The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier strike group and about 9,000 additional sailors and Marines to the Middle East as tensions with Iran remain high. The deployment includes the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island amphibious readiness group. If the deployment proceeds as planned, three US aircraft carriers could be operating in the region by the end of October, alongside more than 20,000 US sailors and Marines and hundreds of aircraft. The move comes as President Donald Trump has warned that further strikes against Iran remain possible amid continuing conflict and stalled diplomacy. (PC: AP)

Separate protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar are planned in Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of India on October 2, amid a political dispute over the Election Commission’s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have announced a nationwide campaign from October 2 to 8, including district-level demonstrations and a march to the Election Commission’s headquarters. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has planned a separate protest in Mumbai. Delhi Police had not granted permission for the proposed Jantar Mantar demonstration. The Election Commission has defended its procedures amid opposition criticism. (PC: Reuters)

India’s Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod and Kirti Sharma created history at the 2026 Asian Games by defeating South Korea 5-3 in the women’s recurve team final on October 2. The victory secured India’s first-ever Asian Games gold in this event. India had earlier defeated China 5-1 in the semifinal to reach the final for the first time. The contest remained closely fought, with the teams level after the opening two sets. India took control in the third, while 17-year-old Kumkum delivered crucial 10s under pressure, including the decisive final arrow that sealed the historic victory. (PC: Reuters)

Gola, a popular community dog from Delhi’s SDA Market, has been crowned the capital’s favourite “fat dog” after defeating Googoo from Saket. The contest, organised through the Instagram page Fat Dogs of Delhi, began with 64 dogs and concluded after six rounds of voting. Around 94,000 votes were cast, including 92,598 online and 1,042 offline votes. Gola received 66,954 votes, while Googoo secured 27,046. Gola had died before the competition ended but remained on the ballot despite calls for her removal. Organisers said donations and sponsorships will support participating dogs and street-animal welfare. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying Modi has “very good ideas” for finding mutually acceptable solutions. Speaking at the Valdai Forum in Moscow, Putin said Modi regularly raises the need to end the conflict despite India’s close relations with Russia. He described India’s position as neutral but focused on achieving peace and thanked Modi for his diplomatic approach. Modi has repeatedly advocated dialogue and diplomacy, most recently telling Putin that the war should end and that India supports peaceful efforts to stop the fighting. (PC: NDTV)

BMW is planning to eliminate around 8,000 jobs in Germany as part of a restructuring programme aimed at reducing costs and improving competitiveness. The German luxury automaker is facing weak demand, particularly in China, increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers and the impact of US tariffs. BMW plans to reduce its divisions and associated management roles by 20% by mid-2027, while expanding the use of artificial intelligence across development, purchasing, production, sales and aftersales. The company is also revising its vehicle strategy, including plans for a new entry-level electric vehicle in Europe. (PC: Reuters)

British counter-terrorism police arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London as part of an investigation into a security incident near RAF Fairford, a military air base in western England used by the US for operations against Iran. A second British man, aged 26, was also questioned under caution, while detectives searched two properties. The arrest follows the detention of five British men in their 20s near the Gloucestershire base on Sunday over suspected terrorism and explosives-related offences. They were later released without charge on police bail. Investigators are examining whether a foreign state was involved, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the incident could have an Iranian link. The investigation remains ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said he would decide “very soon” whether to “blow up” Iran or pursue a deal, as Tehran confirmed receiving Washington’s formal response to an Iranian proposal to end the seven-month war. Trump said the choice was between attacking Iran and making a deal, while Iran’s proposal offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week and resume nuclear negotiations. Tehran sought an end to the US naval blockade, sanctions relief on Iranian oil sales, release of frozen assets and a ceasefire across all fronts. Trump had rejected the proposal publicly, saying Iran was “losing so badly.” Qatar and Pakistan have continued mediation efforts, but Washington and Tehran have yet to reach an agreement.

The US administration has urged Germany and France to release emergency diesel reserves amid concerns over tight global fuel supplies and elevated prices. According to a Reuters report cited by Times Now, Washington warned the two countries could face a potential ban on US diesel exports if they do not increase fuel availability. The move comes as the Trump administration explores measures to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of November’s midterm elections. Washington is seeking additional refined-product supplies as disruptions to traditional sources have tightened diesel availability. The issue was expected to be discussed by European governments on Thursday. The European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain were holding a call on whether emergency diesel stocks should be released. (PC: X)

A Flydubai pilot described the co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar as a “religious extremist,” alleging that he displayed extreme religious behaviour, prayed excessively and refused to shake hands with women. The co-pilot reportedly joined Flydubai eight months ago and was an Omani national. Israel has called the incident a terror attack, while the UAE and Flydubai have so far avoided that characterization. The UAE said it would investigate whether terrorism motivated the attack, while Flydubai cancelled flights to Israel pending its investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination” and that possible links to Iran could be determined within days. The co-pilot remains under arrest, with his motive unknown. (PC: X)