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.

Israeli navy intercepted several boats from the Gaza aid flotilla carrying symbolic humanitarian aid around 70 nautical miles from Gaza's coast on Wednesday. The Sirius, Alma, and Adara vessels were boarded in international waters, with passengers transferred to an Israeli port. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was confirmed "safe and healthy" by Israel's Foreign Ministry. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising approximately 45 vessels carrying activists and politicians including Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and European lawmakers, departed Spain last month. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated the operation would take 2-3 hours, instructing Israeli forces against using violence. The flotilla aims breaking Israel's Gaza blockade.

Two Delta regional jets collided at low speed while taxiing at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday evening around 9:56 PM, causing one plane's wing to detach. Delta Flight 5047, arriving from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, was taxiing to the gate when struck by another Delta regional jet. Air Traffic Control audio confirms the right wing of one aircraft struck the other's nose, damaging the windshield. At least one injury has been reported, though the full extent remains unclear. Ground crews responded immediately, and airport operations continued normally. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation. Photos show both aircraft stationary on the tarmac with emergency vehicles present.

Pakistani security forces killed 12 civilians during violent protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, marking one of the region's biggest unrests in recent years. The three-day uprising, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, began over 38 unmet demands including abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, tax relief, and electricity subsidies. Five died in Muzaffarabad, five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal, while three police personnel were also killed. Over 200 people suffered injuries, mostly gunshot wounds. Thousands of troops from Punjab and Islamabad have been deployed. Complete communication blackouts and business shutdowns persist since September 29. The UKPNP has appealed to the UN for urgent intervention, warning of a humanitarian crisis.

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of jailed Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, wrote to President Droupadi Murmu seeking his unconditional release. She urged the President, citing her husband’s peaceful activism and her belief that Murmu, being from a tribal community, would “understand the feelings of Ladakh’s people.” Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Leh, has not been allowed to speak to his family. Copies of the letter were sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Angmo described Wangchuk as a “peaceful Gandhian protester” working on climate change, education, and upliftment of Ladakh’s tribal regions. (PC: HT)

Aravind Srinivas, a 31-year-old from Chennai, has become India’s youngest billionaire with a net worth of ₹21,190 crore. He is the co-founder of Perplexity AI, an AI-powered search engine that competes with global giants. Srinivas debuted on the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025, reflecting India’s fast growth in AI and deep-tech innovation. The list also features young entrepreneurs like Zepto’s Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha. India now has 358 billionaires, with Mukesh Ambani reclaiming the top spot. Roshni Nadar Malhotra made history as the richest woman and youngest in India’s top 10 billionaires. (PC: X)