Violent protests erupted in Leh as Ladakh’s demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status turned tense. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk accused the government of “defeating peaceful protests by forcing youth to take up violence.” He said Gen Z protesters, including school girls, college students, and monks, joined in large numbers for the first time. The unrest began during a hunger strike by Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance. Wangchuk said delays in talks with the Centre angered the people. “Youth said peaceful protests are not working,” he noted, warning that matters could slip out of control if ignored. (PC: The Hindu)

London mayor Sadiq Khan hit back at US President Donald Trump after being called a “terrible mayor” in a UN speech. Trump claimed London was moving toward “sharia law,” sparking anger in the UK. Khan responded, calling Trump “racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic.” He also urged senior Labour leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to have the courage to challenge Trump’s rhetoric. Khan defended London, citing record US visitors, investment, and global rankings in culture and sports. Trump and Khan have clashed for years, with Trump often targeting the mayor. Khan said London remains the “greatest city in the world.” (PC: The Guardian)

Gen Z protesters brought Leh, Ladakh to a standstill as violence erupted during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body’s youth wing. Four people were killed and 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. Angry youth torched the BJP office, a police van, and several vehicles, while clashing with security forces. Police responded with teargas and firing to control the mob. The protest was held to demand statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule status. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his hunger strike, appealed for calm, urging youth to stop violence. Talks with the Centre are scheduled for October 6. (PC: New Indian Express)

An active shooter opened fire at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas on Wednesday, leaving several people wounded. Police said at least three victims were critically injured, with emergency crews giving CPR to one. The gunman was seen firing from the roof before tactical units and federal agents responded. Authorities later confirmed the shooter was killed during the operation. The suspect’s identity and motive remain unknown. Local and federal agencies are investigating the incident. The area was secured as emergency vehicles and officers rushed to the site to assist victims and control the situation. (PC: News18)

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City killed 22 people, including nine children, on Wednesday, Palestinian officials said. The attack hit the Souq Firas area, where families were sheltering. Videos showed bodies of children being pulled from rubble. Gaza’s civil defence called it a “horrific massacre.” Israel claimed it targeted Hamas militants but said it tried to limit civilian harm. Hospitals reported 51 deaths across Gaza the same day. The Red Crescent warned Al-Quds Hospital’s oxygen supply had stopped after Israeli fire. UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the violence, saying Gaza’s suffering had reached “a scale of death and destruction beyond humanity.” (PC: Reuters)

An Indian tech worker, Amrutha Tamanam, rushed back to the US after President Donald Trump’s order introduced a $100,000 H-1B visa fee. She told NDTV she spent nearly $2,000 on a one-way ticket to Dallas, fearing she would be locked out of the country where she has lived for 13 years. Tamanam, who has a valid visa and documents until 2028, said panic spread through WhatsApp groups after the order. Many Indian professionals face uncertainty as employers may not afford the high cost. The Trump administration has also proposed changes to favour higher-paid, skilled H-1B workers. (PC: NDTV)

Police on Wednesday arrested a man from Kulgam for helping terrorists involved in the April attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack in Baisaran Valley killed 26 people, including 25 tourists. The accused, Mohammad Yousuf Kataria, 26, worked in a contractual job and also taught children. Investigators said he gave shelter and guided terrorists of the Pakistan-backed group, The Resistance Front (TRF). His role was traced after analysis of weapons recovered during Operation Mahadev. Kataria allegedly helped the Lashkar group move through forest routes months before the attack, making him a key link in the planning. (PC: India Today)

A protest in Leh, Ladakh, demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Wednesday. At least 4 people were killed and over 50 injured, officials said. Police used teargas and batons after some protestors threw stones. Demonstrators also set fire to a BJP office and clashed with security forces. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended a 15-day hunger strike, appealed for peace. Authorities imposed restrictions under Section 163 and cancelled the Ladakh Festival. Leaders urged the Centre to hold talks earlier than October 6 to address the anger and growing unrest in the region. (PC: HT)

A provocative bronze statue titled Best Friends Forever was installed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2025, depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and late financier Jeffrey Epstein holding hands in a dance-like pose. Accompanied by a plaque celebrating their “long-lasting bond,” the artwork is credited to the anonymous group, The Secret Handshake Project, and will remain on display until Sunday under a National Park Service permit. The installation follows previous anti-Trump artworks in D.C. White House spokespersons dismissed it as a waste of money, while Trump denies any wrongdoing and is pursuing legal action against media reports linking him to Epstein.    

Protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Tuesday in Leh. The BJP office was set ablaze and a security vehicle torched as demonstrators clashed with police, who used tear gas and baton charges to control the unrest. The agitation was led by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), coinciding with a hunger strike by activists including Sonam Wangchuk. Following health concerns, Wangchuk ended his fast while urging peace. Talks with the Centre and regional representatives are slated for October 6.