India witnessed two major tragedies on October 18, 2026, as a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata killed 19 people and a truck crash near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior claimed 12 lives. Meanwhile, seven people arrested in connection with the Kolkata stampede were remanded to 10 days of police custody. Other key developments included the inauguration of the Ladakh Bench of the High Court in Leh, President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Andhra Pradesh, and India-US trade talks.
Top India Headlines – October 18, 2026
1. Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: Court Remands Seven Accused to 10 Days of Police Custody
A local court in West Bengal remanded seven people arrested in connection with the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal stampede to 10 days of police custody. The incident occurred on October 17 amid heavy crowding and rain, leaving 19 people dead and 25 injured. Kolkata Police also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in and around Chorbagan, including Central Avenue, for three days. Gatherings of five or more people and processions have been restricted in the notified area.
2. Truck Crash Near Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior Kills 12, Injures 39
Twelve people were killed and 39 injured after an out-of-control truck crashed into the outer wall of the Sheetla Mata Temple on Chinaur Road in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, on October 17. According to the report, the truck broke through police barricades, rolled down a steep slope and struck devotees near the temple.
3. High Court’s Ladakh Bench Inaugurated in Leh
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant inaugurated the Ladakh Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Leh on October 18. Supreme Court Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.S. Narasimha, along with Justice Arun Palli and other judicial officials, attended the event. The separate bench is intended to make judicial services more accessible to litigants in Ladakh.
4. President Droupadi Murmu to Visit Vijayawada for Two Days
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Vijayawada on October 18 for a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh. She is scheduled to offer prayers at the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple and inaugurate the National Saras Mela 2026 on October 19.
5. PM Modi to Address Brihattar Bharat International Conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the Brihattar Bharat International Conference on India’s cultural connections across the globe through a video message on October 18 in New Delhi. The three-day conference brings together delegates, ambassadors and scholars from 50 countries to discuss India’s cultural links with the world.
6. Jaishankar Says India-US Trade Talks Are Moving in the Right Direction
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India-US trade negotiations were moving in the right direction, with a deal being worked out by the two countries’ trade ministers. He made the remarks at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi.
7. BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting Concludes With Delhi Declaration
The first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. Member nations condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.
8. Braj Mohan Ram Takes Oath as Odisha Governor
Braj Mohan Ram was sworn in as the Governor of Odisha at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on October 18. Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, Justice Harish Tandon, administered the oath in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other dignitaries.
9. Jammu Railway Division Revises Train Timings
The Jammu Railway Division of Northern Railway revised the timings of several trains connecting Jammu and Katra following the extension of the Sabarmati–Jammu Tawi Express, Train Nos. 19223 and 19224, to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. Passengers have been advised to check updated schedules before travelling.
10. Delhi Half Marathon Concludes With More Than 40,000 Participants
The 21st Delhi Half Marathon concluded at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, with more than 40,000 participants. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were among those who participated in the event.
11. Durga Puja Highlights Interfaith Harmony in Assam’s Barak Valley
Durga Puja celebrations in Assam’s Bengali-speaking Barak Valley highlighted the region’s cultural heritage and interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, celebrations continued across Odisha, with devotees visiting temples and decorated pandals for Maha Ashtami rituals at Shakti Peethas and Maha Saptami Puja at Durga Puja pandals.
12. PMML to Open Visitor Kiosk at Teen Murti Bhawan
The Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) is scheduled to open a new visitor kiosk at Block-I of Teen Murti Bhawan in New Delhi. Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the PMML Executive Council, is set to inaugurate the facility, designed to provide dedicated services for visitors.
13. BJP President Nitin Nabin Expresses Grief Over Gwalior Crash and Kolkata Stampede
BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Nitin Nabin expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Gwalior truck crash and the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede. In a social media post, he conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
