Varanasi prepares for a magnificent Dev Deepawali celebration featuring nearly 10 lakh diyas illuminating the sacred ghats along River Ganga. This year's festival emphasizes eco-friendly practices while maintaining traditional grandeur. The spectacular light display promises to transform the holy city's riverbanks into a mesmerizing vista. Large crowds of devotees and tourists are anticipated to witness this spiritual celebration. The event represents a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern environmental consciousness. Varanasi's commitment to sustainable festivities sets an example for other religious celebrations across India. The grand illumination will showcase the city's dedication to preserving cultural heritage while embracing ecological responsibility. This Dev Deepawali promises an unforgettable experience combining spirituality, tradition, and environmental stewardship in the eternal city. (PC: X)

Heavy rain overnight paralysed Kolkata on Tuesday, leaving seven people dead from electrocution. Reports confirmed deaths in Beniapukur, Behala, Haridevpur, Ballygunge, Mominpore, Netajinagar, and Garfa. Major roads were flooded, and water entered homes and residential complexes. Kolkata Municipal Corporation recorded extreme rainfall, with Garia Kamdahari seeing 332 mm and Jodhpur Park 285 mm. Metro services were suspended on parts of the Blue Line, while Eastern Railway trains faced waterlogged tracks. Schools declared holidays, and power and internet services failed in many areas. IMD warns more rain as low-pressure systems move in, raising concerns ahead of Durga Puja. (PC: X)

Former US President Donald Trump claimed that using paracetamol during pregnancy may raise the risk of autism in children. Experts, however, say there is no strong evidence to support this. Studies showing a link cannot prove causation, as genetics, environment, or illness could be factors. A large Swedish study of 2.5 million children found no real connection when comparing siblings. UK health authorities continue to recommend paracetamol as the safest painkiller during pregnancy. Doctors warn avoiding it could harm both mother and baby. Experts also caution that blaming parents adds stigma and misleads families. (PC: Sky News)

American actress Angelina Jolie expressed concern over free speech in the United States while attending Spain’s San Sebastián Film Festival. Presenting her latest film, Couture, Jolie said, “I love my country, but I don’t recognise it at this time,” citing threats to personal expression. She warned about the dangers of limiting freedom and the divisive times everyone is facing. Jolie, 50, plays Maxine Walker, a film director dealing with illness, divorce, and love. She also shared her personal connection to the role, reflecting on her own health struggles and the impact of cancer in her family. (PC: India Today)

Doctors in the US are likely to be exempted from the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, a report citing the White House said. The fee, announced by former President Donald Trump, applies only to new petitions and not current visa holders. USCIS clarified that petitions filed before September 21 are not affected. Many Indians on H-1B visas were worried, canceling travel plans and rushing back to the US. H-1B visas allow US companies to hire foreign workers in specialty jobs, especially in tech. The visa lasts three years and can be renewed for another three. (PC: X)

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has won the Ballon d’Or 2025, his first major individual award. The French star became the sixth player from France to claim the honor, leading PSG to a historic European treble in the 2024-25 season. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, only 18, finished second and also created history by becoming the youngest ever in the Ballon d’Or top 3. He too won the Kopa Trophy for the second time, the first male footballer to achieve this. In women’s football, Spain’s Aitana Bonmati lifted her third Ballon d’Or. PSG was named Club of the Year. (PC: X)

Heavy rain in Kolkata has caused severe waterlogging, leaving streets flooded and disrupting daily life ahead of Durga Puja. One man, Jitendra Singh, 60, died of electrocution on Hossain Shah Road. Metro Blue Line services between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan were suspended due to flooding, though truncated services continue. IndiGo and SpiceJet issued travel advisories warning of delays and diversions. North Kolkata recorded 200 mm of rainfall, while South Kolkata logged 180 mm. Water entered homes and puja pandal preparations were delayed. The India Meteorological Department has warned of more heavy rain till September 26 across Kolkata and nearby areas. (PC: HT)

France has formally recognised a Palestinian state, joining other countries that recently took the step. President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision at the UN in New York, saying “the time for peace has come.” He urged an end to the Gaza war and called for freeing Israeli hostages. Macron said only a two-state solution can bring lasting peace, with Israel and Palestine living side by side. Israel rejected the move, calling it a reward for Hamas. More than 65,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since October 2023. The EU also announced new funding to support Gaza’s reconstruction. (PC: BBC)

Ankit Sharma, a 46-year-old Indian national and Singapore permanent resident, has been sentenced to 4 years in jail and 6 cane strokes for molesting a woman. The incident took place on March 1, 2023, inside a nursing room at Changi City Point mall. Sharma lured the 31-year-old recruiter, restrained her, and tried to strip her despite her protests. Prosecutors described the act as violent and highly exploitative. Sharma claimed the encounter was consensual, but the court rejected his defence. The judge ruled that his actions were deliberate and forceful, confirming guilt under aggravated outrage of modesty. (PC: India Today)

Kolkata is facing heavy rain and waterlogging just ahead of Durga Puja, the biggest festival of Bengal. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has triggered nonstop rainfall since midnight, continuing for several hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert till September 26. Streets, homes, and markets are flooded, causing major traffic jams. Garia Kamdahari recorded 332 mm of rain, with other areas crossing 250 mm. Residents said the flooding was worse than Amphan in 2020. IMD warned of more thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds before conditions ease slightly from September 27. (PC: X)