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)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and flown from Leh to Jodhpur following violent protests in Ladakh that left four dead and around 100 injured. The Centre accuses him of inciting the unrest, while his supporters claim the arrest is politically motivated. The NSA allows detention for up to 12 months without formal charges. His NGO’s foreign funding licence was revoked, and mobile internet in Leh was suspended amid heightened tensions. (PC: PTI)  

New documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate name Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Steve Bannon among his contacts after his 2007 plea deal. The House Oversight Committee released 8,544 files, including flight logs, schedules, and phone records. One note shows Musk linked to a planned trip to Epstein’s island in 2014. Another lists a 2017 lunch with Thiel and a 2019 breakfast with Bannon. Records also mention Prince Andrew and Bill Gates. Democrats said the files prove Epstein maintained ties with powerful men. Republicans accused Democrats of releasing selected details for political reasons. More disclosures are expected soon. (PC: India Today)

India beat Sri Lanka in a dramatic Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match at Dubai. Both teams scored 202 runs in 20 overs, forcing a Super Over. Pathum Nissanka hit a brilliant century for Sri Lanka, while Kusal Perera added 50. For India, Abhishek Sharma scored 61 runs and became the top run-getter in a T20 Asia Cup edition, surpassing Virat Kohli and Mohammad Rizwan. Tilak Varma added 49 not out, and Sanju Samson made 39. A controversy erupted over a disputed review and umpiring calls during Sri Lanka’s innings. In the Super Over, India chased down 3 runs after Sri Lanka managed only 2, sealing their sixth straight win. (PC : BCCI)

Netflix has released Inspector Zende, a new film on the Indian policeman who twice caught French serial killer Charles Sobhraj. Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee plays Inspector Madhukar Zende, while Jim Sarbh portrays Sobhraj, renamed Carl Bhojraj in the movie. The story focuses on Sobhraj’s 1986 escape from Delhi’s Tihar jail and his arrest in Mumbai after a tense chase. Zende, who also nabbed him in 1971, appears in a cameo. Known as “The Serpent” and “Bikini Killer,” Sobhraj was linked to more than 20 murders across Asia. The film has revived interest in Zende’s career as a supercop. (PC: BBC)

Former US President Donald Trump advised pregnant women to avoid Tylenol unless “absolutely necessary,” repeating his earlier claim linking it to autism. He also suggested giving the MMR vaccine as three separate shots and delaying chickenpox and Hepatitis B vaccines until later, urging parents to spread vaccines across five medical visits. Trump posted the guidance on Truth Social without citing studies. Health experts have criticized the advice. His administration has also begun exploring leucovorin calcium tablets as a potential treatment for conditions linked to autism, echoing claims promoted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (PC: HT)

Iran has received new Russian MiG-29 fighter jets, boosting its air power and regional security threat to Israel. The twin-engine MiG-29s are deployed at Shiraz airbase, while Iran awaits advanced Su-35 jets. Lawmaker Abolfazl Zoharevand said Iran will also get Russian S-400 missile systems and Chinese HQ-9 air defenses. The acquisitions follow past losses of Iranian aircraft and air defenses in conflicts. Experts say these weapons strengthen Iran’s air and missile capability, signaling a shift in Middle East power dynamics. The move highlights Iran’s growing ties with Russia and China. (PC: X)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fee by the ICC for comments during India’s Asia Cup group match against Pakistan. His remarks dedicated India’s win to Pahalgam terror attack victims and the armed forces. The BCCI has appealed the fine ahead of Sunday’s final. Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were also fined and reprimanded for provocative gestures. India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the Super 4 match. Suryakumar was warned not to make political comments during the tournament, while the final between India and Pakistan will mark their first meeting in Asia Cup history. (PC: India Today)

The Sikkim government will open battlefield sites Doka-La and Cho-La for domestic tourists from October 1 under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. Tourists must have voter ID cards and obtain permits from tourism or civil aviation departments through registered tour operators. A permit fee of Rs 1,120 per person includes wildlife and sanctuary fees. Daily entry is limited to 25 vehicles and 25 bikers, with vehicles above 1,400 cc only. Staggered timings, security from the Army and police, and strict environmental rules will be enforced to ensure safety and protect these historic sites. (PC: X)