Over 150 people were injured, with eight in critical condition, in a fireworks accident during the Kaliyattam festival at Anjootambalam Veerarkavu Temple in Kasaragod, Kerala, early Monday. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM when a nearby fireworks storage facility caught fire. The injured were transported to hospitals in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Mangaluru for treatment. Senior district officials, including the collector and district police chief, quickly arrived at the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire as local communities came together to support the victims and their families.

Comedian Kunal Kamra accepted an offer from Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal to help improve Ola’s electric scooter services, following a public disagreement over service quality. Kamra initially shared a post on X, showing numerous EV scooters waiting at an Ola service center, questioning the company's support for daily wage workers who rely on these vehicles. Aggarwal responded by inviting Kamra to contribute directly to improvements. On Monday, Kamra agreed, humorously noting he felt like an “Ola employee” after frequent mentions but added conditions to his acceptance. The exchange highlights ongoing concerns about service quality for Ola's electric scooters.

In a fierce eight-hour gunfight in Akhnoor, Jammu, on October 28, Indian Army dog Phantom, a Belgian Malinois, was killed while engaging terrorists. The clash began when militants attacked an ambulance within an army convoy around 7 am. As troops closed in, Phantom drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries. One terrorist was neutralized during the operation, linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammad group. The incident underscores rising tensions, with eight recent terror attacks in the region, resulting in multiple fatalities, including soldiers and civilians. Phantom, a dedicated assault dog, was trained for high-risk operations.

The C295 aircraft project marks a significant milestone for India’s defense and aerospace sectors, with the first private military aircraft plant inaugurated in Gujarat. This collaboration between Tata and Airbus aims to manufacture 56 aircraft, enhancing India’s tactical airlift capabilities and boosting the 'Make in India' initiative. The facility will create over 3,000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs, while establishing essential training and maintenance infrastructure. Additionally, it positions India for potential aircraft exports, aligning with global market ambitions. The C295 project is set to roll out its first aircraft by September 2026.

India’s next nationwide census will start in 2025 and conclude in 2026, marking a shift with expanded data collection on religion, sect, and caste categories, according to government sources. For the first time, citizens may specify their sect affiliations, including distinctions like Shia-Sunni or Lingayats. Major political parties, including JDU and LJP, are pressing for comprehensive caste data, with leaders emphasizing that such data supports social policies. Congress has criticized the government’s stance, calling it a betrayal of the OBC community. The census will be conducted in 2035, 2045, and 2055, adjusting from its traditional 10-year cycle.

In Jammu & Kashmir's Sunderbani sector, Indian Army dog Phantom was killed during an anti-terror operation on Monday after drawing enemy fire while troops closed in on terrorists. The White Knight Corps honored the Belgian Malinois on social media, saluting his courage and dedication. Phantom, born on May 25, 2020, sustained fatal injuries in the encounter. One terrorist was neutralized, and additional warlike materials were seized. Security forces continue to search the area after an early-morning attack on an Army convoy, which included firing at an ambulance, near the Assan temple along the LoC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated TATA’s C-295 Aircraft Manufacturing Hub in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a major milestone for India’s defence sector. Under a 2021 agreement, Airbus will deliver 16 C-295 aircraft from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured locally at TATA’s new facility. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the hub as India's first private sector military aircraft final assembly line, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This facility is set to enhance India's defence agility and strengthen supply chains by enabling manufacturing, assembly, testing, and maintenance on Indian soil.

Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh have introduced heavy fines and jail terms for those contaminating food with substances like spit, after social media videos showing alleged incidents sparked public outrage. Uttarakhand offenders face fines up to INR 100,000, while Uttar Pradesh proposes up to 10-year imprisonment. However, opposition parties and experts caution these laws may risk targeting specific communities, as seen in viral videos with unverified religious claims. The Indian Express criticized these measures as potentially divisive. Amid India's ongoing food safety concerns, officials advocate for CCTV in kitchens and staff verification to deter unhygienic practices.

McDonald's has confirmed that its Quarter Pounder beef patties are not linked to the recent E. coli outbreak that affected 75 individuals across 13 states, resulting in one death. The source of contamination was identified as slivered onions supplied by Taylor Farms, which McDonald's ceased using on October 22. The outbreak, first reported on September 27, had 26 cases in Colorado, the most affected state. The CDC reported that 22 of the 61 sickened individuals were hospitalized. McDonald's has ensured that all contaminated products have been removed from their restaurants and plans to resume Quarter Pounder sales soon.

After years of delay, India's national census is set to start in 2025 and continue through 2026, according to a Zee News report. Originally planned for 2021, the census was postponed due to COVID-19. This survey will mark India’s first digital census, utilizing mobile apps for data collection and a dedicated portal for management. The government previously announced its intent in 2019 but faced pandemic-induced challenges. The census cycle will shift to every 10 years, with the next planned for 2035. There’s still no confirmation if caste data will be included, despite ongoing calls from opposition parties.