The British Museum has appealed to the public to assist in recovering approximately 2,000 ancient treasures that went missing from its collection. Most of the stolen items are Greek and Roman gems and jewelry, with some dating back to the Late Bronze Age. The loss was uncovered last month, resulting in a staff dismissal and police investigation. While 60 objects have been returned and 300 more are expected soon, many priceless artifacts remain missing. The museum has published images of the missing objects online in hopes the public can help identify and recover these important historical treasures. An international panel of experts will also aid the recovery effort. (Image Courtesy: British Museum)

Indian-American presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy, during the second Republican presidential debate, advocated ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants in the US. He revived a 2015 proposal from then-candidate Donald Trump. Ramaswamy, a second-generation Indian-American, argued that children of undocumented immigrants born in the US should not be granted citizenship as their parents "broke the law" to be in the country. He also supported measures like militarizing the southern border and ending foreign aid to Mexico and Central America. Ramaswamy's proposals have garnered attention in the crowded primary field, with 28% of respondents in a poll saying he performed the best.

Kamal Menghrajani, an Indian-American oncologist, is among 15 “remarkably gifted, passionate, and accomplished” individuals selected for the 2023-2024 White House Fellows program. Menghrajani, who treats leukaemia patients, will spend a year working closely with top administration officials. The New Yorker is the only Indian American picked for the prestigious fellowship. She will serve at the Office of Science and Technology Policy on the Cancer Moonshot and Health Outcomes teams. Menghrajani has spearheaded global health equity efforts and cancer research focused on early diagnosis. Her appointment highlights the success of Indian-American physicians at the highest levels of public service.

Around 20 teenagers have been arrested after mobs of juveniles broke into and looted multiple retail stores like Apple, Footlocker and Lululemon in Philadelphia on Tuesday night. Videos shared online showed the stores being ransacked by hundreds of masked looters. At the Apple store, iPhones and iPads were left scattered across tables, with many items later abandoned due to anti-theft features. As per police, 15-20 individuals involved in the mass looting spree have been arrested so far, and two firearms recovered. The break-ins started around 8 pm near Rittenhouse Square, shortly after protesters demanding justice for a recent police shooting had dispersed from City Hall. The widespread looting has led some to declare 'Philadelphia has fallen' on social media.

Activists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) held massive protests against Pakistan during the 54th UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva. PoK political activists raised slogans demanding Pakistan vacate Kashmir and allow them to live peacefully. The demonstration organized by United Kashmir People's National Party saw participation from Pashtun, Sindhi, Baloch activists and those from Bangladesh. Together they condemned extremism and terrorism in the region. Protesters carried banners accusing Pakistan of human rights violations in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. The regions have seen growing outrage against Pakistan over rights violations, misuse of laws and issues like inflation, poverty and unemployment. The Geneva protests highlighted PoK residents' discontent with Pakistani rule.

While USCIS visa operations are fee-funded and may continue, a shutdown can cause delays in services like H-1B extensions. Visa and passport processing through the State Department could be limited as offices remain closed, only providing services for emergencies and diplomatic visas. However, ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for student visas is also fee-funded, so should continue operations. Previously, shutdowns have caused major visa backlogs, with USCIS citing 'shutdown delays' as excusable. Overall, while critical visa services by USCIS and SEVP may continue using fee revenues, processing capacity could be impacted by office closures and staff shortages amid the political turmoil. Applicants should prepare for potential delays due to the disruption.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman has controversially stated that multiculturalism has "failed" in Europe and threatens social cohesion. In a speech in the US, she said the UN's 1951 Refugee Convention may not fit the modern age, and that multiculturalism allows parallel societies threatening stability and security. She cited clashes in Leicester as evidence of this failure. Her remarks drew criticism from UNHCR and UK opposition parties, who accused her of distracting from the government's inability to tackle the migrant crisis. However, some in her party agreed the UK cannot accept unlimited refugees. Braverman's hardline stance against immigration and cultural diversity has sparked debate over the place of multiculturalism in British society.

Anthony Rota has resigned as Speaker of Canada's House of Commons after inviting a Ukrainian man who fought for a Nazi unit to parliament and praising him as a "hero." The incident occurred last Friday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit, drawing global condemnation. Rota claimed he was unaware of 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka's Nazi ties when he introduced him. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it "deeply embarrassing." Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Rota should resign for the "completely unacceptable" mistake. After initially resisting, Rota quit Tuesday after meeting party leaders, reiterating his "profound regret." But opposition leader Pierre Poilievre continues criticizing Rota despite the resignation.

London's Gatwick Airport has imposed a daily limit of 800 flights until Sunday amid staff shortages in air traffic control. Around 30% of air traffic control staff are currently off sick, including from Covid-19. The flight cap aims to prevent last-minute cancellations and delays for passengers. EasyJet will be the most affected airline, with other carriers like BA and Ryanair also asked to cancel flights. Gatwick apologized for the disruptions but said the limits were necessary given the staff absences. The airport is working on improving air traffic control's resilience.

The UK is bracing for Storm Agnes this week, with heavy rain and winds up to 80mph bringing disruption and "danger to life" warnings across much of the country starting Wednesday. However, hopes for a mini October heatwave are still alive as forecasters predict warmer than usual temperatures next month, potentially reaching 23C. Meteorologists cite the chance of an "Indian summer" once Storm Agnes passes. But first, yellow wind and rain warnings are in effect for most areas outside the southeast from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Though Storm Agnes threatens damages, forecasts suggest pleasant weather could return quickly, offering optimism for an unseasonably warm October.