On September 26, 2025, India officially retired its legendary MiG-21 fighter aircraft after over six decades of service. The decommissioning ceremony took place at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who piloted the final sortie. The MiG-21, inducted in 1963, played a pivotal role in major conflicts, including the 1971 and 1999 wars. The event featured a skydiving display by the 'Akash Ganga' team, a flypast by MiG-21s in 'Badal' and 'Panther' formations, and a Surya Kiran aerobatic show. The MiG-21s are being replaced by the Tejas LCA Mk1A for enhanced safety and modern capabilities.  

Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki announced national elections by March 5, 2026, with a groundbreaking decision to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 years. This historic move follows massive Gen Z-led protests demanding greater youth representation in Nepal's democratic processes. The policy shift aims to significantly boost youth participation in the country's political landscape, making Nepal one of the few nations globally to extend voting rights to 16-year-olds. The announcement comes amid growing youth activism across South Asia, with young Nepalis demanding more voice in governance decisions affecting their future. The electoral reforms represent a major concession to youth demands and could set a precedent for democratic participation across the region, potentially influencing similar movements in neighboring countries.

Vispy Kharadi, known as the "Steel Man of India," achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest duration holding the Hercules Pillars (male) category. In Surat, Gujarat, he held two massive steel pillars, each weighing approximately 130.5 kg, for an impressive 67 seconds. The pillars, inspired by Greek architecture, measured 123 inches in height and 20.5 inches in diameter. Kharadi dedicated this achievement to the Indian Armed Forces, emphasizing the strength and resilience inherent in Indian athletes. His accomplishment has garnered widespread recognition and admiration. (PC: NDTV)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by Leh police in connection with recent Ladakh violence, which left four dead and many injured. The Ministry of Home Affairs accused him of instigating the unrest and revoked the FCRA licence of his organisation, SECMOL, citing alleged violations. In response, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, described the violence as a “conspiracy” rather than a revolution and warned those disturbing order would be held accountable. Security restrictions were imposed under Section 163, schools closed, and over 50 detentions made to restore peace.   

The Delhi High Court rejected IRS officer Sameer Wankhede’s defamation suit against Netflix’s series “Ba***ds of Bollywood,” ruling the plaint “not maintainable” in its current form. Wankhede alleged the show, directed by Aryan Khan and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, portrayed him falsely and maliciously. The court, led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, found insufficient cause to establish jurisdiction in Delhi but allowed Wankhede to amend the suit. The series allegedly misrepresents anti-drug agencies and includes scenes Wankhede claims violate national honor laws. He seeks ₹2 crore in damages, to be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. The matter will be listed post-amendment; no new hearing date is set. (PC: Fimlybeat)

Billy Vigar, a talented 21-year-old former Arsenal academy striker, tragically passed away following an on-field accident during an Isthmian League Premier Division match for Chichester City. On September 20, 2025, Vigar collided with a concrete wall while chasing the ball, leading to a severe head injury. Despite emergency surgery and support from fans and teammates, he died on September 25. Vigar began his career at Arsenal’s youth academy in 2017, signed professionally in 2022, and played for Derby County U21s, Eastbourne Borough, and Hastings United. His dedication and potential were widely admired. The football world mourns his untimely death, honoring his legacy and passion for the sport. (PC: The Independent)

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India directed real estate developers to pay the same 18% interest on delayed possession as they charge buyers for late payments. The case involved a buyer who waited over a decade for a plot in Haryana’s Park Land project, despite paying ₹43.13 lakh. The builder imposed 18% interest for alleged delays, yet offered only 9% interest on refund. The court found this inequitable and modified the consumer commission’s order, mandating refund with 18% simple interest within two months. Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih emphasized fairness, stating builders must face consequences equal to those imposed on buyers for defaults. (PC: Money Control)

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson downplayed controversial gestures by Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan that prompted BCCI to file an ICC complaint, calling them "outbursts of passion" ahead of the Asia Cup final against India. During Pakistan's match against India, Farhan celebrated his fifty by mimicking a gun with his bat, while Rauf made gestures indicating jets being shot down, sparking widespread social media outrage. The ICC has scheduled hearings for both players over their provocative celebrations. Hesson emphasized his team's focus remains on cricket, stating "there is always some passion in high-pressure games." Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs to reach their maiden Asia Cup final, where they face India as underdogs after losing twice previously in the tournament. (PC: X)

A heartwarming viral video shows hundreds of foreigners performing traditional Gujarati Garba dance with remarkable grace in Belgium during Navratri festivities. The event, reportedly organized at cultural centers like Shoonya Dance Centre in Ghent, featured workshops and live performances with participants dancing to Falguni Pathak's Navratri hits. The cross-cultural celebration occurred on Navratri Day 5, dedicated to Goddess Skandamata. The TimesNow X post garnered over 2,000 reactions, with netizens praising the beautiful cultural exchange. Comments highlighted how Indian culture spreads happiness globally without forcing participation. Users credited community builders like @swapkebolly for years of work glorifying Indian culture abroad. The video exemplifies how traditional festivals transcend geographical boundaries, creating joyful cultural bridges between diverse communities worldwide.

The iconic MiG-21 fighter jet bid its final farewell today at Chandigarh Air Force Station, ending six decades of distinguished service with the Indian Air Force. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the decommissioning ceremony, alongside Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, and senior Air Force officials. When the MiG-21 touched down on the tarmac at Chandigarh for the last time, it left behind 62 years of emblazoned service over the Indian subcontinent. Inducted in 1963, the aircraft was pivotal in wars from 1965 to the 2019 Balakot strikes. The farewell included a ceremonial flypast, marking an emotional end to the legendary fighter's unmatched service record as India transitions to new-generation aircraft.