October
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Indian media on October 1 focused heavily on the US government shutdown, with early morning reports from multiple sources detailing the failure of the Senate vote and the impending cessation of government services and potential layoffs. This was often linked to President Trump's peace initiatives in the Israel-Hamas conflict, including a 20-point plan and an ultimatum to Hamas, as well as his remarks on not winning the Nobel Prize.
Concurrently, the Central government's decision to hike the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) by 3% for millions of employees and pensioners also received significant coverage. The ongoing Asia Cup trophy controversy, involving PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and the BCCI, continued to be reported throughout the day, with new developments emerging around Naqvi's statements and the trophy's transfer to the UAE.
Concurrently, the Central government's decision to hike the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) by 3% for millions of employees and pensioners also received significant coverage. The ongoing Asia Cup trophy controversy, involving PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and the BCCI, continued to be reported throughout the day, with new developments emerging around Naqvi's statements and the trophy's transfer to the UAE.
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Early morning headlines from India continued to focus on the US government shutdown and President Trump's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Domestically, PM Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated for 'Swadeshi' amidst US tariffs.
Later in the morning, reports highlighted Rahul Gandhi's statements in Colombia criticizing attacks on democracy in India. By the early afternoon, media prominently reported the resumption of direct flights between India and China from late October after a five-year hiatus, aiming to normalize bilateral exchanges. This development was a consistent focus across multiple outlets throughout the afternoon and evening, overshadowing other domestic news, including a tragic accident in Madhya Pradesh.
Later in the morning, reports highlighted Rahul Gandhi's statements in Colombia criticizing attacks on democracy in India. By the early afternoon, media prominently reported the resumption of direct flights between India and China from late October after a five-year hiatus, aiming to normalize bilateral exchanges. This development was a consistent focus across multiple outlets throughout the afternoon and evening, overshadowing other domestic news, including a tragic accident in Madhya Pradesh.
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Indian media in the early hours highlighted President Putin's remarks on India's resilience against US pressure, coinciding with the ongoing US government shutdown. By late morning, reporting shifted significantly to the Indian Air Force Chief's revelation regarding "Operation Sindoor," stating that India destroyed 10 Pakistani fighter jets, including F-16s and JF-17s. This was followed by the Army Chief's warning to Pakistan to cease state-sponsored terrorism or risk being "wiped off the map."
The afternoon saw India strongly condemn Pakistan for human rights violations and suppression of protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, urging accountability for recent brutalities. Concurrently, President Trump's ultimatum to Hamas regarding a Gaza peace deal also received attention, along with reports of two YouTubers arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan.
The afternoon saw India strongly condemn Pakistan for human rights violations and suppression of protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, urging accountability for recent brutalities. Concurrently, President Trump's ultimatum to Hamas regarding a Gaza peace deal also received attention, along with reports of two YouTubers arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan.
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Indian media on October 4 continued extensive coverage of President Trump's Gaza peace plan, with early reports indicating Hamas' agreement to release Israeli hostages following a Trump ultimatum. Concurrently, an ongoing focus remained on India-Pakistan tensions, including claims of Pakistani aircraft shot down and Pakistan's attempts to form a 'new NATO.'
Later in the morning, the media extensively reported on Shubman Gill replacing Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain for the upcoming series against Australia. This development became a central focus, alongside ongoing reports of Israeli strikes in Gaza despite Trump's calls for an end to bombardment, and the tragic shooting death of an Indian student in the US.
Later in the morning, the media extensively reported on Shubman Gill replacing Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain for the upcoming series against Australia. This development became a central focus, alongside ongoing reports of Israeli strikes in Gaza despite Trump's calls for an end to bombardment, and the tragic shooting death of an Indian student in the US.
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Indian media on October 5 continued its extensive coverage of President Trump's Gaza peace plan, with reports that Israel accepted a "withdrawal line" and a ceasefire awaited Hamas' confirmation (India Today, Zee News). Later in the morning, reports highlighted the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, with the CEC discussing voting procedures (Aaj Tak, ABP Live).
The afternoon was dominated by the India vs. Pakistan Women's World Cup match, with ongoing updates on scores and player performances (Dainik Bhaskar, India Today). By late afternoon and evening, headlines consistently featured India's decisive 12-0 victory over Pakistan, emphasizing the team's unbeaten record (Aaj Tak, ABP Live, Dainik Bhaskar, India Today).
