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)  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly was met with widespread walkouts and protests. Delegates from numerous countries, including Arab, Muslim, and several European nations, exited the hall in protest as Netanyahu began his speech. Outside the UN, thousands of demonstrators gathered in New York City, condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and calling for sanctions. Netanyahu's speech, which included a message directed at hostages in Gaza, emphasized Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas. The international community remains deeply divided over the ongoing conflict and the recognition of a Palestinian state.    

India has strongly refuted NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Moscow's strategy in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) labeled Rutte's statement as “factually incorrect and entirely baseless,” emphasizing that no such conversation took place. Rutte had suggested that U.S. tariffs on India were impacting Russia, prompting Modi to seek clarification from Putin on the Ukraine issue. India urged NATO leadership to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements, condemning speculative remarks that misrepresent diplomatic engagements.  

NASA’s Artemis II mission, a pivotal step in the Artemis program, aims to send astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon by February 2026. While the crew won’t land, the mission will mark the first human travel beyond low Earth orbit since 1972. The launch window could open as early as February 5, with safety as the top priority. Serving as a precursor to Artemis III, slated for 2027, the mission includes NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen aboard the Orion capsule atop the Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  

India has issued a sharp response to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the UN, calling his remarks “absurd theatrics” and asserting that “no degree of drama can conceal facts.” New Delhi accused Islamabad of using the international stage to deflect from its internal issues and inflate rhetoric against India. India reiterated that it will not accept misrepresentation of facts and defended its stance on ongoing bilateral disputes. (PC: X)

Palestine has officially applied for full membership in BRICS, Palestinian envoy Abdel-Hafiz Nofal confirmed, marking a strategic move to boost global recognition. Until the process is complete, Palestine may join as a guest participant at BRICS meetings. China, responding to the application, said it “welcomes more like-minded partners” to the grouping, which seeks to reform global governance and enhance multipolarity. BRICS, once a five-nation bloc, has recently expanded by adding Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia. Palestine’s application underscores its push for stronger international alliances amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: The Hindu)