Travel influencer Akash Chaudhary has accused Indian visa service provider Atlys of causing him stress and loss after a failed promise of quick visa approval. He applied for a Mongolian visa, which Atlys claimed would be ready in three days. Instead, it took 15 days and contained a wrong passport number, risking detention at the border. Akash said the delay cost him money and time due to cancelled tickets. Atlys apologised and issued a corrected visa on September 29. His viral post prompted many others to share similar bad experiences with the company on social media.

A theatre in Oakville, Ontario, has cancelled South Asian film screenings after two violent attacks. Film.ca Cinemas faced an arson attempt on September 25 and a shooting on October 2. CCTV showed suspects with gas cans trying to burn the entrance, while another suspect later fired shots at the doors. No one was injured, but the attacks caused damage. The theatre announced it would cancel screenings of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and said, “Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision that the safety of guests and our cast requires us to withdraw from screenings of South Asian films indefinitely.” Police are investigating extremist links. (PC: @FilmCaCinemas/X)

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Friday gave a detailed account of Pakistan’s losses during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the 93rd Air Force Day in Delhi, he said Indian strikes destroyed radars at four sites, command centres at two, and damaged two runways. Three hangars were also hit. Singh added that Pakistan lost at least four to five fighter jets, likely F-16s, a C-130 aircraft, one SAM system, and even a long-range AEW&C or SIGINT plane. He mocked Pakistan’s claim of downing Indian jets, calling them “manohar kahaniyan” (fascinating tales). (PC: HT Photo/Vipin Kumar)

At the 2025 Asian Aquatics Championships in Ahmedabad, India achieved a historic feat in diving. Manipuri duo Indiver Sairem and Willson Ningthoujam secured bronze in the men’s synchronized 10m platform, marking India’s first diving medal at this continental event. Alongside this, swimmer Srihari Nataraj added two silver medals and helped India to a relay bronze, contributing to a record haul of 13 medals — India’s best performance ever at the tournament. (PC: X)

Wasim Akram, a YouTuber from Kot village in Palwal district, Haryana, was arrested on October 1, 2025, on charges of espionage for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). According to the police, Akram had been in contact with Pakistani handlers for the past three years, sharing sensitive information and providing SIM cards to operatives. His arrest followed the detention of another suspect, Taufiq, who implicated Akram during interrogation. Authorities recovered incriminating WhatsApp chats from Akram's phone, some of which had been deleted. Both individuals are under police custody, and investigations are ongoing with the involvement of the Intelligence Bureau.

India has witnessed a concerning 65% increase in student suicides over the past decade, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In 2013, there were 8,423 student suicides, which escalated to 13,892 by 2023. This rise surpasses the national average suicide increase of 27% during the same period. Experts attribute this alarming trend to factors such as academic pressure, mental health challenges, and socio-economic stress. The data underscores the urgent need for systemic mental health support, awareness programs, and educational reforms to address the root causes and support student well-being.       

11 youths, including 8 minors, drowned on Thursday evening in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, when a tractor-trolley carrying Durga idol immersion devotees overturned in a pond. The vehicle lost balance while reversing, despite prior warnings. Police and local teams conducted rescue operations, recovering all bodies after three hours. Seven girls and four boys died, while three others were hospitalised, one in critical condition. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for each family, and PM Narendra Modi condoled the deaths, offering Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF. Investigations continue into the cause of the accident. (PC: ANI Grab)

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, is on high alert ahead of Friday prayers after tensions rose over the controversial ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster. Last week, clashes erupted when over 2,000 protesters confronted police outside a mosque, prompting the cancellation of related demonstrations. Authorities have suspended internet services in four districts until October 4 to prevent misinformation and maintain public order. Security forces, including the PAC and RAF, have been deployed, with drones monitoring key areas. The city is divided into super and special zones for effective control. Similar precautions are in place in Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun.    

On October 2, 2025, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire across Gaza killed at least 53 Palestinians, including civilians and children. Areas like al-Masawi, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Deir al-Balah were heavily targeted. Israel has nearly encircled Gaza City, treating remaining residents as potential threats. The escalation coincides with Hamas considering Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which demands disarmament, withdrawal from politics, and hostages’ return in exchange for Israeli prisoner releases. Humanitarian conditions worsen with famine and displacement. Global mediators and aid organizations urge immediate action to prevent further civilian casualties. Over 66,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began. (PC: EPA)

On October 2, 2025, Israel intercepted nearly all boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission delivering aid to Gaza. Over 450 activists, including Greta Thunberg, were detained about 70 nautical miles from Gaza, while only one vessel, the Marinette, evaded capture. The detainees are set to be deported after temporary processing at Ketziot Prison. The operation sparked international outrage, with protests across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Turkey called it “thuggery,” South Africa demanded release of its nationals, and the UN urged adherence to humanitarian law. Israel cited self-defense under its blockade.