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?”

Thousands of students joined Gen Z-led protests in Leh, Ladakh, supporting climate activist and social worker Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike for constitutional protection and full statehood. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent, with clashes against police, arson at the BJP office, and a CRPF vehicle set on fire. Five people were killed and around 70 injured. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew as protesters vowed to continue their struggle until demands were met, asserting the movement is independent of any political party.

Ladakh is witnessing violent protests over the long-standing demand to restore its statehood. Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike and hospitalization of other protesters intensified tensions, leading to clashes, tear gas, and vehicles set ablaze in Leh. Locals blame the BJP for breaking its promises and insist the movement will continue until statehood is restored. Delhi is monitoring the situation closely, with high-level talks scheduled, but public anger remains high, leaving the BJP politically cornered.

In a disturbing incident in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim imam was allegedly assaulted by Hindu extremists after refusing to chant “Jai Shri Ram.”
The victim, identified as Imam Mustaqim, claimed he was targeted because of his beard and cap while riding a bicycle. He said a group stopped him, forced him to chant the slogan, and when he refused, they beat him with sticks for nearly two hours, threatening to bury him on the spot.
Police, however, downplayed the incident, labeling it a case of “general assault” rather than communal violence.
According to reports, the attack stemmed from a prior dispute involving local children and another individual named Zeeshan.

The U.S. has announced a staggering increase in H-1B visa application fees, raising the cost to $100,000 per applicant—a 60-fold jump—under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The revised fee takes effect from Sunday.

India, whose nationals account for over 70% of all H-1B visas issued in 2024, has strongly criticized the decision, calling it a matter of “deep humanitarian concern” that would cause severe disruption to family lives.

“The exchange of skilled professionals between India and the United States is mutually beneficial. We hope policymakers consider the foundation of our bilateral ties when making such decisions,” India’s statement read.

Meanwhile, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is set to depart for Washington on Monday for discussions with U.S. counterparts.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said it is carefully assessing the implications of the reported strategic mutual defense pact signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted India’s deepening strategic partnership with Riyadh in recent years and expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would remain mindful of “mutual interests and sensitivities.”

“We have seen reports of a Pakistan-Saudi defense pact. Its implications for our national security, as well as for regional and global stability, will be considered,” Jaiswal said.

Under the reported pact, an attack on either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia would be treated as an attack on both, prompting a joint response.

The United States has canceled the visas of several Indian businesspeople and corporate executives over allegations of trafficking raw materials used in the production of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic drug.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi confirmed that not only were their visas revoked, but any future visa applications from these individuals have also been denied. However, the embassy declined to release their names.

Fentanyl precursors—core chemical substances used to manufacture the drug—are considered the primary driver behind America’s opioid overdose crisis. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of drug-related deaths in the United States.

The embassy also stated that Washington is working closely with the Indian government to combat narcotics trafficking. It is worth noting that during his administration, Donald Trump had imposed tariffs of up to 50% on imports from India.