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.

In a landmark achievement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed a surface-to-air missile strike over 300 kilometers inside Pakistani territory during Operation Sindoor. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh described this as the longest recorded kill in the operation, underscoring the precision and effectiveness of India's air defense capabilities. While specific details about the targeted Pakistani equipment and the missile system used remain undisclosed, the S-400 system, with its extended range, is a likely candidate. Singh highlighted the operation's success in achieving strategic objectives with minimal casualties, marking it as a significant military engagement since 1971. (PC: PTI)

Police across the UK are on "high alert" following Thursday’s terror attack at a Manchester synagogue. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told Sky News the attack was "devastating" and "horrifying." Victims Melvin Cravitz, 66 (on the picture), and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed, while three others were seriously injured. Mahmood said suspect Jihad al Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, came to the UK as a small child and was naturalised in the mid-2000s. Security around Jewish communities has been increased nationwide. Mahmood also criticised pro-Palestinian protests after the attack, calling them “un-British” and urging respect for the grieving community. (PC: Melvin Cravitz, PA)

Foot overbridges (FOBs) in Bengaluru, intended to enhance pedestrian safety, are underutilized due to poor design and maintenance. Many bridges lack lifts or escalators, making them inaccessible for the elderly, children, and those with disabilities. Additionally, issues such as broken steps, inadequate lighting, and encroachments deter pedestrians from using them. Consequently, many individuals prefer to cross busy roads at ground level, risking accidents. Urban planners and residents advocate for improved infrastructure, including functional lifts, better lighting, and regular maintenance, to encourage the use of FOBs and ensure pedestrian safety in the city. (PC: The Hindu)

Violence broke out at Jawaharlal Nehru University during Dussehra celebrations after ABVP allegedly depicted former students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam as Ravan in a Ravan Dahan event. ABVP accused Left-backed groups, including AISA, SFI, and DSF, of attacking a Durga idol immersion procession, pelting stones, and injuring several students. ABVP leaders called it an assault on faith and university culture. Left-affiliated AISA rejected the charges, accusing ABVP of using religion for political propaganda and spreading Islamophobia. Both sides blamed each other for destabilising the campus and disrupting cultural harmony. JNU administration has not issued a statement. (PC: NDTV)

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has moved the Supreme Court seeking his release. Wangchuk was arrested on September 26 under the National Security Act (NSA) in Jodhpur following protests in Leh that killed four people. Angmo challenged the NSA charges and denied claims that Wangchuk contacted a Pakistani intelligence operative. She accused Ladakh police of having an agenda against him, saying, “They don’t want to implement the 6th Schedule and want to make someone a scapegoat.” Angmo said she has no information about his health and demanded the right to meet and speak with him. (PC: NDTV)

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very wise leader” and vowed that India would not be humiliated under U.S. tariff pressures. He argued that India faces a lose-lose choice: if it stops buying Russian oil, it could lose $9–10 billion; if it continues, it might face sanctions. Putin said measures are underway to ease the trade imbalance between Russia and India by increasing purchases of Indian agricultural and pharmaceutical goods. He also reaffirmed the longstanding strategic India–Russia partnership. (PC: PTI)  

A huge fire erupted at the Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, Los Angeles, late Thursday, authorities confirmed. Videos showed bright flames and thick smoke rising into the night sky. Witnesses reported feeling blasts and hearing loud roars. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed, and local and state agencies are coordinating to ensure safety. No injuries or evacuations have been reported so far. Traffic is being diverted away from the area. The refinery, built in 1911, processes about 276,000 barrels of crude daily and has its own fire department. The cause of the fire is under investigation.