Delhi’s air quality reached dangerous levels, with an AQI of 366, prompting BJP leaders to demand urgent school closures up to Class 5. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for failing to control pollution, describing Delhi as a "gas chamber" where people struggle to breathe. He highlighted that both PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles have risen drastically, affecting visibility and causing health issues. Sachdeva also pointed out a lack of clinics to help vulnerable groups. The pollution, compounded by cold weather and crop-burning in nearby states, continues to affect Delhi’s residents.

The ICC Champions Trophy is at a standstill as Pakistan insists on hosting all matches at home, while India refuses to send its team across the border due to security concerns. The Pakistan government reportedly directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to move any games outside the country. With the BCCI standing firm, this impasse threatens the tournament’s future. If no compromise is reached, reports suggest South Africa could host the event, though Pakistan may refuse to participate. Losing either team would impact ICC revenues, as India-Pakistan matches drive significant financial gains.

In Zhuhai, China, authorities blocked media from covering a deadly car attack where an SUV driver killed dozens and injured many more. BBC reporters, who arrived at the scene, were met with resistance as officials and locals stopped them from filming, with some even physically pushing them away. This reflects China’s tight control over sensitive news, as authorities quickly sealed off the area and restricted information flow. Such tactics are often used to suppress details of tragic events, leaving many questioning the causes and extent of incidents while officials aim to downplay them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted infiltration as the top issue in Jharkhand’s election while addressing a rally in Deoghar's Sarath. He claimed the tribal population in Santhal has dropped by half due to infiltration, urging voters to protect Jharkhand’s tribal identity. Modi accused the JMM-Congress government of helping infiltrators become residents, which he says has affected jobs and resources. He promised the BJP would protect “roti, beti, and maati” (livelihood, family, and land). Modi also criticized Congress, alleging it insulted tribals and opposed reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs.

MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has sold another $8 billion of her Amazon shares. This recent sale on September 30 cuts her Amazon holdings by 11 percent. Since 2019, Scott has sold or donated nearly two-thirds of her shares, distributing over $17.3 billion to more than 2,300 non-profits. Her donations often remain private unless disclosed by recipients. Scott’s unique and simple approach to giving has made her one of the most generous donors in the U.S. Currently, her wealth stands at $30 billion, down from a peak of $59 billion in 2021.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra makes her electoral debut in Kerala's Wayanad bypoll, contesting to retain the seat once held by her brother, Rahul Gandhi. Congress has campaigned intensely in Wayanad, expressing confidence in Priyanka’s chances. Meanwhile, by-elections are also underway in six seats in West Bengal, the first since the RG Kar case. The tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Medical College has sparked outrage, overshadowing the Bengal elections. Both the TMC and BJP are contesting the six seats, with the RG Kar incident influencing the campaign.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India’s relationship with Russia in a recent interview with Sky News Australia. Responding to concerns over India’s ties with Moscow amid the Ukraine war, Jaishankar argued that countries no longer have exclusive relationships. He explained that India’s continued oil trade with Russia helped avoid a global energy crisis and supported global stability. Jaishankar also highlighted India’s role as a mediator, helping bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table. His remarks come as Australia has backed Ukraine and criticized Russia’s actions.

PM Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have called on voters to participate actively in the Jharkhand elections. Modi urged people to vote for a stronger, prosperous state, while Kharge emphasized the importance of voting for a government that addresses the concerns of all citizens. As polling began in 43 constituencies, nearly 29.31% voter turnout was recorded by 11 AM, IST. Both leaders highlighted the significance of democracy and the impact of voting in shaping the future of the state.

A car attack in Zhuhai, southern China, left 35 people dead and 43 injured when a 62-year-old man drove into crowds at a sports center. The driver, identified as Fan, reportedly carried out the rampage due to anger over a divorce settlement. Police apprehended him as he tried to flee and found him self-harming. Fan is in the hospital with severe neck injuries. President Xi Jinping condemned the act as “extremely vicious.” Authorities initially withheld details and censored online videos of the aftermath. The attack is China’s deadliest public incident since 2014, adding to recent concerns over rising violence.

US President-elect Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk and Indian American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will focus on reducing government waste, cutting regulations, and streamlining federal agencies as part of his "Save America" movement. Their goal is to bring a more efficient, smaller government by July 4, 2026, America’s 250th Independence anniversary. Trump described the project as a modern “Manhattan Project” for reform. Ramaswamy, the first Indian American in Trump’s upcoming administration, will work with Musk on these efforts, set to start in January 2025.