Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a Durga Puja pandal in Delhi’s CR Park on Ashtami, offering prayers at the Karli Bari temple. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta accompanied him. Residents were advised to avoid certain internal roads from 3 pm to midnight due to security arrangements. BJP strategists say the visit is part of outreach to Bengali voters ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections. The party is using cultural events like Durga Puja to engage migrants and showcase Bengal’s heritage nationally. Similar programs are being held in other cities with large Bengali communities. (PC: India Today)

The BCCI confronted PCB chief and ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi over the Asia Cup trophy fiasco after India defeated Pakistan. India refused to collect the trophy, which Naqvi took to his hotel. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said the trophy belongs to ACC and must be handed to India. Naqvi initially refused to congratulate India, but was later forced to do so. The BCCI demanded the trophy be properly delivered and offered to collect it from the ACC office. The board is now preparing an official complaint to the ICC over the incident. (PC:India Today)

A school building collapsed in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, killing three people and injuring 99 others. At least 38 students remain trapped under the rubble. The two-storey Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School had added two floors on an unstable foundation. Rescuers are carefully removing debris to avoid further danger to survivors. Students aged 12-17 were praying when the collapse occurred. Authorities said the building lacked proper permits. Families waited anxiously outside the school, while survivors described falling debris and broken bones. Officials warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released the final electoral roll in Bihar after completing its Special Intensive Revision on September 30. The list includes 7.42 crore voters. Around 21.53 lakh new voters were added, while 3.66 lakh names were deleted as ineligible. Officials said the process involved district officers, booth-level officers, and participation from political parties. Physical and digital copies of the list are being shared, and voters can check details at voters.eci.gov.in. Political leaders welcomed the move, saying it will increase transparency. Bihar’s assembly election is expected soon, making this roll significant for all parties. (PC: The Hindu)

A car bomb exploded outside the Frontier Constabulary headquarters in Quetta, Pakistan, killing at least 10 people and injuring 30 others. Police said six militants opened fire before detonating the vehicle. All attackers were killed by security forces. The powerful blast shattered nearby windows and damaged cars. Residents reported hearing the explosion from miles away. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, praising security forces for their quick action. Balochistan’s chief minister said the attackers will not weaken national resolve. No group has claimed responsibility, but suspicion falls on separatist groups in Balochistan. (PC: HT)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Bengal, including Kolkata, during Durga Puja Dashami on October 2. The downpour could spoil the last day of festivities. South Bengal districts such as South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas are likely to see severe rain and waterlogging. North Bengal districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Coochbehar may also be hit. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are expected in several areas. Authorities have advised people to be prepared for traffic jams and flooding in low-lying areas. (PC: The Indian Express)

Afghan women say they have lost their “last hope” after the Taliban shut down internet across Afghanistan. Many relied on online classes and jobs after bans on education and work. Students like Fahima and Shakiba said the blackout has crushed their dreams. Teachers also lost income, with classes and exams cut mid-way. Businesses too reported heavy losses. Families fear daughters will now sit at home with no chance to study or work. NetBlocks confirmed a total blackout. The Taliban gave no clear reason but claimed it was to stop “immorality.” People say their future is now uncertain. (PC: BBC)

Actor-politician Vijay released his first video message after the Karur stampede that killed 41 people during his rally. He expressed sorrow and defended his supporters. Vijay said he had asked police to ensure safety but “what should not have happened, happened.” He rejected claims of negligence and urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin not to punish his party workers. “If you want revenge, do anything to me,” he said. Vijay also hinted at a political conspiracy, asking why it happened only in Karur. He promised to continue his political journey with more strength. (PC: India Today)

Actor Ranbir Kapoor marked the festive season by visiting the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, where he offered prayers to Goddess Durga. Dressed in a traditional blue kurta and white pyjamas, Ranbir embraced the devotional atmosphere, greeting fans and posing for photographs. His presence drew immense attention from devotees celebrating the festival. During the visit, Ranbir reunited with his close friend and filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, creating a heartwarming moment for fans. The outing came just days after Ranbir’s 43rd birthday, making it a special continuation of his celebrations while honoring tradition and strengthening personal bonds.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has hinted at significant reforms to the H-1B visa program, just days after the administration announced a controversial $100,000 annual fee from February 2026. He called the current lottery-based system “bizarre” and “wrong,” criticizing how low-paid consultants exploit it to enter the US job market. Lutnick stressed that the reforms will address fairness and efficiency, ensuring high-skilled workers, not underpaid labor, benefit. He assured that unanswered questions surrounding the lottery system and fee will be resolved before the policy takes effect, signaling a complete overhaul of H-1B rules.