Students and residents in Delhi’s Satya Niketan have raised concerns over the reported death toll following Sunday’s collapse of a five-storey student PG building, which killed seven people. � Students reportedly questioned whether the official figures fully reflected the casualties, while fear spread across the densely populated area. Many students began leaving their accommodations, dragging belongings away amid concerns about the structural safety of nearby buildings. The MCD subsequently issued demolition notices to several buildings considered dangerous or ruinous. Authorities have also faced scrutiny over building safety and regulatory enforcement following the tragedy. (PC: PTI)

Fresh threat letters allegedly issued by Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked United Liberation Council (ULC) have warned Kashmiri Pandit employees recruited under the PM Package to quit their jobs or face fatal consequences. The threats, reportedly the fifth in a month, have been accompanied by alleged online leaks of employees’ phone numbers, addresses and vehicle details. Activists have demanded an FIR, security audit and stronger protection for employees living in transit colonies and rented accommodation. The developments have renewed concerns over the safety of Kashmiri Pandits working in the Valley and raised questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation and security arrangements. (PC: Getty Images)

Kanpur-based engineer Chandan Gupta has been released after being detained in Russia and has safely returned home, his wife Sneha Gupta confirmed. She said Chandan was detained late Saturday, with his phone and passport taken away. After learning about his detention, she contacted his employer, UFlex Ltd, whose Russian team stayed in touch with her and arranged legal assistance. A lawyer hired by the company helped secure his release. Earlier, Sneha had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for help, expressing concern that her husband could be pressured to join the Russian military. The circumstances remain unclear.

Five young orangutans were rescued from a casuarina forest near Badapai village in Odisha’s Balasore district on Tuesday after local residents spotted the unusual animals. Forest officials brought the primates to the Udayapur forest section office, where they were kept under observation and examined by veterinary teams. Orangutans are native to Southeast Asia and are not found in the wild in India, raising questions about how they reached Odisha. Officials suspect the animals may have been abandoned by poachers or suppliers after being transported illegally, but their exact origin remains unclear. Authorities have launched an investigation and intensified surveillance in the area. (PC: The Hindu)

A police complaint has been lodged in Kolkata against Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Shastri over remarks urging Hindus to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. South Kolkata Congress president Pradip Prasad accused Shastri of hurting Bengali sentiments and creating social disharmony. Shastri had called Bengalis eating fish and meat during Navratri “pakhandis” and urged people to boycott them. The remarks sparked criticism across Bengal. Bengal BJP leaders distanced themselves from the food diktat. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said Shastri had no right to decide what Bengalis eat, while minister Dilip Ghosh said people should be free to choose their food. (PC: The Telegraph)

The Chandigarh administration has suspended the licences of ride-hailing companies Uber and Rapido for six months over alleged violations of rules. According to the administration, both companies failed to comply with the prescribed regulations despite receiving repeated notices, show-cause notices and several opportunities to present their cases over more than a year. The action comes after authorities gave the companies multiple chances to address the alleged violations. The suspension will remain in effect for six months. The administration said the decision was taken after the companies failed to comply with the applicable rules despite prolonged proceedings and repeated communication from the authorities. (PC: India Today)

Kashmir has hosted its first-ever international film festival, marking a new chapter for a region that once had all 15 cinema halls shut amid militancy. The four-day International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir opened in Srinagar on September 7 with the screening of Lebanese film Dead Dog. A total of 135 films from 41 countries will be screened at venues in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Jammu. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the festival “a new chapter” in Jammu and Kashmir’s relationship with cinema and said the event aims to promote the Valley as a global filmmaking destination. (PC: The Hindu)

A controversy has erupted in West Bengal over calls to keep non-vegetarian food away from Durga Puja pandals. Hindutva organisations and religious preachers have appealed for vegetarian food to be served in and around Puja venues. The debate intensified after Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri urged people to keep non-vegetarian food away from Durga idols during the festival. His remarks have drawn criticism from sections of Bengali Hindus, including some who identify as Hindu nationalists. The Indian Express spoke to people in Kolkata to understand public opinion, with many highlighting Bengal’s distinct food traditions and cultural practices.

The Delhi government will introduce a new policy to regulate PG accommodations and coaching institutes within six weeks, Education Minister Ashish Sood said. The move comes after the Satya Niketan building collapse that killed seven people. Sood said the policy will set safety and security standards for PGs. A common web portal may list PGs, their facilities, availability and safety details. The government will consult students, parents, PG operators and other groups before finalising the rules. Sood also said Delhi faces a major shortage of hostels, with over two lakh students from outside the city needing accommodation. The government is exploring more options.  

Mumbai Police have arrested two men after one allegedly claimed to be a Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) official and tried to enter an event venue. The incident took place at Jio World Plaza on Monday. Police identified the man as Rohan Parekh. Security staff became suspicious after checking his documents. His alleged PMO identity card was also found to be suspicious. Another man was arrested with him. He was carrying a gun and claimed to be Parekh’s bodyguard. Both men have been sent to police custody until September 11. Police said the incident was not linked to PM Modi’s Tuesday event.