The afternoon was dominated by the India vs. Pakistan Women's World Cup match, with ongoing updates on scores and player performances (Dainik Bhaskar, India Today). By late afternoon and evening, headlines consistently featured India's decisive 12-0 victory over Pakistan, emphasizing the team's unbeaten record (Aaj Tak, ABP Live, Dainik Bhaskar, India Today).
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Indian media on October 6 initially focused on a fire at SMS Hospital's ICU in Jaipur, with reports detailing 6 to 8 patient deaths and a government investigation. Concurrently, the Supreme Court heard the Sonam Wangchuk case, with the Centre reluctant to share detention grounds. Later in the morning, media extensively covered a lawyer attempting to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai in the Supreme Court, an act condemned by Prime Minister Modi, who spoke with the CJI. By late morning and throughout the afternoon, the predominant story became the announcement of the Bihar Assembly election dates: a two-phase election on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.
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Indian media on October 7 initially focused on the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections, with discussions around voting patterns, alliances, and alleged voter list issues. Early afternoon reports highlighted the Supreme Court requesting transparency from the Election Commission regarding additions and deletions in the electoral roll. However, by mid-afternoon, news shifted significantly to a tragic landslide in Himachal Pradesh. Multiple sources reported a bus buried under debris in Bilaspur, with initial reports of 8-10 deaths quickly escalating to 15, then 18 fatalities. This incident, with rescue operations underway, became the day's dominant story, overshadowing other political and social developments.
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Indian media on October 8 began with discussions surrounding US diplomatic maneuvers, with India opposing US efforts to reclaim the Bagram airbase, while Canadian PM Mark Carney credited Donald Trump for peace between India and Pakistan. The day also saw reports of British PM Keir Starmer's arrival in India for an official visit, with plans to meet PM Modi and inaugurate infrastructure projects. Concurrently, a major accident on the Jaipur highway involving an LPG truck and a chemical tanker resulted in explosions and one death. As the day progressed, Prime Minister Modi's strong critique of the Congress party's handling of the 2008 Mumbai attacks gained prominence. Separately, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 was awarded for metal-organic frameworks, and concerns rose over cough syrup deaths, leading to directives for rigorous testing.
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Indian media on October 9 widely reported on the breaking news of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas, and a hostage release in Gaza, announced by Donald Trump in the early hours. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the peace plan and praised Netanyahu's leadership. Concurrently, news sources also covered the arrest of the owner of a cough syrup company linked to 20 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh. The Supreme Court agreed to hear a PIL seeking a CBI probe and a nationwide drug safety review related to this issue. By late morning, the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai. The day also saw Prime Minister Modi urging the UK Prime Minister to act against Khalistani extremists.
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The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was a prominent story in Indian media, with early reports discussing the possibility of former US President Trump receiving the award for his Gaza peace efforts, a topic that had been developing over previous days. However, by mid-morning, it was announced that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado had won the prize for her struggle for democracy. This development, and the subsequent reactions from the White House and Russia expressing disappointment that Trump did not receive it, and Machado's dedication of her prize to Trump, dominated headlines throughout the day. Separately, India-Afghanistan diplomatic ties saw the reopening of the Indian embassy in Kabul.
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The day's Indian media coverage heavily featured Donald Trump's 100% tariff announcement on Chinese imports, a development that intensified earlier trade war concerns. This story unfolded alongside continued discussion of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, with Trump expressing disappointment after Maria Corina Machado received it, claiming she accepted it "in his honour." By early afternoon, the narrative shifted to the alleged rape of a medical student in West Bengal, with multiple outlets highlighting the incident. Concurrently, attention was given to the visit of Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Muttaqi to India, with a focus on his meetings and assurances regarding terrorism. The day also saw cricket news, with Shubman Gill breaking records in a Test match.
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The day began with Indian media focusing on escalating border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with reports of Afghan attacks and Pakistani military casualties. Concurrently, the Gaza peace deal negotiations were covered, with Hamas reportedly refusing to sign. Later in the morning, the controversy surrounding former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's remarks on Operation Blue Star drew strong reactions. The most significant development of the day was the gang rape of a medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, which shifted focus to CM Mamata Banerjee's controversial comments advising girls not to go out at night. In the afternoon, the NDA's seat-sharing agreement for the Bihar elections was finalized, with the BJP and JDU each contesting 101 seats.
