Actor Rishab Shetty has requested fans not to dress as Daiva while watching Kantara Chapter 1 in theatres. Speaking to India Today, he said such actions hurt the sentiments of communities that worship Daiva. Shetty explained that Daiva is a sacred belief, not a costume for fun. “We worship Daiva. Please don’t mock it,” he said. The actor added that his team always performs such scenes with respect and seeks blessings before filming. He urged fans to enjoy the movie as cinema but avoid hurting cultural and spiritual feelings by imitating Daiva in public. (PC: India Today)

Indian-American mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani visited New York’s oldest Hindu temples in Flushing, Queens, ahead of next month’s election. Mamdani, whose mother is Hindu, said he was proud of his mixed heritage. “While being Muslim myself, I grew up learning Hindu stories, traditions, and festivals like Diwali and Holi,” he said. The politician, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, added that Hindu values shaped his beliefs. Mamdani praised the Hindu community’s spirit of ‘seva’ and unity. With endorsements from Kamala Harris and others, Mamdani has become a frontrunner in the mayoral race after Eric Adams exited. (PC: X)

The US Supreme Court has started a new term that could reshape President Donald Trump’s powers. Key cases will decide if Trump can control state National Guard units, dismiss independent agency members, and set economic policies. The court will also review his tariffs, spending cuts, and deportation orders. Legal experts say the rulings will define the limits of executive power. Critics warn the court’s “shadow docket” lacks transparency. Other major cases include debates on conversion therapy, transgender athletes, and election laws. The conservative-majority court may again issue rulings that change American law and politics. (PC: X)

London witnessed a grand celebration of Indian culture with “London ki Ram Leela 2025” at Fairfield Halls, Croydon. Directed by Praveen Kumar and produced by Sutton Friends, the event featured 35 actors and 150 volunteers. The production used LED backdrops, live narration, and modern stagecraft to bring the Ramayana to life. Dignitaries including MPs Luke Taylor and Bobby Dean, and Rajasthan Speaker Vasudev Devnani attended the event. The non-profit show, created by the community, celebrated Sanatan Dharma and Indian heritage abroad. Spectacular scenes like Sita Swayamvar and Lanka Dahan earned thunderous applause from audiences.

Four Indian nationals were killed and six others injured in a road accident in Matera, southern Italy. Their seven-seater Renault Scenic collided with a truck in Scanzano Jonico on the Agri Valley road on Saturday. The victims were identified as Kumar Manoj (34), Singh Surjit (33), Singh Harwinder (31), and Singh Jaskaran (20). Five injured people were taken to Policoro Hospital, while one was airlifted to Potenza for treatment. The truck driver was unharmed and is cooperating with police. The Indian Embassy in Rome expressed condolences and is assisting the families of the victims. (PC: India Today)

Two years after Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, Gaza has been reduced to 51 million tonnes of rubble. Israel’s military response destroyed 92% of buildings, killing over 67,000 Palestinians and displacing 1.9 million. The UN says it will take over 22 years to clear the debris. Food shortages, famine, and disease now affect almost all households. The US-backed Gaza peace plan by Donald Trump offers hope but has not yet been accepted by Hamas. Experts warn that unless root issues are addressed, peace will remain out of reach. (PC: India Today)

Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Director Zubin Bharucha has urged chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to include 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the senior Indian cricket team. Bharucha compared Suryavanshi’s talent to Sachin Tendulkar, saying selectors must “blood him immediately.” The young left-hander from Bihar made headlines with the fastest IPL century by an Indian—off 35 balls—and a record youth ODI century against England. Bharucha said Suryavanshi even stunned Jofra Archer during IPL nets. The prodigy, who debuted in first-class cricket at 12, is currently part of India’s U19 squad and has already played in England and Australia. (PC: HT)

Kaushik Raj, a 27-year-old journalist from Delhi, was denied a US student visa despite receiving a ₹89 lakh ($100,000) scholarship to study Data Journalism at Columbia University. Raj believes the rejection followed scrutiny of his social media posts about hate crimes and minority issues in India. The US cited “insufficient ties” to India. At least three other Indian students reportedly faced similar denials. The US State Department defended social media screening as vital for security. Data shows a 50% drop in Indian student arrivals in August 2025, reaching a four-year low of about 313,000. (PC: X)

The Kerala High Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in the Sabarimala temple gold-plating project. Sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty, who funded the gold-plating of temple idols, had sought permission in 2019 to use leftover gold for a wedding. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) approved the project, handing over 42.8 kg of gold-covered copper plates. When returned, the weight had dropped to 38.258 kg. The court censured TDB for not informing the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor demanded accountability from the Kerala government over the alleged gold theft. (PC: NDTV)

Police have broken up a gang suspected of smuggling up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China. The investigation began after a victim tracked a stolen iPhone to a warehouse near Heathrow. Officers discovered almost 900 more phones there. Police arrested 18 suspects, including two Afghan men and a 29-year-old Indian man, and recovered over 2,000 stolen devices. A further 15 arrests were made last week, mostly women. Authorities believe the gang could be responsible for up to 40% of stolen phones in London. Phone thefts in the city have nearly tripled since 2020. (PC: BBC)