Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, is on high alert ahead of Friday prayers after tensions rose over the controversial ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster. Last week, clashes erupted when over 2,000 protesters confronted police outside a mosque, prompting the cancellation of related demonstrations. Authorities have suspended internet services in four districts until October 4 to prevent misinformation and maintain public order. Security forces, including the PAC and RAF, have been deployed, with drones monitoring key areas. The city is divided into super and special zones for effective control. Similar precautions are in place in Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun.    

In a landmark achievement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed a surface-to-air missile strike over 300 kilometers inside Pakistani territory during Operation Sindoor. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh described this as the longest recorded kill in the operation, underscoring the precision and effectiveness of India's air defense capabilities. While specific details about the targeted Pakistani equipment and the missile system used remain undisclosed, the S-400 system, with its extended range, is a likely candidate. Singh highlighted the operation's success in achieving strategic objectives with minimal casualties, marking it as a significant military engagement since 1971. (PC: PTI)

Foot overbridges (FOBs) in Bengaluru, intended to enhance pedestrian safety, are underutilized due to poor design and maintenance. Many bridges lack lifts or escalators, making them inaccessible for the elderly, children, and those with disabilities. Additionally, issues such as broken steps, inadequate lighting, and encroachments deter pedestrians from using them. Consequently, many individuals prefer to cross busy roads at ground level, risking accidents. Urban planners and residents advocate for improved infrastructure, including functional lifts, better lighting, and regular maintenance, to encourage the use of FOBs and ensure pedestrian safety in the city. (PC: The Hindu)

Violence broke out at Jawaharlal Nehru University during Dussehra celebrations after ABVP allegedly depicted former students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam as Ravan in a Ravan Dahan event. ABVP accused Left-backed groups, including AISA, SFI, and DSF, of attacking a Durga idol immersion procession, pelting stones, and injuring several students. ABVP leaders called it an assault on faith and university culture. Left-affiliated AISA rejected the charges, accusing ABVP of using religion for political propaganda and spreading Islamophobia. Both sides blamed each other for destabilising the campus and disrupting cultural harmony. JNU administration has not issued a statement. (PC: NDTV)

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has moved the Supreme Court seeking his release. Wangchuk was arrested on September 26 under the National Security Act (NSA) in Jodhpur following protests in Leh that killed four people. Angmo challenged the NSA charges and denied claims that Wangchuk contacted a Pakistani intelligence operative. She accused Ladakh police of having an agenda against him, saying, “They don’t want to implement the 6th Schedule and want to make someone a scapegoat.” Angmo said she has no information about his health and demanded the right to meet and speak with him. (PC: NDTV)

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has created history by constructing the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass in Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 19,400 ft. This surpasses the previous record at Umling La (19,024 ft). Built under Project Himank, the road connects Likaru–Mig La–Fukche, significantly boosting strategic connectivity towards the Indo-China frontier. The route links Hanle sector to Fukche village near the border, ensuring faster troop movement and support. Beyond its defence value, the road is expected to open new opportunities for high-altitude tourism, offering breathtaking views of the Indus Valley and surrounding Himalayan landscape.   

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, is on high alert today after last week’s violence over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ row. Security has been tightened with police, PAC, RAF and drones deployed in sensitive areas. Internet services remain suspended in Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun until Saturday to stop rumours and maintain peace. Last Friday, over 2,000 protestors clashed with police after a planned demonstration was cancelled. The violence led to 81 arrests. Ahead of prayers today, senior clerics have appealed for calm and asked people to return home peacefully after offering prayers. Authorities have warned strict action against any disturbances. (PC: HT)

Kolkata marked Dashami with the immersion of Durga idols, bringing Durga Puja celebrations to a close. From family pujas to small para committees, idols were carried in colourful processions through neighbourhoods to the Hooghly and other city ghats. Many devotees sang and danced to dhaak beats, while others watched tearfully as idols were immersed. Kolkata Police and civic bodies set up barricades, cranes, and lighting for safety. Volunteers guided crowds and ensured order. Authorities also urged the removal of non-biodegradable materials before immersion. As idols sank, chants of “Asche bochor abar hobe” echoed, promising the goddess’ return next year. (PC: X, the telegraph)

The Assam Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested singer Zubeen Garg’s bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and co-singer Amritprava Mahanta, sources told NDTV. This takes the total arrests in the case to four. Both were with Garg at a yacht party during the North East India Festival on September 19, when he drowned while swimming. Videos showed Goswami swimming close to Garg, while Mahanta filmed the incident. Earlier, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma and festival manager Shyamkanu Mahanta were arrested and charged with murder, conspiracy, and negligence. Garg’s wife said she trusts the legal system and hopes for justice soon. (PC: NDTV)

10 people, including minors, died after a tractor-trolley fell into a lake during Durga idol immersion in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday evening. The vehicle was parked on a makeshift bridge in Jamli village when it slipped into deep water around 5 pm, police said. About 10-15 locals jumped in to rescue people. Six of the dead were women. An eight-year-old girl remains missing, while three injured girls are in hospital. Officials said 30-32 people were in the trolley. Chief minister Mohan Yadav announced ₹4 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and assured treatment for the injured. Rescue operations continue. (PC: ANI Grab)