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Indian media prominently featured the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages throughout the day. Morning reports indicated seven hostages freed, with expectations for 13 more, coinciding with President Trump's arrival in Israel. By mid-morning, it was confirmed that all 20 Israeli hostages had been released, and Trump addressed the Israeli Parliament, receiving a standing ovation. His speech, celebrating the "historic dawn of a new Middle East," was interrupted by a Gaza-supporter who was subsequently removed. PM Modi welcomed the hostage release and supported Trump's peace efforts. Concurrently, legal proceedings against Lalu Yadav and his family in the IRCTC scam continued, with courts framing charges against them. Bihar election developments were also covered, including seat-sharing agreements and candidate lists.
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Indian media began the day continuing its focus on the Gaza ceasefire and US President Trump's role at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, highlighting his praise for PM Modi and recalling 'Operation Sindoor'. Bihar elections also featured prominently, with seat-sharing tensions intensifying within the Mahagathbandhan after RJD withdrew symbols to candidates. By early afternoon, Google's plan for a $15 billion investment to make India an AI hub gained attention. The BJP then released its first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections, including ministers and incumbent MLAs, while some prominent figures were dropped. Concurrently, an investigation into a Haryana IPS officer's suicide deepened with another cop's suicide and a bombshell note alleging corruption. The day concluded with a tragic bus fire on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, with reports indicating around 20 fatalities.
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The day began with Indian media continuing to cover the Bihar elections, focusing on political drama and symbol distribution. Concurrently, an Indian-origin expert was arrested in the US over classified files. Later in the morning, the Supreme Court permitted green crackers for Diwali in Delhi-NCR, and the tragic bus fire in Jaisalmer continued to be reported, with families awaiting DNA samples for victim identification. By early afternoon, JDU released its first list of 57 candidates for the Bihar elections. By mid-afternoon, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire following border clashes and airstrikes, which reportedly killed civilians. This was a significant shift from previous reports of escalating violence.
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Indian media on October 16 focused heavily on President Trump's assertion that Prime Minister Modi assured him India would halt Russian oil purchases. Early reports highlighted Trump's claims, which Rahul Gandhi quickly criticized, and Russia's Deputy PM added complexity by stating India pays for Russian oil in Chinese currency. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, the Ministry of External Affairs and various government sources consistently rejected Trump's claims, reiterating that India's energy choices are guided by national consumer interests and that no such phone call or assurance occurred. This narrative dominated the news cycle, overshadowing other political developments like the Gujarat cabinet's en masse resignation and Bihar election updates.
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Indian media on October 17 extensively covered the evolving situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the morning, reports detailed the breakdown of a previously extended ceasefire, with Pakistan facing an isolated position and its Prime Minister grappling with increased tensions. Early afternoon headlines confirmed Pakistan's renewed airstrikes on Afghanistan, just hours after the ceasefire extension, which the Taliban declared as broken. Concurrently, the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi from Belgium was approved, marking a turning point in India's pursuit. Meanwhile, the Gujarat cabinet reshuffle continued to be a significant domestic story throughout the day, with Harsh Sanghvi appointed as Deputy Chief Minister and 19 new ministers sworn in. PM Modi also criticized the Congress for allegedly shielding Maoist violence.
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Indian media on October 18 continued to extensively cover escalating cross-border violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the early morning, reports confirmed three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike, leading the Afghanistan Cricket Board to withdraw from an upcoming T20 series. This followed an extended ceasefire that collapsed the previous day. Concurrently, President Trump reiterated his claim that India would stop buying Russian oil. Throughout the day, Rajnath Singh issued warnings to Pakistan regarding India's BrahMos missile capabilities, and Pakistan ordered Afghan refugees to return to their country, further escalating regional tensions. A massive fire also broke out in Delhi apartments allotted to MPs.
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Indian media on October 19 prominently featured the cricket match between India and Australia. In the morning, reports detailed the disappointing performances of key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The match was temporarily halted due to rain, and India ultimately lost to Australia by 7 wickets, with Mitchell Marsh leading the Australian victory. Concurrently, celebrations and political discourse surrounding Diwali were heavily covered, including lamp-lighting ceremonies in Ayodhya that set two new Guinness World Records. Reports also focused on the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, with authorities implementing GRAP-2 anti-pollution measures ahead of the festival.
