India has slammed Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, exercising its right of reply to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's address. India criticized Sharif's comments on Kashmir as a "travesty" and accused Pakistan of coveting Indian territory and using terrorism to disrupt Jammu and Kashmir elections. Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan stated that Pakistan's history of cross-border terrorism makes its concerns about violence hypocritical. Mangalanandan highlighted Pakistan's attacks on India's parliament, Mumbai, marketplaces, and pilgrimage routes, calling it a long list of violent actions. India also criticized Pakistan's history of rigged elections, questioning its right to comment on democratic political choices.

In anticipation of Durga Puja, Bangladesh has granted a special permit for the export of 2,420 tonnes of hilsa to India between September 26 and October 12. This comes after a ban on hilsa exports since July 2012. The first shipment of 40 tonnes is expected to reach West Bengal via the Petrapole-Benapole border. However, concerns about low fish availability due to climate change and changes in natural movement cycles may limit actual procurement. Previously, only 587 tonnes were exported last September despite a 3,950-tonne export permit.

Bangladeshi adult actor Riya Barde, also known as Arohi Barde, was arrested by Hill Line Police in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, for allegedly using a fake Indian passport. Authorities launched an investigation after receiving a tip-off about a Bangladeshi family living in Ambernath with fraudulent documents. It was discovered that an Amravati resident had forged passports for Riya and three associates. A case has been registered under Section 14(A) of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Indian Penal Code. Police are searching for the other four accused, while Riya's parents are reportedly in Qatar.

Maharashtra Police have arrested adult star Riya Barde, also known as Arohi Barde and Banna Sheikh, for allegedly residing in India illegally. A resident of Bangladesh, Barde had been living in India with her family using forged documents. She was arrested from Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, while the police are also searching for her family members, including her mother, father, sister, and brother. A case has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including charges of cheating, forgery, and illegal residence (Sections 420, 465, 468, 479, 34, and 14A). Further investigations are underway.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). His endorsement follows similar statements from U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. Addressing the UN General Assembly's seventy-ninth session in New York, Starmer highlighted the necessity for the UNSC to become a "more representative body." Currently, the UNSC consists of five permanent members—Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. The permanent members possess veto power over substantive resolutions, making reform a critical topic in global governance discussions.

During his UN General Assembly speech on September 25, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced strong support for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council (UNSC). "Let’s make the UN more efficient," Macron urged, backing India's inclusion alongside Brazil, Germany, Japan, and two African nations. He emphasized that the UNSC must be "more representative" to address modern global challenges. Macron's statement echoed India's long-standing G4 push for UNSC reform. "India’s place is overdue," he added, stressing the need for expanded membership to ensure better global governance and conflict resolution.

French President Emmanuel Macron backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) during his speech at the UN General Assembly. Macron emphasized the need for UNSC reform, advocating the inclusion of India, Brazil, Japan, Germany, and two African nations to make the body more representative. Macron’s comments align with past calls from world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted the lack of geographic balance in the UNSC, where only five nations currently hold permanent seats.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has declined the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award from New York City's Noguchi Museum, citing the institution's controversial dress code policy. The policy, implemented in August, prohibits employees from wearing clothing or accessories with "political messages, slogans or symbols" during work hours. The decision led to the firing of three employees wearing keffiyeh head scarves, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity. Lahiri's withdrawal comes in protest of this policy. The museum acknowledged Lahiri's decision, stating they respect her perspective and recognize the policy may not align with everyone's views.

An Iraqi Airways flight en route to China was diverted to Kolkata’s international airport on Thursday after a passenger fell sick 30 minutes before the plane was set to land. The flight crew made the decision to divert for emergency medical assistance. Upon landing, Kolkata airport authorities provided immediate medical support. The nature of the passenger’s illness and their current condition have not yet been disclosed. The quick response ensured the passenger received timely care, though further details about the incident are awaited. The flight resumed its journey after the emergency was addressed.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages on Wednesday, marking the second such incident in the U.S. in the last ten days. The temple was vandalized with the phrase "Hindus go back." BAPS Public Affairs stated their commitment to standing united against hate and called for prayers for peace. Sacramento Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, categorizing it as vandalism. In addition to the graffiti, the vandals also cut water lines at the temple property. Authorities are actively working to identify the individuals responsible for the vandalism.