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.

At least 2 people were killed in Morocco after police opened fire to stop protesters from storming a police station in Lqliaa, near Agadir. The deaths mark the first since youth-led Gen Z protests began on Saturday, demanding better healthcare and education instead of new football stadiums for the 2030 World Cup. Demonstrators chanted, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” Violence spread to Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh, with police and private vehicles torched. Over 400 people were detained. Authorities said 260 police officers and 20 protesters were injured. The government pledged dialogue with youth groups. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has created history by constructing the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass in Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 19,400 ft. This surpasses the previous record at Umling La (19,024 ft). Built under Project Himank, the road connects Likaru–Mig La–Fukche, significantly boosting strategic connectivity towards the Indo-China frontier. The route links Hanle sector to Fukche village near the border, ensuring faster troop movement and support. Beyond its defence value, the road is expected to open new opportunities for high-altitude tourism, offering breathtaking views of the Indus Valley and surrounding Himalayan landscape.   

Police have named the two men killed in Thursday’s terror attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. The victims were Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. The suspect, 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a car at the synagogue gates before stabbing people. Security staff stopped him from entering, and police shot him dead, fearing he carried explosives. Three others remain seriously injured. Greater Manchester Police said patrols near synagogues and Jewish areas will increase to reassure communities. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offences. (PC: AP)

Abhishek Sharma has become India’s new batting star after a dream run in the Asia Cup 2025, where he scored 314 runs in seven matches and won Player of the Tournament. His mentor Yuvraj Singh praised him on Instagram, writing, “Single bhi lelo Maharaj (Take a single as well).” Simon Helmot, assistant coach of SunRisers Hyderabad, also said, “I see some similarities between Yuvraj and Abhishek. Both rely on balance and timing rather than brute force.” With fearless hitting and careful planning, Abhishek has given India strong starts and is now ranked the world’s No.1 T20I batter. (PC: AP)

A theatre in Ontario, Canada, has stopped screening Indian films after two violent attacks. Film.ca Cinemas in Oakville was first targeted on September 25, when suspects tried to set fire to the entrance. A week later, on October 2, a gunman fired several shots at the theatre doors. Police believe the attacks were targeted and are investigating. The theatre cancelled screenings of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and They Call Him OG for safety. Another venue, York Cinemas, also suspended Indian movies. Authorities suspect possible extremist links, but no motive has been confirmed. Police have asked the public for information. (PC: film.ca)