In Ayodhya, a second explosion occurred while officials were clearing debris from an earlier blast near the Ram Temple area, intensifying panic and injuries. The first blast had already caused significant damage, and the subsequent detonation struck responders at the site. Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched a detailed investigation to determine the cause and perpetrators. While the exact number of injuries is still being verified, officials suspect the use of improvised explosive devices. Security has been tightened across the temple town as forensic teams collect evidence from both blast sites. 

Actor Deepika Padukone has been appointed India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. As the founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, she has been actively promoting mental health awareness in India. In her new role, Padukone will work with the ministry to educate people, reduce stigma, and support government initiatives like Tele MANAS. She aims to make mental health conversations a normal part of daily life and hopes to blend science with Indian traditions such as yoga and meditation. Union Minister J P Nadda welcomed the partnership. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Surendra Rajput compared Rahul Gandhi to Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for defending democracy. In a post on X, Rajput wrote that just like Machado, Rahul Gandhi is “fighting to save India’s Constitution.” He shared a photo of both leaders, saying Gandhi is leading the opposition’s battle against the “dictatorship” of the NDA government. The Congress has often said Rahul Gandhi speaks up for democratic values and against rising unemployment, voter fraud, and attacks on minority rights. The Nobel Committee praised Machado for her peaceful struggle for democracy in Venezuela. (PC: India Today)

The Federation of Indian Pilots has written to Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, asking to ground all Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The letter, accessed by Hindustan Times, said the planes should be checked for faults in their electrical systems. It mentioned two recent incidents — AI-117, where the Ram Air Turbine was deployed in Birmingham on October 4, and AI-154, which was diverted to Dubai on October 9 due to multiple faults. The pilots also asked for a special audit of Air India by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its order on a petition filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, challenging the Madras High Court's directive to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the tragic stampede during a TVK rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27, 2025. The incident resulted in 41 deaths and over 100 injuries. TVK contends that the SIT, composed entirely of Tamil Nadu police officers, cannot ensure an impartial investigation, especially given the High Court's prior concerns about the independence of the state police. The party has requested an independent probe under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge or an alternative agency like the CBI. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict on October 10, 2025. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Minister Shantanu Thakur claimed 1.2 crore "illegal voters" could be removed from West Bengal's electoral rolls through the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR). The BJP MP asserted the process would eliminate "Rohingyas, infiltrators and ghost voters," enabling BJP's victory. Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Bala Thakur, his aunt and fellow Matua leader, warned the SIR would primarily hurt Matua refugees who vote BJP, increasing TMC seats instead. She accused BJP leadership of creating confusion over citizenship and voter registration. The SIR has become politically contentious, with TMC alleging EC bias favoring BJP before 2026 assembly polls, while BJP insists it cleanses bogus entries. The Matua community holds significant electoral influence. (PC: Newsonair)

Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has responded to allegations regarding the leak of Shah Rukh Khan's WhatsApp chat. Wankhede clarified that the information was not leaked but was presented as evidence in a legal writ before the court. He emphasized that had he intended to leak it, he would have done so outside the legal proceedings. Wankhede is currently pursuing a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment, claiming that their series, The Bads of Bollywood, portrays him in a defamatory light.

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has strongly condemned the October 6 incident in which Advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, calling it an affront to the judiciary that “should never be forgotten.” While CJI Gavai appeared to downplay the matter in court, Bhuyan argued that it is no joking matter and pointed out that there was no apology from the perpetrator. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also called the act “unpardonable.” Kishore’s lawyer’s licence has been suspended, and he faces criminal proceedings in Bengaluru.   

The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked its 93rd anniversary on October 8 with a unique and humorous menu card that went viral online. Named ‘Operation Kitchen,’ the menu featured dishes referencing Pakistani sites targeted during Operation Sindoor, such as Rawalpindi Chicken Tikka Masala and Muridke Meetha Pan. Social media users praised the wit, with many calling it “official trolling” and appreciating the humour. The missile strikes, carried out in May, targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack. The celebration highlighted IAF’s precision, resolve, and ability to mix culture with a strong message. (PC: X)

Celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib, his son Anos Habib, and an associate have been booked in 23 fraud cases in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal for running a ₹7 crore Bitcoin scam. Police said they collected ₹5–7 lakh from each investor through their FLC Company, promising returns of up to 70%. Over 38 victims have been identified. A lookout notice has been issued, and their properties may be seized if they fail to repay the money. Officers said the scam was operated like an organised gang, targeting local businessmen who mostly dealt in cash. (PC: HT)