Tension erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, after unverified social media claims alleged that a female student had been gangraped or died by suicide. Around 2,000 students reportedly gathered near a girls’ hostel, later blocking a highway and damaging university property, including windows and flower pots. Parts of campus buildings were also set on fire. Police said they had received no complaint or evidence supporting the rape allegation and said conflicting rumours had triggered the unrest. LPU called the claims false and fabricated. Police cleared the highway, brought the situation under control and continued discussions with students and university officials. 

India’s academic freedom has been classified as “severely restricted” in Scholars at Risk’s Free to Think 2026 report. The report recorded 42 attacks on academic freedom in India, the highest country total among the 59 countries and territories covered, involving incidents such as violence, imprisonment and loss of positions. India’s Academic Freedom Index score fell to 0.14 in 2026 from 0.16 in 2024 and 0.41 in 2015. The report cited concerns over university governance, faculty decisions, student expression and restrictions on academic events. It also highlighted political tensions and government influence over higher education institutions. 

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced plans to begin a nationwide agitation from Mumbai on October 2 after its deadline for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation ended. The group is opposing the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and has sought Kumar’s resignation. The protest venue has not been finalised, although Azad Maidan is being considered, subject to police permission. Opposition parties have indicated separate protest plans rather than formally joining the CJP agitation. Congress has announced demonstrations over its allegations concerning electoral processes, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has expressed support for the October 2 protest. (PC: X)

India defeated Iran 40-34 in the men’s kabaddi final at the 2026 Asian Games, securing the country’s ninth gold medal in the sport. The Indian team produced a strong performance against a competitive Iranian side, with Sumit playing a key role in the victory. India had earlier defeated Thailand 66-28 in the semi-final to reach the title clash. The triumph extends India’s long-standing dominance in men’s kabaddi at the Asian Games and successfully concludes its campaign with another gold medal. Iran settled for silver after a closely contested final. 

Former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan’s legacy has returned to public discussion amid the ongoing controversy over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Seshan, who served as CEC from 1990 to 1996, is remembered for enforcing the Model Code of Conduct more strictly, promoting voter identity cards, scrutinising election expenditure and strengthening election monitoring. He also asserted the ECI’s constitutional powers under Article 324. His tenure included a major dispute over the Commission becoming a multi-member body, which the Supreme Court upheld in 1995. His record continues to feature in debates over the ECI’s authority and independence. (PC: PTI)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Moscow’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Lavrov argued that the Council should better reflect the current global balance and opposed adding further Western countries, specifically mentioning Germany and Japan. Russia has consistently supported India’s permanent membership alongside Brazil. The UNSC currently has five permanent members—Russia, the US, UK, France and China—along with 10 elected members. India has been seeking Council reform to increase representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The Election Commission has revised rules governing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, leading to stricter verification of voters’ eligibility. The changes were introduced after the experience of the Bihar SIR exercise, where electors were required to provide documents establishing eligibility, including citizenship, birth and residence details. Under the revised process, voters may receive notices where discrepancies or eligibility concerns arise, requiring them to submit supporting documents. The Election Commission says the exercise aims to ensure accurate electoral rolls and remove ineligible entries. The increased scrutiny has also triggered concerns over documentation requirements and the transparency of the verification process. (PC: The Hindu)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, said governments involved in terrorism must be held accountable. Without naming Pakistan, he criticised a “serial practitioner of terrorism” for allegedly misrepresenting facts and attempting to normalise terrorism. Jaishankar asserted India’s right to defend itself against terrorism and said its zero-tolerance policy would not be diluted. He also argued that friendship and goodwill cannot coexist with terrorism and called for terrorism financing to be exposed and countered. Jaishankar separately condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers amid ongoing regional conflicts. (PC: X)

China used the United Nations General Assembly to call for peace and oppose what it described as unilateral US actions involving Iran and Cuba. Chinese representatives stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for national sovereignty should guide efforts to resolve international conflicts. Beijing has also urged an immediate halt to military operations involving Iran and called for negotiations to prevent further escalation. The comments came after US President Donald Trump criticised Iran and Cuba during his UN address, prompting Iranian and Cuban delegates to walk out. China’s position reflects its broader call for de-escalation and negotiated solutions to international disputes. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and reducing hostilities in the Middle East. Iran proposed reopening the waterway within seven days and resuming talks on its nuclear programme. In return, Tehran sought the lifting of a US naval blockade, relief from oil sanctions, and a ceasefire covering the wider region, including Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the plan could begin once Washington accepted the terms. The proposal comes amid prolonged disruption to oil shipments through the strait, raising concerns over global energy supplies and economic stability. (PC: Reuters)