Dubai lit up for Diwali with sparkling homes, bright lights, and grand fireworks. Expats shared emotional posts, recalling India’s festive spirit. Thousands gathered at Al Seef for the ‘Noor: Festival of Lights,’ organized by Dubai Festivals and the Indian Consulate, as Dubai Creek shimmered with joy and unity.
A massive fire erupted at Kaveri Apartment in Delhi this afternoon, housing several MP flats. Delhi Fire Services received the emergency call and immediately deployed six fire tenders to combat the blaze. Officials confirmed the incident occurred at the residential complex allocated to Members of Parliament. So far, no casualties have been reported.
Afghan and Pakistani delegations are heading to Doha to resolve deadly border clashes that killed dozens and injured hundreds. Afghanistan’s team includes the Defence Minister and Intelligence Chief. After a 48-hour ceasefire ended, Pak struck militants’ hideouts in Paktika province, targeting Hafiz Gul Bahadur group fighters, with no civilian casualties reported.
Deepawali travel plans in Hyderabad collapsed as a statewide bandh over the Telangana High Court’s stay on 42% BC quota halted bus services and doubled cab fares. Stranded passengers crowded bus stops while protests shut fuel stations and shops. RTC depots, schools, and businesses stayed closed, leaving Telangana districts eerily silent and motionless.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan, stating every inch of its territory is within BrahMos missile range, while flagging off the first batch manufactured in Lucknow. Hailing its speed, accuracy, and power, he called BrahMos the “backbone” of Indian forces, highlighting its success in Operation Sindoor and India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP CM Yogi Adityanath flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles in Lucknow under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. Produced at BrahMos Aerospace’s Sarojini Nagar facility, this milestone strengthens the UP Defence Industrial Corridor and India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, as announced by PM Modi.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan met Amit Shah to discuss election strategies and aims for a 100% win rate. He highlighted that NDA has finalized all 243 candidates, while the Mahagathbandhan is still struggling to finalize seat-sharing. Paswan emphasized focusing on development and avoiding false narratives during the campaign.
The Assam government has transferred over 30 senior IPS and APS officers across districts and specialised units in a major administrative shake-up. The Home Department said the reshuffle, approved by the governor, was made “in the interest of public service” to enhance policing efficiency and strengthen district-level administration across the state.
Praveen Kumar, a Panchayat officer, was suspended for participating in an RSS event, violating civil service neutrality rules. The BJP slammed the Congress government, calling the move anti-Hindu and politically driven. Tensions escalate as Karnataka enforces strict rules on public events by ideological organizations like the RSS.
A fire broke out in a coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express at Sirhind Station, Punjab, around 07:30 hrs today. Passengers were quickly shifted to other coaches, and the fire was extinguished with no casualties. Operating thrice weekly over 1,716 km, the AC 3-Tier train will resume its journey shortly, covering 23 stops including […]
Two men linked to a Pakistan-backed naval spying ring have been jailed for leaking sensitive Indian Navy data. Honey traps and illegal trade funded the espionage, compromising bases in Visakhapatnam, Karwar, and Kochi. The NIA has convicted four so far, exposing deep infiltration aided by fake social profiles and cross-border networks.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized to Trump after facing backlash for urging him to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco. He revoked his statement on X, saying it was made out of caution ahead of Dreamforce. Benioff emphasized unity and praised city officials for ensuring a safe event without military involvement.
Heavy rains in Kerala’s Idukki district have raised Mullaperiyar dam’s water level to 138 meters, prompting the release of 14 shutters. Kallar Dam shutters were also opened. Severe waterlogging affects Kattappana, Nedumkandam, and Kumily. The IMD issued yellow alerts for 11 districts, warning of heavy rain, floods, and thunderstorms, urging caution near rivers.
The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to allow National Guard deployment in Chicago, escalating its clash with Democratic governors over domestic military use. A federal judge had paused the deployment of troops from Illinois and Texas for immigration support. After an appeals court upheld the block, Trump filed an emergency appeal.
Telangana Congress, BJP, and BRS support the BC JAC bandh today, October 18, protesting the High Court’s stay on 42% BC reservation in local body elections. Schools are closed for Diwali, government offices remain open, and RTC buses may run reduced services. Shops in Hyderabad will close. Police urge peaceful participation, warning against disruptions.