The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled initiatives to enhance the global usage of the Indian Rupee (INR). Authorized Dealer (AD) banks can now extend INR-denominated loans to non-residents in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for trade-related transactions, boosting regional trade settlements. The RBI will also establish transparent reference rates for currencies like the Indonesian rupiah and UAE dirham to enable predictable pricing and promote INR usage internationally. Additionally, Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) balances can now be invested in corporate bonds and commercial papers, increasing liquidity and global appeal of INR assets. (PC: Reuters)

Violent protests erupted across Pakistan‑Occupied Kashmir (POK) after local residents demanded scrapping 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees and sought relief on taxes, electricity, and infrastructure. Security forces opened fire, killing 12 civilians—five in Muzaffarabad, five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal—and injuring over 200, many with gunshot wounds. Three police officers also lost their lives during clashes. The unrest, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), entered its third day, highlighting deep local anger over perceived military excesses. Calls for UN intervention grew amid fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis. (PC: India Today)

Following the death of famed primatologist Jane Goodall (age 91), actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio shared a heartfelt tribute, calling her a “true hero for the planet.” He revealed that his last message to her was simple: “You are my hero.” In his public statement, DiCaprio urged others to “carry the torch” for Goodall’s vision and continue supporting her conservation efforts through her namesake institute. Tributes poured in globally, celebrating her groundbreaking studies on chimpanzees and her lifelong dedication to environmental advocacy. (PC: BBC)

Elon Musk made history Wednesday by becoming the first person ever to reach a net worth of $500 billion, according to Forbes' Real-Time Billionaires tracker. Tesla shares rose nearly 4% by 3:30 PM ET, boosting his fortune by $9.3 billion. His 12% Tesla stake is valued at $191 billion, while his 42% SpaceX stake is worth $168 billion based on a $400 billion company valuation. His AI venture xAI Holdings, formed by merging xAI with X (formerly Twitter), contributes $60 billion. Musk leads runner-up Larry Ellison by $150 billion and could become the world's first trillionaire by March 2033 according to current trajectory.

A 65-year-old Pakistani-origin man, Mohammed Zahid, known as "Boss Man," received a 35-year prison sentence for leading a grooming gang that raped two schoolgirls in Rochdale, UK. Operating from his lingerie stall at Rochdale Indoor Market, Zahid lured 13-year-old victims with free underwear, money, and alcohol, demanding regular sexual favors for himself and associates. Six other Pakistani-origin men also received lengthy sentences. Zahid was among seven men convicted in June at Manchester Minshull Street Court for sexual offences committed between 2001 and 2006. The Daily Mail reports this marks the first successful grooming gang prosecution since Labour government faced accusations of suppressing inquiry into systemic failures by police and social services. (PC: BBC & India Today)

An extraordinary video shared by Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan has gone viral, showing a lioness calmly sitting outside a temple in Gujarat, the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions. The 27-second clip, posted on X during Navratri, has already crossed 55,000 views, sparking fascination and debate. Many viewers described the lioness as “guarding the temple,” linking the scene to spirituality and divine protection, while others questioned its authenticity, suspecting AI editing. Experts confirmed the sighting as genuine, highlighting India’s unique coexistence of wildlife and culture. The video underscores Gujarat’s growing pride in its rich natural heritage.   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Vijaya Dashami greetings on Thursday, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and righteousness over falsehood. He visited Raj Ghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Gandhi Jayanti, accompanied by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and honored former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat. Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti coincided this year. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Dussehra with troops in Bhuj, Gujarat, calling on soldiers to embrace new technologies and prioritize training. Singh addressed soldiers at a traditional 'Barakhana,' emphasizing that wars require discipline, morale, and constant readiness, describing Bhuj as a "saga of courage" recalling 1971, 1999, and 2001 resilience.

At least 73 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza as the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying international activists attempted to approach the besieged enclave. The humanitarian mission, aimed at delivering aid and drawing attention to Gaza’s crisis, faced interception by Israeli forces. Several activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, were reportedly detained during the operation. The developments intensified global concerns over escalating violence, with mounting civilian casualties, maritime confrontations, and protests worldwide. The flotilla’s advance highlighted both the urgency of Gaza’s humanitarian situation and the widening scope of international solidarity and political tensions. (PC: Reuters)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the Sangh's 100th anniversary at Nagpur's Reshimbagh grounds, advocating self-reliance amid America's new tariff policy. He stated "no nation can survive in isolation" but emphasized interdependence shouldn't become compulsion. Bhagwat stressed building strength from within, pursuing political, economic, and diplomatic relations through choice rather than necessity, declaring "there is no substitute for Swadeshi and self-reliance." He noted rising nationalist spirit among India's younger generation, with religious and social institutions serving underprivileged sections. Bhagwat expressed concern over violent regime changes in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, warning that forces attempting similar disturbances in India remain active both domestically and internationally.

President Donald Trump announced plans to discuss US soybean purchases with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea starting late October. American soybean farmers face significant losses as China hasn't purchased US soybeans due to 20-percent retaliatory tariffs imposed after Washington's tariff war earlier this year. The American Soybean Association reports zero US sales to China in the new crop marketing year, allowing Brazil and Argentina to capture the market. ASA President Caleb Ragland called the situation "overwhelming" for farmers. Trump plans using tariff revenues to aid farmers while criticizing predecessor Joe Biden for not enforcing earlier trade agreements requiring increased farm purchases.