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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yemen's Houthi Militants Claim Missile Attack on Dutch Ship
Yemen's Houthi militants have claimed responsibility for a cruise missile attack on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden. The strike caused a fire, substantial damage, and injured two sailors, leading to the evacuation of the 19-member crew. The Iran-aligned group stated the attack was because the ship's owner violated a ban on entry to Israeli ports, continuing their campaign of targeting commercial vessels in the crucial shipping lane in what they describe as solidarity with Palestinians.
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.
Taliban Denies Internet Ban, Blames Outages on Infrastructure Work
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has denied reports that it imposed a nationwide internet ban, which led to a widespread communications blackout affecting aid operations and commerce. A spokesperson claimed the disruptions were caused by the replacement of old and "decaying fibre optic infrastructure." The statement follows reports from internet watchdogs about collapsing connectivity across the country. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern, as reliable communication is essential for delivering life-saving assistance in the region.
Primatologist and Conservation Icon Jane Goodall Dies at 91
Dr. Jane Goodall, the pioneering British primatologist whose groundbreaking research transformed the understanding of chimpanzees and their connection to humans, has died at 91. Her work at Gombe Stream in Tanzania revealed that chimps make tools and have complex social lives. She later became a tireless global advocate for environmental conservation through the Jane Goodall Institute. Her extraordinary legacy has inspired generations of scientists, activists, and conservationists worldwide, particularly opening doors for women in science.
OpenAI Unveils Sora 2, Its Most Advanced AI Video Generator
OpenAI has launched Sora 2, a significantly more powerful version of its text-to-video AI model that can now generate realistic scenes with synchronized dialogue and physically accurate motion. In a parallel move, the company released a TikTok-style social app, currently invite-only, where users can create "cameos" of themselves within AI-generated videos. The release marks a major leap in generative AI capabilities, heralding new possibilities for media creation while also intensifying the debate around AI-generated content.