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On October 20, Indian media reported on US President Donald Trump's warning that India would face "massive tariffs" if it continued to purchase oil from Russia. This ongoing narrative, also present in previous days' reports, continued to be a significant topic throughout the morning. Concurrently, Diwali celebrations were a central focus. Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant, praising the warship and its role against Pakistan, a story prominently featured by multiple outlets throughout the morning and early afternoon. Adding to the day's news, veteran actor Asrani passed away at 84, with reports emerging in the early afternoon and continuing into the evening. Delhi continued to grapple with "very poor" air quality due to cracker use despite warnings, a recurring issue during the Diwali period.
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Indian media on October 21 prominently featured the severe air quality in Delhi post-Diwali, with multiple sources reporting AQI exceeding 400 and PM2.5 levels hitting a four-year high in the morning. Political parties, including BJP and AAP, engaged in accusations regarding the causes throughout the day. Separately, international tensions continued to be a focus, with Iran's Supreme Leader mocking Trump's bombing threats, and Trump warning Hamas of 'eradication' if the Gaza ceasefire failed. Later in the day, Afghanistan dismissed Pakistan's proxy war claims as illogical, while domestic political developments in Bihar's Mahagathbandhan also drew attention.
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Indian media on October 22 continued to focus on the severe post-Diwali air pollution in Delhi, with reports highlighting high AQI levels and school closures in Tamil Nadu due to heavy rainfall in the morning. US President Trump's Diwali celebration and claims of discussions with PM Modi on trade and preventing war also received coverage. By late morning and early afternoon, the extradition of fugitive Mehul Choksi gained prominence, with a Belgian court rejecting his plea against extradition and India submitting photos of his cell in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail. Simultaneously, reports on the volatility of gold and silver prices, along with an IndiGo flight's emergency landing due to a fuel leak, were also widely circulated. Discussions around political developments in Bihar and government accountability in IT Rules 2021 were also reported.
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On October 23, Indian media extensively reported on political developments in Bihar. The day began with several outlets noting the INDIA Alliance's potential move to name Tejashwi Yadav as their Chief Ministerial face. By late morning, it was widely confirmed across multiple sources that Tejashwi Yadav was declared the Mahagathbandhan's CM candidate for the 2025 elections, with Mukesh Sahani named as a Deputy CM candidate. This development follows previous days' reports on internal wrangling within the Mahagathbandhan. Separately, efforts to combat Delhi's air pollution remained in focus, with reports on artificial rain plans and the successful testing of cloud seeding in Burari, setting the stage for artificial rain on October 29.
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Indian media on October 24 focused prominently on a tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool, where a collision with a motorcycle led to the bus catching fire. Early reports indicated multiple fatalities, with numbers updated throughout the morning to at least 20-25 killed. Reports also detailed the cause, including a jammed door and curtains turning the sleeper coach into a trap. This event remained a top editorial priority, drawing attention to private bus safety.
Concurrently, Prime Minister Modi's Bihar election campaign received significant coverage, with his rallies featuring criticism of the RJD and discussions on electoral strategy. Separately, the passing of ad guru Piyush Pandey, known for the slogan 'Abki Baar Modi Sarkar', was widely reported. By afternoon, the results of the Jammu and Kashmir Rajya Sabha polls were announced, with the National Conference winning three seats and BJP one, though questions arose regarding cross-voting.
Concurrently, Prime Minister Modi's Bihar election campaign received significant coverage, with his rallies featuring criticism of the RJD and discussions on electoral strategy. Separately, the passing of ad guru Piyush Pandey, known for the slogan 'Abki Baar Modi Sarkar', was widely reported. By afternoon, the results of the Jammu and Kashmir Rajya Sabha polls were announced, with the National Conference winning three seats and BJP one, though questions arose regarding cross-voting.
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Indian media on October 25 was dominated by India's cricket victory over Australia in the third One-Day International. Early morning reports focused on the ongoing match, with updates on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's performances. By late morning, numerous sources confirmed India's nine-wicket win, highlighting Rohit Sharma's 50th international century and Kohli's support. This followed earlier reports of two Australian women cricketers allegedly molested in Indore, leading to an arrest. Separately, the Maharashtra doctor's suicide case continued to develop, with new details emerging about pressure from an MP and police, and the arrest of a sub-inspector in the evening. Bihar politics also saw developments, with the JDU expelling 11 rebel leaders.
