The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “vote chori” (vote theft) allegations from the last general elections. The PIL was filed by advocate Rohit Pandey, who asked the court to order a CBI investigation. The bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, said the petitioner should approach the Election Commission of India. Rahul Gandhi had claimed over one lakh votes were irregular in the Mahadevapura segment of Bangalore Central. The Election Commission rejected his claims, saying election results can only be challenged through a formal High Court petition. (PC: X)

Hamas has handed over the first seven Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire deal after more than two years in captivity. The hostages were transferred to the Red Cross and then to Israeli security forces, to be reunited with their families and taken to hospitals. The release is part of an exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Tens of thousands of Israelis watched the handover on public screens. US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel, calling the ceasefire a step toward normalisation. The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas attacks killed 1,200 people. (PC: Sky News)

The father of a 23-year-old MBBS student gang-raped in Durgapur, West Bengal, criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks on women stepping out late at night. Banerjee had questioned how the student left the campus at 12:30 am, while police records show the incident occurred around 8 pm. The father said, “She is also a woman. How can she say such an irresponsible thing?” He added that his daughter’s safety and career come first and plans to take her back to Odisha. Four people have been arrested. West Bengal police promised strict action and expressed deep regret. (PC: NDTV)

A Delhi court has ordered charges against RJD leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav in the IRCTC scam case. The case involves alleged corruption in hotel maintenance contracts for IRCTC properties in Ranchi and Puri. The court said Lalu Yadav abused his position as Railway Minister and engaged in conspiracy to undervalue land, which was later transferred to his family. Rabri Devi and Tejashwi face charges of cheating and conspiracy. All three have pleaded not guilty. The case will now go to trial, with the CBI presenting evidence of manipulated tenders and fraudulent land transfers.(PC: India Today)

At least 27 people have died in Gaza City after clashes erupted between Hamas forces and armed Dughmush clan members. The fighting began in the Tel al-Hawa area near the Jordanian Hospital. Masked gunmen exchanged heavy fire, causing panic and forcing many families to flee. Hamas said it acted after Dughmush fighters killed two of its members. The Dughmush family claimed Hamas wanted to take over a building they were using as shelter. Both sides blamed each other for starting the violence. Thousands of Hamas security forces have been deployed to restore order. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court has ordered the CBI to investigate the Karur stampede on September 27, which killed 41 people at a Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam rally. A three-member panel, led by former SC judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, will monitor the probe. The Court criticized the Madras High Court for procedural lapses, saying a single judge acted without proper authority, creating multiple proceedings. The CBI must submit monthly progress reports. The Supreme Court stressed the need for a fair and independent investigation to ensure justice. The case will now be heard by a two-judge bench at the High Court. (PC: HT)

Seven Israeli hostages were handed over to the Red Cross on Monday morning, marking the first release under a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The hostages—Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrist, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa Dalal, and Alon Ahel—will return home after two years. In exchange, Israel will free over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv and across the country, cheering the news. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife prepared welcome notes and kits for the hostages. Authorities also plan to return the bodies of slain captives. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Army is preparing for the first winter in Kashmir after the April Pahalgam terror attack. Troops are being redeployed, key mountain passes sealed, and the Line of Control (LoC) fence strengthened to prevent infiltration. Sources said terrorists may use multiple hideouts and local networks to avoid detection. The Army will use drones, thermal cameras, and other technology to enhance surveillance. Human intelligence on the ground will also increase. Quick Reaction Teams are being strengthened for faster responses. The move aims to maintain high alertness, improve coordination among forces, and secure the region during the challenging winter months. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said he used tariff threats to stop the conflict between India and Pakistan. Speaking before his Middle East visit, Trump claimed he “settled” the issue by warning both countries of tariffs up to 200 per cent if they went to war. He said tariffs gave the US “diplomatic and negotiating strength.” India, however, has rejected Trump’s claim, saying the ceasefire was reached through direct talks between the two militaries. Trump also said he plans to look into the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, calling himself “good at solving wars,” after losing the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. (PC: HT)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided seven locations in Chennai linked to Sreesan Pharma and Tamil Nadu drug control officials. The action is part of a probe into the Coldrif cough syrup deaths that killed 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. The raids targeted company offices and officials accused of allowing the sale of substandard medicines. Sreesan Pharma manufactured the Coldrif syrup found to contain toxic chemicals. Officials said evidence related to money laundering and illegal approvals was seized. The ED is working with state authorities to track the supply chain and identify those responsible for the tragedy. (PC: India Today)