The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in India finally shut down on October 1, citing a lack of support from the "host government" and reduced resources due to the Taliban administration in Kabul. The closure, except for emergency consular services, reflects divisions between the Taliban and former Afghan rulers. Ambassador Farid Mamundzay's absence for three months created a vacuum in the embassy. India, not recognizing the Taliban regime, maintains a "technical team" in Kabul. The closure raises concerns for Afghan students, traders, and tourists in India. The decision followed the Moscow format dialogue on Afghanistan, where the Taliban engaged with stakeholders, including India.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office has strongly denied claims made by former Indian diplomat Deepak Vohra that Trudeau flew to the recent G20 summit in India on a plane carrying cocaine. Vohra alleged without evidence that sniffer dogs found cocaine on Trudeau's plane and that Trudeau spent two days hiding in his room in a "drug-induced stupor". Trudeau's office categorically rejected the accusations as "absolutely false and a troubling example of how disinformation can make its way into media reporting." Trudeau traveled to the New Delhi G20 summit earlier this month accompanied by his teenage son, casting further doubt on the unsubstantiated allegations.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces pressure ahead of the Conservative Party conference this weekend, with polls suggesting he is on course to lose the next UK general election. A Bloomberg report reveals many Tory lawmakers are already preparing for a scenario where Sunak fails to turn around flagging Tory support. The report states over a dozen top Conservatives are lining up potential leadership bids should Sunak falter, despite the PM averting immediate internal rebellion. Sunak hopes to convince Tories he can still win in 2025 through policy shifts like reassessing HS2. But Labour currently holds a large lead in polls. Sunak loyalists maintain he could continue as PM if Labour falls short of a majority.

Torrential rains paralyzed New York City on Friday, flooding subways, airports, and roads. LaGuardia Airport closed a terminal as water drenched the tarmacs. Shocking videos showed passengers trudging through shin-deep water inside the airport. Parts of the subway system were suspended as stations flooded. On city streets, cars were submerged and traffic snarled. Shopkeepers struggled to keep floodwaters from overtaking their stores. More heavy rain is forecast through Saturday, prolonging transit headaches. The floods caused extensive disruptions across New York's transportation network. (Image Courtesy: ANI)

For the first time in US history, a Sikh religious leader began the day's session in the House of Representatives with prayer. Giani Jaswinder Singh, a granthi from the Pine Hill Gurdwara in New Jersey, was welcomed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to offer the opening prayer which traditionally has been done by a Christian priest. Singh's historic participation as the first Sikh chaplain to lead the House prayers represents a milestone for the Sikh community. Congressman Donald Norcross hailed the occasion as reaffirming America's commitment to religious freedom and inclusion. (Image Courtesy: ANI)

Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China candidate, is challenging incumbent President Ibrahim Solih in the Maldives' presidential runoff election on Saturday. The 45-year-old civil engineer has vowed to strengthen ties with China if elected. Muizzu's mentor is former president Abdulla Yameen, creator of the 'India Out' campaign. As Yameen's construction minister, Muizzu approved Chinese-funded infrastructure projects. He met Chinese Communist Party officials in 2022, pledging closer China-Maldives relations if his party wins. Muizzu's campaign has focused on criticizing India's political and economic influence. He resents India's 1988 military intervention in the Maldives under Operation Cactus to prevent a coup. The runoff has geopolitical implications with Muizzu representing a shift toward China and away from India.

The governor of New York declared a state of emergency on Friday as torrential rainfall caused flash flooding across the city, disrupting subway services and forcing road closures. Over 5 inches of rain fell in New York by Friday morning, prompting a flash flood warning. Governor Kathy Hochul described the floods as a "life-threatening event" and urged residents to follow warnings. The flood waters entered basements in New York and submerged roads in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and New Jersey. Hochul also declared an emergency in Long Island and Hudson Valley regions hit by the sudden downpour and flooding.

Chaos erupted in a Pakistani news debate when PTI supporter Sher Afzal Marwat and PMLN's Afnanullah Khan lost their cool and engaged in a live fisticuff. The video shared by blogger @Bukhari2204 shows Marwat throwing the first slap, prompting Khan to shove back. Soon the leaders were brawling behind the desk as the shocked anchor and crew scrambled to separate them. The crazy footage of the suited panelists walloping each other over political differences went viral. Understandably, hilarious reactions followed online to the live TV spectacle that quickly descended into pandemonium. "If you abuse the Murshid, the disciple will answer. And the answer is made! Someone is going to understand them in their language! To catch or to leave," read the text accompanying the video on X.

Dutch police arrested a 32-year-old male gunman who killed at least three people in twin shootings in Rotterdam on Thursday. The attacker first opened fire in a home, killing a woman and her teenage daughter, before setting it ablaze. He then stormed Erasmus Medical Center, shooting dead a male lecturer. The gunman was a student at Erasmus University, affiliated with the hospital. Shocking footage shows the camouflaged shooter being detained outside the hospital. His motives remain unknown. The prime minister offered condolences to the victims and those impacted by the violence. Police continue investigating the deadly shootings that terrified Rotterdam residents.

A suspected suicide bomber struck a religious procession in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Friday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 50 more. The blast occurred near a mosque in the Mastung district of Balochistan as a procession was being carried out for Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations. According to initial reports, the explosion appeared to target the procession commemorating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The bombing represents the latest violence to strike restive Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan. Further details on the victims and full impact of the deadly blast are still emerging.