Pahalgam Attack Aftermath Revealed India's True Friends, Says RSS Chief
In his annual Vijayadashmi address in Nagpur, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that the international response to the Pahalgam terror attack showed the "nature and extent" of other countries' friendship with India. He praised the government for its "firm rebuttal" and the armed forces for their valour following the attack, in which terrorists killed 26 Indians. Bhagwat stressed that India must be more watchful and stronger when it comes to national security.
11 Dead in Madhya Pradesh as Tractor-Trolley Plunges into Pond
At least 11 people, including eight minors, were killed after a tractor-trolley carrying devotees for a Durga idol immersion ceremony overturned and fell into a pond in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred in Jamli Kalan village when the vehicle, carrying around 30 people, lost balance on a makeshift culvert. A search and rescue operation was launched by the State Disaster Response Force. The Chief Minister has expressed grief and announced financial compensation of ₹4 lakh for the victims' families.
Haryana YouTuber Arrested on Allegations of Spying for Pakistan's ISI
Police in Palwal, Haryana, have arrested YouTuber Wasim Akram on charges of spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI. Akram, who creates videos on the history of Mewat, allegedly provided SIM cards to Pakistani agents and had been in contact with them for three years. His arrest follows that of another alleged spy, Taufiq, last week. Police are investigating incriminating WhatsApp chats and cross-border links, with the Intelligence Bureau also involved in the national security probe.
Murder Charge Added in Death of Assamese Singer Zubeen Garg
Assam Police have added a murder charge against the manager and an event organiser in the investigation into the death of acclaimed singer Zubeen Garg, who died in Singapore on September 19. Manager Siddhartha Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta were arrested and remanded to 14-day police custody. While an autopsy report from Singaporean authorities lists drowning as the cause of death, a Special Investigation Team in Assam is probing the case following numerous complaints alleging foul play.
Renowned Classical Vocalist Pandit Chhannulal Mishra Dies at 89
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a legendary Hindustani classical vocalist and a leading exponent of the Banaras gharana, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his mastery over Khayal, Thumri, and other classical styles, Mishra was a recipient of India's highest civilian honors, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2020 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010. His death is being mourned as a profound loss to the world of Indian classical music.
Rare Gandhi Book Featuring Signed Einstein Quote Surfaces in Kerala
A rare book on Mahatma Gandhi, published on his 75th birthday in 1944, has been discovered in an antique collector's possession in Malappuram, Kerala. The book, titled "Gandhiji: His Life and Work," contains invaluable insights into his life and philosophy. Most notably, it features a contribution from Albert Einstein, including a handwritten quote and his signature, making it a remarkable historical and cultural find that connects two of the 20th century's most iconic figures.
Government Hikes Wheat MSP by ₹160 Per Quintal for 2026-27 Season
The Union Cabinet approved a 6.59% hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat, raising it by ₹160 to ₹2,585 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing year. The government also increased the MSP for other Rabi crops, including lentil, mustard, and barley, stating the decision aligns with its policy of ensuring prices at least 1.5 times the cost of production. A new mission aimed at achieving self-reliance in pulses was also approved to reduce import dependency.
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.5%, Raises GDP Growth Forecast for FY26
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.5%. The central bank cited moderating headline inflation and strong economic growth in the first quarter as key factors. Consequently, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rates also remain unchanged. Alongside this decision, the RBI raised its GDP growth forecast for India for the 2025-26 fiscal year to 6.8%, signaling confidence in the country's economic trajectory.
US Government Shuts Down After Funding Deal Fails
The United States federal government has entered a shutdown after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to reach an agreement on a funding bill. The shutdown, the first since Trump returned to office, will see roughly 750,000 federal workers furloughed and many government services suspended. The political impasse stems from deep partisan divides over budget priorities, including Democratic demands for healthcare subsidies. The shutdown creates significant economic uncertainty, with potential ripple effects across the US and global economies.
Deep Depression Triggers Heavy Rains and High Alert in Odisha
A weather system in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, causing heavy rainfall across Odisha and prompting the state government to place districts on high alert. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange warnings for several districts, forecasting extremely heavy rain and squally winds gusting up to 75 kmph. The system is expected to cross the coast between Gopalpur and Paradip, with authorities deploying resources to manage potential floods and landslides.
Wife of Detained Activist Sonam Wangchuk Seeks President's Intervention
Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has written to President Droupadi Murmu appealing for his unconditional release. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act and moved to a Jodhpur jail following violent clashes in Ladakh during protests for statehood. In her letter, Angmo alleged a "witch-hunt" against her husband for his peaceful activism, described his detention as "illegal," and stated she is completely unaware of his condition or well-being.
US Government Shuts Down After Congress Fails to Pass Funding Bill
The United States government has entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to agree on a federal funding measure before the deadline. The political impasse has resulted in over 750,000 federal employees being furloughed and will disrupt numerous government services, including visa and immigration processing. The deadlock arose after Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-backed spending bill over a dispute concerning the extension of health benefits, marking the 15th such shutdown in the U.S. since 1981.
Dowry-Related Crimes and Deaths Rose Sharply in 2023, NCRB Data Shows
Cases registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act rose by 14% in 2023, with over 6,100 women killed in dowry-related incidents, according to the National Crime Records Bureau's 'Crime in India' report. A total of 15,489 cases were filed across the country. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of both cases (7,151) and deaths (2,122), followed by Bihar. The data highlights a disturbing increase in dowry-related violence against women, a crime that persists despite being outlawed for decades.
Over 90 Students Trapped After School Collapses in Indonesia
A massive rescue operation is underway in East Java, Indonesia, after a building at the al Khoziny Islamic boarding school collapsed, trapping at least 91 students in the rubble. The structure fell during afternoon prayers on Monday. At least three students have been confirmed dead and around 100 others injured. Over 300 rescue workers are desperately trying to free survivors from the debris of the century-old building, which was reportedly undergoing an unauthorized expansion at the time of the collapse.
Muslim Personal Law Board Postpones 'Bharat Bandh' Against Waqf Act
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has postponed its planned nationwide protest, or 'Bharat Bandh', against the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The protest, scheduled for October 3, was deferred due to an overlap with religious festivals of other communities. The AIMPLB clarified that while the bandh is on hold, its broader protest movement against the controversial legislation will continue, and a new date for the nationwide strike will be announced soon.