Ladakhi education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the killing of four people during protests in Leh on September 24. The protests turned violent as people demanded statehood and implementation of the Sixth Schedule. Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act, sent his message from Jodhpur Central Jail through his brother and lawyer. He said he would remain in jail until a fair probe is ordered. Wangchuk also urged Ladakhis to continue their peaceful struggle and expressed full support for the Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance’s demands. (PC: HT)

At least 6 people died after a bridge collapsed in Darjeeling’s Mirik area following heavy rain and landslides. The Dudia Iron Bridge, which connects Mirik and Kurseong, broke apart, cutting off key roads. Landslides were also reported near Hussain Khola on National Highway 110. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for North Bengal, warning of extremely heavy rain in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar till Sunday. Rivers like Teesta and Mal are flowing above danger levels, causing flood-like conditions. Several areas in Jalpaiguri’s Malbazar have been submerged under water. (PC: India Today)

After protests in Leh on September 24 that left four dead and dozens injured, the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) pulled out of the scheduled October 6 talks with the Centre. The central government had been planning to propose constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under Article 371, which would afford certain protections without granting full autonomy under the Sixth Schedule—demanded by Ladakh groups. The ABL and KDA remain steadfast in seeking statehood, Sixth Schedule status, job reservations, and dual Lok Sabha seats. (PC: PTI)

A paediatrician from Chhindwara, Dr. Praveen Soni, has been arrested after prescribing Coldrif cough syrup, which caused the deaths of 11 children. The Madhya Pradesh government filed a case against Srisan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer, after lab tests revealed 48.6% diethylene glycol, a deadly toxic substance. Authorities have banned Coldrif and suspended other products from the company. Several children who initially had mild cold symptoms developed kidney failure and died, prompting a state-wide crackdown on contaminated medicines and tighter monitoring of pharmaceutical quality standards.  

Actor Rhea Chakraborty said she finally got her passport back after five years following the Bombay High Court’s order. The 33-year-old actor shared a photo on Instagram holding her passport and wrote, “Patience was my only passport for the past 5 years.” Rhea had surrendered her passport after being arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in a drug case linked to actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in 2020. She was later granted bail. Known for “Sonali Cable” and “Jalebi,” Rhea was last seen in “Chehre” (2021) and recently appeared in “MTV Roadies: Karm Ya Kaand.” (PC: The Hindu)

The Supreme Court will hear on October 6 a plea by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, seeking his release. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jodhpur Central Jail for allegedly inciting violent protests in Ladakh on September 24. Four people were killed and 80 injured during the clashes. Angmo said she has no information about his health or the reasons for his detention. She accused the Ladakh police of “misusing power” and working with an “agenda.” Her plea also challenges the Centre’s handling of the unrest and demands his immediate release. (PC: HT)

In a historic moment, 16-year-old Sabri became the first Muslim girl in 95 years to perform Kathakali at Kerala Kalamandalam. She performed the role of Krishna during the Purappadu segment on Vijaya Dashami. Sabri, from Kollam, fell in love with Kathakali after watching a temple performance at age 11. Her father, Nizam Ammas, supported her dream and helped her train under experts. In 2022, Kalamandalam began admitting girl students for the first time. Sabri now plans to study Kathakali through her higher education. “It was a dream come true,” she said after her debut performance. (PC: Telegraph)

Surekha Yadav, Asia’s first female train driver, retired on September 30 after an inspiring 36-year career with Indian Railways. Starting as an assistant driver in 1989, she went on to drive freight trains, suburban locals, and prestigious services like the Deccan Queen and Vande Bharat Express. Renowned for mastering the challenging Bhor Ghat route, Yadav credited her parents’ unwavering support for her success. Her retirement marks the end of a historic journey that opened doors for women in the male-dominated rail industry and inspired generations of railway aspirants.  

A bandmate of late singer Zubeen Garg has alleged that the artist was poisoned in Singapore, shifting the narrative from a drowning accident to possible foul play. The accuser, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, claims that Garg’s manager, Siddharth Sharma, and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta showed suspicious behaviour before and during a yacht outing — including restricting who could serve drinks and dismissing symptoms like foaming at the mouth as “acid reflux.” Authorities have arrested the manager and organiser, and murder‐related charges have been filed. A judicial commission will probe the case further. (PC: The Hindu)

Assam police have arrested Siddharth Sharma, singer Zubeen Garg’s manager, after allegations of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta has also been named in the case. Bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami told investigators that Sharma acted suspiciously before Garg’s death on September 19 in Singapore. Goswami alleged that Sharma and Mahanta poisoned Garg and tried to cover it up. He also said Garg, an expert swimmer, could not have drowned. Witnesses claimed Sharma controlled a yacht recklessly and shouted “let him go” when Garg struggled to breathe. Police are probing financial and video evidence. (PC: India Today)