Members of Chhattisgarh's Ramnami community attend a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, carrying a distinctive tradition in which devotees tattoo the name of Ram on their bodies as an expression of faith and resistance to caste discrimination
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Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for October 17, 2026
Anti-government demonstrations in Albania's capital, Tirana, turned violent on Friday as protesters used fireworks against riot police, who responded with tear gas and batons
Fresh snowfall near Zojila Pass along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway draws tourists to the snow-covered landscape, as Army personnel maintain a vigil in Jammu and Kashmir
Demonstrators took to the streets in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Srinagar on Saturday, October 17, over demands including the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In New Delhi, Justice Morcha members, students and youth activists marched from the Press Club of India to Jantar Mantar under the banner ‘Reclaim Jantar Mantar’, while police detained demonstrators. Student activists were also detained during a protest in Hyderabad. In Srinagar, Congress workers protested against the election chief and an administrative officer accused of abusing a female colleague. Women in Delhi separately marched against alleged police brutality against women protesters.
Firefighters work to contain the Norte Fire in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano as residents join efforts to protect homes from the spreading wildfire
Daniil Medvedev defeated Tommy Paul 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 on Friday to book his spot in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals. Medvedev will face 20-year-old Rafael Jodar in the semi-final match. The 2019 champion battled inconsistent serving, saving seven break points in a marathon first-set game before claiming the opener. Paul bounced back with in the second set. He soon capitilised on Medvedev's double faults to force a decider. Medvedev regrouped quickly in the final set, grabbing an early 2-0 lead and sealing the victory on his second match point. Reflecting on the tight contest, the Russian acknowledged being slightly off-form while praising his opponent's tenacity.
One of the greatest tennis players, Roger Federer, returned to the court on Friday, where he duelled with Marat Safin in an exhibition match at the Shanghai Masters. The two former world No. 1s were joined on the court inside the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena by Safin's sister and former WTA world No. 1, Dinara Safina. Former WTA world No. 2 and Chinese superstar Li Na also joined the trio. "It was really fun to be on the same side of the net as my brother from another mother," Federer said of playing with Safin. "I really enjoyed it and I hope everyone did too." Safin competed at the inaugural Shanghai Masters in 2009 shortly before he retired. Federer was hugely popular in China and also went on to win the 2014 and 2017 Shanghai Masters titles.
Smoke rises from the ancient Ma Bhagwati temple in Badiyakot, Bageshwar district, after a fire broke out on Friday, October 16. The wooden shrine, dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, suffered damage, leaving parts of the temple premises affected by the blaze. Firefighters later inspected the site as the damage became visible. The incident occurred at a temple known for its religious significance in the region. The cause of the fire has not been established in the details provided.
Devotees gather along the Ganga, Hooghly and Mahananda rivers for Kolabou Snan as West Bengal marks Maha Saptami during Durga Puja. From Kolkata and Nadia to Siliguri and Birbhum, people take part in the morning rituals before returning in processions, accompanied by the beats of dhaak drums. In Kolkata, devotees perform Kola Bou rituals along the Ganga, while crowds throng the wholesale flower market as preparations for the festival continue. The rituals and gatherings mark Maha Saptami across the state on Saturday.
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