In a landmark victory, Vinesh Phogat won the Julana constituency in Haryana's Assembly elections, defeating BJP's Yogesh Kumar by 6,015 votes. The former wrestler and Congress candidate hailed her win as a "victory of struggle," symbolizing the fight for women's rights. Phogat received 65,080 votes, marking Congress's first win in the seat after 19 years. Congratulating her, fellow Congress leader Bajrang Punia emphasized that Phogat's victory represents resistance against oppressive forces. Despite Congress trailing in overall seats, Phogat's win signals hope for change in Haryana's political landscape.

Two trekkers, Michelle Theresa Dvorak (23) from the US and Fay Jane Manners (27) from the UK, were rescued by Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers after being stranded at 5,638m in the Garhwal Himalayas. The climbers, separated from their group, lost critical supplies on October 3 and sent a distress message using a pager. A French group located them after an intense rescue effort involving IAF, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. They were airlifted to safety on October 7, following three days of challenges due to harsh weather and terrain.

For the first time, NRIs in New York City celebrated Durga Puja at Times Square, hosted by the Bengali Club USA. The two-day event, held on October 5-6, 2024, featured traditional rituals, cultural performances, and vibrant celebrations. Instagram influencer Ruchika Jain, known as fireflydo, shared glimpses of the historic festival, encouraging followers to join the festivities. "Don't miss out on this momentous occasion," she posted. The event created excitement among NRIs, who traditionally celebrated Durga Puja virtually. Netizens responded positively, celebrating the spirit of community and culture.

Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu, facing an economic crisis, has arrived in Delhi for a five-day visit to seek financial assistance. With foreign exchange reserves plummeting to $440M, the Maldives risks a debt default. Muizzu is expected to request a significant bailout from India, one of the country's largest development partners. Despite earlier adopting an "India out" stance, Muizzu emphasized the importance of dialogue, expressing confidence in India’s support. Relations between the nations have been strained due to Maldives’ increasing ties with China, but this visit could be crucial in restoring bilateral cooperation.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Delhi on October 6, beginning his four-day bilateral visit to India. This marks his first such visit since taking office. Accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Muizzu will meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions will cover regional, bilateral, and international issues. Muizzu is also set to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru for business meetings. Relations between India and the Maldives have been tense, but recent efforts have focused on strengthening ties in areas like security, economy, and infrastructure.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar gave a witty response when asked whether he would choose to have dinner with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un or businessman George Soros. In an interview, he said, “It is Navratri, I am fasting,” sparking cheers from the audience. The video went viral, with netizens praising Jaishankar’s clever reply. Jaishankar also confirmed he will attend the SCO meeting in Pakistan on October 15-16 but won’t discuss India-Pakistan relations, emphasizing it is a multilateral event, not a bilateral discussion.

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik declined to present awards to orphan girls at an event in Pakistan, stating it was inappropriate to refer to them as "daughters." Naik explained that the girls were “non-mahrams,” meaning eligible for marriage under Islamic law, and said, “You cannot touch them or call them your daughters.” The video of the incident, hosted by Pakistan Sweet Home Foundation, went viral. Naik, wanted in India for money laundering, is in Pakistan for a lecture series. He recently met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who praised his lectures for being "insightful and impactful."

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced his upcoming visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on October 15-16, emphasizing that the trip is solely for multilateral discussions, not bilateral talks. This marks the first visit by a high-ranking Indian minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade. Jaishankar stated, “I’m going there to be a good member of the SCO,” adding he would behave accordingly. The minister also expressed concern over escalating conflicts in the Middle East and their broader implications for global stability, linking them to ongoing tensions in Ukraine.

More than 1 million people have fled their homes in southern Lebanon, following intensified evacuation orders from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The warnings have expanded to over 70 villages, urging residents to move north beyond the Awali River. The IDF cautions that any southward movement could endanger lives, causing mass panic. Despite reassurances, daily airstrikes have left many terrified. Lebanon is witnessing its largest displacement in history as tens of thousands flee to Beirut, seeking safety.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Pakistan later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This will be his first trip to Pakistan as India’s foreign minister, and the first such visit by an Indian foreign minister in nearly a decade. The last visit was by Sushma Swaraj in 2015. Relations between India and Pakistan have been tense since the 2016 Uri attack. The summit will be held in Islamabad on October 15-16. There is no confirmation of any bilateral talks between India and Pakistan during the visit.