On September 26, 2025, environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Ladakh and subsequently shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail. The Ladakh administration cited his "provocative speeches and videos," including references to the Arab Spring and Nepal agitations, as incitements leading to violent protests in Leh on September 24. These protests resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. Wangchuk, a vocal advocate for Ladakh's statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, had been on a hunger strike to press for these demands. His detention has sparked political outrage, with the Congress party accusing the government of attempting to divert attention from its failure to maintain law and order. (PC: X)

At the 80th UN General Assembly, India delivered a fierce response to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s claims of triumph in the recent Indo-Pak conflict. First Secretary Petal Gahlot dismissed Sharif’s portrayal of damaged runways and hangars as “victory,” calling his narrative “absurd theatrics” and accusing Islamabad of glorifying terrorism. She challenged Pakistan to dismantle terror networks and hand over wanted perpetrators, rejecting third-party mediation and reaffirming India’s stand that resolutions must be bilateral. 

Following the U.S. government’s sharp increase in H-1B visa application fees to USD 100,000 for new applicants, Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley urged the Department of Homeland Security to stop issuing work authorizations to student visa holders. He argued that these permits allow foreign students to “compete against Americans,” violate law, and pose risks of technology espionage. The request targets programs such as OPT (Optional Practical Training), threatening a key pathway for international graduates, especially from India, to gain U.S. work experience. 

In recent remarks, a top aide to Donald Trump reversed criticism toward Europe, asserting it’s European nations—not India—that are truly financing Russia’s war efforts. The accusation came in response to earlier claims that India was profiteering from Russia’s conflict through oil trade. Analysts say Trump’s team is attempting to deflect focus from India amid mounting scrutiny, while geopolitical tensions over energy deals and sanctions continue to escalate between the U.S., Europe, and key global players.  

At the United Nations General Assembly, Petal Gahlot, First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, exercised India’s right of reply to criticize Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s speech, accusing him of “glorifying terrorism” and spreading lies. She called Pakistan’s narrative “absurd theatrics,” citing Indian Army strikes on terrorist bases and questioning Islamabad’s record. Gahlot, appointed to her UN role in July 2023, had earlier worked at India’s Ministry of External Affairs and served in Paris and San Francisco. (PC: X)

Born on 13 August 1979, a baby girl was abandoned by her parents and left in a dustbin outside a Pune orphanage. She was rescued and adopted by an Australian couple, who renamed her Lisa and raised her in Sydney. Taught cricket by her father, she advanced from backyard games to becoming a global cricket star. Lisa led Australia’s women’s team to multiple World Cup victories and became one of the sport’s most celebrated all-rounders.   

Several students have accused a Delhi-based self-styled godman of sexual abuse during Holi celebrations. Allegations include being asked inappropriate questions about condoms, forced participation in intimate rituals, and being secretly filmed via CCTV cameras. The students claim the godman exploited his authority to manipulate and harass them under the guise of religious practices. Authorities are investigating the case, examining both the godman’s activities and the allegations of surveillance. The case has sparked outrage, prompting calls for stricter oversight of religious institutions and better protection for students. (PC: X)  

Renowned Assamese singer Papon shared an emotional tribute to his late friend Zubeen Garg, who tragically passed away on September 19 in Singapore due to an alleged drowning incident. Posting an old photograph of the two from a past event, Papon expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "Missing you so much, my brother. Stay happy wherever you are." In his post, Papon also appealed for a swift and transparent investigation into Zubeen's death, urging authorities to expedite the probe to provide clarity and answers to the grieving public. (PC: HT File)

Two militants involved in the September 19 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur have been arrested. The ambush, which occurred in the Churachandpur district, resulted in the death of a soldier and injuries to several others. The arrested individuals are suspected members of a militant group operating in the region. Security forces have intensified operations to apprehend other individuals involved in the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Manipur and the activities of insurgent groups in the area. (PC: X)

Elon Musk has been named in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, which include a tentative itinerary for a December 6, 2014, visit to Epstein’s island. The documents also mention planned meetings with Steve Bannon and Bill Gates in 2014 and 2019, respectively. Musk swiftly denied the allegations, stating, “This is false,” on social media. The release has intensified calls from Democratic lawmakers for the U.S. Justice Department to publicly release all Epstein-related files, challenging the Trump administration's stance that no client list exists. (PC: NDTV)