India

NHAI’s Rajmargyatra app now allows users to gift the FASTag annual pass, valid for one year or 200 toll crossings. Priced at Rs 3,000, it ensures seamless travel across 1,150 toll plazas and has already gained 25 lakh users.

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday described data as “the new oil” while highlighting India’s strides in 5G rollout, AI innovation, and digital infrastructure at the NDTV Word Summit. He said India aims for Aatmanirbharta in technology and critical minerals.

An Army ambulance assistant saved an eight-month-old infant on the New Delhi–Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express by performing CPR after the child stopped breathing. His quick, calm response revived the baby before medical help arrived at Rangiya station, officials said.

Gold prices touched a record Rs 1,30,874 per 10 grams ahead of Diwali, driven by global trade tensions, rupee depreciation, and strong investor demand. Analysts predict further gains as buyers rush to gold amid market uncertainty and safe-haven appeal.

The IMD has warned that two low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal could intensify within 48 hours, bringing widespread rain across southern India. Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to remain cautious amid rough seas and strong winds.

Preliminary investigation revealed that she hailed from Jharkhand. However, her identity is yet to be fully confirmed as she has no mobile phone or any documents, police said.

Gold prices in India hit a record Rs 1,30,874 per 10 grams on Dhanteras amid festive demand and global uncertainties. Analysts expect higher jewellery sales, while trade tensions and safe-haven flows continue to drive the rally.

US President Donald Trump claimed India has stopped buying Russian oil and reiterated his role in mediating India-Pakistan hostilities. India clarified it is diversifying energy sourcing, while Washington’s tariffs on Indian goods continue to strain bilateral ties.

Tamil Nadu Police and Fire Services have deployed over 26,000 personnel across the state ahead of the Deepavali rush. The measures include drone surveillance, control rooms, fire safety checks, and mobile X-ray scanners to ensure public safety during celebrations.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India’s economy cannot thrive without trade and business activity, urging support for indigenous production. Speaking at a Lucknow event, he credited the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push for strengthening both India’s economy and defence manufacturing capabilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to citizens on Dhanteras, marking the start of Diwali celebrations. Wishing happiness, prosperity, and good health, he invoked Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings as devotees observed the auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, and utensils.

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for October 18, 2025. May the day bring you happiness

Hyderabad camp was visibly upset when opener Tanmay Agarwal (132) was declared out due in a doubtful lbw decision

The proliferation of drones and the merging of drug and arms cartels along Punjab’s border signal a dangerous revival of Pakistan’s covert tactics

Philosophical balance and inner calm, valuing life over status, power and money, can protect an officer’s life

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka IT Ministers, Nara Lokesh and Priyank Kharge, traded barbs on social media over investments, debt, and startup migration. Lokesh highlighted USD 15 billion Google AI data centre, while Kharge raised concerns over Andhra’s rising liabilities

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India now negotiates trade agreements from a position of strength, focusing on balanced partnerships. Robust foreign reserves, low inflation, and renewable energy targets reinforce the country’s growing global economic confidence and investment attractiveness

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off the first batch of BrahMos missiles from Lucknow’s Sarojini Nagar unit, marking a milestone for the UP Defence Corridor and boosting India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing

A 37-year-old Hyderabad man, Mohammed Ahmed, was allegedly duped by a Mumbai agent into joining Russia’s war efforts. Trapped near the Russia-Ukraine border, Ahmed’s wife has appealed to the Indian government for his rescue and safe repatriation

In Chhattisgarh’s largest Maoist surrender, 208 cadres, including 110 women, laid down arms in Jagdalpur, Bastar. Weapons surrendered included AK-47s, SLRs, and rifles. DGP handed them the Indian Constitution and community leaders welcomed them with red roses.

A Class VIII student at a Church-run school in Kochi involved in a hijab-related row will be transferred by her parents due to stress. While the school welcomed her return under its rules, the family cited lack of support

In a major breakthrough, 210 Naxalites, including a Maoist Central Committee member, surrendered in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, handing over 153 weapons. The move aligns with government efforts to eradicate Naxalism in Bastar by March 2026, officials stated

A 13-year-old tribal girl from Maharashtra's Palghar district was allegedly forcibly married off by her grandfather and was sexually assaulted and mentally harassed by husband and her in-laws