The 2025 Mysuru Dasara celebrations achieved a new Guinness World Record with a mesmerizing drone display featuring 2,983 drones forming a giant tiger in the night sky. This surpassed the previous record of 1,985 drones. The event, held at the Bannimantap Parade Grounds, showcased intricate formations including the solar system, peacock, dolphin, eagle, Lord Krishna dancing on a serpent, and the Karnataka state map. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) orchestrated the show, which also featured a musical performance by playback singer Kunal Ganjawala. The record-breaking display highlighted the fusion of technology and tradition, captivating a massive audience.

Australian actress Nicole Kidman and country singer Keith Urban have announced their separation after almost 20 years of marriage. The couple, married in June 2006, reportedly began living apart in June 2025, despite Kidman’s recent anniversary tribute on Instagram. Sources indicate that Urban has moved out of their Nashville home, while Kidman has made efforts to save the relationship. They share two daughters, Sunday Rose (17) and Faith Margaret (14). The separation marks the end of a high-profile Hollywood marriage, with both continuing their professional commitments amid this personal change.  

A statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tavistock Square, London, was vandalised with graffiti just days before Gandhi Jayanti and the UN’s International Day of Non-Violence. The Indian High Commission in the UK strongly condemned the act, describing it as a “violent attack on nonviolence.” Officials have contacted British authorities and urged a swift investigation and restoration. The bronze statue, sculpted by Fredda Brilliant and unveiled in 1968, has long stood as a symbol of Gandhi’s legacy of peace. The incident has sparked outrage among the Indian diaspora and global peace advocates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has endorsed US President Donald Trump’s new 20-point Gaza peace plan, calling it a “viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security and development” in the conflict-torn region. Modi emphasized that the proposal offers a rare chance to end violence, restore stability, and ensure humanitarian relief. India, maintaining balanced ties with both Israel and Palestine, reiterated its support for diplomatic solutions. The endorsement highlights New Delhi’s role as a global peace advocate. Trump’s plan is gaining international attention, with leaders debating its feasibility amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and the broader Middle East. (PC: X)

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Karur West district secretary Mathiyazhagan has been arrested in connection with a deadly stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The stampede struck when over 25,000 people gathered—more than twice the expected crowd. In the chaos, 41 people died, including 10 children and 18 women. He is charged with murder, culpable homicide and endangering public safety. The FIR also names Vijay and other senior TVK leaders, alleging delays, violations and negligence. 

ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has set conditions for returning the Asia Cup trophy to India, according to Cricbuzz reports. Naqvi will hand over the trophy and medals only if a formal function is arranged where he personally presents them to the Indian team. However, India remains firm on not accepting awards from Pakistan's Interior Minister. The trophy is currently at ACC headquarters near the stadium. India celebrated with an imaginary trophy after their five-wicket victory. BCCI will raise the matter at November's ICC meeting and September 30's ACC meeting in Dubai. Multiple controversies marked the tournament, including handshake refusals and board complaints. (PC: X)

French designer Julia Chaigneau, living in India, shared why Indian festivals feel more inclusive than European ones in a viral X post featuring Holi celebration pictures. She contrasted India's open street festivities with Europe's Christmas celebrations, often held behind closed doors. Chaigneau emphasized never celebrating alone since moving to India, with neighbors and strangers ensuring inclusion. She praised the warmth of shared food, music, and rituals. Social media reactions were mixed: some agreed about Indian togetherness and community spirit, while others found constant public celebrations overwhelming, citing noise pollution and traffic issues. The discussion highlighted cultural contrasts between private European festivities and India's communal celebration approach, sparking debate about inclusiveness versus personal space. (PC: India Today)

At least three people were killed and dozens injured in sectarian clashes between aboriginal tribesmen and settler Bengali communities in Bangladesh's Khagrachhari hill district on Sunday. The violence erupted despite intensified security following the alleged gang rape of an eighth-grade tribal schoolgirl on Tuesday. Police confirmed three deaths without revealing identities. Both sides turned violent, setting ablaze businesses and households in the district located 270 kilometers northeast of Dhaka. Khagrachhari is one of three hill districts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts bordering India and Myanmar. Residents and witnesses reported escalating tensions between the feuding communities. Authorities deployed additional security forces to contain the spreading violence.

Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday regarding BJP spokesperson Printu Mahadev's televised remarks threatening Rahul Gandhi would "be shot in the chest." Venugopal called it a "cold, calculated, chilling death threat" against the Leader of Opposition, stating failure to act swiftly constitutes complicity and breaches Shah's ministerial oath. He referenced a leaked CRPF letter to Mallikarjun Kharge about Gandhi's security protocols, questioning the leak's intentions. Venugopal alleged multiple death threats against Gandhi propagated through BJP-linked social media platforms, challenging Shah to clarify whether the party endorses criminal intimidation and violence poisoning India's public life. (PC: BBC, PTI & INC)

Canada has designated Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang as a "terrorist entity" under the Criminal Code, enabling authorities to freeze or seize gang assets including cash, vehicles, and property. The gang is linked to murder, extortion, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking operations in India and abroad. This designation grants law enforcement enhanced powers to prosecute terrorism financing offences. Immigration officials can now deny suspected gang members entry into Canada. Under Canadian law, it's now a criminal offence for citizens domestically or abroad to knowingly deal with property connected to the Bishnoi gang or provide resources benefiting its activities. The move significantly strengthens legal tools against the transnational criminal organization. (PC: Gulf News)