleted stones at the police convoy. The accused, including festival organizers and security personnel, were moved following court concerns for their safety.

Intense border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan have claimed civilian lives, while an Indian-origin scholar faces arrest in the US for possessing classified defense documents and alleged meetings with Chinese officials. In India, Bihar's JD(U) released its candidate list for upcoming elections. A tragic bus fire near Jaisalmer killed 20, prompting safety investigations.

Nitish Kumar's JD(U) has unveiled its first list of 57 candidates for the Bihar assembly elections, fielding 30 new faces alongside 27 incumbents. The party aims to retain power, balancing caste equations with a focus on OBC, SC, and EBC nominees. Notably, no Muslim candidates were included in this initial selection.

The father of Durgapur gang rape victim has sought forgiveness from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after previously criticizing her remarks on women's safety. He described Banerjee as a «mother-like figure» and pleaded for her help in securing justice for his daughter, urging her to forgive any harsh words spoken earlier.

Tariff cuts from Free Trade Agreements won't flood India with foreign alcohol, says Campari Group. Instead, expect steady premiumisation and clearer value. GST reforms indirectly benefit the industry by clarifying upstream service rates and excluding extra neutral alcohol from GST, reducing tax-on-tax issues and improving working capital. This calibrated market access aims for predictable execution and reinvestment in quality.

The Supreme Court has permitted activist Sonam Wangchuk to share his detention notes with his wife Gitanjali. Wangchuk is currently held in Rajasthan under the National Security Act following violent protests in Ladakh. His wife had filed a plea challenging his detention and seeking his release. The court's decision offers a small relief to the detained activist.

Discontent brews within Bihar's NDA over seat-sharing for upcoming assembly polls. Allies like Upendra Kushwaha and Jitan Ram Manjhi express dissatisfaction, with HAM even announcing plans to contest against Chirag Paswan's LJP. BJP leaders maintain alliance strength, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan criticizes the BJP's intentions.

Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor will not contest the upcoming Bihar assembly polls, stating the decision was made for the «greater good» of his Jan Suraaj party. He believes his absence will allow him to focus on organizational work, and remains confident of a significant electoral outcome, either a landslide victory or a substantial defeat.

The BJP-led NDA faces internal friction in Bihar post seat-sharing talks, primarily due to Chirag Paswan's significant allocation of 29 seats. This has irked allies like JD(U), HAM, and RLSP, especially as the BJP matched JD(U)'s 101 seats. Nitish Kumar reportedly objects to constituencies assigned to Paswan and Kushwaha, fueling discontent and a tug-of-war within the alliance.

A vertical split is evident in the CPI(Maoist) outfit following the surrender of politburo member Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu. This division, fueled by a succession tussle and differing views on peace talks, weakens the Naxal group as anti-Naxal forces aim to eliminate armed Left-wing extremism by March 2026.

West Bengal police have ruled out gang-rape in the Durgapur medical student assault case, stating one of the five arrested accused committed sexual assault. The involvement of others is under investigation, with the victim's friend also being questioned. Evidence collection, including scene reconstruction and forensic analysis, is ongoing.

Jan Suraaj has nominated Chanchal Singh for the Raghopur seat, a move that sidelines speculation about Prashant Kishor's own candidacy. Kishor had previously challenged Tejashwi Yadav, predicting his defeat in the RJD stronghold. This nomination sets the stage for a significant electoral contest in a constituency historically dominated by the Yadav family.

A private bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire near Thaiyat village, resulting in multiple casualties. The bus, which departed Jaisalmer around 3 pm, was engulfed in flames shortly after smoke was seen from its rear. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the injured have been rushed to Jawahir Hospital.

Folk singer Maithili Thakur has joined the BJP ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, with sources suggesting she may contest from Alinagar. Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal expressed confidence in the NDA's victory, while Thakur stated her intention to serve society and promote the party's ideology.