After violent protests in Ladakh left four dead and dozens injured, India’s Home Ministry defended police firing as “self-defense” and blamed unrest on “provocative speeches” by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The strong-handed response may alienate Ladakh’s Buddhist and Muslim communities, already sensitive after New Delhi ended the region’s autonomy in 2019. Observers warn that heavy policing and political rhetoric risk deepening mistrust between locals and the central government.   

The cyber crime wing of Greater Chennai Police arrested Felix Gerald, a Tamil-language YouTuber, for allegedly spreading misleading claims about the Karur rally stampede that left 41 dead. The XI Metropolitan Magistrate Court granted him conditional bail, citing insufficient justification for remanding him. Bail conditions include a ban on commenting on the incident. Gerald was picked up from his Nungambakkam home and his wife questioned the state of freedom of expression. Already, 26 social media accounts are being probed for misinformation over the tragedy.   

Nine workers died and ten others were injured when an arch collapsed at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station site in Ennore. The injured were taken to Stanley Government Hospital. Officials from TANGEDCO visited the hospital to meet the victims. Rescue teams are still working at the site, and police said the cause of the collapse is under investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased worker’s family and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Workers were mostly migrants, and many are reported to be in serious condition.

Kolkata celebrated Maha Ashtami, the most important day of Durga Puja, with devotion and joy. Despite heavy rains, people came out in large numbers to take part in rituals. Devotees offered pushpanjali and observed fasting, while the Shondi Pujo ritual was performed with 108 lotuses and lamps offered to Goddess Durga. Cultural programs, music, and artistic pandals added color to the festival. The day was seen as the spiritual peak of the celebrations, bringing together families and communities across the city. Streets, temples, and pandals were filled with festive spirit, marking unity and devotion in Kolkata.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a Durga Puja pandal in Delhi’s CR Park on Ashtami, offering prayers at the Karli Bari temple. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta accompanied him. Residents were advised to avoid certain internal roads from 3 pm to midnight due to security arrangements. BJP strategists say the visit is part of outreach to Bengali voters ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections. The party is using cultural events like Durga Puja to engage migrants and showcase Bengal’s heritage nationally. Similar programs are being held in other cities with large Bengali communities. (PC: India Today)

Actor Ranbir Kapoor marked the festive season by visiting the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, where he offered prayers to Goddess Durga. Dressed in a traditional blue kurta and white pyjamas, Ranbir embraced the devotional atmosphere, greeting fans and posing for photographs. His presence drew immense attention from devotees celebrating the festival. During the visit, Ranbir reunited with his close friend and filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, creating a heartwarming moment for fans. The outing came just days after Ranbir’s 43rd birthday, making it a special continuation of his celebrations while honoring tradition and strengthening personal bonds.

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has declared that it will back the Leh Apex Body’s decision to pull out of talks with the Central government on Ladakh affairs. KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai stated they will not participate in negotiations until activist Sonam Wangchuk is released, arrests are quashed, and a judicial inquiry is instituted—also demanding accountability for security-force firing in Leh. Both KDA and the Apex Body are demanding full statehood for Ladakh and implementation of the Sixth Schedule for tribal protections.    

 A 29-year-old engineer, Gaurav Savanni, died by suicide on September 27 in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, after being accused of rape by his girlfriend. The couple had met through a matrimonial website while Gaurav was working in Noida. Following the allegation, he was arrested and later released on bail approximately 15 days prior to his death. Upon returning home, Gaurav exhibited signs of deep distress and social withdrawal. A close friend reported that Gaurav, previously bright and cheerful, had become mentally disturbed in recent days. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suicide.

A police investigation into the phone of Chaitanyanand Saraswati, arrested for sexually harassing 17 students at a private institute, revealed multiple chats with women and photographs with air hostesses. The 62-year-old self-styled godman allegedly attempted to lure women with false promises. Two of his female aides are under investigation for allegedly threatening victims to delete lewd messages. Saraswati, who had been evading arrest for nearly a month, was apprehended in Agra. He faces multiple FIRs for molestation, cheating, and forgery, and has been uncooperative during police questioning .  

The 2025 Mysuru Dasara celebrations achieved a new Guinness World Record with a mesmerizing drone display featuring 2,983 drones forming a giant tiger in the night sky. This surpassed the previous record of 1,985 drones. The event, held at the Bannimantap Parade Grounds, showcased intricate formations including the solar system, peacock, dolphin, eagle, Lord Krishna dancing on a serpent, and the Karnataka state map. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) orchestrated the show, which also featured a musical performance by playback singer Kunal Ganjawala. The record-breaking display highlighted the fusion of technology and tradition, captivating a massive audience.