Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Chhath Puja, praying that the blessings of Chhathi Maiya bring prosperity, happiness, and well-being to all devotees. In a post on X, he said, “May the grace of Chhathi Maiya remain upon all of you. Special good wishes to the mothers and sisters who observe the rigorous fast for their families… Hail Chhathi Maiya!”
In a recorded video shared on X, he praised the dedication of women observing the traditional Nirjala Vrat (waterless fast) during the festival, which honors the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for health, prosperity, and family welfare. Chhath Puja, mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Terai region, lasts four days and involves offering prayers to the setting and rising sun. Devotees gather at riverbanks and other water bodies to make offerings and seek blessings for their families.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya on Saturday, highlighting the spiritual and cultural importance of the Chhath Mahaparv and extending his greetings to devotees across India. On X, he wrote, “On this auspicious occasion, I am sharing songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, which will mesmerize everyone who listens. My heartfelt wishes to all devotees, including those in Bihar. My respects to all observing the fast!” This year, the four-day Chhath Mahaparv begins today with the sacred Nahay-Khay ritual on Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, followed by Kharna on Panchami, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and concluding with Usha Arghya on Saptami. The festival continues from October 25 to 28.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@myogiadityanath.
The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib began on Saturday with Punjab Cabinet Ministers paying homage at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in New Delhi. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President and Punjab Minister Aman Arora visited the historic Gurdwara to take part in the commemorations. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "To mark Guru Sahib's 350th anniversary, the Punjab Government has organised a grand event. Four Nagar Kirtan processions will be held to spread Guru Sahib's teachings, and Sikh scholars from around the world have been invited. Guru Sahib's message embodies humanity."
Earlier, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh, addressing a high-level meeting at Rail Bhavan in New Delhi, said that Indian Railways will commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom day with due respect. According to a release by the Ministry of Railways, the initiative aims to educate the younger generation about the Guru’s teachings and sacrifices. Plans discussed include displaying Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Shlokas at railway stations and on trains nationwide, operating special commemorative trains during the Shatabdi period, and installing Punjabi signboards at railway stations in Haryana, Patna, and Hazur Sahib.
Ravneet Singh also noted that Indian Railways values suggestions from Sikh institutions for the event, including proposals to rename Delhi Railway Station as Guru Tegh Bahadur Railway Station. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured that the suggestions would be considered to ensure the success of the commemorations.
The Haryana Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed a resolution paying tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib during its monsoon session, moved by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The Chief Minister highlighted that this year marks the 350th anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, known as 'Hind Ki Chaadar'. The House expressed deep reverence for Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s supreme sacrifice, recalling that in November 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, he laid down his life defending the freedom of faith and conscience. His devotees—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji—also embraced martyrdom, exemplifying courage, righteousness, and unwavering devotion.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani delivered an impassioned speech on Friday condemning what he called "racist, baseless attacks" from his opponents, a day before early voting begins in the race where he is currently projected to lead, according to Al Jazeera. Speaking outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani criticized his rivals for promoting "hatred," noting that their Islamophobia affects not just him as the Democratic nominee but also nearly one million Muslims living in New York. He said, "To be Muslim in New York is to expect indignity, but indignity does not make us distinct. There are many New Yorkers who face it. It is the tolerance of that indignity that does." The remarks came less than two weeks before the November 4 general election.
A member of the New York State Assembly, Mamdani said he had sought to focus his campaign on affordability, but recent attacks revealed that "Islamophobia has emerged as one of the few areas of agreement" among his opponents. The speech followed controversial comments from his leading rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who laughed when radio host Sid Rosenberg suggested Mamdani “would be cheering” if another September 11 attack occurred, to which Cuomo replied, "That's another problem." Basim Elkarra, executive director of CAIR Action, condemned Cuomo’s remarks as "despicable, dangerous, and disqualifying," saying they crossed a moral line and reflected a leader who stokes fear rather than unity.
