RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the Sangh's 100th anniversary at Nagpur's Reshimbagh grounds, advocating self-reliance amid America's new tariff policy. He stated "no nation can survive in isolation" but emphasized interdependence shouldn't become compulsion. Bhagwat stressed building strength from within, pursuing political, economic, and diplomatic relations through choice rather than necessity, declaring "there is no substitute for Swadeshi and self-reliance." He noted rising nationalist spirit among India's younger generation, with religious and social institutions serving underprivileged sections. Bhagwat expressed concern over violent regime changes in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, warning that forces attempting similar disturbances in India remain active both domestically and internationally.

On September 30, 2025, a catastrophic accident occurred at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station construction site in Ennore, Tamil Nadu. A 45-meter-high steel arch collapsed during construction, resulting in the deaths of nine migrant workers from Assam. The workers were employed by a subcontractor of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Despite safety measures, the collapse left little chance of survival. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim's family and ordered the repatriation of their bodies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and announced financial assistance for the deceased and injured. The cause of the collapse is under investigation. (PC: The Hindu)    

US President Donald Trump has reshared Prime Minister Narendra Modi's endorsement of his 20-point Gaza peace plan on Truth Social, without adding any personal commentary. In his original post, Modi described the plan as a “viable pathway” to lasting peace, security, and development for both Palestinians and Israelis, urging all parties to unite behind Trump's initiative. The White House introduced the plan on Monday, proposing measures such as an immediate ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, a phased Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and the establishment of a transitional government overseen by an international body. (PC: PTI)  

India has condemned the defacement of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Tavistock Square, London, calling it “shameful” and an attack on non-violence. The Indian High Commission urged UK authorities to take “immediate action” against those responsible. The bronze statue, unveiled in 1968, was spray-painted with the words “Terrorists” and “Gandhi, Modi and Hindustani.” Police are treating the incident as racially aggravated but no arrests have been made. Cleaning teams quickly moved to restore the statue. The vandalism comes days before Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary on October 2, observed as the International Day of Non-Violence worldwide. (PC: BBC)

Nepalese youth, like 20-year-old Bivas Rana, are abandoning aspirations to join India's Gorkha regiments due to the Agnipath scheme. Introduced in 2022, the scheme offers four-year contracts with only 25% retention, eliminating pensions and long-term job security. Nepal officially rejected the scheme, citing violations of the 1947 Tripartite Agreement that governs Gorkha recruitment. Since then, no Nepal-domiciled Gorkha has enlisted in the Indian Army. This policy shift has disrupted a 200-year-old tradition, affecting approximately 40,000 Nepali soldiers across seven Gorkha regiments. As a result, Nepalese youths are increasingly opting to serve in their own national army instead. (PC: ANI)

A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tavistock Square, London, was vandalised on September 29, 2025, just days before the annual Gandhi Jayanti commemorations. The plinth was found defaced with anti-India graffiti. The Indian High Commission in London condemned the act as a "violent attack on the idea of non-violence," emphasizing its timing three days before the International Day of Non-Violence. The mission has reported the incident to local authorities and is coordinating efforts to restore the statue to its original state. The bronze statue was unveiled in 1968 as a tribute to Gandhi's time as a law student at University College London.   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has endorsed US President Donald Trump’s new 20-point Gaza peace plan, calling it a “viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security and development” in the conflict-torn region. Modi emphasized that the proposal offers a rare chance to end violence, restore stability, and ensure humanitarian relief. India, maintaining balanced ties with both Israel and Palestine, reiterated its support for diplomatic solutions. The endorsement highlights New Delhi’s role as a global peace advocate. Trump’s plan is gaining international attention, with leaders debating its feasibility amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and the broader Middle East. (PC: X)

French designer Julia Chaigneau, living in India, shared why Indian festivals feel more inclusive than European ones in a viral X post featuring Holi celebration pictures. She contrasted India's open street festivities with Europe's Christmas celebrations, often held behind closed doors. Chaigneau emphasized never celebrating alone since moving to India, with neighbors and strangers ensuring inclusion. She praised the warmth of shared food, music, and rituals. Social media reactions were mixed: some agreed about Indian togetherness and community spirit, while others found constant public celebrations overwhelming, citing noise pollution and traffic issues. The discussion highlighted cultural contrasts between private European festivities and India's communal celebration approach, sparking debate about inclusiveness versus personal space. (PC: India Today)

Canada has designated Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang as a "terrorist entity" under the Criminal Code, enabling authorities to freeze or seize gang assets including cash, vehicles, and property. The gang is linked to murder, extortion, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking operations in India and abroad. This designation grants law enforcement enhanced powers to prosecute terrorism financing offences. Immigration officials can now deny suspected gang members entry into Canada. Under Canadian law, it's now a criminal offence for citizens domestically or abroad to knowingly deal with property connected to the Bishnoi gang or provide resources benefiting its activities. The move significantly strengthens legal tools against the transnational criminal organization. (PC: Gulf News)

The Indian High Commission in London condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Tavistock Square, calling it a "shameful act" and violent attack on nonviolence's legacy. The incident occurred three days before International Day of Nonviolence. The Commission has strongly raised the matter with local authorities, demanding immediate restoration to the statue's original dignity. Sculpted by Fredda Brilliant and unveiled by British PM Harold Wilson on May 17, 1968, the statue has stood for over half a century. Tavistock Square, known as London's "peace park," also houses memorials for Hiroshima victims and conscientious objectors. The seated Gandhi figure was historically used by Doordarshan for news bulletins.