Congress workers protested outside Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s residence in Agra on Monday, spray-painting slogans on the main gate and a wall. They wrote “Gyanesh Gaddar Gyanesh Chor” and put up stickers and pamphlets. The protest came amid growing tensions between the Congress and the Election Commission over its functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Congress has accused the poll panel of favouring the ruling BJP, while the Election Commission has faced criticism from several opposition parties. The protest followed a report alleging disagreements among election commissioners over certain decisions. (PC: The Telegraph)

Vithya Ramraj created history at the Asian Games on Monday by breaking PT Usha’s 42-year-old national record in the women’s 400m hurdles. Ramraj clocked 54.75 seconds in the final to win the bronze medal and better Usha’s 55.42-second mark set in 1984. The 28-year-old had been trying to break the 55-second barrier for three years. Her coach Nehpal Singh Rathore had urged her to target a 54-second timing rather than focus on the medal. UAE’s Mariam Kareem won gold in a Games record 54.31 seconds, while Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems took silver in 54.58 seconds. (PC: India Today)

Bangkok has been declared a disaster-affected zone after heavy rainfall flooded homes, shops and roads across Thailand’s capital. Nearly 320 mm of rain fell within two to three days, almost matching the city’s usual September rainfall. At least 5,901 people have moved to 234 evacuation centres, while more than 80,000 people remain unable to leave their homes. Flooding has disrupted transport, power supplies, drinking water and food deliveries. Authorities are providing emergency assistance, including meals and boats. Floods have affected 41 Thai provinces since September 16, killing at least eight people and disrupting more than 580,000 homes. (PC: X)

US Vice President JD Vance has warned companies against hiring foreign workers through H-1B visas after laying off American employees. Speaking on the All-In podcast, Vance said the programme should bring skilled workers who contribute to the US economy, not replace local employees with lower-paid foreign workers. The warning follows a September 18 executive order by President Donald Trump directing US agencies to consider recent or planned layoffs when reviewing H-1B applications. The administration has also retained a $100,000 payment requirement for certain overseas applicants. The changes could affect Indian technology professionals, who account for a large share of H-1B beneficiaries. (PC: India Today)

Tata Trusts has proposed merging Tata Electronics Systems Solutions (TESS) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) with Tata Sons to help the group’s holding company avoid a stock market listing. The Trusts, which own a 66% stake in Tata Sons, have asked its board to consider the restructuring and seek prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The proposed merger aims to remove Tata Sons’ classification as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and a core investment company (CIC). The plan requires regulatory clearance. The move comes amid differences between Tata Trusts and the Tata Sons board over the company’s listing. (PC: X)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has claimed that US forces have suffered “painful blows” near the Strait of Hormuz and would eventually leave the region. In a statement carried by Iranian state television on September 28, Khamenei said enemy forces were no longer venturing beyond the Arabian Sea because of attacks by Iranian fighters. His remarks came amid an ongoing standoff between Tehran and Washington over control of the strategic waterway. The US military’s Central Command has rejected Iran’s claims of control over the strait and said Iran’s naval capabilities have been severely weakened by US strikes. (PC: HT)

India’s medal tally crossed 40 at the Asian Games 2026 on Day 9, with strong performances in shooting and athletics. Esha Singh won silver in the women’s 25m pistol event, helping India recover from earlier shooting disappointments. Indian athletes added six medals in athletics, including three silver and three bronze. Pincky Balhara secured bronze in the women’s 78kg Kurash event. Boxers Lovlina Borgohain, Priya and Kapil Pokhariya also assured India of medals. Meanwhile, India’s men’s cricket team advanced to the semi-finals after rain washed out their quarter-final against Afghanistan. India’s tally stood at four gold, 20 silver and 21 bronze medals. (PC: NDTV Sports)

SpaceX’s Starship rocket splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after spending about three hours in orbit, ending its latest test mission earlier than planned. The mission was originally scheduled to last around 10 hours, but the team decided to bring the spacecraft back ahead of schedule. The reason for the early return remains unclear. During the mission, Starship deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites to expand the company’s broadband internet network. Earlier, engineers faced an engine issue and had to assess whether the rocket could safely proceed into orbit. SpaceX aims to use Starship for future missions to the Moon and Mars. (PC: BBC)

India’s economic outlook faces pressure as higher crude oil prices and rising inflation threaten consumption, rural activity and industrial momentum, according to BNP Paribas. Brent crude has risen above $100 per barrel, creating inflationary risks and leaving the Reserve Bank of India with less room to keep interest rates unchanged. Manufacturing PMI has fallen to its lowest level since August 2021, while growth in new orders and steel production has slowed. August inflation rose to 4.8 per cent, remaining above 4 per cent for three consecutive months. Rural activity has weakened amid a monsoon deficit, food inflation and lower crop sowing, though strong bank credit growth and grain procurement provides support. (PC: ET)

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Monday, leading a 28-member delegation and meeting SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. Gor, making his second visit after about 15 years, wrote that he was “thrilled” to return. Discussions covered issues concerning Sikhs in the United States, including immigration enforcement and a US Department of Homeland Security poster criticised by the SGPC. Gor also visited the Partition Museum. A brief pro-Khalistan demonstration took place outside the shrine, where Emaan Singh Mann and party workers raised slogans including “Khalistan Zindabad” and “God Bless America” before security personnel managed the crowd.