Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel, and the global Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Best wishes on Rosh Hashanah to my friend PM @netanyahu... May the new year bring peace, hope, and good health in everyone's life." The Indian Embassy in Israel also joined the celebrations, raising a toast with Israeli friends. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, celebrated for two days each autumn.

8 Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon during clashes with Hezbollah on Wednesday, following Israel’s ground invasion. The Israeli military did not provide details of their deaths but reported close-range fighting. Two Israeli divisions are active in the region to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure. Hezbollah claimed to have fired rockets at the Israeli town of Avivim. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to the families of the soldiers and vowed to continue the fight. Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, with Iran launching missiles at Israel earlier this week.

The release of The Legend of Maula Jatt, Pakistan’s highest-grossing film, has been paused in India. The movie, starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, was set to hit screens in Punjab, India, but authorities denied permission. The reason remains unclear. This would have been the first Pakistani film shown in India in over a decade. The film had faced protests in Maharashtra, with a political party opposing its release. Despite the cultural tensions, fans on both sides of the border share a deep love for each other’s movies and shows.

On September 29, Kolkatans gathered at Gariahat for a final tram ride to Esplanade, celebrating 150 years of tram history. With balloons and music, the tram was decked up for its emotional last journey. First-time riders and old fans came together, sharing songs and stories. The nostalgic mood filled the air as the tram rolled through Kolkata’s streets, from Ballygunge to Esplanade. The sunset made the return trip even more special. Despite the sadness of saying goodbye, Kolkatans chose to celebrate the memories, ending the day with smiles and a sense of pride.

Israel has declared UN Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata and banned him from entering the country, citing his failure to condemn Iran’s missile attacks on Israel. Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Guterres had not unequivocally condemned the attacks, which included Iran’s missile barrage and earlier Hamas violence. Guterres has expressed concern over the ongoing Middle East conflict but avoided directly naming either Iran or Israel in his statements. He has also called for immediate ceasefires in both Israel and Lebanon, urging respect for Lebanese sovereignty.

Russian troops have taken full control of Vuhledar, an eastern Ukrainian city they have sought to capture since Moscow's invasion began in 2022. Ukraine's military command has confirmed the withdrawal of its troops to avoid encirclement. Recent reports indicate that many Ukrainian soldiers faced significant casualties while attempting to evacuate, with one soldier stating, “You either die or retreat.” As of Tuesday, only about 100 civilians remained in Vuhledar from a pre-war population of 14,000. The situation in the city deteriorated rapidly as Russian forces successfully cut off the last supply routes.

India has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise restraint following Iran's missile attacks on Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve conflicts and prevent the situation from escalating regionally. Iran reportedly fired over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, with Israel's Iron Dome intercepting many of them. While no casualties were reported in Israel, one person was killed in the West Bank. The region has faced increasing instability since the onset of the Gaza conflict nearly a year ago.

Amid the escalating Middle East crisis, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has urged the removal of U.S. and European forces, claiming their interference is the root of regional conflicts. Khamenei stated that peace could only be achieved if Western powers exit West Asia. Meanwhile, Israel's former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called for a decisive strike, urging Israel to target Iran’s nuclear program and energy facilities. Bennett emphasized the need to "cripple" Iran's influence. This comes after Iran launched a massive missile barrage on Israeli military bases, further escalating tensions in the region.  

Israel has barred UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres from entering the country, declaring him persona non grata for not condemning Iran’s missile attack on Israel. Israel’s foreign ministry criticized Guterres for his failure to denounce the atrocities committed by Hamas and for not recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization. In a statement, the ministry referred to Guterres as a “stain on the UN,” accusing him of backing global terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Israel vowed to defend its citizens while maintaining its national dignity.

In Delhi’s largest-ever drug bust, the Special Cell of Delhi Police seized over 500 kg of cocaine, valued at more than Rs 2,000 crore, during a raid in south Delhi. Four people were arrested in connection with the consignment, which is linked to an international drug syndicate. The seized narcotics were reportedly being used in high-profile parties. Authorities are investigating further, questioning the arrested individuals for additional leads. This significant bust highlights the growing presence of international drug cartels in India’s capital.