A terrifying stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, left at least 39 dead and over 80 injured. Chaos erupted when the massive crowd surged after Vijay’s delayed arrival, causing panic and suffocation. Disturbing footage shows teenagers ripping the roof off a hut in a desperate bid to escape the crushing crowd. Many attendees collapsed due to heat and overcrowding. The Tamil Nadu government has launched an official inquiry and deployed relief teams. The tragedy has sparked nationwide shock and condolences.

At the United Nations General Assembly, India and Pakistan exchanged sharp words over the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accused Pakistan of harboring terror groups and destabilizing the region, while Pakistan’s representative cited alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir and dismissed India’s claims. The U.S. condemned the attack, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions. Diplomatic strains have intensified, with both countries recalling diplomats and suspending key bilateral agreements, highlighting the fragility of peace efforts in the region. (PC: Reuters)

A tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s TVK rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, claimed 39 lives, including 10 children, 17 women, and 12 men, while leaving more than 80 injured. The incident occurred after Vijay’s delayed arrival, when the restless crowd surged toward his bus. Escape routes were reportedly blocked by ropes and hoardings, worsening the chaos. Many collapsed due to suffocation and heat. The state government has announced an inquiry led by a retired judge and promised compensation and medical aid for victims. Political leaders nationwide expressed shock and condolences, calling for stricter crowd management at political events. (PC: PTI)  

The United States has unveiled a 21-point blueprint aimed at resolving the war in Gaza, calling for Israel’s phased withdrawal and Hamas’ disarmament. The proposal includes immediate release of hostages, amnesty for Hamas members who commit to peaceful conduct, and rehabilitation for Gaza under international oversight. It envisions an interim technocratic government, strict demilitarisation, and reconstruction efforts led by foreign and regional partners. The plan also reintroduces support for a future Palestinian state—marking a shift away from prior US stances.  

TVK chief Vijay issued his first statement on the deadly Karur stampede, saying "My heart is shattered" as he expressed condolences to victims' families. At least 38 people, including eight children and 16 women, died when thousands surged toward the stage during his political rally. Vijay arrived six hours late, intensifying the chaotic situation as crowds broke through barricades. He paused his speech to throw water bottles when supporters fainted, but left for Chennai without visiting hospitals or speaking to media. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for victims' families and Rs 1 lakh for injured. Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences, calling the incident "deeply saddening."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a scathing attack on Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, calling it the "epicentre of global terrorism." He stated that major international terrorist attacks are traced back to "that one country" with UN terrorist lists replete with Pakistani nationals. Jaishankar cited April's Pahalgam attack killing 26 tourists as recent cross-border barbarism, emphasizing India's right to defend against terrorism. He criticized nations openly declaring terrorism as state policy and demanded deeper international cooperation. The minister also declared the UN is in crisis, calling for Security Council reforms with expanded permanent and non-permanent membership. Jaishankar emphasized India's zero-tolerance for terrorism, robust border defense, and readiness to assume greater global responsibilities.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered a wide-ranging speech at the UN General Assembly, denying Russia has intentions to attack EU or NATO states while warning of "decisive response" to aggression. He criticized Western threats as "increasingly common" and accused NATO/EU of declaring "real war" through Ukraine. Lavrov held over 35 meetings during UNGA, including talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, calling Palestinian killings unjustified despite condemning Hamas's October 7 attacks. Lavrov criticized Western sabotage of Iran diplomacy and questioned timing of Palestinian state recognition by UK and France. He praised Trump administration's "pragmatic cooperation" approach, noting shift from previous ideological stance toward realistic Ukrainian crisis resolution.

A Durga Puja committee in Murshidabad's Khagra area has sparked controversy by depicting Donald Trump as the demon Mahishasura in their pandal. The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee crafted the unique Trump-shaped demon for their 59th annual Durgotsav celebrations, created by renowned artist Asim Pal. Committee member Pratik explained the decision stems from Trump's fifty percent tariff policies, claiming he "betrayed Modi and India" despite being considered a friend. He stated they view Trump as a demon who "stabbed India from behind." The unconventional representation has drawn significant attention from visitors and locals, receiving positive responses from the neighborhood community. The pandal showcases the committee's bold political commentary through traditional religious festivities. (PC: Indian Express Bengali & DNA)

TVK chief Vijay was spotted leaving Trichy airport hours after a deadly stampede at his Karur rally killed 31 people and injured dozens more. The tragedy occurred when massive crowds triggered panic during his political campaign on September 27. Video footage showed Vijay exiting a black SUV at the airport as people crowded around him. The stampede began when attendees started fainting due to overcrowding, forcing Vijay to halt his speech and call for ambulances. Former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji confirmed 46 people were hospitalized in private facilities and 12 in government hospitals. Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu expressed condolences to bereaved families, calling the incident "deeply saddening."

A deadly stampede at TVK chief Vijay's political rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur killed 31 people and injured many others on September 27. The tragedy occurred due to massive overcrowding when thousands gathered for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader's campaign event. Multiple attendees fainted after waiting hours in crowds, including children. Vijay paused his speech mid-way, requesting ambulance access and throwing water bottles to help. Social media users are demanding his arrest, drawing comparisons to previous incidents involving celebrities. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin called the news "worrying" and deployed ministers for immediate assistance. The actor-politician ended his speech abruptly after sensing the stampede situation, but criticism continues mounting over crowd management failures and delayed response.