Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Dhar on his 75th birthday, said New India is not afraid of anyone’s nuclear threats. He cited India Today’s expose where Jaish commander Masood Ilyas Kashmiri admitted losses in Operation Sindoor. Modi recalled that terrorists attacked Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 tourists, and India responded with airstrikes on May 7. Bahawalpur’s Jaish headquarters and eight other sites were destroyed, killing even Masood Azhar’s family. Kashmiri also confirmed Jaish’s role in Delhi and Mumbai attacks, and links with Pakistan’s army. Modi said India strikes terrorists inside their homes. (PC: India Today)

Thousands of Palestinians fled Gaza City as Israeli ground forces advanced with heavy bombing. The UN estimates 650,000 people still remain trapped. Gaza’s health ministry said strikes hit al-Rantisi children’s hospital, forcing patients to flee. Israel claimed it targeted 150 Hamas sites and aims to defeat around 3,000 fighters. Aid groups warned of “unconscionable inhumanity,” with overcrowded shelters unable to host 2 million displaced. Families of Israeli hostages protested, fearing for their loved ones. The UN accused Israel of genocide, citing attacks on civilians and children. Gaza’s health ministry says nearly 65,000 people have been killed since 2023. (PC: BBC)

India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra qualified for the men’s javelin final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with his very first throw. Chopra crossed the automatic mark of 84.50m, registering 84.85m to seal his spot. The 2023 world gold medalist and 2022 silver medalist will now aim to defend his crown against tough rivals including Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, Germany’s Julian Weber, and Czech thrower Jakub Vadlejch. Three other Indians—Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, and Yash Vir Singh—also competed in the qualifiers. The final is scheduled for Thursday, where Chopra looks to make history by defending his world title. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday was celebrated by Bollywood and South cinema stars with messages, music, and a film announcement. Shah Rukh Khan praised Modi’s energy and discipline, while Aamir Khan lauded his contributions to India’s progress. Alia Bhatt wished for his leadership to guide the nation’s future. Ajay Devgn, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan also sent greetings. Music composer Shankar Mahadevan released a tribute song, Vandaniya Hai Desh Mera. A biopic titled Maa Vande, starring Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan, was announced. Produced by Veer Reddy M, it will showcase Modi’s childhood, political rise, and bond with his mother Heeraben. (PC: HT)

Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, has made a second admission linking Masood Azhar to major terror attacks in India. In a new video, he said Azhar planned the 2001 Parliament attack and 2008 Mumbai attack from his base in Balakot, Pakistan. He described Azhar as “Amir-ul-Mujahideen” who spread fear in Delhi and Mumbai. Kashmiri also revealed that recent Indian strikes in Bahawalpur killed Azhar’s family members. His confession strengthens India’s stand that Pakistan shelters terror groups. The video leaves Islamabad with little space to deny terror safe havens. (PC: India Today)

Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Japan’s Consul General in Kolkata, is preparing to celebrate his first Durga Puja in the city. Dressed in a dhoti-kurta, he recently visited Kumartuli to watch artisans shaping idols and expressed his joy at experiencing the festival. “I have read about Durga Puja, but the pandals and the cheer in the air must be felt in person,” he said. He plans to participate in a Pujo parikrama and visit both large and small pandals. Ishikawa also praised Kolkata’s warmth and history, stressinthe need for g stronger Japan-Kolkata ties through business, student exchange, and cultural collaboration. (PC: TOI)

A group of 56 Indians alleged mistreatment by Georgian officials at the Sadakhlo border while entering from Armenia. Dhruvee Patel, one of the travellers, shared on Instagram that the group had valid e-visas but was made to wait over 5 hours in freezing cold without food or toilets. She said passports were taken away for 2 hours and travellers were forced to sit on the footpath “like cattle.” Patel also claimed officials filmed them “like criminals” but stopped them from recording. Calling the treatment “shameful & unacceptable,” she urged India to take a strong stand. MEA has not yet responded. (PC: NDTV)

Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali won the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025, sealing her place in the Candidates tournament. This was her second straight Grand Swiss victory after winning in 2023. Vaishali shared a touching moment by calling her mother on stage to hand her the trophy, a video that quickly went viral. Her brother, GM R Praggnanandhaa, was also present to celebrate the achievement. Vaishali secured the title with a crucial draw against China’s former world champion Zhongyi Tan. The win means both Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa will compete in the Candidates, highlighting India’s growing strength in world chess.

The US government is denying visas to foreigners accused of celebrating the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy, linking visa refusals to online reactions praising Kirk’s death at a Utah university event on September 10. Rubio said, “Why would we want to give a visa to someone who thinks it’s good that someone was murdered?” Some visas may also be revoked. The policy follows tightened restrictions on Palestinians and protesters against the Gaza war. Officials are monitoring social media to identify individuals promoting or celebrating violence. (PC: X)

Football legend Lionel Messi has reportedly sent Prime Minister Narendra Modi a signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup jersey for his 75th birthday. Sports promoter Satadru Dutta said Messi also wished well for Indian fans. The delivery has not yet been officially confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office or Messi. Messi will tour India from December 13-15, starting in Kolkata, followed by Mumbai and New Delhi. Events are planned at Salt Lake Stadium, Wankhede, and Feroz Shah Kotla. He may also lead a friendly match in Kerala in November, giving fans a rare chance to see him twice.  (PC: NDTV)