The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar within 48 hours, threatening a nationwide agitation and a “Jantar Mantar 2.0” protest if he does not step down. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the Election Commission of undermining voters’ rights and raised allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The organisation also launched an “Election Commission Thik Karo” campaign and called for an independent inquiry into electoral-roll decisions. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of manipulation, stating that its decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously. (PC: AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called delegates who walked out as he began his UN General Assembly speech “moral cowards,” as he defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and its wider military campaign. Dozens of representatives left the hall before and during his address, highlighting international criticism of Israel’s conduct in the conflict. Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel was committing genocide and argued that his government was acting in self-defence. He also criticised international pressure on Israel and defended its military operations against regional threats. The walkout and Netanyahu’s response reflected the continuing deep divisions at the United Nations over Israel’s policies and the Gaza war.

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces, targeting areas including Taif and the Yanbu region on the Red Sea. The attacks heightened concerns about possible disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s oil exports and regional energy infrastructure. Oil prices responded by rising sharply, with Brent crude settling 3.4% higher at $106.60 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained 2.7% to $94.61. The market remained volatile as reports emerged of US-Iran discussions over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route. The developments add to growing Middle East security and energy-supply concerns. (PC: EPA)

India secured a table tennis medal at the 2026 Asian Games after Manush Shah and Diya Chitale defeated Hong Kong’s world No. 4 pair Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem in the mixed doubles quarterfinals. The Indian duo won 3-1, with game scores of 11-6, 13-15, 11-9 and 11-5, to reach the semifinals. The result guarantees India at least a bronze medal and marks only the country’s second Asian Games mixed doubles medal after Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra’s 2018 bronze. Shah and Chitale will face China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha in the semifinal. (PC: X)

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary faced criticism from the opposition RJD after allegedly revealing the identity of a minor girl who was molested in Jamui. The girl and her family met the Chief Minister, who assured them of speedy justice and strict punishment for the accused. Choudhary posted a photograph with the victim and her family on X, but later removed it. RJD leaders accused him of violating provisions protecting the privacy of minor sexual-assault victims and demanded action. Bihar Police had also registered cases against social-media accounts for circulating material that exposed the girl’s identity. (PC: ANI)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to avoid treating relations between Washington and Beijing as a “win-or-lose” contest during their high-level talks in Washington on September 24, 2026. Xi said competition between the world’s two largest economies should remain healthy and within limits, while calling for greater cooperation and a new chapter in bilateral relations. He also warned against the “Thucydides Trap” of conflict between rising and established powers. Taiwan was discussed, with Xi urging Washington to oppose Taiwan independence. The leaders also addressed artificial intelligence, emphasizing responsible development and keeping AI under human control. (PC: AP)

Dozens of diplomats walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech on September 24, amid protests and international criticism of Israel’s policies. Netanyahu criticised those leaving, calling them “moral cowards” and accusing them of hypocrisy. Some delegates who remained applauded, while others chanted “Am Yisrael Chai.” Netanyahu also defended Israel’s military strikes against Iran, saying they were necessary to prevent a greater threat from its nuclear programme. His brief New York visit includes meetings with several world leaders, but no scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump. 

India won the silver medal in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya on September 24. The quartet of Poovamma Raju, Vishal Thennarasu, Manu TS and Vithya Ramraj finished in 3:14.46, successfully defending the silver medal won at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. India initially appeared set for bronze, but Vithya produced a strong final leg to overtake Vietnam and secure second place. Bahrain won gold with a Games-record 3:12.87, while Vietnam took bronze in 3:14.54. The relay silver came shortly after Seema Kumari’s bronze in the women’s 10,000m.

Two drivers and a conductor accused in the Greater Noida sleeper bus fire case were sent to 14-day judicial custody by the District and Sessions Court in Surajpur on September 24. The bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway near Jewar late on September 23, killing nine passengers. Police arrested the three crew members as the investigation continued. The FIR alleges that passengers noticed a burning smell and warned the crew before flames emerged, while the accused drivers have denied allegations that they were smoking inside the bus. Authorities are investigating the exact cause and circumstances of the deadly fire. 

US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on September 24 for high-level talks covering trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and broader security issues. During their meeting, Xi urged Washington to oppose “Taiwan independence,” according to China’s state news agency. Trump and Xi also highlighted the need for stable relations and continued dialogue between their countries. Trade remains a central issue, with both sides considering an extension of their existing truce. The leaders are also expected to discuss Iran, military communication and technology. Xi’s visit is his first to Washington in more than a decade. (PC: X)