National News - India

Former Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat Escapes Unhurt in Car Accident

Senior Congress leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Harish Rawat, had a narrow escape after his car was involved in an accident in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut district on the evening of October 18, 2025. The incident occurred on NH-58 near Kharoli when Rawat's convoy was traveling from Delhi to Dehradun. According to police officials, the accident was a result of a police escort vehicle braking suddenly to avoid a person who had unexpectedly come onto the road, leading to a chain-reaction collision involving the vehicles following it, including the one carrying Mr. Rawat.

Mr. Rawat was promptly moved to another vehicle and his convoy continued towards its destination. While the former Chief Minister was unharmed, a head constable in the escort vehicle sustained minor injuries. Local Congress leaders praised the swift action of the police, which they said prevented a more serious incident.

For more details, search on Google.

Regional Spotlight

West Bengal

State Government Seeks Repatriation of 11 Migrant Workers Stranded in Oman

The West Bengal government has formally requested the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe return of 11 migrant workers from the Murshidabad district who are currently stranded in Oman. These workers had traveled to Oman approximately 11 months ago for employment but were reportedly deceived by a recruitment agency and have not received their salaries for the past nine months.

Samirul Islam, a Trinamool Congress MP and chairperson of the West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board, stated that the state government was alerted to the situation by the families of the stranded workers. Following this, the Indian Embassy in Oman was notified, and it has since located the workers, providing them with essential food and shelter. The state is now awaiting swift action from the central government to facilitate their repatriation.

For more details, search on Google.

BJP MP Raju Bista's Convoy Attacked in Darjeeling

Darjeeling's BJP MP, Raju Bista, reported that his convoy was attacked by unidentified individuals in the Masdhura area near Sukhia Pokhari on the evening of October 18, 2025. Bista, who was unharmed, stated that the vehicle directly behind his was struck during the attack. He described the timing of the incident as "highly suspicious" and suggested it could be a conspiracy to disrupt peace in the region. A police investigation has been launched following a complaint filed by the BJP.

The Trinamool Congress, however, has characterized the incident as a possible outcome of internal feuding within the BJP, a claim that comes weeks after another BJP MP was assaulted in the same region.

For more details, search on Google.

Champahati Firecracker Market Bustles Ahead of Diwali

With Diwali and Kali Puja approaching, West Bengal's largest firecracker market in Champahati is experiencing a significant rush of customers. Located in the South 24 Parganas district, this traditional hub for firecracker production transforms into a major trading center during the festive season, offering a wide variety of locally made and imported products. According to traders, the market is performing better than last year, with a focus on selling green, environmentally friendly crackers. The market is a crucial source of livelihood for approximately 1.5 lakh people in the area.

For more details, search on Google.

Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya to Light a Record 26 Lakh Diyas for Ninth Deepotsav

The city of Ayodhya is set to celebrate its ninth annual Deepotsav festival today, October 19, 2025, with grand preparations to light a record-breaking number of earthen lamps. Over 26 lakh diyas will be lit across the city, including 26,11,101 lamps at 56 ghats along Ram Ki Paudi on the banks of the Saryu River. This massive effort, involving over 10,000 people, aims to surpass last year's record and create a spectacular display of light to mark the divine homecoming of Lord Shri Ram. Adjudicators from Guinness World Records will be present to verify the record attempt.

For more details, search on Google.

UP Tourism Promoted at ITB Asia 2025 in Singapore

Uttar Pradesh Tourism showcased its diverse offerings at ITB Asia 2025, a premier travel trade show held in Singapore from October 15th to 17th. The state's pavilion, inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India to Singapore, highlighted key attractions such as the Buddhist Circuit, the Taj Mahal, and various eco-tourism destinations. The goal of this participation was to strengthen global partnerships and promote Uttar Pradesh as a leading destination for cultural, spiritual, and adventure tourism. The UP delegation held numerous B2B meetings with international tour operators to boost inbound tourism.

For more details, search on Google.

Assam

Nine Arrested in Connection with Baksa Violence

Police in Assam's Baksa district have arrested nine individuals in connection with recent violence that occurred during the transfer of five accused in the Zubeen Garg death case to a local jail. Baksa's Senior Superintendent of Police confirmed the arrests and stated that a search operation is underway to apprehend others involved in the incident who are currently absconding. The investigation is being treated with high priority.

For more details, search on Google.

OBC Communities Protest for Scheduled Tribe Status

Thousands of people from Assam's tea tribe and Adivasi communities held a major protest rally in Dibrugarh, renewing their long-standing demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Six OBC communities—Tai Ahom, tea tribes, Moran, Motok, Chutia, and Koch Rajbongshi—are seeking ST status. These communities, which constitute about 27% of the state's population, have been intensifying their protests, which also include demands for increased daily wages and legal land allotments. The issue has become a significant political focal point in the state, often gaining prominence before elections.

For more details, search on Google.

International Desk

Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After Doha Talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following high-level negotiations in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The talks, facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, were aimed at de-escalating the recent and intense cross-border hostilities that have resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. A statement from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that both nations have also decided to establish mechanisms to ensure lasting peace and stability.

The Pakistani delegation was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while the Afghan side was headed by their Defence Minister, Maulvi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid. The agreement follows days of clashes, including Pakistani airstrikes on militant camps inside Afghanistan, after an earlier 48-hour truce was \textended to allow for these crucial negotiations.

For more details, search on Google.

Bangladesh

Fire at Dhaka Airport Under Control; Flight Operations Resume

A significant fire that broke out at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday, October 18, has been brought under control. The blaze, which started in the afternoon, led to a temporary suspension of all flight operations for nearly seven hours, causing delays and diversions. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of fire services and airport authorities, the fire was \textinguished, and flight operations resumed later in the evening. No casualties were reported in the incident.

For more details, search on Google.

Supreme Court of Bangladesh Resumes Activities After Vacation

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh is set to resume its regular judicial activities today, October 19, 2025, after a 42-day vacation period. As per tradition, a courtesy meeting will be held on the first working day, bringing together the Chief Justice, judges from both the Appellate and High Court Divisions, and prominent lawyers, including the Attorney General and leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association. The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Inner Court Yard of the Supreme Court.

For more details, search on Google.

Sports Update

Cricket: Bangladesh Defeats West Indies in First ODI

In the first One-Day International of the West Indies tour of Bangladesh, the home side secured a convincing victory by 74 runs on October 18, 2025, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladesh posted a total of 207 runs in 49.4 overs. In response, the West Indies were bowled out for 133 in 39 overs.

  • Match: 1st ODI, West Indies tour of Bangladesh
  • Result: Bangladesh won by 74 runs.
  • Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.
  • Next Match: The second ODI of the series is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

For more details, search on Google.

Upcoming: India vs Australia 1st ODI Today

The Indian cricket team is set to begin a new era in one-day cricket as they face Australia in the first of a three-match ODI series today, October 19, 2025, at the Optus Stadium in Perth. This match marks the beginning of Shubman Gill's tenure as the new full-time ODI captain.

The series is also significant for the return of veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the international squad after a break following the ICC Champions Trophy in March. Both teams are viewing this series as an important part of their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

  • Match: 1st ODI, India tour of Australia
  • Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth.
  • Time: The match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM IST.

For more details, search on Google.

References