Islamabad has denied supporting Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, despite the US President claiming Pakistan was “100 per cent” behind it. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told parliament that the plan announced in Washington was different from the draft proposed by Muslim-majority nations. The Trump proposal demands Hamas disarm, places Gaza under a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump, and leaves Palestinian statehood unclear. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initially welcomed the plan but faced heavy criticism at home. Critics called the move a “surrender,” accusing Pakistan of ignoring Palestinian rights and backing a US-Israel-centered solution. (PC: NDTV)

Dhruv Jurel scored his maiden Test century against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, making 125 runs off 210 balls. He struck 15 fours and 3 sixes, steadying India after early wickets of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Jurel shared a 206-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, putting India in control. After reaching his hundred with a boundary, Jurel gave a military salute, honouring his father, Nem Chand, a Kargil War veteran. The Indian dressing room applauded his knock. Jurel became the 12th Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century, marking a special milestone in his young career. 

The Madras High Court sharply criticised Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leaders over the Karur stampede that killed 41 people. The court said party chief Vijay fled the scene and showed no remorse. Justice Senthilkumar called it a “massive man-made disaster” and questioned both police and organisers for their failures. The court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior IPS officer Asra Garg to probe the tragedy. It also reserved orders on the bail pleas of TVK leaders Bussy Anand and CTR Nirmal Kumar. The state was accused of showing leniency towards Vijay despite public outrage. (PC: India Today)

Greater Manchester Police Confirmed That One Of The 2 Jewish Men Killed In The Manchester Synagogue Attack On Yom Kippur Was Struck By Police Gunfire As Officers Shot The Attacker. The Victims Were Named As Adrian Daulby, 53, And Melvin Cravitz, 66. Police Said 3 People Remain In Hospital, Including One With A Non-Life-Threatening Gunshot Wound. The Attacker, Identified As Jihad Al-Shamie, Drove Into People Before Stabbing Them. His Family Expressed “Deep Shock And Sorrow” And Condemned The Attack. Three Others Were Arrested. Prime Minister Keir Starmer Visited The Synagogue, Pledging Safety For The Jewish Community. (PC: BBC)

Akasa Air has introduced significant upgrades to its 'Pets on Akasa' service, allowing passengers to travel with two pets in the cabin, up from the previous limit of one. The permissible weight for pets has been increased to 10 kg, and the booking window has been reduced to 24 hours before departure. Since its inception in November 2022, the service has successfully transported over 8,500 pets across 24 domestic cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary perks such as pre-booked window seats, priority check-in, and baggage delivery. These enhancements reflect Akasa Air's commitment to providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience for pet owners. (PC: The Economic Times)  

A viral internal email has accused UCO Bank’s Chennai Zonal Head, RS Ajith, of creating a “dictatorial and insensitive” workplace environment. Officers claimed he treated employees as servants, denied leave during personal emergencies, and made derogatory remarks. One employee was reportedly refused leave after his mother’s death, while another was pressured to leave his hospitalized one-year-old daughter to report to work. A third officer said his request to attend his wife’s medical emergency was dismissed insultingly. The email has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with users calling for RBI and Ministry of Finance intervention. No official response has been issued yet.    

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on October 3 issued a stern ultimatum to Pakistan, declaring that ongoing state-sponsored terrorism will not be tolerated. He warned that if Pakistan wishes to retain its standing in global history and geography, it must end its backing of terror. Dwivedi added India will not show the restraint it exercised during “Operation Sindoor 1.0” if provoked again, implying that future retaliation could be much stronger. Troops have been instructed to stay ready for possible action. (PC: PTI)  

Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, is battering the UK with strong winds and heavy rain. Schools in Northern Ireland’s Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh closed early for safety. Ferry sailings between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland were cancelled, while ScotRail imposed line closures and speed restrictions. An Edinburgh vs Ulster rugby match was postponed. The Met Office issued amber and yellow warnings for wind and rain across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales, lasting into Saturday. Gusts could reach 70mph, higher on coasts and hills, with localised flooding and falling trees posing risks to life and property. (PC: PA)

According to the latest NCRB figures, West Bengal tops the nation in recorded acid attack cases, highlighting persistent gender-based violence in the state. Meanwhile, reported crimes against women across India saw a marginal decline in 2023, contrasting sharp regional variations. West Bengal recorded 34,691 cases of crimes against women last year. Nationally, the number of such incidents stood at about 4.48 lakh, a slight uptick from 2022. “Cruelty by husband or relatives” remained the largest category among offences against women.

The British Museum is set to host its exclusive “Indian Pink” fundraising gala on October 18, co-chaired by museum director Nicholas Cullinan and Indian business leader Isha Ambani. The event coincides with the closing weekend of the Ancient India exhibition and aims to raise £1.6 million through sponsorships, ticket sales priced at £2,000 each, and a silent auction. Proceeds will support international collaborations and future cultural projects. The guest committee features globally renowned actors, designers, and artists, highlighting the museum’s efforts to merge art, culture, and philanthropy on an international scale. (PC: IMAGES)