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.  

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has declared that it will back the Leh Apex Body’s decision to pull out of talks with the Central government on Ladakh affairs. KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai stated they will not participate in negotiations until activist Sonam Wangchuk is released, arrests are quashed, and a judicial inquiry is instituted—also demanding accountability for security-force firing in Leh. Both KDA and the Apex Body are demanding full statehood for Ladakh and implementation of the Sixth Schedule for tribal protections.    

Nepalese youth, like 20-year-old Bivas Rana, are abandoning aspirations to join India's Gorkha regiments due to the Agnipath scheme. Introduced in 2022, the scheme offers four-year contracts with only 25% retention, eliminating pensions and long-term job security. Nepal officially rejected the scheme, citing violations of the 1947 Tripartite Agreement that governs Gorkha recruitment. Since then, no Nepal-domiciled Gorkha has enlisted in the Indian Army. This policy shift has disrupted a 200-year-old tradition, affecting approximately 40,000 Nepali soldiers across seven Gorkha regiments. As a result, Nepalese youths are increasingly opting to serve in their own national army instead. (PC: ANI)

 A 29-year-old engineer, Gaurav Savanni, died by suicide on September 27 in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, after being accused of rape by his girlfriend. The couple had met through a matrimonial website while Gaurav was working in Noida. Following the allegation, he was arrested and later released on bail approximately 15 days prior to his death. Upon returning home, Gaurav exhibited signs of deep distress and social withdrawal. A close friend reported that Gaurav, previously bright and cheerful, had become mentally disturbed in recent days. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suicide.

During the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against Pakistan, Abhishek Sharma addressed the on-field tensions with Pakistan pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Sharma, who scored 74 off 39 balls, said their aggressive behavior was unprovoked, and his assertive batting was a direct response. He highlighted his strong partnership with Shubman Gill, built from age-group cricket, and emphasized performing for the team. Verbal exchanges occurred during the match, heightening tensions. Despite this, India successfully chased 172 runs with six wickets to spare. Sharma’s remarks underscore the intensity of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry. (PC: NDTV)

A police investigation into the phone of Chaitanyanand Saraswati, arrested for sexually harassing 17 students at a private institute, revealed multiple chats with women and photographs with air hostesses. The 62-year-old self-styled godman allegedly attempted to lure women with false promises. Two of his female aides are under investigation for allegedly threatening victims to delete lewd messages. Saraswati, who had been evading arrest for nearly a month, was apprehended in Agra. He faces multiple FIRs for molestation, cheating, and forgery, and has been uncooperative during police questioning .