The brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman doctor in Kolkata has cast a shadow over the Durga Puja celebrations, significantly affecting the local economy and mood. Artisans and businesses reliant on the festival are experiencing severe financial losses due to reduced orders and sponsorships. The incident has sparked widespread protests, highlighting ongoing concerns about women's safety in India despite stricter laws. The state administration's response has been criticized, and the festival's economic impact is expected to be far below previous years, with tourism and local commerce suffering as a result.

Political turmoil in Bangladesh, which began in July and led to the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has severely impacted Indian exporters and small businesses. The unrest has caused significant loss of life and property, disrupting trade and business operations. Indian exporters of agro products, apparel, and perishable goods are facing uncertainty and potential losses. Despite some optimism from trade organizations about the situation normalizing, local businesses in Kolkata, heavily reliant on Bangladeshi tourists, are experiencing drastic declines in revenue. The Indian visa centers in Bangladesh remain closed, further complicating the situation.

Farmers in Assam, India, who ventured into oil palm cultivation with hopes of high returns, face challenges due to the lack of local processing facilities and market access. Despite government initiatives and the involvement of companies like Patanjali Foods Limited, many farmers have experienced losses and are disillusioned. However, new efforts and partnerships aim to address these issues, with some farmers remaining optimistic about future prospects.

In India, Generation Z is increasingly favoring spiritual tourism over traditional party destinations, driven by a desire for mental peace and positivity. Social media plays a significant role in this trend, with content about remote religious sites generating curiosity among young people. The spiritual tourism industry is growing rapidly, with significant contributions from government initiatives and improved infrastructure. Key cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Puri are witnessing a boom in visitors, benefiting the hospitality and retail sectors. The rise in spiritual tourism is also linked to post-pandemic job insecurity and a renewed belief in divinity among the youth.

During the construction of a new drain in Varuna, near Mysuru in southern India, archaeologists discovered three Jain idols. These idols, found just three feet below the surface, include two male tirthankaras and one female goddess Kushmanda Devi. The region was a Jainism center from the ninth to thirteenth century A.D. before Vaishnavism began to dominate. Retired archaeologist N. S. Rangaraju from the University of Mysuru suggests that the idols, which were found damaged, might have been destroyed by Vaishnava rulers.

Amirul Laskar and thousands of other jute workers in West Bengal have been out of work since the Delta Jute Mill shut down, citing financial losses. The jute industry, a significant economic sector in Bengal, is in crisis, with many mills closing or operating at reduced capacity. Workers blame both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party for their plight, expressing a preference for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the upcoming elections. Despite government mandates to use jute bags for grain packing, mill owners report fewer orders and financial difficulties, exacerbated by competition from Bangladesh and past disruptions like cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers face poor living conditions and unpaid statutory benefits, leading to widespread discontent and a call for political change.

In Araku Valley, India, coffee farmers are protesting against government neglect and exploitation by the coffee industry. Despite producing high-quality Arabica beans for international markets, local farmers struggle with basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. The region has a history of high 'None of the Above' (NOTA) votes in elections, reflecting voter disillusionment. The government and cooperatives have made efforts to improve conditions, but farmers feel these measures are insufficient. The sentiment of neglect has also made the area susceptible to Maoist influence, yet farmers continue to vote, hoping for change.

Namita Kapale and Kalyani Bharmbe, two 23-year-old fine arts graduates from Maharashtra, India, built an eco-friendly street using 16,000 non-recyclable plastic bottles amidst the COVID-19 lockdown. The project, which cost less than £7,000, resulted in the construction of six huts and two round huts, leased to a restaurant owner. The buildings, which are environmentally friendly and cheaper than traditional houses, require low maintenance and can last for up to 10 years. The initiative aims to raise awareness about sustainable housing. The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health reported that the world generated around 600 billion plastic bottles in 2021, with most not being recycled.

India's new citizenship law, which aims to protect persecuted minorities in South Asia, is criticized for excluding Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. Muhammad Hamin, a Rohingya refugee in India, expresses his distress over the potential deportation faced by his community. The Indian government is accused of double standards, as the law appears to favor certain religious groups while neglecting others.

Rohingya refugees in India are facing the threat of deportation, with the government of Manipur initiating the process, which was halted after Myanmar refused cooperation. The Indian government's Citizenship Amendment Act, which grants citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, excludes Muslims, including the Rohingya. Critics accuse the government of double standards, especially as the general election approaches. The Supreme Court of India has been involved in a plea against the deportation, and activists are concerned for the safety of the Rohingya amid Myanmar's civil war. Additionally, Rohingya activists have filed a petition against Facebook for allowing hate campaigns against their community.