Police have been given extra time to question four people arrested after the terror attack at a Manchester synagogue on Thursday. Three men remain in hospital after a car and knife attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. The attacker, 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie, was shot dead by police. He was on bail for an alleged rape. Two men, aged 30 and 32, and two women, aged 46 and 61, are being held on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Police said the investigation is moving quickly. Two men, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were killed while stopping the attacker. (PC; PA)

At least 6 people died after a bridge collapsed in Darjeeling’s Mirik area following heavy rain and landslides. The Dudia Iron Bridge, which connects Mirik and Kurseong, broke apart, cutting off key roads. Landslides were also reported near Hussain Khola on National Highway 110. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for North Bengal, warning of extremely heavy rain in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar till Sunday. Rivers like Teesta and Mal are flowing above danger levels, causing flood-like conditions. Several areas in Jalpaiguri’s Malbazar have been submerged under water. (PC: India Today)

Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza said they feel both hope and fear after Hamas replied to US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Hamas agreed to release all remaining hostages but asked for more talks. Trump said Hamas is “ready for lasting peace” and urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready to act on the first phase of the plan. In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered calling “bring them home.” Families said they hope for the safe return of their loved ones soon but fear another deal may collapse. (PC: BBC)

Simran Sharma, India's first-ever 100m World Para Athletics Champion, and her husband, Gajendra Singh, have exemplified resilience and unwavering support. Born prematurely with visual impairment, Simran faced numerous challenges. Gajendra, recognizing her potential, sold his family land to fund her training and competitions. Their partnership, both personal and professional, has been instrumental in Simran's success. Together, they've overcome societal norms and financial hurdles, with Gajendra not only coaching but also being Simran's steadfast supporter. Their story is a testament to dedication, love, and the power of belief in each other. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)    

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar have faced criticism for removing Rohit Sharma from India's ODI captaincy. Despite leading India to victories in the 2024 Champions Trophy and the 2023 ODI World Cup, Sharma was replaced by Shubman Gill. Ajit Agarkar defended the decision, citing the impracticality of having three different captains across formats. However, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed disappointment, stating that Sharma deserved more time, especially considering his contributions over 16 years and his recent performances. (PC: AP)  

Amid Gaza's escalating humanitarian crisis, women report being coerced into sexual acts by men, some linked to aid organizations, who promise essentials like food, money, water, or employment in return. Victims, including a 38-year-old mother of six, describe being manipulated under the guise of aid, leading to encounters marked by fear and shame. These exploitative tactics are often veiled in cultural norms or explicit propositions, such as "Let me touch you." Experts and aid workers highlight that such abuses are prevalent in conflict zones, with Gaza's dire conditions exacerbating women's vulnerability. (PC: NDTV)  

After protests in Leh on September 24 that left four dead and dozens injured, the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) pulled out of the scheduled October 6 talks with the Centre. The central government had been planning to propose constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under Article 371, which would afford certain protections without granting full autonomy under the Sixth Schedule—demanded by Ladakh groups. The ABL and KDA remain steadfast in seeking statehood, Sixth Schedule status, job reservations, and dual Lok Sabha seats. (PC: PTI)

Pole Chandrasekhar, a 28-year-old student from Hyderabad, was tragically shot dead at a gas station in Denton, near Dallas, Texas. He had moved to the U.S. in 2023 to pursue a Master’s in Data Analytics and was working part-time. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police have launched an investigation. His grieving family has urged Indian and Telangana authorities to assist in repatriating his body. The Indian Consulate in Houston has offered full support and is coordinating with U.S. officials. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel has accepted an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza and pledged a ceasefire would begin “immediately” once Hamas confirms agreement. The plan also includes a large-scale hostage exchange and phased Israeli pullback. Israel’s military was ordered to pause strikes and shift to defensive posture, preparing to enact phase one of the peace plan. Hamas has expressed conditional acceptance of some terms, but has yet to fully agree to disarm. (PC: The Hindu)    

A paediatrician from Chhindwara, Dr. Praveen Soni, has been arrested after prescribing Coldrif cough syrup, which caused the deaths of 11 children. The Madhya Pradesh government filed a case against Srisan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer, after lab tests revealed 48.6% diethylene glycol, a deadly toxic substance. Authorities have banned Coldrif and suspended other products from the company. Several children who initially had mild cold symptoms developed kidney failure and died, prompting a state-wide crackdown on contaminated medicines and tighter monitoring of pharmaceutical quality standards.