Three people, including the attacker, died in a car ramming and stabbing attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, UK, on Thursday morning. The attack took place during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Police declared a major incident within minutes and shot the suspect after he ignored warnings. A security guard and another person were killed, while three others remain in serious condition. Bomb disposal units checked the suspect’s body for suspicious items. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “horrific” and promised tighter synagogue security. King Charles said he was “deeply shocked.” (PC: BBC)

Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly has been placed on high alert during Dussehra. The state government suspended internet, broadband, and SMS services for 48 hours from October 2 to October 4 to prevent misuse of social media. Security has been tightened across Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun, with drones, police, PAC, and RAF deployed. The move follows the September 26 violence in Kotwali during protests over the “I Love Muhammad” poster, where 22 policemen were injured. Over 80 arrests have been made, and 10 FIRs registered, including against Maulana Tauqeer Raza. Officials said the measures aim to ensure peace and safety. (PC: HT)

Delhi’s Bengali community celebrated the farewell of Goddess Durga with the traditional ritual of ‘Sindoor Khela’ at Chittaranjan Park. Married women offered vermilion to Maa Durga and then lovingly applied it to each other, marking blessings, unity, and sisterhood. Devotees said the ritual symbolises love, prosperity, and the goddess’s presence before departure. Thousands gathered to seek blessings, enjoy cultural programmes, music, dance, and share prasad. Many said the celebrations bring them closer to their roots in Bengal. For devotees, Durga Puja is not just a religious festival but also an experience of culture, faith, and community togetherness. (PC: Instagram)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking at EIA University in Colombia, warned of a “wholesale attack on democracy” in India. He said India’s strength lies in diversity, but space for dialogue is shrinking. Gandhi also criticised demonetisation, calling it a “failure”, and accused the government of centralised corruption. He said a few businesses now control much of the economy. BJP leaders reacted sharply, with Kangana Ranaut calling him a “disgrace” and Gaurav Bhatia accusing him of insulting India abroad. Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said Gandhi opposes India’s progress, calling him “Leader of Opposing Bharat”. The Congress has not responded yet. (PC: India Today)

A video of Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Chief of the Indian Air Force, has gone viral on social media, showcasing his energetic dance moves. The clip has been widely circulated, with netizens praising his charisma and seeing the performance as a refreshing glimpse into the lighter side of military leadership. Many described the moment as “iconic” and lauded Singh for his spirited personality, which resonated strongly with the public. The video has quickly gained traction, highlighting how leaders can connect with people beyond their professional roles.

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, initiated on October 1, 2025, due to a funding impasse, is significantly disrupting immigration services. The Department of Labor (DOL), essential for processing H-1B visas and employment-based green cards, has halted operations. Consequently, new applications, employer transfers, or status changes to H-1B are paused unless the Labor Condition Application (LCA) was approved before the shutdown. This impasse affects a substantial number of Indian professionals, who constitute over 71% of H-1B beneficiaries. While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues operations funded by application fees, the DOL's suspension has created uncertainty for many applicants. (PC: Reuters)        

Dr. Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, has written to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking her husband's immediate release. Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, 2025, following violent protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh. Authorities accused him of inciting the protests and alleged links with a Pakistan-based intelligence officer. He was transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail without being allowed to collect his belongings. Angmo expressed concern over his health, especially after his recent 15-day hunger strike, and criticized the lack of communication and support. She condemned the detention as unjust and urged the government to reconsider the action. (PC: India Today)

In his annual Vijaya Dashami address on October 2, 2025, at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the importance of 'Swadeshi' (indigenous production) in response to the United States' recent tariff policies against India. He criticized the U.S. tariffs as self-serving but acknowledged the inevitability of global interdependence. Bhagwat cautioned that such dependence should not become a compulsion and stressed the need for India to focus on self-reliance while maintaining diplomatic relations with all nations. He also addressed regional unrest, warning that instability in neighboring countries could lead to foreign interference and urging India to embrace its diversity while rejecting divisive mentalities. (PC: NDTV)

On October 1, 2025, the Israeli Navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining activists including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released footage showing the vessels sprayed with water cannons. Israel labeled the flotilla as provocative and linked to Hamas, while organizers called the interception illegal, alleging ramming and communication interference during a peaceful mission. The incident sparked global outrage, with protests in Italy, Greece, Argentina, Tunisia, Colombia, and Mexico. Despite the interception, organizers vowed to continue highlighting Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, intensifying international attention and debate.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding its recent military build-up near the Sir Creek region, stating that any misadventure would invite a response capable of altering both history and geography. Speaking at a public event on the occasion of 'Shashtra Pujan', Singh accused Pakistan of intentionally stirring up the long-standing border dispute in the Sir Creek area. He emphasized that India has made several attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue, but Pakistan's intentions remain unclear. The Sir Creek region, a 96-km marshy strip in the Rann of Kutch, has long been a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. Singh reminded Pakistan that one route to Karachi passes through the creek, highlighting its strategic significance. He further invoked the 1965 India-Pakistan war, reminding that Indian forces had once advanced as far as Lahore, signaling India's military capabilities.