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Indian media on October 26 continued to report on the Andhra Pradesh bus fire. Morning reports detailed the arrest of a police sub-inspector in connection with a doctor's suicide in Maharashtra, which remained a focus. Concerns over the Smart Cities Mission's infrastructure were noted, and a cyclone warning for Odisha was issued. By late morning, investigations into the bus fire intensified, with a biker booked for reckless and drunk driving as the alleged cause. Political discourse included Tejashwi Yadav's comments on Chirag Paswan. In the early afternoon, the Election Commission announced pan-India SIR dates, with 10-15 states in the first phase. Throughout the day, US-Pakistan ties were discussed, with the US affirming friendship not at India's expense. Prime Minister Modi highlighted ASEAN-India ties and declared the 21st century as India's century. The India-Bangladesh Women's World Cup match was inconclusive due to rain, and actor Salman Khan was reportedly added to Pakistan's list of terrorists.
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Indian media on October 27 extensively covered the Election Commission's announcement of the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories, including UP, Bengal, Rajasthan, and MP. This followed an earlier announcement regarding the first phase of SIR in 10-15 states. The process, including the freezing of voter lists and BLO verification, is set to begin tomorrow and conclude by February 7, 2026. This move has generated opposition from various political parties. Concurrently, Justice Suryakant was recommended as the next Chief Justice of India. Throughout the day, Cyclone Montha remained a concern, with updates on its trajectory and preparedness efforts in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Chennai.
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Indian media on October 28 extensively covered Cyclone Montha's intensification and anticipated landfall. Morning reports detailed the storm's trajectory towards Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, prompting evacuations. Concurrently, the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) for voter lists across 12 states continued to be discussed, with Prashant Kishor receiving a notice regarding duplicate voter enrolments. By late morning, the Union Cabinet's approval of the 8th Pay Commission, benefiting millions of government employees and pensioners, emerged as a major story. The afternoon saw the Mahagathbandhan release its manifesto for the Bihar Assembly elections, promising government jobs and addressing alcohol prohibition, which drew criticism from CM Nitish Kumar. In the late afternoon, Cyclone Montha began its landfall process on the Andhra Pradesh coast, with reports of intensity and expected trajectory dominating the news, alongside early reports of casualties.
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Indian media on October 29 extensively covered Cyclone Montha, which weakened into a cyclonic storm after making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast. Early reports detailed damage and casualties, with ongoing coverage throughout the morning on its impact and severe weather. Concurrently, the Bihar election campaign remained a significant focus, with Rahul Gandhi criticizing the state government and Amit Shah targeting the RJD-Congress alliance. By midday, PM Modi highlighted the rapid progress of India's maritime sector. In the afternoon, farmers protested in Nagpur, defying a court order, with leader Bachchu Kadu threatening arrest. Separately, India coordinated with Thailand for the repatriation of 500 citizens stranded after fleeing a Myanmar scam hub.
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Indian media on October 30 focused on President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea, covering trade tensions and potential de-escalation throughout the morning. By early afternoon, reports indicated a reduction in US tariffs on China, with China agreeing to purchase US soybeans and provide rare earth metals. This signaled a de-escalation of trade tensions.
Later in the day, a significant hostage situation unfolded in Mumbai, where a man took children hostage in an acting studio. Initial reports covered the crisis and the subsequent rescue operation. By the late afternoon, updates confirmed the kidnapper's death from bullet injuries during the rescue, making this the dominant story across various Indian outlets, with detailed accounts of the operation emerging.
Later in the day, a significant hostage situation unfolded in Mumbai, where a man took children hostage in an acting studio. Initial reports covered the crisis and the subsequent rescue operation. By the late afternoon, updates confirmed the kidnapper's death from bullet injuries during the rescue, making this the dominant story across various Indian outlets, with detailed accounts of the operation emerging.
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Indian media on October 31 focused on the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections, with the NDA releasing its joint manifesto in the morning, promising one crore jobs and free education. This was a significant development building on the previous days' election coverage. Concurrently, Prime Minister Modi paid homage to Sardar Patel on his 150th birth anniversary, emphasizing national unity.
Later in the day, the political discourse shifted with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge calling for a ban on the RSS, drawing comparisons to Sardar Patel's actions. This statement generated considerable discussion across news outlets. Other notable stories included India's women's cricket team reaching the World Cup final and the signing of a 10-year defense pact between India and the US, a continuation of the theme of strengthening international relations.
Later in the day, the political discourse shifted with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge calling for a ban on the RSS, drawing comparisons to Sardar Patel's actions. This statement generated considerable discussion across news outlets. Other notable stories included India's women's cricket team reaching the World Cup final and the signing of a 10-year defense pact between India and the US, a continuation of the theme of strengthening international relations.