The Supreme Court has issued directives to end discrimination against the queer community in India. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud ordered the central, state and union territory governments to ensure queer people can access goods and services without facing harassment. The court said public awareness campaigns should be conducted to sensitise people about queer rights. It directed setting up of hotlines and safe houses for the queer community. The bench also said intersex children should not be forced to undergo surgical procedures. The police were directed to not harass queer persons or forcibly separate queer couples without preliminary inquiry.

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, has been named as the country's next permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. Bagchi, an experienced diplomat, is expected to take up the assignment soon. Meanwhile, four diplomats are being considered to replace him as the foreign ministry’s spokesperson, including Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur and K Nandini Singla. If appointed, Singla would be the first woman diplomat to hold the post after Nirupama Rao. Bagchi's appointment comes amid a reshuffle in key diplomatic positions, signaling India's focus on multilateral engagements and global affairs.

The Allahabad High Court has strongly condemned the handling of the Nithari case, describing it as a "betrayal of public trust." The court criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Noida Police, stating that the investigation into the serial killings of children in Noida was "botched" and lacked proper evidence collection. Main accused Surinder Koli was acquitted in 12 cases, and his employer Moninder Singh Pandher was cleared in two cases, with their death sentences canceled. The court highlighted flaws in the investigation process, including the failure to explore angles such as organized organ trading, raising questions about the prosecution's approach.

The Supreme Court is poised to announce its decision on a collection of petitions advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India on October 17, 2023. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, began hearing the case on April 18 and reserved judgment on May 11, 2023. As Justice Bhat is set to retire on October 20, the verdict on marriage equality is expected imminently. The bench will consider twenty petitions, filed by same-sex couples, transgender individuals, and LGBTQIA+ activists, challenging certain provisions of marriage acts for their failure to acknowledge non-heterosexual marriages. The bench clarified that it would focus solely on the Special Marriage Act and not interfere with personal laws.

ISRO has revealed its Mission Gaganyaan test flight schedule. The TV-D1 test flight is scheduled for 21st October 2023, at SDSC-SHAR in Sriharikota, from 7 am to 9 am. This test will assess the capsule's effectiveness and emergency escape system. ISRO's aim is to send three astronauts into low-earth orbit by year-end. The crew module (CM) will launch unpressurised on an indigenous LVM-3 rocket with various stages. The Gaganyaan mission will comprise a three-member crew orbiting in an orbital module 400 km from Earth for three days before a safe return. Astronaut training is ongoing in Bengaluru, covering simulations, fitness, and mission-related academics.

Students in India are set to receive their own unique identification numbers, provided their parents give consent. The Government of India, as part of its 'National Education Policy 2020,' is preparing to establish a single ID system called the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) for each student, from pre-primary to higher education. This ID will maintain a lifelong record of a student's academic journey and achievements. The government assures that data obtained through the ID will remain confidential, and parents who have given consent will be free to withdraw it at any time. Students can digitally archive all their educational accomplishments and, eventually, use their credit score for higher education or employment.

On the auspicious occasion of Navrati, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a new Garba song titled "Maadi". The song, penned by PM Modi, is sung by Divya Kumar and is composed by the Meet Bros. He released the video of the same on YouTube and X, formerly Twitter. PM Modi said, "As the auspicious Navratri dawns upon us, I am delighted to share a Garba penned by me during the past week. Let the festive rhythms embrace everyone!" On Saturday, a music video featuring a Garba song written by PM Modi was released. The 190-second song, titled "Garbo", was authored by the Prime Minister several years ago. PM Modi wished people on the first day of the festival today. "May mother Durga, who gives strength, brings to everyone's life happiness, prosperity, good fortune and good health," 

Delhi and its neighboring areas experienced tremors following a magnitude 3.1 earthquake with its epicenter nine kilometers away from Haryana's Faridabad. This incident occurred days after a significant 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck western Nepal, affecting several parts of North India. Additionally, Afghanistan faced another powerful earthquake of 6.3 magnitudes, striking 34 kilometers outside Herat, following a series of devastating quakes that caused widespread destruction and casualties. The region remains on high alert amid the heightened seismic activity.

The Khushwant Singh Literary Festival's second day witnessed intense discussions on the India-Canada diplomatic row. Former Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh, an author, addressed the festival, emphasizing the need for objective discussions about India, Canada, Khalistan, and freedom of speech. Dosanjh expressed concern over the escalating tensions, urging both nations to avoid further escalation. The festival also tackled pressing issues like the climate crisis, lack of drug regulations, and corporate challenges. Dosanjh highlighted the importance of maintaining student futures and diplomatic dialogue amid the ongoing discord.

India and Sri Lanka have resumed ferry services after a four-decade hiatus, connecting Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam with Sri Lanka's Kankesanthurai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this development as a vital step in strengthening bilateral ties, emphasizing its potential to enhance connectivity, trade, and cultural links. The high-speed ferry, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, carries 150 passengers and covers a distance of 60 nautical miles. This initiative, fostering historical maritime connections, signifies a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, promoting people-to-people ties and economic cooperation.