Jammu's Directorate of School Education ordered all government and private schools closed for two days, from October 5 to October 7, due to heavy rain forecasts. Director Naseem Javaid Chowdhary confirmed the decision. Additionally, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board temporarily suspended its pilgrimage during the same period, citing the Met office advisory.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the finalisation of Udhampur airport's operationalisation, with Kishtwar airport also joining the UDAN scheme. This initiative will significantly reduce airfares, particularly for Delhi-Udhampur flights, making travel more affordable. Operations will commence with ATR 72-seater aircraft, capping ticket prices at nearly half the prevailing market rates.
Vaishno Devi temple in J&K will close for three days from October 5-7 due to heavy rain forecasts, announced the Shrine Board. This follows a 22-day shutdown in August after a landslide killed 34. The pilgrimage had resumed on September 17, with over 1.70 lakh devotees visiting since then.
Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital in Leh experienced unprecedented chaos on September 24 when protests led to bullet injuries, a first for many doctors. Initially treating stone-pelting victims, the hospital quickly shifted to emergency mode for the 70 injured, including four fatalities. Police now guard the premises where some accused are still being treated.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat warned against environmental degradation, particularly in the Himalayas, attributing it to faulty development models and consumerism. He also stressed the need for stronger security and economic self-reliance amid regional turmoil and global economic pressures. Bhagwat highlighted systemic flaws like the rich-poor gap, advocating for national unity and vigilance.
Expelled RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav urged younger brother Tejashwi to show him Laxman-like respect, blaming "Jaichand-like" aides for misleading him. Forming Jan Shakti Janata Dal, Tej Pratap confirmed he will contest from Mahua, adjacent to Tejashwi's seat. He also criticized RSS's independence role and condemned the "I love Muhammad" controversy.
Security forces launched extensive searches in Juthana Rajbagh, Kathua, following reports of three suspicious individuals, one with a heavy backpack. J&K police and BSF are combing the area along the Ujh river near the Pakistan border. Footprints confirm movement, though no suspects have been apprehended yet. This operation follows a fierce gunbattle in the same vicinity this March.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation released its first-ever FTO rankings, with no flying schools achieving the top A+ or A categories. Thirteen FTOs were placed in B, while 22, including government-owned IGRUA, fell into C. This new system, based on safety and training completion, aims to enhance quality, transparency, and guide aspiring pilots in choosing better institutions.