Vyjayanthi Movies has announced that Deepika Padukone will not return for the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. The production house shared a statement on Twitter, hinting at issues of commitment. They wrote that despite the journey of the first film, a true partnership could not be formed, and a project like Kalki 2898 AD needed full dedication. Deepika played a key role alongside Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Disha Patani in the first film. Fans reacted with shock and disappointment online, while some suggested alternative actresses. Earlier, Deepika also walked out of Prabhas’ upcoming film Spirit. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and Election Commission of removing voter names using software tricks and fake applications. At a press meet in Delhi, he showed what he called proof from Karnataka’s Aland constituency. Gandhi said 6,018 votes were almost deleted there in 2023, and many more may have been removed. He added that voters and officials were unaware of the deletions, calling it a “systematic theft of votes.” Gandhi also attacked Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying he was protecting “vote thieves” and weakening India’s democracy. (PC: India Today)

Kerala is grappling with a significant increase in cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. In 2025, the state has reported 67 confirmed cases and 19 deaths. The infection typically occurs when contaminated water enters the nasal passages, often during activities like swimming in warm freshwater bodies. Symptoms include severe headache, high fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Health authorities have issued advisories urging the public to avoid swimming in untreated water and ensure proper chlorination of pools.   

ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live after host Jimmy Kimmel's comments regarding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel criticized MAGA supporters and President Donald Trump's response to Kirk's assassination, stating that "many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk." Following these remarks, Nexstar Communications Group, which operates 23 ABC affiliates, announced it would no longer air the show, prompting ABC's decision. President Trump praised the suspension, calling it "great news for America" and criticizing Kimmel's talent and ratings. (PC: Reuters)    

Two gangsters involved in the September 12 shooting outside Disha Patani's Bareilly residence were killed in a police encounter in Ghaziabad. The assailants, identified as Ravinder from Rohtak and Arun from Sonipat, were active members of the Rohit Godara–Goldy Brar gang. The police tracked the suspects using CCTV footage and intelligence inputs, leading to their interception near Tronica City. During the encounter, both assailants sustained fatal injuries, while four police personnel were also injured. Authorities recovered firearms and a stolen motorcycle from the scene. (PC: Hindustan Times)  

U.S. President Donald Trump has classified Afghanistan, India, China, and Pakistan among the world’s “major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries.” This designation stems from their roles in the cultivation, production, or transit of narcotics and precursor chemicals that feed the global drug trade. Although inclusion on this list doesn’t automatically reflect insufficient government efforts against drugs, it could impact international cooperation and funding. The move has drawn attention to regional drug-control policies and may intensify diplomatic pressure on the listed nations to improve monitoring, enforcement, and cross-border counter-narcotics collaboration. (PC: ETV)    

A cloudburst late Wednesday night in Nanda Nagar, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, triggered by heavy rain, has resulted in at least five people missing. Six houses collapsed in the debris flow; two individuals have already been rescued. Search-and-rescue operations are underway, though bad weather is slowing progress. A medical team and three ambulances have been dispatched to the affected area. Officials have issued a red alert for Dehradun, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar, warning of continued heavy rainfall through September 20 and risks of landslides and infrastructure damage. (PC: India Today)  

The European Commission has proposed a new strategic agenda to significantly elevate its bilateral relations with India. The strategy aims to intensify cooperation across trade, investment, green technologies, digital transformation and security. Key components include stronger alignment in supply chains, joint work on climate and clean energy, and increased people-to-people engagement. The agenda promises that both sides will benefit from greater economic growth and mutual stability. It also reflects the EU’s broader ambition to diversify its international relationships and reduce dependencies while consolidating its strategic autonomy. (PC: Bloomberg)

MP Asaduddin Owaisi harshly condemned a video released by Assam BJP that uses AI to project a future Assam with a Muslim majority if the BJP were absent. In his criticism posted on X, he described the video as “disgusting” and argued it reflects the “repulsive Hindutva ideology in true form.” He claimed the BJP’s actions go beyond vote-bank politics, asserting that “the very existence of Muslims in India is a problem for them” and that their ultimate vision is a “Muslim-mukt Bharat.” Owaisi said the party lacks any real vision for India beyond this divisive narrative. 

The Election Commission of India has started preparations for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Delhi. Dates for the exercise will be announced soon. The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer said voters must check the 2002 voter list uploaded online. If a name appears in both 2002 and 2025 lists, only an enumeration form is needed. If missing, identity proof must be given with the form. Booth-level officers will conduct house-to-house visits. The revision aims to ensure accurate and inclusive voter rolls. Voters are urged to verify their own names and those of their parents carefully. (PC: India Today)