Congress MP Pappu Yadav claims the BJP-led NDA is sidelining Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He stated that only the Congress party will offer Kumar the respect he deserves. Yadav believes Kumar will not remain with the NDA after the upcoming Bihar elections. Bihar is scheduled to vote in November.

India’s top anti-corruption body, the Lokpal, has come under fire after issuing a tender to purchase seven luxury BMWs, sparking allegations of hypocrisy and misuse of taxpayers’ money. Opposition leaders, activists, and social media users criticised the move, highlighting the irony of an institution created to fight corruption indulging in lavish spending.

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor accused Union ministers Amit Shah and Dharmendra Pradhan of pressuring three of his party's candidates to withdraw nominations for the Bihar Assembly elections. Kishor alleged the BJP is using its machinery out of fear of defeat and plans to file a complaint with the Election Commission.

Prime Minister Modi celebrated Deepavali, linking it to national progress and Lord Ram's ideals of justice. He highlighted the eradication of Naxalism in several districts and praised economic reforms like the GST Savings Festival. PM Modi emphasized India's rising global influence and urged citizens towards self-reliance and unity, inspired by the festival's spirit of shared light.

INDIA bloc partners in Bihar are in damage control mode before the first phase of polling, with some withdrawing candidates against each other. Despite internal conflicts and the JMM's exit, leaders hope for clarity by October 23, the last date for withdrawal of candidatures for the second phase.

Satellite phone services have been restored for over 30 fishermen from Tamil Nadu. The Department of Telecommunications and BSNL intervened to bring back Inmarsat connectivity. A private operator also provided temporary service. This enabled stranded fishermen to receive weather alerts and return safely. Efforts are ongoing to ensure full service restoration for all.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha will not contest the Bihar assembly elections, citing seat-sharing disputes and alleged disrespect from opposition parties. The party also announced it will review its alliance with Congress and RJD in Jharkhand. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions within the Mahagathbandhan over seat allocation for the upcoming polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with naval personnel aboard the INS Vikrant, highlighting their courage and dedication. He emphasized the aircraft carrier's significance as a symbol of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and India's growing defence prowess. PM Modi conveyed Diwali wishes to the soldiers and their families, calling them his own.

DRDO has partnered with Sagar Defence Engineering for the production of the unexploded ordnance handling robot (UXOR). This advanced robot, capable of neutralizing ordnance up to 1,000 kg, will be deployed by the IAF to enhance safety during bomb disposal missions. UXOR features remote operation up to 2 km and cross-terrain mobility, with extensive trials confirming its reliability.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Delhi's historic Ghantewala sweet shop, trying his hand at making imarti. The shop owner recalled serving the Gandhi family for generations. Gandhi shared a video of the visit on Diwali, emphasizing the sweetness of relationships and community.

Bihar's RJD announced its 143 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections, asserting its dominance in the Mahagathbandhan despite internal tensions. The party aims to unseat chief minister Nitish Kumar, with Tejashwi Yadav's political future at stake. The alliance faces challenges with overlapping candidacies and ambiguity over a chief ministerial face.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian naval personnel aboard the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. He witnessed an impressive air power demonstration and interacted with officers and sailors. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of self-reliance and lauded the courage of the Navy. This visit continues his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with the armed forces.

US President Donald Trump once again claimed he averted a war between India and Pakistan by threatening steep trade tariffs. He stated that warning both nations of 200% tariffs pushed them to de-escalate tensions following military actions. India, however, has consistently denied any foreign intervention in its diplomatic and military responses.

Delhi-NCR faces Stage II of GRAP as air quality plummets to 'very poor'. Authorities have mandated intensified dust control, expanded public transport, and restricted diesel generator use. Daily road sweeping and water sprinkling are ordered, with increased parking fees to deter private vehicles. Residents voice concerns over recurring pollution.

Ayodhya's Deepotsav 2025 illuminated the city with millions of diyas, marking the ninth edition of the festival celebrating Lord Ram's life. The event set two Guinness World Records for the most people performing simultaneous diya rotations and the largest display of oil lamps. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the festivities, which also featured Ramayana-themed tableaux, folk performances, and drone shows.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath launched a strong attack on the Congress and Samajwadi Party at Deepotsav-2025, accusing them of insulting India's faith and obstructing the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He highlighted their alleged past actions, including calling Lord Ram a myth and firing at devotees, contrasting them with the current celebration of truth and faith in Ayodhya.

Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumar responded to criticism of Bengaluru’s infrastructure, saying he welcomes feedback but some are “doing it too much.” He accused industry leaders, including Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, of forgetting their roots. Mazumdar-Shaw rejected this, citing past critiques. Shivakumar highlighted population growth and the “fix my pothole” initiative, while BJP leader R Ashoka condemned the government’s intimidation of citizens.