US President Donald Trump has said the war with Iran will end “very soon”, claiming the conflict will be remembered as one of the most important actions of his administration. Speaking in Washington, DC, Trump said Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and predicted that oil prices would fall after the conflict ends. His remarks came as oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz showed signs of recovery. According to Kpler, shipments averaged 13.2 million barrels per day over the past week, around 77% of pre-war levels. Meanwhile, Iran’s Ebrahim Azizi said US and Israeli forces would eventually leave the region. (PC: X)

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over a disputed measurement of Shaili Singh’s jump at the 2026 Asian Games. Singh finished fourth in the women’s long jump final on September 27, with an official best jump of 6.42 metres. Her fourth attempt was measured at 6.41 metres. Her mentor, Anju Bobby George, alleged that officials measured the jump from the wrong landing mark. Singh’s protest was rejected after a review. Anju said the disputed measurement may have cost Singh a medal, possibly even gold. China’s Huang Yingying won gold, while India’s Ancy Sojan took silver.

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has criticised a debate on Indian immigration, describing it as “racist, xenophobic, and fundamentally un-American”. The Illinois Democrat said Indian Americans are as American as any other citizens and should not be treated as outsiders because of their ancestry. The controversy followed a podcast episode titled “The Indian Question”, released on September 26, which discussed Indian immigration, H-1B visas, cultural integration and American identity. The debate comes amid growing tensions over skilled-worker visas and concerns about jobs. A recent report also found a sharp rise in anti-South Asian hate speech on social media in the United States. (PC: The Times of India)

Six crew members were killed after a nuclear-capable Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in the Amur region of Russia’s Far East on Tuesday, September 29. Russia’s Defence Ministry said the aircraft went down in an uninhabited area. One crew member was injured and taken to hospital. The bomber was reportedly flying without ammunition at the time of the crash. A Russian military commission has been sent to investigate the incident and determine its cause. The Tu-95 is a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons and cruise missiles.

Patrick Branco Ruivo, head of the company operating Paris’s Eiffel Tower, will step down at the end of 2026 following a controversy over the treatment of female employees during a Hindu delegation’s visit. On September 5, women staff were reportedly moved from their workstations when a delegation linked to BAPS visited the landmark. The incident triggered staff protests and a temporary closure of the tower on September 7. An independent investigation found operational failures and shortcomings in organising the visit. SETE chair Ariel Weil announced plans for new protocols and training to promote gender equality and prevent similar incidents. (PC: India Today)

Neeru Dhanda won the women’s individual trap shooting gold at the Asian Games 2026, following the success of her cousin Lakshay Sheoran, who won silver in the same event at the 2018 Games. Inspired by Lakshay’s achievement, Neeru switched from kabaddi to shooting in 2019. Despite financial challenges, she pursued the sport and trained at the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy. On Tuesday, the 26-year-old scored 28 in the final, setting a new Asian Games record and defeating China’s Sun Yunong, who scored 26. Neeru also helped India win silver in the women’s team event alongside Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat. (PC: The Indian Express)

PT Usha celebrated India’s women’s 4x400m relay gold at the Asian Games 2026, saying the victory brought back memories of her own success in the event. Usha was part of India’s gold-winning relay team at the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul. On Tuesday, Kiran Pahal, M R Poovamma, Prachi Chaudhary and Vithya Ramraj won gold in 3:29.69, beating Bahrain and China. Usha praised the quartet for carrying forward the legacy of Indian women’s athletics. In a post on X, she wrote, “The legacy of Indian athletics is in safe, fierce hands.” (PC: India Today)

The United States is set to withdraw its remaining forces from Iraq by September 30, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The departure, carried out under President Donald Trump, follows an agreement reached in 2024 under former President Joe Biden. Iran and its allied armed groups have welcomed the move, which could increase Tehran’s influence in Iraq. However, Iraqi security experts warn that the withdrawal may create security gaps and allow Islamic State militants to regroup. Around 4,500 American service members died during more than two decades of conflict. Iraqi forces will take greater responsibility for national security. (PC: Reuters)

India’s athletics contingent has won 19 medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, including nine silver and 10 bronze, with no gold medals so far. Athletics ranks second among India’s most successful sports behind shooting. Seema Kumari became the first Indian track and field athlete to win a medal, taking bronze in the women’s 10,000m. Gulveer Singh won silver in both the men’s 10,000m and 1500m, becoming the first Indian to win two Asiad medals in those events. Tajinderpal Singh Toor secured his third consecutive Asian Games medal. Sawan Barwal ended India’s 44-year wait for a men’s marathon medal, while Parul Chaudhary won two bronze medals and set a national record in the 3000m steeplechase.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar warned of a “major food crisis” in the coming months, citing fertiliser shortages and disruptions to grain shipments caused by the Ukraine and Iran-Gulf conflicts. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, he said the two conflicts have had a “devastating impact” on Global South economies. Jaishankar said disruptions to grain shipments and fertiliser supplies could worsen food insecurity, while the combined pressures from energy, food, fertiliser and financial challenges are proving “very very stressful” for developing economies. His remarks came after the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week. The concerns highlight the wider economic consequences of the ongoing conflicts for countries across the Global South.