Mamdani also addressed attacks from Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, accusing him of falsely claiming on the debate stage that Mamdani supports global jihad, and criticized Super PAC ads that implied he is a terrorist or mocked his eating habits. He shared personal experiences of Islamophobia, including an aunt who stopped taking the subway after 9/11 due to safety concerns while wearing a hijab and a staff member who had “terrorist” spray-painted on their garage. He also noted he could have concealed his faith to improve his electoral prospects.
Earlier on Friday, Mamdani received an endorsement from House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Despite support from prominent Democrats such as Governor Kathy Hochul, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Bernie Sanders, Mamdani has struggled to gain backing from other leading Democrats, including Senator Chuck Schumer.
Mamdani won the Democratic primary in June and currently leads in polls for the general election. A recent AARP and Gotham Polling and Analytics survey shows him at 43.2% support, followed by Cuomo at 28.9%, Sliwa at 19.4%, with 8.4% undecided or favoring other candidates. Cost of living was cited as the top concern for nearly two-thirds of voters, with public safety and housing affordability also ranking high. Current Mayor Eric Adams, who withdrew from the race amid corruption allegations, endorsed Cuomo this week, though his name remains on the ballot.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Thailand’s prime minister has pulled out of his visit to Malaysia for the Asean Summit following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, raising uncertainty over his attendance at a planned ceasefire signing with Cambodia that US President Donald Trump is expected to witness. Asean foreign ministers gathered in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to begin a weekend of major diplomatic meetings, which will include US-China trade discussions alongside the summit.
Trump is scheduled to arrive on Sunday for the first stop of his Asia tour and was set to observe Thailand and Cambodia formalize a broader ceasefire agreement, following his involvement in ending a deadly border clash in July. A Thai government spokesperson said officials are now considering whether another representative should sign the deal after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cancelled his trip. It remains uncertain if he might still travel on Sunday.
Thailand’s cabinet is meeting to discuss funeral arrangements. During the annual summit, Asean aims to promote trade cooperation, strengthen partnerships, and address the ramifications of Trump's tariff measures. The bloc will also formally admit East Timor as its 11th member. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to hold talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, as Washington and Beijing attempt to navigate rising trade tensions following Trump’s threat of steep new tariffs starting November 1.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
From an elevated north-side view of the White House, the East Wing’s demolition is visible, clearing space for President Trump’s proposed ballroom. The historic structure is partially dismantled, with construction equipment and debris marking the site, highlighting the ongoing transformation of this iconic section of the presidential residence.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Last weekend, millions across the U.S. took part in No Kings protests opposing Donald Trump. Although the president denied any desire to be a king, he shared an AI-generated video showing himself as one, piloting a fighter jet and dropping excrement on demonstrators. Jonathan Freedland discusses with political scientist Barbara Walter the strategies the Trump administration is employing against protesters.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian
In ‘Made in SG,’ Melanie Oliveiro chats with Vivienne Ong-Lin, the founder of Fuchsia Lane, a Singaporean fashion atelier that reinvents Nanyang heritage through bespoke couture and ready-to-wear collections. Ong-Lin shares the journey that led her to establish her brand in 2007, including her training in fashion and retail at Milan’s Politecnico di Milano. She reflects on her mentorship under local couture icon Thomas Wee through a fashion incubator program and highlights her most popular Fuchsia Lane creations, ranging from qipaos to bomber jackets.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, it is essential for businesses, government agencies, and individuals to stay informed about the latest trends, tactics, and strategies used by threat actors. Hairianto Diman and Syahida Othman explore how the private sector and government can enhance collaboration in cybersecurity with insights from Emil Tan, Director and Co-Founder of SINCON.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
As the world navigates an era deeply driven by AI advancements and increasing international labor mobility, countries and corporations are fiercely vying to attract the top-tier talent. The challenge now isn’t just about offering competitive salaries but creating environments that appeal to the modern workforce, especially the elusive Gen Z. Countries and companies with innovative talent policies, flexible visa systems, and a high quality of life are emerging as frontrunners in this global contest. The future of innovation and economic growth depends heavily on who successfully lures the finest minds from around the world.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
