Actor-politician Vijay has personally reached out to families affected by the Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu, which killed 41 people and injured over 100 during his rally on September 27. Sources said Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), spoke to 4–5 families, including women and children, via video calls lasting about 20 minutes each. He expressed deep sympathy and assured them of his support, saying, "I am with you, I will stand by you." Vijay also promised to visit the families in person and provide assistance. The incident has caused political ripples ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. (PC: India Today)

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the lynching of a 38-year-old Dalit man, Hariom, in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. Villagers allegedly killed him over rumours that he was stealing using a drone. In a joint statement, the leaders called the act a “crime against the Constitution” and against the Dalit community. They expressed concern over rising crimes targeting Dalits, minorities, and the poor. Gandhi spoke to the victim’s family, while UP Congress chief Ajay Rai visited them. The leaders urged citizens to unite against injustice and protect the rights and dignity of every Indian. (PC: X)

A powerful IED explosion targeted the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express in Balochistan near Sultankot on Tuesday, injuring several people and derailing six coaches. The Baloch rebel group, Baloch Republican Guards, claimed responsibility, stating the attack targeted Pakistani Army personnel on board. Rescue teams and security forces reached the site and are assisting the injured. The Jaffar Express has been repeatedly attacked this year, including hijackings, derailments, and bombings, resulting in deaths and injuries. Authorities continue investigations. The BRG warned such attacks would continue until Balochistan’s independence. Local authorities are monitoring the railway route for further security measures. (PC: NDTV)

The Israel-Hamas war has entered its third year, with over 66,000 Palestinians killed, most women and children, and 48 Israeli hostages still held. Talks resumed in Cairo under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, aimed at a ceasefire and hostage release. Despite the negotiations, Israel continued bombing Gaza, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Previous ceasefires in 2023 and 2025 temporarily allowed aid and hostage exchanges but collapsed. Many countries have now formally recognised Palestine, and the UN has adopted a two-state resolution. International bodies, including the International Association of Genocide Scholars, have called Israeli actions in Gaza a genocide. (PC: X)

India has launched the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system at Lulu Group stores in Qatar to make transactions faster and cheaper. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the move will strengthen trade and help 8.3 lakh Indians living in Qatar send money home easily. The launch follows UPI’s rollout at Hamad International Airport duty-free shops last month. The initiative is a partnership between NPCI International Payments Ltd, Qatar National Bank, and Japan’s NETSTARS. Goyal said UPI now handles 640 million daily transactions and powers 85% of India’s digital payments, calling it a key step in global financial integration. (PC: X)

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations after Islamabad raised the Kashmir issue during a debate on women and security. India’s UN representative Parvathaneni Harish called Pakistan’s remarks “delusional tirades” and reminded the world of its own record of violence. He cited Pakistan’s 1971 Operation Searchlight, during which its army carried out a campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Harish said Pakistan “bombs its own people” and tries to distract from its crimes. India reaffirmed its clean record on women’s rights and urged the UN to reject Pakistan’s false claims. (PC: India Today)

The UK and Indian navies have joined their carrier strike groups for the first time in history during Exercise Konkan 2025. The UK’s HMS Prince of Wales and India’s INS Vikrant are sailing together in the Indian Ocean to boost teamwork and skills at sea. The four-day exercise will include air operations, ship manoeuvres, and joint missions. Officials said the aim is to build trust and improve combined maritime and air power. The UK called the event “a show of steel, sea, and shared purpose” under Operation Highmast. The Indian Navy called it a “strong step toward closer cooperation.” (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said there is a “really good chance” of a Gaza peace deal as talks continue in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh. Israeli, Hamas, Egyptian, and Qatari officials are discussing Trump’s 20-point plan, which includes a ceasefire, hostage exchange, and aid delivery to Gaza. Hamas has partly agreed to the proposal but has not accepted key conditions like disarmament. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu and Trump both hope the first phase, involving hostage release, will be completed this week. The UN and several world leaders have welcomed the talks as a chance to end the long Gaza conflict. (PC: X)

A Tamil Nadu government report found 350 safety violations at Sresan Pharmaceutical in Kancheepuram, which made the ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup linked to 16 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Inspectors said the factory used non-pharma grade chemicals, had rusted machines, and no air filters or cleaning systems. Toxic diethylene glycol, used in brake fluids, was found in the syrup. The plant also lacked a quality control team and stored medicines in dirty areas. Tamil Nadu has banned the syrup and stopped production. Other states have also removed Coldrif from the market and launched further safety checks. (PC: India Today)

A 72-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, tried to throw his shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during a court session in Delhi. He said he acted after hearing the CJI’s remark on the Khajuraho temple idol case. Kishore told police, “The almighty asked me how I could rest after such an insult.” The Supreme Court refused to file charges, and he was released. Kishore also said he disagreed with the CJI’s recent speech in Mauritius about the rule of law. He added, “I feel no guilt. I was ready to go to jail for this.” (PC: HT)