Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced India’s goal to surpass the U.S. in road infrastructure during a seminar in Bhopal. Speaking at the Indian Road Congress on October 19, 2024, he emphasized the importance of connectivity for economic growth, quoting John F. Kennedy to highlight infrastructure’s role in wealth creation. Gadkari also urged the use of segregated waste in road construction, citing Delhi’s Gazipur landfill reduction. He expressed concern over road accidents, urging immediate action on blackspots, and advocated for green highways to combat pollution.

A loud explosion occurred near a CRPF school in Rohini, Delhi, early Sunday morning, damaging a school wall, nearby shops, and a car. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Emergency services, including bomb squads and forensic teams, responded swiftly to the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident, suspecting a firecracker may have caused the blast. CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined. The blast raised safety concerns, particularly amid recent bomb threats affecting over 70 flights in India in the past six days.

On October 12, Air India Express flight from Tiruchirapalli to Sharjah, carrying 141 passengers, faced a technical issue mid-air. The pilots had to circle the sky for 3 hours to burn fuel before safely landing back at Tiruchirapalli. Maitreyee Shitole, one of the pilots, was praised for her calm handling of the situation. Her mother, Rukmini Shitole, shared her reaction: "My legs froze for a minute after hearing the news," she said, expressing pride. Maitreyee’s family received over 500 calls congratulating them. Social media, including Tamil Nadu's governor, also praised the pilots for their professionalism.

Lawrence Bishnoi's family spends ₹35-40 lakh per year to support him while he's imprisoned at Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat, his cousin Ramesh Bishnoi revealed. Lawrence, a 31-year-old law graduate from Panjab University, has been linked to high-profile crimes, including the recent killing of Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique. His family, which owns 110 acres of land, never expected him to turn to crime. The Canadian police also accused his gang of collaborating with Indian government agents, a claim India denied. Lawrence is under investigation by the ATS and NIA for multiple cases.

Indian airlines received over 70 bomb threats in the past week, causing flight delays and diversions. On Saturday alone, more than 30 threats were made. Authorities, including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), met airline CEOs, urging them to follow safety rules strictly. Investigators found that some threats came from overseas, but VPNs may have been used to hide real locations. BCAS reassured passengers that the skies are safe, and airlines like Vistara and IndiGo reported social media threats. New guidelines are expected soon to better handle such situations.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) convened a meeting with the CEOs of domestic airlines in Delhi, following a surge in hoax bomb threats targeting over 70 flights. Zulfiquar Hasan, Director General of BCAS, assured airlines that all security protocols are being enforced to ensure passenger safety. The Civil Aviation Ministry plans to introduce stricter regulations to combat such incidents, including placing hoax threat perpetrators on no-fly lists. A 17-year-old from Chhattisgarh was recently detained in connection with threats on Mumbai-originating flights, highlighting ongoing investigations.

Vikash Yadav, wanted by the US FBI for allegedly plotting the murder of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, was arrested by Delhi Police 10 months ago on charges of extortion, attempted murder, and kidnapping. A Delhi-based businessman accused Yadav of abducting him, stealing valuables, and threatening him with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s involvement. Yadav was recently named by US prosecutors as a co-conspirator in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Pannun. The US FBI also charged him with money laundering. India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified Yadav is no longer employed by the Indian government.

A video of a Kolkata priest dancing joyfully to the beats of the dhak during a Durga Puja aarti at the BJ Block pandal has gone viral. The priest, dressed in traditional attire, captivated the crowd with his spirited dance in front of the idol of Goddess Durga. The video, shared on Instagram by Sutapa Sarkar, has garnered thousands of reactions, with users praising the priest’s devotion and enthusiasm. Spectators at the pandal recorded the lively moment, adding to the festive atmosphere of the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata.

More than 10 Indian flights received bomb threats within 24 hours, prompting extensive security measures and diversions. Five IndiGo and five Akasa flights were targeted, along with three Vistara flights and one Air India Express flight. A Vistara flight from Delhi to London was diverted to Frankfurt, where thorough security checks confirmed no threats. The two other Vistara flights, headed to Paris and Hong Kong, also underwent security procedures upon landing. All threats were determined to be hoaxes. Authorities are investigating the source of the threats as air travel remains on high alert.

Mathura SSP Shailesh Pandey has suspended three police personnel—Sub-inspector Ramsanehi, Head Constable Vipin, and Constable Sanjay—after a video of Lawrence Bishnoi gang sharpshooter Yogesh speaking to media while in custody went viral. The incident occurred at the Refinery police station. Yogesh, in his statement, claimed his encounter in Mathura was staged and mentioned the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai. The suspensions were ordered after concerns arose over the security breach allowing media access to the accused while in police custody. This incident has prompted an internal inquiry into the matter.