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)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a larger relief package for Punjab after recent floods. He said the Centre’s ₹1,600 crore aid is a “grave injustice” as losses are estimated at ₹20,000 crore. Gandhi noted that over 4 lakh acres of paddy crops were destroyed, 10 lakh animals perished, and many families lost homes. He praised community efforts in helping flood victims but demanded stronger central support. Modi had visited Punjab on September 9, announcing relief and reviewing damage. Gandhi urged reassurance for farmers, soldiers, and families, stressing urgent need for comprehensive assistance. (PC: NDTV)

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, praising his role in strengthening India-Russia ties. Both leaders discussed the Ukraine conflict, with Modi saying India is ready to contribute to peace efforts through dialogue and diplomacy. The call marked their third conversation since August. A day earlier, Modi had spoken with US President Donald Trump on Ukraine, supporting his peace initiatives. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also greeted Modi. India reiterated its commitment to deepening ties with Russia, the EU, and Italy while promoting peaceful solutions. (PC: X)

Donald Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom sparked large protests in London and Windsor. Demonstrators held banners reading “No to racism, no to Trump” and carried inflatable dolls mocking the US president. Human rights groups condemned the visit, accusing Trump of supporting “genocide of the Palestinian people.” Police said four protesters were arrested after projecting images of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle. The UK government staged official events away from central London to avoid clashes. Organisers, including Stop the War and Palestine Solidarity Campaign, urged the public to oppose Trump’s policies on racism, war, and climate. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 clash with the UAE in Dubai was delayed by an hour after Pakistan threatened to boycott. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted match referee Andy Pycroft removed, citing bias and his role in the handshake row with India. PCB also demanded action against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for remarks they called political. The International Cricket Council (ICC) refused both demands. Pakistan finally agreed to play after talks, with Pycroft continuing as referee. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and chose to bowl. The must-win game went ahead under high tension and controversy. (PC: India Today)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has banned the use of the word “ice cream,” calling it a foreign influence. It must now be replaced with state-approved words like “eseukimo” or “eoreumboseungi,” meaning “ice confection.” The move is part of a wider campaign to remove Western and South Korean words from daily use, especially in tourism. Even “hamburger” is banned and renamed “double bread with ground beef.” Karaoke machines are now called “on-screen accompaniment machines.” Tour guides in Wonsan are undergoing strict training to use only approved terms, with critics warning against open objections due to fear of punishment. (PC: X)

King Charles marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday by gifting him a Kadamb tree, inspired by Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. The gesture follows PM Modi’s earlier gift of a ‘Sonoma’ tree to the King during his July UK visit. The exchange highlights India-UK cooperation on climate and clean energy. Leaders worldwide, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, sent greetings. PM Modi expressed gratitude, saying the affection and blessings from people strengthen his resolve to work for a “Viksit Bharat.” Celebrations included BJP’s launch of ‘Seva Pakhwada’ events. (PC: X)

A fake Pakistani football team of 22 men was caught in Japan and deported before they could play in any tournament. Japanese authorities found their documents to be fake on arrival. The men were trained to act like football players and carried forged papers. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) later arrested them on suspicion of human trafficking. Officials named Malik Waqas as the main suspect. He set up a fake club called “Golden Football Trial” and charged each man PKR 4 million. Arrested on September 15, Waqas admitted to sending 17 men to Japan in 2024 using the same scam. (PC: X)