Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram criticized India's 6.5% growth rate as "dismal," warning the country is trapped in lower-middle income status without "ideas or intrepidity" to break free. He called for "Manmohan Singh-like courage" to address the situation. Chidambaram highlighted that India's Gross National Income per capita of $2,650 needs to double to exit lower-middle income classification, which would take nine years at current growth rates. He flagged declining capital formation as critical, noting Gross Fixed Capital Formation dropped from 35.8% of GDP in 2007-08 to 30.1% in 2024-25. The Congress leader emphasized this growth rate isn't celebratory but indicates economic stagnation requiring bold reforms.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP and former UN diplomat, recently visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, describing it as an "extraordinary experience" and a "remarkable structure." He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pivotal role in facilitating the temple's establishment in the UAE, highlighting the Prime Minister's engagement with the UAE government as instrumental in transforming the vision of a Hindu place of worship into reality. Tharoor lauded the temple's intricate design, including the Wall of Harmony at its entrance and heat-resistant tiles. He also praised the handcrafted sandstone carvings and detailed statues representing seven major deities with individual shrines, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. Reflecting on his UN tenure, Tharoor noted the temple as a "microcosm of the unity of creation," embodying the common humanity he championed. (PC: NDTV)

A pet dog named Rocky heroically battled and killed a deadly cobra that entered his owner's yard in Kerala's Alappuzha around 1:30 PM Tuesday. Owner Subash Krishna was working in the Middle East while his wife was home. Hearing commotion, she discovered the dead cobra and Rocky suffering from a venomous bite. She immediately rushed Rocky to a veterinary doctor, who referred him to several hospitals. A medical team led by veterinary surgeon Dr. Bipin Prakash successfully treated the injured dog after several days of intensive care. Rocky is now recovering. Despite being the weaker opponent in this "David vs Goliath battle," Rocky's determination to protect his owner proved sufficient to defeat the dangerous serpent.

Ladakh campaigners for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections held symbolic protests Saturday amid heavy restrictions. Leh administration suspended mobile internet, restricted gatherings, closed educational institutions, and deployed security forces. Campaign co-chairman Chering Dorjay was briefly confined home, with only "15 to 20" participants allowed in the silent march. Hundreds marched in neighboring Kargil demanding justice for four killed in September 24 violence during statehood protests. Dorjay criticized restrictions as "totally illegal," saying "when government is scared of its people, there is something to hide." While welcoming Centre's judicial inquiry announcement, he expressed concerns about FIR 144 incorporation and absence of Ladakhi representation among inquiry members led by retired Justice B.S. Chauhan.

Karnataka Taluk Panchayat Development Officer Praveen Kumar KP was suspended after attending the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary celebrations in Lingasugur on October 12, wearing the RSS uniform and marching in a procession. The action was taken under the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which require political neutrality from government employees. The suspension was issued by the Panchayat Raj Department following an inquiry. The BJP condemned the move as “illegal and unlawful,” citing court rulings that allow government servants to participate in RSS programs, and pledged legal support for Kumar to challenge the suspension. (PC: India Today)    

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government's recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reductions have led to greater-than-expected price drops on 54 daily-use items, benefiting consumers nationwide. Implemented on September 22, the new two-tier GST structure of 5% and 18% replaced the previous 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% slabs, impacting approximately 375 products, including household goods and vehicles. Sitharaman highlighted increased consumer purchases and sustained demand, especially in sectors like automobiles and consumer electronics. The government is actively monitoring prices and addressing consumer complaints to ensure continued benefits.    

Delhi High Court ruled Friday that alimony "is not automatic" and cannot be granted to financially self-sufficient spouses without proven financial hardship. The case involved a Group 'A' Indian Railways Traffic Service officer seeking permanent alimony from her advocate husband after divorce. Married in 2010, they lived together only one year before the marriage was dissolved in August 2023 on cruelty grounds. The division bench emphasized Section 25 of Hindu Marriage Act aims to secure financial justice, preventing destitution, not enrichment or equalizing capable individuals' finances. The court found her senior government position, substantial income, and no dependents established full self-maintenance capability.

A major fire erupted on Saturday at the upper floors of the Brahmaputra Apartments — a multistorey residential complex near Parliament on B.R. Marg in Delhi that houses several Members of Parliament. Smoke and flames caused panic among residents as multiple fire‐tenders rushed to the scene to control the blaze. Although details about casualties or the fire’s cause are still emerging, officials confirmed that the building was safely evacuated and emergency services are working to bring the situation under control.     

India will “very soon” impose specific regulations to combat deepfakes and misuse of AI, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced at the NDTV World Summit 2025 in Delhi. He emphasised that merely passing a law will not suffice — the country’s approach will combine legal measures with technical solutions to detect and deter deepfake threats. India’s strategy differs from the EU’s by prioritising innovation alongside societal protection, with efforts already underway at institutions like Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur to develop deepfake-detection tech exceeding 90 % accuracy. (PC: NDTV)  

Just days before Diwali, Delhi’s air quality has plunged to the “very poor” category, with an overall AQI of 254. Pollution hotspots such as Anand Vihar (384), Wazirpur (359), Jahangirpuri (307), Bawana (307), and Siri Fort (303) recorded dangerously high levels. Experts attribute the spike to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and pre-festive firecracker use. Authorities have deployed anti-smog guns and water sprinklers to curb dust pollution. Health officials have warned of severe respiratory risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart conditions. (PC: PTI)