Multiple Fatalities During Durga Idol Immersion in Madhya Pradesh
Several tragic incidents marred the Durga idol immersion rituals in Madhya Pradesh, resulting in numerous deaths. In one incident in Khandwa district, eleven devotees lost their lives when a tractor-trolley carrying Durga idols plunged into a lake. Approximately 20-25 people were on board for the immersion rituals when the accident occurred. Another similar incident in Ujjain saw two people die and four injured after a tractor-trolley overturned into the Chambal river. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incidents and announced compensation for the deceased and injured.
India and China to Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Hiatus
In a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations, India and China have agreed to resume direct flights from October 26, following a five-year suspension. This agreement between the civil aviation authorities aims to facilitate people-to-people contact and contribute to the gradual normalization of exchanges between the two nations. The decision marks an important development in the diplomatic landscape between the two Asian giants.
RSS Centenary Celebrations and Mohan Bhagwat's Address
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marked its centenary with its annual Vijayadashami rally in Nagpur, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a key address. Bhagwat emphasized the inclusive nature of Hindu society, stating that its inherent strength ensures national unity and development. He advocated for 'swadeshi' (use of indigenous resources) and 'swavalamban' (self-reliance), highlighting that global interdependence should not become a compulsion. The RSS chief also called for increased security capabilities, citing the international response to a recent terror attack as a test of India's global friendships.
Taliban Foreign Minister Set for Historic Visit to India
The Taliban's acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is scheduled to visit India next week, marking a notable diplomatic engagement. This visit is particularly significant given that Muttaqi is currently under UN Security Council sanctions, including a travel ban. The visit signals a potential shift in diplomatic interactions between India and Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Other Key Developments:
October 2nd also marked Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and coincided with Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrations across India. However, heavy rainfall in Delhi led to the cancellation of several major Dussehra events, including those scheduled to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sonia Gandhi.