Japan's meteorological agency issued a tsunami advisory after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the uninhabited Izu islands, south of Honshu. The agency warned of waves up to one meter high for the Izu islands and smaller surges, around 0.2 meters, for Honshu. Despite the low-level alert, residents were cautioned to stay away from coasts and river mouths. The earthquake had its epicenter in the Pacific Ocean, 550 km south of Tokyo. Japan, prone to earthquakes, recalled the devastating 2011 quake and tsunami, emphasizing the nation's vigilance in the face of natural disasters.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the High-Speed 2 rail project will proceed between London Euston and Birmingham but scrapped the planned extension to Manchester. Sunak cited accountability for mismanagement and cost overruns in announcing HS2 management will no longer handle Euston's development. Instead, a new zone will be created to build housing and deliver station capacity more efficiently. The estimated £36 billion savings will be reinvested in transportation nationally. While the Birmingham link continues, the axing of northern extensions has drawn criticism. But Sunak defended it as bringing rationality to the exorbitant HS2 plans while still upgrading vital London-Birmingham connectivity.

In an unprecedented move, Republican Kevin McCarthy has been voted out as US House Speaker by members of his own party, just months after a contentious 15 rounds of voting to secure the position. Hardline Republicans, including Donald Trump ally Matt Gaetz, triggered a motion on Monday to remove McCarthy for compromising with Democrats to keep the government running. McCarthy had relied on Democratic votes to pass temporary funding, angering far-right GOP members who wanted to force a shutdown. McCarthy was the first House Speaker ever removed from office mid-term. Despite McCarthy's pleas to Republicans in a closed-door meeting, a rebel band of around 20 Republicans remained frustrated over the slow legislative pace under him.

A spike in bedbug sightings across Paris and other French cities has stirred public hysteria and raised concerns ahead of the 2024 Olympics. While experts confirm bedbugs are increasing due to globalization and pesticide resistance, they say the panic is exaggerated and psychological impact outweighs physical harm. Bedbugs do not transmit disease though their bites, shed skin and droppings repulse people. Despite unverified social media scare stories, officials are taking action to control the pests and protect Paris’ image pre-Olympics. However, France’s top entomologist insists while vigilance is important, the bedbug situation must be kept in perspective.

The UK recorded its hottest September ever with average temperatures of 22°C, significantly higher than the previous 1895 record of 20.9°C. The unusual September warmth, over 3.6°C above normal, is forecast to continue as the UK braces for a potential October heatwave. The UK wasn't alone as countries across Europe logged their hottest Septembers, attributed to greenhouse gases and El Niño effects. Globally, record highs are expected over the next five years per the World Meteorological Organization. As the UK reels from its hottest September and prepares for more October heat, the records underscore climate change's growing impact ahead of COP28 climate talks.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has condemned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government for attempting to crush free speech. His sharp criticism comes after Canada introduced regulations requiring online streamers to register with the government for content oversight. Responding to a post by journalist Glenn Greenwald on Canada's repressive online censorship, Musk accused Trudeau of shamefully suppressing free expression. This follows previous allegations against Trudeau's administration for limiting speech, including invoking emergency powers in 2022 recent claims regarding India's involvement in a terrorism case, leading to strained India-Canada relations.

A senior whistleblower has accused nurses in the UK of discriminatory mistreatment of a Sikh patient, including tying his beard with gloves and failing to provide religiously appropriate food. The claims were made in a leaked dossier from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which allegedly failed to properly investigate the man's dying complaints of discrimination. The whistleblower condemned the NMC for permitting a "culture of fear" and not addressing "institutional racism" within its ranks for 15 years. The patient's family discovered his turban removed and beard tied up. The NMC is investigating the revelations of racial bias in its conduct cases. NMC chief Andrea Sutcliffe apologized and admitted the organization has significant progress to make in becoming anti-racist. (Representative Image)

A terrorist attack occurred near Turkey's parliament in Ankara, leaving two police officers injured. Security camera footage captured the moment when two attackers arrived in a commercial vehicle, carrying out a bomb attack in front of the General Directorate of Security of the Ministry of the Interior. One terrorist detonated himself, while the other was neutralized. The incident, which caused a powerful explosion and large flames, was heard several kilometers away. The targeted district houses various ministries and the Turkish parliament, which was set to reopen. An investigation has been initiated, and access to the area has been restricted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the Indian diaspora in Washington DC, emphasized the limitless potential of the India-US relationship, describing the two nations as "desirable, optimal, comfortable partners." He highlighted the relationship's organic growth, expressing hope for future prospects based on shared chemistry and comfort. Jaishankar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing Gandhi's message of doing the right thing and leaving no one behind. The event was attended by senior US officials, including US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and reflected the strong ties between the two countries. 

Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu has won the Maldives' presidential runoff, securing over 53% of the vote. The election became a contest between India and China's influence in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Muiz, initially an underdog, won after former president Abdulla Yameen was barred from running. He pledged to balance trade relations with India and remove Indian troops from the Maldives. Incumbent President Solih, accused of allowing unchecked Indian presence, received 46% of the vote. Despite Muiz's victory, experts believe the Maldives will continue to afford India an important place in its foreign policy. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Muizzu on his win.