What was meant to be a festival of light turned into a nightmare for many families in Madhya Pradesh, India. During Diwali celebrations, 14 children lost their eyesight permanently, and over 120 others suffered severe eye injuries after using homemade “carbide guns” — toy-like firecracker devices sold openly in local markets for just ₹150–₹200. These improvised explosive toys, made from plastic or tin pipes filled with gunpowder, match heads, and calcium carbide, cause violent explosions when ignited. The blasts released hot metal particles and toxic fumes that burned retinas and damaged irises beyond repair. Hospitals in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior are overwhelmed with injured children. Authorities have arrested six people linked to illegal sales, while doctors warn that these are not toys but deadly explosives. Experts blame viral “firecracker gun challenges” on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube for fueling the dangerous craze.

India has firmly denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to halt oil imports from Russia. The controversy follows Trump’s earlier statement crediting himself for de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions, which New Delhi also dismissed. India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no phone conversation took place between Modi and Trump, countering Trump’s assertion. Experts view this as a rare public diplomatic contradiction between the two nations, reflecting a shift toward more open and unpredictable diplomacy. Analysts suggest Trump’s remarks aim to pressure India to reduce its energy ties with Moscow, though India maintains that decisions will prioritize national interests. Despite U.S. pressure, India continues to buy about 35% of its oil from Russia. Observers note this episode highlights New Delhi’s balancing act between U.S. and Russian relations amid evolving global power equations.

Mumbai police have arrested Babu Ayan Khan, also known as Jyoti and popularly referred to as ‘Guru Mata,’ for allegedly trafficking over 200 Bangladeshi citizens into India using forged documents. Living in India for 30 years, Jyoti created fake birth certificates, Aadhaar cards, and PAN cards to claim Indian citizenship. The network reportedly smuggled victims through the Murshidabad border into Kolkata, where fake documents were prepared before moving them to Mumbai and housing them in Shivaji Nagar. Each flat hosted 3–4 Bangladeshis who paid monthly rent to Guru Mata. Disturbingly, many of the trafficked individuals were forced into prostitution. Jyoti also illegally occupied over 200 flats under MHADA, earning lakhs of rupees through rentals. She has around 300 followers among Mumbai’s transgender community and had built a reputation as a spiritual leader over the years.

Jammu and Kashmir PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the BJP-led central government for welcoming Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, calling it a display of internal hypocrisy. She argued that while India’s government engages with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to strengthen diplomatic and strategic ties, it simultaneously marginalizes its own Muslim citizens through policies and rhetoric targeting the community, including initiatives labeled as “Love Jihad,” “Land Jihad,” “Vote Jihad,” and “Cow Jihad.” Mufti highlighted that India’s decision to offer scholarships and developmental support to Afghanistan, while curtailing opportunities for Muslim students and closing madrasas at home, underscores a stark contradiction. Stressing the importance of international relations, she emphasized that the foundation of a stable and harmonious nation lies in building trust, respect, and equality for minority communities within its own borders. Afghan FM Muttaqi’s visit is part of a six-day trip to strengthen bilateral ties.

In a move highlighting political pragmatism over principle, India’s Hindu nationalist government has faced severe criticism after Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi. Once condemning the Taliban for its brutal record on women’s rights, India now appears to have softened its stance to counter Pakistan’s influence in the region. The controversy erupted when female journalists were denied entry to a press conference hosted by the Afghan Embassy, despite following dress codes. India’s Foreign Ministry quickly distanced itself, claiming no involvement in the event’s organization. Opposition leaders, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hypocrisy and failing to defend women’s dignity in a democratic country. The incident comes amid Taliban-imposed restrictions on Afghan women’s education and employment, deepening outrage over India’s silence. Analysts view this episode as a troubling reflection of India’s shifting foreign policy priorities.

At least 18 people have died after a bus was crushed by falling rocks during a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, India. The tragic incident occurred near the Ballu Bridge in Bilaspur’s Jhandutta constituency around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7. The bus, carrying around 30 to 35 passengers from Rohtak in Haryana to Ghumarwin in Bilaspur, was completely flattened by large boulders tumbling down the hillside. Rescue teams from the local administration, police, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the site and have so far rescued three survivors. Officials fear the death toll may rise as more passengers remain trapped. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief and directed rescue efforts, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹200,000 compensation for each victim’s family. Continuous rainfall and multiple landslides have severely affected the region’s transport network.

Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan’s appearance at the West Bengal government–organized Durga Puja Carnival has sparked controversy and political backlash. BJP leaders in Durgapur, Bardhaman district, staged a protest questioning why a Bangladeshi artist was invited to perform at a state-sponsored religious event. Though Jaya had already left the venue after performing a Rabindra Sangeet, BJP members accused the organizers of “insulting Goddess Durga” by including her in the program. The controversy follows earlier criticisms by Trinamool Congress councillor Jui Biswas, who had opposed Bangladeshi actors working in Indian films. The incident adds a new dimension to the growing cultural and political debate over cross-border artistic collaboration between India and Bangladesh, particularly during religious and state events.

Cuttack city in Odisha remains tense after violent clashes erupted during Durga Puja immersion processions. The violence began Friday night in Dargah Bazaar when loud music triggered disputes between groups, escalating into stone-pelting that injured several people, including Deputy Police Commissioner Rishikesh Dnyandeo Khilari. Police have arrested six individuals and are reviewing CCTV and drone footage to identify others. Following the unrest, authorities imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services across Cuttack and nearby areas to prevent misinformation. Despite restrictions, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) organized a motorcycle rally on Sunday, allegedly vandalizing shops and setting fires before police intervened with baton charges. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the violence, vowing strict action and free medical care for the injured. Former CM Naveen Patnaik blamed administrative failure, while VHP announced a 12-hour shutdown demanding justice.

India is set to purchase five additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, aiming to strengthen its air defense network and enhance national security. Senior Indian defense officials are scheduled to meet Russian counterparts this week to finalize whether the missiles will be jointly produced or directly purchased. Officials anticipate signing the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit in early December. India also plans to involve the private sector to develop local maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities for the S-400 systems. The country has already received three systems under a $5.43 billion contract, with two more expected in 2026. The S-400s played a critical role during the May border conflict with Pakistan. Additionally, India intends to procure 200 km range R-27BV missiles to strengthen its Su-30MKI fighter fleet, while gradually boosting domestic defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

At least 13 people, including six women and minors, died when a trolley parked on a temporary bridge for Durga idol immersion slipped into a lake in Khandoa district, Madhya Pradesh, on October 2. Rescue teams recovered the bodies, while an eight-year-old girl remains missing. Three injured girls are receiving hospital treatment. Officials estimate 30–32 people were in the trolley. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced ₹4 lakh compensation for victims’ families and directed proper medical care for the injured.

India and China will restart direct passenger flights in late October 2025, five years after services were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing tensions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the move as a major step toward normalizing bilateral ties. Discussions earlier this year included resuming flights and updating air service agreements. Designated airlines from both countries will operate under the winter schedule. Officials say the decision will boost people-to-people connectivity and help restore bilateral exchanges.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict.

In a statement, Modi said Trump’s proposal offers a “viable path toward long-term peace, security, and development” for both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the broader West Asian region.

He expressed hope that all stakeholders would unite behind Trump’s initiative to end the conflict and ensure lasting peace.

At least 29 people were killed in a stampede during a rally led by popular actor and TVK party president Thalapathy Vijay in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. The rally, part of Vijay’s state-wide political tour, drew massive crowds.
As the gathering intensified, several people fainted, prompting chaos. Victims were rushed to Karur Medical College Hospital and nearby private clinics. “So far, seven adults and three children have died. More patients are arriving by ambulance,” said hospital dean R. Shanthimala, warning that the death toll may rise.

Authorities in Ladakh have tightened security after the arrest of renowned environmental activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk under India’s National Security Act. Wangchuk, who was leading a hunger strike demanding full statehood for Ladakh, was detained on Friday.
Heavy security measures were imposed across Leh and adjoining areas this morning. The protest movement, largely led by the youth, has drawn comparisons to political uprisings in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Tensions escalated last Wednesday when clashes left four people dead and at least 50 injured.

Political tensions in Bihar are heating up ahead of the upcoming state election, with immigration becoming a flashpoint. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently accused Congress and the RJD of sheltering illegal migrants, warning that such infiltration posed a “demographic crisis” and threatened women’s safety.

In a sharp rebuttal, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dismissed Modi’s claims, declaring:
“Modiji says there are Bangladeshis in Bihar. I say there are none in Bihar or in the border regions. But you do have a Bangladeshi sister in Delhi—send her back, and we’ll ensure the borders are secure.”

Owaisi’s pointed remark was a direct reference to fugitive former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is believed to be in India.

Meanwhile, the controversy has intensified over the revision of Bihar’s voter rolls. The Election Commission admitted to detecting some Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Myanmar nationals registered as voters. Opposition parties, however, argue this is a ploy to disenfranchise legitimate voters.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the ruling BJP, saying:
“Even if we assume there are infiltrators, what have you done all these years? You’ve been in power at the Center for 11 years and have ruled Bihar for two decades. Why raise the alarm now?”